Last Updated on September 1, 2024 by Ellen
Check out these weird side hustles you can do to make extra money. If you’ve ever wondered about how to make money in interesting ways, keep reading.
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Weird Side Hustles That Work
If you want to make extra money with a fun side hustle, I have some great hustles you can do in your spare time. From mystery shopping to dog walking, one of these side hustle ideas is perfect for you.
If you’re looking for a way to supplement your income, you’re in the right place. We live in a world full of diverse opportunities, where money-making doesn’t need to be a mundane 9 to 5 job.
You can now leverage unique, out-of-the-box ideas that not only put some extra cash in your pocket but also come with a dash of fun and excitement.
Instead of sticking to the traditional routes, these weird side hustles offer a refreshing change. Whether it’s a passion project or a weekend venture, these unconventional jobs can turn your spare time into productive, income-generating hours. So, let’s dive into the peculiar world of side hustles and discover some of the most unusual ones available.
What is a side hustle?
A “side hustle” is often referred to as a secondary job or occupation that brings in, or has the potential to bring in, extra income. It’s typically something you are passionate about and it doesn’t interfere with your full-time job.
Many people use their side hustle to fulfill their interests or to test the waters of self-employment, while some simply take on a side hustle because they enjoy the work it involves.
The beauty of a side hustle is its flexibility – you can commit as much or as little time to it as you wish, making it a popular choice among those looking for ways to earn some extra cash.
These unusual side hustles are a great way to make money in your spare time. You can work on your own schedule and get paid. I know it sounds crazy but you can start your own business and start making money today along with your full time job.
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Are side hustles illegal?
Absolutely not! Side hustles are not illegal. In fact, they are widely recognized as legitimate ways to earn additional income beyond regular employment. However, it’s important to note that while the concept of side hustles isn’t illegal, the specific job or activity you choose to undertake as a side hustle must also be legal. For example, selling handmade crafts online or offering tutoring services is perfectly legal, but activities such as illegal gambling or selling contraband items are not.
Furthermore, it’s important to check the terms of your main employment contract. Some employers may have clauses that restrict or limit employees from engaging in other forms of work. If you’re considering a side hustle, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re not violating any terms of your primary employment. To sum up, as long as your side hustle is legal and doesn’t interfere with your main job, you’re good to go!
What is the #1 side hustle?
The number one side hustle largely depends on an individual’s interests, skills, and availability. However, online freelancing has surged to the forefront of popular side hustles due to its flexibility, wide range of opportunities, and the growing demand for remote work. Freelancing can encompass many skills, including writing, graphic design, programming, and digital marketing.
Another thriving side hustle is selling products online. This can range from selling handmade crafts on platforms like Etsy to reselling thrifted items on eBay or Amazon. The key to a successful side hustle is finding something you enjoy and are good at, which also has a demand in the market. This way, not only do you earn extra income, but you also get to do something you love.
What is the gig economy?
The “gig economy” is a term that describes a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. This kind of economy is often associated with flexible, on-demand jobs that are typically facilitated by digital platforms.
Examples include ride-sharing services like Uber, food delivery services like Deliveroo, or freelance job platforms like Upwork. In the gig economy, instead of receiving a regular wage, workers get paid for the “gigs” or tasks that they complete.
Mystery shopper
Mystery shopping is a unique and exciting side hustle. It involves acting like a regular customer in a store, restaurant, or any other business, while you’re actually evaluating their services. The company pays you for the products you purchase and for your time.
You enjoy the shopping experience and give feedback about the quality of service, cleanliness, and other factors that the company is interested in. Mystery shopping is a fun job, and the best part is, you get paid to shop and give detailed feedback.
Rideshare
Ridesharing is another popular side hustle that you might already be familiar with. It’s a service that matches passengers with drivers, usually through a smartphone app. Companies like Uber and Lyft are well-known examples.
As a driver, you would use your own car to give rides to those who request them through the app. You get paid per ride and can choose when you want to work. It’s a flexible way to make extra money, and all you need is a reliable vehicle and a clean driving record.
Dog walking
Dog walking is exactly what it sounds like – it involves taking dogs out for their daily walks on behalf of their owners. It’s a very enjoyable side hustle, particularly if you love animals. Busy owners who don’t have enough time to walk their dogs regularly often hire dog walkers.
As a dog walker, you get to spend time with different dogs, enjoy fresh air and a bit of exercise, all while making extra money. You can choose how many dogs to walk at a time and when to do it, making this a flexible and fun option for a side hustle.
Pet sitting
Pet sitting is another great option for animal lovers looking for a side hustle. It involves taking care of other people’s pets while they are away. This may include feeding, walking, and providing companionship for the pets.
It’s a rewarding experience as you get to interact with various types of animals while earning some extra cash. Plus, it offers a flexible schedule as you can agree on specific times with the pet owners. If you love pets, this is a fun side hustle to make more money.
Test video games
Testing video games is an interesting and enjoyable side hustle, especially for gaming enthusiasts. In this role, you are paid to play new video games and provide feedback. Your job is to find any glitches or issues within the game that could affect the gaming experience.
Basically, you’re playing video games before they’re released to the public and helping to make them better. It’s a fun way to earn extra money, especially if you’re a fan of video games. If you’re an avid gamer, you can make extra money with this hustle idea.
Corporate gift consultant
A corporate gift consultant is someone who advises businesses on what gifts to give to their clients, employees, or partners. This can include selecting the perfect item, packaging it attractively, and even arranging delivery.
These consultants understand the importance of building and maintaining business relationships. They help choose gifts that are appropriate, meaningful, and leave a lasting impression. It’s quite an interesting side hustle, especially if you enjoy shopping and have a knack for picking out great gifts.
Retail arbitrage
Retail arbitrage is a fantastic side hustle for those who love shopping and finding a good bargain. Simply put, it involves buying products at a low price from one retailer and then selling them on a different platform at a higher price. For instance, you might find a discounted item in a local thrift store or clearance sale, and then sell it on an online marketplace like Amazon or eBay for a profit.
The difference in price between what you paid for the item and what you sell it for is your profit. It’s like a treasure hunt – you search for the best deals, then turn around and sell them to someone who’s willing to pay more on Facebook marketplace or eBay.
Clean out storage units
Cleaning out storage units can be a profitable side hustle. Essentially, people rent out storage units to store their belongings but sometimes they abandon them or fail to keep up with the payments. The contents of these units are often auctioned off by the storage facility to recoup their losses.
You can bid on these units, and if you win, you’re free to sell the items contained within. It’s a bit of a gamble, as you never know what you might find. But sometimes, people have found valuable items like antiques, collectibles, and even cash. It’s like your own personal treasure hunt!
Sell photos
Selling stock photos is a rewarding side hustle for those with a knack for photography. It involves capturing and selling your images through online platforms that act as middlemen between photographers and customers.
These customers, often businesses, bloggers, or graphic designers, purchase the photos to use in their projects. You upload your photos to a stock photography site, and when someone buys your image, you earn a commission. It’s a great way to monetize your passion for photography, and because these images can be sold repeatedly, it offers the potential for passive income.
Furniture assembly
Furniture assembly is a handy and profitable side hustle. In essence, it involves putting together furniture for people who either lack the time, tools, or knowledge to do it themselves. Popular platforms like TaskRabbit connect skilled handymen with clients who need help assembling furniture purchased from stores like IKEA.
As a furniture assembler, you get to work with your hands, solve puzzles of sorts, and earn extra money for your efforts. The best part? You can choose your hours, making this a flexible option for a side job.
Search engine evaluator
A search engine evaluator is a job where you analyze search engine results to determine their relevance to the search query’s intent. This job is crucial because it helps improve the functionality and accuracy of search engines like Google and Bing.
Earning potential in this side hustle can vary, but it provides a flexible schedule as most companies allow you to choose your working hours. So, if you’re tech-savvy and have a good understanding of local and national information, this side hustle could be a good fit for you.
Complete surveys
Completing online surveys is a popular side hustle option that involves providing your opinion on a variety of topics in exchange for rewards. Market research companies often require consumer feedback and insights to help shape their products or services.
As such, these companies pay for your time and input on everything from your shopping habits to your lifestyle choices. The process typically involves signing up for a survey site, filling out demographic information, and then completing surveys that match your profile.
While the payout per survey is often small, the flexibility and convenience of taking surveys from the comfort of your own home make this an attractive option for a side hustle. You need to have a good internet connection to earn extra cash this way.
Standing in line
Talk about weird side hustles! Standing in line is a unique and surprisingly lucrative side hustle. Essentially, you get paid to wait in line for someone else. Whether it’s for a product release, a hot new restaurant, or even a Black Friday sale, people are looking for ways to avoid the hassle of standing in line.
In this hustle, you offer your time and patience to be their place holder. You can charge by the hour and make good money just for waiting in line. And the best part? You can read a book, scroll through your phone, or even catch up on work while you wait. For those with a lot of patience and time, this weird side hustle is a great way to earn extra cash.
How can I make $2000 a month side hustle?
Check out these weird side hustles you can earn $2000 with.
Making $2000 a month via a side hustle is definitely achievable with the right strategy and hustle. Here are five examples of side hustles that have the potential to help you hit this goal:
Freelance Writing: If you have a knack for writing, freelance writing can be a lucrative side hustle. Websites, magazines, and blogs are always in need of fresh content.
Tutoring: With the shift towards online learning, there’s an increasing demand for tutors. If you excel in a particular subject, consider offering your expertise.
Virtual Assistant Services: Many small businesses and entrepreneurs need assistance with administrative tasks. If you’re organized and have good communication skills, this could be a good fit.
Online Coaching: If you have a skill or knowledge that others want to learn, consider setting up online coaching sessions.
E-commerce: Selling products online, either through your own website or marketplaces like Etsy or eBay, is another great way to earn extra income.
Make $5,000 a month as a side hustle
Earning $5,000 a month from a side hustle is ambitious, but not impossible, especially with the right set of skills and commitment. If you want to earn this much extra money, here are few weird side hustles that can potentially help you reach this goal:
Affiliate Marketing: This involves promoting products or services of other companies and earning a commission on any sales made through your referral links. If you have a blog or a website with a substantial amount of traffic, or a large following on social media platforms, affiliate marketing can be a profitable venture.
Real Estate Investing: Investing in rental properties or flipping homes can yield significant profits. However, this requires an initial investment and a good understanding of the real estate market.
Dropshipping: Dropshipping is an e-commerce business model where you sell products online without stocking any inventory. You purchase the product from a third-party supplier only after you make a sale, and have them ship it directly to the customer.
Creating Online Courses: If you possess expert knowledge in a particular field, creating and selling online courses can be a lucrative side hustle. Platforms like Udemy or Coursera allow you to host your courses and reach a wide audience.
Blogging or Vlogging: If you have a passion for a particular topic and love sharing your thoughts, starting a blog or a vlog can be a great side hustle. Once you build a dedicated audience, you can monetize your platform through advertisements, sponsored posts, or by selling your own products or services.
Remember, consistency and quality are key in any side hustle. It might take some time to reach your financial goals. But, with patience and dedication, it’s entirely achievable with these weird side hustles.
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Ellen is a serial entrepreneur who owns 9 profitable blogs, two printable stores, an online vintage jewelry business, and a variety of other work at home endeavors. She shares tips for working at home successfully.