Thanks to the internet, making money with side gigs has never been easier! Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash to pay off debt, save for a rainy day, or want to make some extra money, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you.
Here’s everything you need to know about side gigs: what they are, how to find them, and how to make the most out of them.
What is a Side Gig?
A side gig is a freelance or temporary job that you take on in addition to your regular full-time job. It can be simple as mowing lawns for your neighbors or walking dogs for people in your community. Or it could be something more complex, like starting your blog or e-commerce store.
The critical thing to remember is that a side gig is something you do in addition to your full-time job. It’s not meant to replace your primary source of income, and instead, it’s intended to supplement it.
One of the best things about side gigs is that you can often start them with little to no upfront investment. You’re already ahead of the game if you have a computer and an internet connection!
Types of Side Gigs
There are many different types of side gigs, so there’s sure to be one that’s a good fit for your skills and interests. Some common examples include:
- Freelance writing, design, or programming.
- Flipping items
- Selling handmade goods or crafts online
- Dog walking or pet sitting
- Running errands for others
- Giving tours or being a driver for a ride-sharing service
Of course, not all side gigs are created equal. Some will require more time and effort than others. And some will be more profitable than others. But if you’re willing to do the work, you can make a decent amount of money with side gigs.
How to Find Side Gigs
Thinking about your skills and talents is the best way to find side gigs. What can you offer that other people would be willing to pay for?
Do you have a knack for writing? You could start your blog or write articles for other blogs and websites.
Are you good at taking pictures? You could start a photography business or sell your photos online.
Do you have a lot of knowledge about a particular subject? You could start a blog or podcast about that topic.
The possibilities are endless! Once you’ve identified your skills and talents, the next step is to look for opportunities to use them.
Places to look for Side Gigs
- Freelance job boards: Dozens of websites list freelance jobs, including Upwork, Fiverr, and Craigslist.
- Local businesses: Many businesses always need extra help, especially during busy times of the year. You could offer your services as a temporary worker or intern.
- Online job boards: Websites like Indeed and Monster list various jobs, including side gigs.
- Your network: Talk to your friends, family, and acquaintances to see if they know of any opportunities.
Once you’ve found a few potential side gig ideas, it’s time to start pitching yourself to businesses and individuals who need your help. This process can be done through online job boards, cold-emailing potential clients, or networking with people in your field.
The key is to be proactive and put yourself out there. The more people you contact, the better your chances of landing a gig.
How to Make the Most out of your Side Gig
Once you’ve landed a side gig, it’s essential to make the most of it. Here are some tips for doing just that:
- Don’t expect to make a full-time income from your side gig. Likely, you’ll only be able to work a few hours per week, so don’t quit your day job just yet.
- Track your progress: Keep track of how much money you’re making and where it’s coming from. Keeping track will help you see what’s working and what’s not.
- Stay organized: Keep your side gig work separate from your personal life, which will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
- Set aside some time each week to work on your side gig: Treat your side gig as a real job by setting aside a specific amount of time each week to work on it. Doing this will help you stay on track and progress toward your goals.
- Be prepared for setbacks: There will be times when you don’t land a gig or make as much money as you’d like. Don’t let these setbacks discourage you from pursuing your side gig goals.
- Have fun: Remember that you’re doing this because you enjoy it (or at least because it’s an excellent way to make some extra cash). So don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun with it!
Conclusion
Pursuing a side gig can be a great way to make some extra money and learn new skills. Remember to set realistic expectations, stay organized, and have fun with it. You can make your side gig a success with a bit of hard work.
We also have another article that goes more in-depth about landing your first side gig. Feel free to check it out here.
If you want to know more about side incomes from streams such as side gigs, then make sure to check out our other blogs.