Whether you want to turn a hobby into a business venture, take your hand at a new skill or just earn some extra cash, 29 percent of workers across all income levels have a side hustle in addition to their full-time job, according to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.
A side hustle (or job) is any gig that provides a source of income in addition to your day job. Not only do these hustles provide financial benefits, but they also give you an edge in the competitive job market. And while you may love your nine to five, adding a side hustle is always a great way to diversify your income stream or in some cases, capitalize on your passions.
Here are some side hustles that can fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. Don’t worry, we won’t tell your boss.
Airbnb
Clear out that old guest room or basement, throw in a bed and start renting on Airbnb. While you have the option to rent out your entire home, you don’t have to. A private room in your house will do the trick.
If you don’t mind sharing your space and enjoy meeting new people, this side hustle is a money maker during Gator football season.
According to an Airbnb report, rental hosts in Gainesville earned a total of $562,000 in supplemental income during home football weekends.
Nightly profits range from $28 to $41 for a private room rental in the Gainesville area, according to Airbnb’s opportunity calculator.
Personal Blog
Creating a personal blog can help boost your résumé, enrich both your career and professional network, and if done well, lead to brand partnerships, which is where the payoff comes in.
Once you’ve established a social presence, many companies look to hire brand ambassadors and influencers to help represent their brand locally and spread awareness through social media.
Marissa Fuchs, advertising director for Clique Brands, runs @FashionAmbitionist. With 150,000 followers on Instagram, Fuchs has been successful in achieving her mission of providing women with career advice and effortless ways to dress for the job they want, no matter their budget.
“Having my own social presence has provided me with invaluable insights into the business of fashion. It’s easier for me to see the full picture of what brands are looking for. It is also so important to see the challenges that brands face from a media perspective working with influencers,” Fuchs said.
To land a side hustle as an influencer, try to create a cohesive personal brand that reflects your values and personality.
“Remember that the content you produce attracts the brands that want to partner with you,” she said.
Having a following is also important, so engage with followers by creating relatable content that is unique to your personal blog.
Hannah Burkhart, a public relations major at UF, became a brand ambassador to build a professional network.
As a brand ambassador for companies including Glossier, Burkhart earns about $300 a month. But, the free merchandise and online shopping discounts are also a perk, according to Burkhart.
Dog Walking
For all the animal lovers, the Rover app matches you with furry friends to walk, pet sit or board.
The flexibility and freedom to choose your schedule and services are a plus with this side hustle. With the power to set your own rates, be sure to scope out other walkers’ prices and set yours accordingly.
Freelancer, Catherine Gloria, said it was easy to make an account and start walking.
The ability to easily customize settings, such as your availability, makes walking with Rover something that can easily adapt to your schedule, explained Gloria.
According to Rover’s website, you could make $1,000 or more per month, depending on the rate, service and hours put in.
E-commerce Sites
Tap into your crafty side and turn hobbies into profits. On e-commerce sites Etsy and Shopify, you can sell unique, handmade items.
Kate Anthony, owner of Sweets & Sayings, has been selling hand-lettered goods and wall art prints on Etsy since 2016.
Even while juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time graduate student, part-time employee at a startup and her Etsy shop, Sweets & Sayings, Anthony said it’s easy to fill orders weekly.
“Some weeks it’s definitely difficult to find a balance between all my activities, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.
According to Anthony, Sweets & Sayings’ highest monthly profit in 2017 was $1,200.
Reselling Clothes and Accessories
Yes, it’s time to get rid of that dress you haven’t worn in three years. If it’s in good condition, lightly worn and expensive, resell it on sites such as Poshmark and Tradesy.
Avid Poshmark user, Ofier Sarfaty, said it took her about 20 minutes to post over 50 items for sale on the clothing marketplace site.
Brands trending on Poshmark now are Ugg, Hot Topic, Max Studio and The North Face. But you can sell any item from handbags to shoes.
“I made $70 off a winter coat that I haven’t worn since middle school,” said Sarfaty. “It felt good to cash the money in and clear the space in my closet.”
Using the original price as a starting point, Sarfaty takes into account how many times the item was worn and if there are any signs of use.
“The biggest profit I turned was $300 from a vintage Chanel jacket I haven’t worn in ages,” she said.
Ride Sharing
All you need for this hustle is a driver’s license and a car. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft allow you to work on your own time shuttling people around town.
If you’re worried about your car, both companies offer a commercial insurance policy and reimbursements for damages caused by riders in your vehicle.
With the ability to drive as much and as often as you’d like, the more trips you complete the more money you’ll make. Fares on both apps are calculated based on the distance and duration of the trip as well as the current demand.
Uber driver, Zion Edelson, said he makes around $450 a week depending on how often he drives.
The busiest times to drive in Gainesville are Wednesday through Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., according to Edelson.
Additionally, Lyft’s website calculates estimated profits of up to $300 per 20-hour week, for operating in the Gainesville area.
While side hustles might not be for everyone, side hustles give you the opportunity to be your own boss and get in touch with your entrepreneurial spirit while still maintaining the security of your day job. So, get out there and start hustling.
Writer Bio:
Samantha Belluccia is a public relations major at the University of Florida. Passionate about nature, plants and animals, she loves to spend time outside. A few of her favorite things include beachside sunsets, butterflies and a big bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal.