Would you like to know how to make more money?
When you need to make extra cash fast, everyone offers the same advice: Get a job, or get a better one. But what if you’re a student with a demanding schedule, or if you’re an employee already who likes your workplace? Are there any legitimate ways to make extra cash without necessarily enslaving yourself to yet another boss?
Absolutely. No matter how busy your schedule, a side hustle can help you supplement your income without leading to total burnout. Here are seven ideas you can try to make extra moolah in your spare time without losing your mind.
1. Get Crafty on Etsy
The Etsy platform has nearly 3 million buyers looking for unique, one-of-a-kind goods. The site does charge a modest commission on all sales; however, having access to such a vast customer base makes it a great tool for earning extra income nevertheless.
Some sellers on Etsy supplement their income by only a few dollars per month, but others make enough to generate a full-time income. The best part is you can start small making crafts you’ve mastered and build your business from there.
2. Write for Publication
Maybe you’re an English major who failed to factor in the cost of books with your tuition payment. If so, why not capitalize upon your writing talent by breaking into freelancing?
You can begin by pitching smaller blogs and move up to those which pay considerable sums for content of 800-1,200 words, something many writers can tackle in two hours. Once you begin building a name for yourself and your talent, you not only have a great skill to list on your resume, you may not need to take on a “real” job after all!
3. Sell Your Plasma
Need extra cash but lack the energy after your full-time job or working a part-time job and attending school to dream of building a side hustle? Why not donate your plasma? You can avoid burnout which stems from taking on too much, as, once you clear the health history, all you need do is carve out 2-3 hours of time to lie back and let the machine do its work at each appointment. Play a few games of Words With Friends and collect a sweet bonus check.
4. Tutor Other Students
If you’re performing well academically, chances are, other students can use your help. Many universities post frequent openings for paid student tutors for athletes and others among the struggling enrolled.
In the workforce? Sites such as Tutor.com need adult instructors with bachelor’s degrees or higher to help in subjects ranging from chemistry to career development. You do not need a teaching certificate to apply.
5. Drive or Deliver
Love working with people? Consider driving for Uber or Lyft to earn extra cash if you have a newer vehicle. Ride on the older side? Gigs such as Postmates and GrubHub hire delivery drivers without the stringent vehicle requirements of rideshare companies.
If you opt for one of these, be sure to set boundaries around what hours you will and will not work. Yes, it’s tempting to take on a 50-mile ride at 3 a.m., but if you start work at 8 a.m. or have an early class, avoid sacrificing your health and sleep.
6. List Old Books and Other Items
Remember paying $800 for last semesters’ textbooks? Chances are you won’t get the greatest buyback price at your campus bookstore, but it’s an option in a financial pinch. However, if you can afford to wait a bit, listing your texts for sale on eBay or on Facebook Marketplace may earn you a higher return on your investment.
The same goes if you’ve collected anything you no longer feel passionate about — if the golf clubs you bought intending to learn to play someday are gathering dust, sell them for extra cash.
7. Transcribe Documents
Whether you’re a student or in the workforce, you can make money on your couch while watching TV if you can type quickly. Sites like Transcribeme.com welcome new transcriptionists and require no initial investment or special equipment to get started. Once you build skill, you can invest in a USB foot pedal to up your speed game even more and apply for work paying as much as $25 per hour. Not bad for a gig you can do while binge-watching “Stranger Things.”
Make More Money on a Tight Schedule
Even if your life is already hectic, you can earn extra cash using the techniques above. Now you know how to make more money – all you need to do is get started!
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