If you regularly feel like there is too much month at the end of your paycheck, it may be time to find an extra source of income. But earning extra money does not automatically mean you have to dedicate yourself to another draining career that leaves you with little time for anything else. Instead, you can select an opportunity that better aligns with your skills, knowledge, and passion.
Regardless of your motivation to earn more money, whether you are trying to save for the expensive, top-of-the-line coffee machine for business that you have been eyeing for months or simply want to feel more financially secure, there are an endless number of worthwhile side jobs to pursue.
Turn Your Weekend into Cash with These Side Hustles
Answer Surveys
If you are looking for an easy, stress-free, and flexible side gig to do from the comfort of your home, answering online surveys is a great place to start. Multiple websites exist, like Inbox Dollars and Survey Junkie, where brands post surveys relating to their products and operations, looking for feedback from consumers in exchange for a small payment.
It is a mutually beneficial arrangement that offers your favourite brands valuable insight into how they can improve while you earn money without leaving your couch.
House Sitting
For a relatively simple and relaxing weekend and holiday job that includes plenty of leisure time, consider offering to housesit for neighbours and other people in your area who are going out of town. You can either stay in their home while they are gone or check in multiple times a day to ensure everything is safe and secure, completing simple tasks like watering plants, collecting their mail, and tending to their pets, giving them peace of mind their home is in safe hands.
It is only natural that people will be hesitant to leave their homes with people they don’t know, so word-of-mouth recommendations are vital in securing new clients. Start by sitting for people you already know, like family friends, or relatives, who can recommend you to others while remaining honest and transparent in your abilities. Alternatively, use websites like MindMyHouse and Trusted Housesitters to get started.
Online Language Teaching
Foreign language teachers, particularly in English, are in high demand across the globe. With the rise of telecommuting and online teaching platforms, you can now do this job from anywhere in the world.
There are many platforms that connect language teachers with students, including Preply and Cambly. However, many require a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) or teaching certification. Furthermore, it is vital to read employee reviews of various teaching platforms and companies, as many are guilty of exploiting their teachers with demanding schedules and low pay.
Become a Notary Public
Notary signing agents are legal officials who witness and sign specific documents, like wills, marriage licenses, new passport applications, and real estate documents. Before becoming an official notary, you will need to pass an exam and pay filing fees. However, it can become a lucrative side job.
According to the National Notary Association in the United States, 43% of part-time, self-employed notaries earn at least $500 per month, while almost 30% can earn more than $1000.
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
If you enjoy getting outdoors, love working with animals, or live in an area popular with pet owners, you can earn a steady income by offering dog walking and pet sitting services. Many pet owners who work full-time jobs are open to the idea of utilising these services with reliable and trustworthy people who are often referred to them via word-of-mouth.
Pet-sitting can take multiple forms, including visiting a client’s home numerous times throughout the day to check in their animal, staying overnight to pet-sit in a familiar and comfortable environment for their pet, or using your own home as a daycare or overnight stay where pet owners can drop off their animals.
Virtual Assistant
For organised individuals looking for the ideal weekend side hustle, becoming a virtual assistant to busy working professionals and entrepreneurs may just be the answer you are looking for. Your role is to provide remote administrative support, including scheduling meetings, entering data, or responding to emails.
To excel in this career, you need a detail-oriented mindset, strong communication skills, and a knack for organisation. You can apply for positions through traditional job boards or contact companies you know to inquire about possible opportunities. The beauty of working online is that you are not restricted to working with companies or individuals in your area, dramatically expanding your job opportunities globally.
Give Lessons
If you have perfected the skill of yoga, rate your photography skills, or have a passion and flair for baking, share your knowledge and skills with other people by teaching lessons or workshops over the weekend or during the holidays.
Contact local community centres, school halls, or local businesses to inquire about renting their space to hold your lessons, or head online to find opportunities to host classes that align with your skill set. Alternatively, if you would prefer not to leave your home, film and post videos onto digital platforms like YouTube or Facebook, where you can potentially earn money through advertisements and sponsorships as your channel and online audience grow.
