Cash in On Your Skills or Hobbies
Most of us are skilled and experienced at something – or have an interest in another area, that we don’t usually get paid to do. If that’s the situation, you can finally put your talents or hobbies to work if you need some additional dough. You may be a wiz at the computer and feel that everyone knows what you know. Picture grandma. Hundreds of grandma’s are sitting in their homes wondering how to dot an i on their new computer and these people and many others like them are willing to pay for help to learn the how-to’s.
1. Launch a Blog
No matter your interest or talent, you can write on about it on your blog and make money by selling ads.
2. eBook Publishing
Another way to make extra cash through your writing is to publish eBooks in either your field of expertise or whatever you’re passionate about. This goes back to #6 and you can often combine a blog and ebook, by taking all of your blogs on a certain subject and making an ebook from them.
3. Coaching or Consulting
If writing isn’t your cup of tea, you can offer your services to individuals or businesses either in person or via Skype or Google Hangouts. Some people just need someone to help push them forward. You can be this person.
4. Public Speaking
If you have an inspiring story or if you have the ability to motivate others while sharing your knowledge, public speaking is a lucrative side business where you could make anywhere from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per gig.
5. Photography
Do you have an eye for capturing moments? Put those skills to work and start a side gig as a photographer. Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, focus on a niche like weddings. How about first day of school photos, holiday, or class reunion photo how to’s (this could include the explanation of what will makes the best memories, and how to up load to those attending).
6. Sell Pictures
Another way to make cash from photography is to sell your images to sites like Shutterstock. If you are artistic and unique with your photography in any way, Shutterstock (and others) will be interested in your pictures.
7. Become a Gym Instructor
Whether you’re trained as a personal trainer, yoga instructor, or weight lifter, you can find some part time work at the local gym. Again, some people just need someone with them to push or encourage them to continue their workout.
8. Become Umpire/Refer
One Ump told Business Insider, “I umpire softball/baseball games for USSSA. There’s also Little League, ASA, and others. I make $30 for an hour-and-10-minute game. Ten games in a weekend, and that’s $300. You can also maybe pick some games up after work. It’s not so bad if you, “don’t mind a little yapping in your ear.”
9. Caddie
Love golf and being outside? Caddie on the side. You’d be surprised at how much money you’ll be able to rake-in. A good caddie is hard to find. Some golf courses make you sign up for this job. Check it out in the pro-shop.
10. DJ Events
If you’re a music lover and have the gear, charge people for your deejaying services.
11. Run a Photo Booth
Unlike photography, you don’t need a whole lot of experience in running a photo booth. Once you get the basics, it’s pretty easy and you can pocket around $1,000 per weekend if you work a couple of events. Be easy to work with, take the shots people dream up, chat up the people, and enjoy yourself. You’ll have all the work you can stand.
12. Become a Session Musician
Talented musicians can sit-in during concerts or recording sessions and actually get paid for their talent. Many places need rehearsal pianists and the like. Be willing to go early and stay late.
13. Write Music
You can offer to write and record music on sites like, Fiverr and Craigslist. Or write and record something for YouTube. Nowadays, many have become famous doing this.
14. Woodworking
You can turn this hobby into a nice little side business by selling your crafts on sites like Etsy or at local flea markets. Keep your ears open to what people are looking for and make what people want.
15. Scrapbooking
Here’s another creative hobby that you can start cashing in on. Chron.com has a simple step-by-by guides to getting this business started. Google scrapbook and see what comes up. Some people want something particular, and others don’t care and you can do what you want. Scrapbooking can be a great creative outlet.
16. Cater
If you’re an excellent cook then you should start catering events on the side. Here are a few tips to getting paid along the way. You may want to sign up and work for a busy caterer for a while. This is a tough business, and you may need help. But small specialty parties like a baby shower, wedding shower, graduation party, etc., are a little more manageable.
17. Bake
If you’re a better baker than chef, then start selling your baked goods, such as birthday or wedding cakes, during your spare time. I had a neighbor who sold three things. Homemade bread. Homemade breadsticks, and cinnamon rolls. That’s it. She made a ton of money. All a person had to do was call her early in the morning for their order. This woman was able to stay home and raise 4 kids in style with this business.
18. Movie or TV Extra
If there’s a major network or studio production in your town, you may be able to bring in a quick $200 per day just by being an extra.
19. Watch TV
If you’re a TV junkie who binge watches their favorite TV show, then you may be able to start earning some extra money. You can download the Viggle App, which doesn’t pay much, or become a Netflix ‘tagger,’ which has only launched in the UK and Ireland, so far, but watch for it to be in other countries soon.
20. Create or Edit Videos
If you have the talent and equipment, you can either start creating your own YouTube videos or editing them for others.
21. Draw Caricatures
Artists can sell caricatures at fairs or local parks. Be sure to get a business license draw at the park in most cities.
22. Make Jewelry
There’s a demand for handmade jewelry on sites like, Etsy. Also many local spas, resorts, and even hair salons like to sell great jewelry. To get started you could start by selling on consignment until they see your worth.
23. Knit or Crochet
There’s also a market for handmade knit items on Etsy. Baby items such as a shawl, or blanket sell very well. Even knitted baby clothing sells. Listen around your office for someone who has a special person coming in their life.
24. Build Websites
You don’t necessarily have to be an expert at web design or development, although that does help, to build simple websites for individuals and small businesses. You might be able to fetch $100 per site.
25. Build an App
If you love to code and have an awesome idea for an app, then you can absolutely cash-in on you app.
26. Social Media Manager
If you’re social media wiz, then start charging individuals and small businesses to manage their social media accounts.
27. Repair Computers
If you love to fix computers, or even the latest, start a little repair business during your downtown. Half the time the computer just needs to be unplugged for a while
28. Auto Repair
Whether it’s changing oil or repainting a vehicle, use your talents and garage as a new side gig. There is also the gig of, “I will take your car while you are at work and get it cleaned inside and out.” Ditto for the pick-up and change the oil, gig.
29. Tutor
If you’re proficient in subjects like math, science, English, history, or pretty much any other subject, then start tutoring after work or on the weekends. Parents are overwhelmed and need help in this area. Start looking in your own neighborhood first.
30. Teach English
There are plenty of people from around the world looking to learn English as a second language. You help them out on a part time basis. Most people only need to have you sit and speak with them or go for a walk and speak.
31. Install Software
If you have a knack for installing software, then reach out to local businesses who need someone to do this this task for them. Many cities or chamber-of- commerce’s look for these types of part-time help.
32. Bookkeeping
This isn’t the most exciting side gig, but there a plenty of businesses and individuals who could use someone to keep their paperwork in order.
33. Tax Preparation
Everyone could use a little assistance when preparing their taxes so that they can claim the right deductions and have filed in-time. (note: make sure to file a 1099 when you do this.) Some professional tax company’s need seasonal help when they are in tax season.
34. Office or Home Organization
Both busy business and home owners could hire someone to come-in and organize their office or home. Some owners do not want their regular employees to see how messy they have let things get and they will hire you.
35. Interior Design
If you have an eye for design, then spend your weekends decorating the homes of people in your neighborhood. Watch for ideas and get a portfolio of ideas made now so you are ready to spring into action when you see this opportunity.
36. Event Planning
If you’re organized and enjoy making plans, then start charging others to plan out the events that they don’t want to, or don’t have time to plan and accomplish. You can plan and carry out office events, mixers, and marketing events – especially on a smaller scale. It may be advisable to work under a larger planner for a while to get the hang of this job if you have not done it before. Many planners are on contract and not part of company’s, and this is just the situation you want. If you can design, have catering people you know, or can think up clever things to entertain – you are on your way.
37. Build Furniture
Handmade furniture is another craft that is in-demand especially with the millennials. Millennials are not going to be denied anything of great value. You can sell your work online with a website, on Etsy, at flea markets, or maybe even a local furniture store.
38. Personal Shopper
Not everyone enjoys shopping. But, if you’re a shopaholic, then take advantage of this and become a personal shopper for those who don’t like to shop, or who don’t have the time to shop. Busy executives are prime people to look at for this business. Notice the businesses which have recently popped up using this idea. Many people don’t want a business person, per se to do this work, they want someone who will become their friend.
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