If you're looking for ways to earn some extra money, you’re not alone. A new survey from Bankrate found that almost half, or 48% of millennials have a side gig. Other generations aren’t shying away from the extra income either; 39% of Gen Xers and 28% of Baby Boomers report having a side gig.
Some of us are just looking for a little extra cash for a month or two to help fund a vacation, while others are looking for a steady year-round side job to boost our income. These 10 job opportunities pay decently, and most of them don't require specific experience or a college degree.
It’s wonderful to get away for a bit, but making travel plans can be stressful. In addition to booking the flights and hotel, there are likely things that need to be done at home - bringing in the mail, watering the plants, accepting deliveries, being there for repairmen or taking care of the family pet.
Homeowners look for reliable sitters hundreds to either stay at their home or make regular visits while they are away. If you’re interested in a house-sitting gig, expect to produce credentials in the form of personal and/or professional references. There are several online sites that can help you find a side job as a house sitter, including HouseSitter.com and TrustedHousesitters.com.
Tip to get started: Ask your friends and family if they have any upcoming trips planned, and offer your services while they're gone.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 57% of U.S. households own a pet. Many of those pet owners also have jobs and take vacations, which is where a dog walker or pet sitter come in. Sometimes getting home in time to get your fur friend walked or fed can be a challenge.
If you are a responsible pet-lover, this could be a great side gig for you. Walkers can make between $15 and $30 for taking Fluffy out for a 20- to 30-minute stroll. Check out Rover.com for more on getting started with dog walking.
While there are costs that go into being a rideshare driver (tolls, car maintenance, gas, car insurance), there’s also money to be made. The most popular rideshare companies to work with are Uber and Lyft, but check out smaller companies such as Side Car and HopSkipDrive as well.
Compare all the options and features of each company and choose the one that works best for you and your schedule.
Personal assistants aren’t just for the rich and famous; everyone could use a hand now and then. There are people who are willing to pay decent money for a consistent and reliable assistant who can perform tasks such as running errands, doing housework, preparing meals, making dining reservations, taking care of pets or providing child care.
The average rate for an assistant is $15 per hour, according to Payscale.com. But, the pay will typically vary based on experience, geography, types of tasks and hours needed.
Most people love an organized kitchen, closet, garage, or desk, but not everyone has the time, ability or desire to develop a system that works. While there are professional organizers for hire, look to your friends and co-workers who may need a hand with an organizing project such as cleaning out the garage or getting ready for a new baby in the house.
An organizer can earn up to $25 per hour.
A bit of play money can be made by taking online surveys, but a good deal more is out there for paid Focus Group attendees. Expect to be interviewed by a moderator in a group setting about a product, process, packaging look or marketing angle. Participants can earn between $50 and $250 per gig.
To find a paying focus group in your area, visit focusgroup.com.
Love shopping or dream about going undercover? Working as a mystery shopper could be the perfect side job for you. How it works: You pose as a regular shopper, but gather information about a store or restaurant's performance in a report back to corporate. Areas like store/merchandise cleanliness, customer service, inventory and efficiency will be factors in your review. And of course, you’ll receive payment and/or reimbursement for purchases.
Full-time mystery shoppers can earn $400-$500 per month. Note: To safeguard yourself from scams, make sure the company is a member of the MSPA. Some great sites to explore mystery shopping opportunities include Best Mark, Market Force and Intell-shop.
If you’ve always dreamed of being in the movies or on TV, then you can get paid to be an extra. You might be a background actor in crowd, but you’ll get to observe first-hand the on-stage action.
Check out auditionsfree.com, backstage.com or entertainmentcareers.net for acting gigs in your area. Beware of scams, however. If you have doubts about the credibility of a company, be sure to look for more information on the company.
Ever jokingly said, "I wish someone would pay me to sit around and watch TV?" It's no joke anymore. Netflix now hires Editorial Analysts to “research, tag, annotate, rate and analyze movie and TV content.”
Check the Netflix job board for opportunities.
If you’re one of those people who can easily figure out how to put things together, this is the perfect side job for you. Having your own tools and transportation means you can market that ability by becoming a freelance furniture assembly-person. Or, check out the local and chain furniture stores. For instance, Ikea has partnered with TaskRabbit to offer customers furniture assembly service.
You’ll be rewarded not only with up to $25 per hour, but also with knowing you saved people hours of frustration.
Every dollar counts, so don’t be afraid to jump into a side job. Not sure where you should put that extra income? Check out the top savings and money market accounts in your area.
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