Simple Biz: Everyday I'm Side Hustling
Disclaimer: This post does not contain any “get rich quick” schemes or secrets to earning money fast. This post is in response to a question I was asked by a youtube viewer about what type of work I do from home.
Can't knock the side hustle.
I love 90s music. One of my favorite songs is “Get Money” by Junior M.A.F.I.A. featuring Notorious BIG and Lil Kim. Basically, the song details many illicit and illegal ways to get money. I don’t promote illegal activity, but the song definitely inspires a hustle spirit and by hustle I mean industrious and innovative for a cause whether it’s to pay your light bill or build an empire.
Below, I have detailed seven ways to make money in addition to or in spite of a full-time, permanent job. I don’t work full-time for any employer and I haven’t since 2013. I have done most of these to make money at some point in life.
There is a popular notion in the entrepreneur community to “fake it ‘til you make it” and portray an image in which you appear more successful than you are until the time comes when the reality matches the ideal.
I personally cannot get behind this although I have been tempted to over the course of my journey. It’s too much of a burden to maintain something that is not completely accurate, even if it can help build trust and sales, those gains are based on a lie at the end of the day. This list is real, not glamorous, and based on things I have done and some I continue to do.
- Part-time, temporary work, online + offline
- Handmade business
- Coaching
- Selling your stuff
- Babysitting
- Using your tax refund
- Renting your home
Part-time, temporary work, online + offline
This is work done for an employer. When I left my last full-time job as an Academic Advisor in March 2013, I knew I would never work full-time for anyone else ever again. Since then I have worked part-time as a Customer Service Rep through my local temp agency, online as an Professional Scorer evaluating standardized tests for an education company, and currently I’m a Site Coordinator for an after school program.
Temp agencies offer many flexible work assignments if you want to work part-time and temporary. Working from home and online for the education company, I was able to set my own hours and days as long as I met the minimum requirements.
Check out:
Staff.com
Pearson
The Muse
Handmade Business
If you’re creative, you can use your talents to make physical products or design digital products, this could be a great side hustle. It’s the perfect outlet for your creative energy and you can make some extra cash.
I earned a little over $1000 from my jewelry business, YVA Designs last year. I sold through Etsy and offline, but there are other e-commerce sites such as Ebay, Amazon Homemade, Shopify, and Big Cartel. I am planning to open a second shop with digital downloads this year.
Your design business may require some start up cash for materials and tools, just make sure you will earn back what you have invested and make a profit.
Coaching
It seems like everyone and their mother is some type of coach these days and that’s ok because there is room for everyone. We are all unique and have different skill sets and this includes you. Coaching is something that really excites me because I love helping people. I started informally coaching in 2013 and trained with Tim Brownson in 2014.
Even though it seems like everyone is doing it, it doesn’t mean everyone should. The coaching industry is not regulated and anyone can theoretically call themselves a coach without any experience or training. Don’t be one of those people.
Seriously consider your desire to work with people one-on-one, your ability to inspire and influence people for their own good, your skill and knowledge base, and your dedication and integrity.
I coached pro-bono for one year before I trained with Tim and then I started paid coaching. If you have the skills, training, and above all, a true desire to help others, coaching may be something to consider.
Many things can be coached or consulted on. It could be something you do at your day job that you would like to teach in a different format or setting. Do a thorough evaluation to determine how you can be most effective and helpful.
Sell Your Stuff
If you’re in the process of decluttering, this could be very lucrative. The reality is that most of your stuff may only be able to be donated, recycled, or trashed, but if you have appliances, clothing, electronics, and furniture in new or good condition, you can sell them. You can have a yard sale, take them to a local consignment shop, or sell them online via sites like Thread Up, Poshmark, Craigslist, and your local Swap N Sell group on Facebook.
Babysit
If you like children and don’t mind spending several hours with them, you could be a parent’s savior. Having previous experience caring for children or working with young people in some type of educational setting is a must.
I rarely do this anymore, but from middle school to college, I made decent money caring for other people’s children.
use your Tax Refund
This is based on the money you’ve already made and depending on your life situation and tax bracket, you may not even receive a refund. If you do get one, make sure you’re getting all your credits and deductions. This lump sum of cash can be powerful towards starting your own business, paying off debt, investing, or putting it in savings. No matter what type of job you have or if you receive a refund, you should be paying yourself anyway by saving.
Rent Your Home
This is the one thing I haven’t done, but I have friends who have and I’ve utilized this service. Airbnb is probably the most popular home sharing site. It helps if you live in or near a major metropolitan area or some other type of tourist destination. I used Airbnb when I traveled to Mexico and the person I rented from in Mexico City actually made it her full time income. If you don’t mind strangers in your home for temporary periods of time, this can also be lucrative.
Bottom Line
You will need to get creative and be proactive to make extra money. If you’re trying to retire your full-time job and live the life you want, this applies to you doubly. Evaluate your skills and surroundings and see how you can be of service to others and get paid for it.