4 Side Hustles That Can Earn More Than Your Day Job

Who couldn’t use extra cash to pay off debt, student loans, or create a nest egg? If you have a home, hidden talents, or certifiable skills, and a few extra hours a week, we’ll show you four side hustles that can help generate extra income, a little or a lot.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the most lucrative side jobs and the steps to take to get in on the gig economy. You may just end up with a new career as your own boss.

Airbnb Host

Your home is your biggest investment and now you can earn more than just equity. Airbnbs have become popular alternatives to hotels, and if your abode is interesting or unusual – think treehouse, yurt, or vintage Airstream — it's even better. These types of properties attract a steady flow of millennials – Airbnb’s biggest demographic.

The average Airbnb host earns $10K annually on their property and room rentals — but you could earn more depending on your availability and the space you have. Here are some other interesting statistics:

• 60% of Airbnb users are millennials looking for affordable, comfortable, or unique stays
• 54% of Airbnb guests are women
• 53% chose AirBnB for its affordability and ease of booking

How to Become an Airbnb Host

If you have a hospitality mindset and the time (and space) it takes to host, you're a good candidate. Here’s how to do it:

• Determine zoning, property, or homeowner association restrictions in your community
• Determine your goals: Occasional extra income? A reliable second income? Build an Airbnb empire?
• Calculate your potential Airbnb earnings based on your responses
• Create an Airbnb host account
• Take great photos and tell a good story about your residence
• Clean, decorate, and prepare for guests

Here are more tips on starting your Airbnb enterprise.

Virtual Bookkeeping

Most small businesses don’t need a big accounting firm to handle their books, just a good bookkeeper to make payroll and cover invoicing on a regular part-time basis. If you’ve got a head for numbers and a few extra hours a week, turn those math skills into a profitable virtual bookkeeping service.

On average, a virtual bookkeeper can earn $30 - $50 hourly, or more — commensurate with your skills and experience. You don’t need an accounting degree or “formal” training to become a bookkeeper, just good math skills.

Moreover, with very little training or investment, you can become a bookkeeper with the potential to grow your side gig into a profitable, flexible, digital dream job.

How to Become a Virtual Bookkeeper

You will need a computer and reliable internet connection, especially if you plan on working while traveling.

• Take an online course to understand the basics of accounting
• Learn common accounting software packages, e.g. QuickBooks, Intuit, etc.
• Obtain any licenses or certifications necessary in your state or county
• Create business profiles on social media platforms, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Tell your friends, family, and real-job colleagues about your bookkeeping, and ask for referrals

With these skills, you can also find freelance bookkeeping opportunities within accounting firms or other small businesses that need periodic help during peak financial seasons, or assistance with monthly reporting.

Online Educator

If you write, teach, educate, or consult in any way, consider turning your knowledge into educational materials and earn income from your expertise. Create eBooks, online courses, or even personalized tutoring services to sell to others.

It can take as little or as much time as you need, but be sure your information is factual, relevant, and provides the information advertised. Here are the different types of information products you can create:

• eBooks
• Online courses and webinars
• Live events and recaps
• Membership and subscription services, like tutoring or premium content access
• Workbooks and templates

How to Start an Online Info Product Business

• Decide on your topic(s) or syllabus
• Decide on the delivery of information, e.g. via eBooks, online course, or membership subscription
• Write or assemble content for your information products
• Format and create a PDF document(s) from this content. Use Canva and other free online resources to make it pretty, or hire a Fiverr designer for a polished presentation
• Create a website and landing pages for visitors. Cloud-based web hosting platforms, like Wix or Squarespace, make it easy with little or no expertise.
• Create online payment portals via Stripe or PayPal, or membership platforms like Wishlist.
• Optional, but important, obtain mailing lists of your target demographic

If you’re recognized as a trusted influencer consider parlaying your expertise into affiliate marketing opportunities as well. This “pay-for-performance” program earns affiliates a commission for sales originating from their online source. According to Business Insider, affiliate marketing was responsible for 15% of all e-commerce revenue in 2021.

TaskRabbit Tasker

TaskRabbit pairs skilled individuals with busy people who just want a job done quickly and efficiently. If you can put together IKEA furniture in your sleep, or know your way around a tax form, TaskRabbit provides a platform to showcase side hustle skills and earn extra income. The average Tasker in the U.S. earns $50 an hour.

How to Become a Tasker

• Download the Tasker app - choose the vendor version, not the client version
• Create your account and define your skills, location, and complete the verification process
• Add at least one availability time slot to your profile
• Draw your Work Area Map

It may take up to two days to confirm your identity. You’ll receive an email to complete your profile. You’ll be asked to take a photo of your ID and a selfie. Once confirmed, you’ll receive further instructions on how to get tasking!

Get Help With Your Business

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