Here’s What I Think of Each – Technologist

I started making extra money and side hustling around 15 years ago, and since then I have done over 20 different side hustles.

I started so that I could stop living paycheck to paycheck, and so that I could pay off my student loans quickly (I ended up paying off $40,000 in student loans in just 7 months thanks to side hustling!).

Some were short-lived, while others turned into steady streams of income (and are even my full-time income today). Each side job taught me something valuable about money, time, and effort. I juggled everything from reselling clothes online to being a virtual assistant, mystery shopping, answering online surveys, having roommates, and more.

There isn’t one best way to make extra money; it depends on what you’re good at, what you like, how much time you have, and more.

If you want to start a side job, my experiences can help you decide. I’ll tell you what I learned from each one I tried, so you can see the pros and cons of each.

My Side Hustles Review

Below is my review of the different side hustles I have tried over the years. These are in no particular order.

1. Blogging

Blogging can be a great way to earn money while writing about topics you love. I’ve done it for years and have seen how it can grow from a hobby into a full-time job.

I enjoy blogging for many reasons such as:

• It’s flexible – You can blog from anywhere, anytime.
• It’s affordable to start – You just need a computer and internet.
• It’s a great creative outlet – Share your thoughts and passions with the world. I enjoy blogging and running a website.

While there are a lot of great reasons to start a blog, there are some challenges such as it can be time-consuming and there is no guarantee that you will make money.

When I first started my blog, I was working over 40 hours a week on it and making nothing. It took me 6 months to make my first $100 from it, actually!

But, it was all worth it in the end.

Blogging used to be my side hustle and it is now my full-time job where I have earned over $5,000,000 over the years.

I would definitely say that blogging is my favorite side hustle.

For me, it was a great second job because I could work on my blog before my day job, during lunch, after work, and on weekends. You can make your own schedule, which is a big bonus!

You can learn more about how to begin in my free How To Start a Blog Course here.

2. Paid online surveys

Paid online surveys are a way to make some extra cash when you have spare time. With just a few clicks and some honest answers, you can see money rolling in.

Companies want to know what customers think about their products and services and that is why they pay for surveys. By sharing your opinions, you help them improve and develop better offerings. In turn, they pay you for your time and insights.

You usually can earn anywhere from $0.50 to $5 per survey, depending on the length and how hard the survey is. And, surveys can take anywhere from around 10 minutes to an hour, so they are not high paying.

I’ve taken a lot of surveys over the years, and what I like about them is that you can do them whenever you want – in the morning, during lunch, before bed – whenever it works for you. There’s no strict schedule, and they are really easy to do.

My tips for success:

1. Sign up for multiple sites: This increases your chances of getting more surveys and making more money.
2. Complete your profile: Some survey sites match you to surveys based on your profile.
3. Be honest: Giving truthful answers ensures you stay eligible for more surveys.

Payment methods are typically cash via PayPal, bank transfer, or free gift cards (such as to Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and more).

You won’t get rich from these surveys, but it’s a nice way to earn some side cash. I know that some people think that surveys are a waste of time – but I know several people (including myself) who liked doing them because they are so flexible. I think the right mindset to have is that they will definitely not make you rich, and some can take a long(er) time to earn $5.

The survey companies I recommend signing up for include:

1. American Consumer Opinion
2. Survey Junkie
3. Swagbucks
4. InboxDollars
5. Branded Surveys
6. Prime Opinion
7. Five Surveys
8. PrizeRebel
9. Pinecone Research

3. Focus groups and paid research studies

You can make money by participating in focus groups. Companies pay for your opinions to improve their products and services.

This is similar to paid online surveys, but paid research studies and focus groups typically pay more.

User Interviews is a popular site where you can find paid research studies and focus groups.

Big companies like Pinterest, Spotify, Macy’s, Home Depot, Trip Advisor, and Amazon use User Interviews to get feedback on their new products, apps, and websites.

You can make $50 to $100 per hour, or even more, just by sharing your thoughts and feedback.

I did a user interview myself and got paid $400 for just one hour of work. It was easy, and everything was done online through a video call where they asked for my opinion on a new feature for a website.

Please click here to learn more about User Interviews.

Also, if you’re interested in paid medical research studies, then that can be a high-paying option as well. When my husband was younger, he took part in a few medical research studies to help us make extra money. He usually got paid about $1,000 for a week’s worth of time.

4. Dividends

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a side hustle, but it is a way that you can make more money so I wanted to include it here, especially since it’s one of my favorite ways to increase my income.

Dividends are an awesome way to earn passive income. You don’t need to do much work, and the money comes in. Many companies pay dividends to their shareholders regularly.

Here are a few benefits of investing in dividend stocks:

• Regular income: You can receive payments quarterly or even monthly.
• Low effort: Once you buy the stock, you don’t have to do much else.

A dividend is a portion of a company’s profits given to its eligible shareholders. You can receive dividends in cash, stock, or even options to buy more stock.

If you own shares in a company that pays dividends, you’ll get a dividend for each share you own.

For example, if you have 10 shares in Company XYZ and they pay $5 in cash dividends each year, you’ll get $50 in dividends for the year. Dividends are usually paid out quarterly, which means 4 times a year. So, in the example, the $5 in yearly dividends would likely be paid as $1.25 per quarter for each share you own.

You can learn more at What Are Dividends & How Do They Work? A Beginner’s Guide.

5. Buy and sell flipping

Flipping items is a great side hustle, and this is when you buy items at a low price and sell them for more.

The benefits of buy and sell flipping include:

• Flexibility: You can flip items in your free time.
• Profitable: Potential to earn anywhere from $50 to $5000 a month.
• Fun: The thrill of finding good deals and making a profit.

I have flipped many items for resale over the years, and I even had a small reselling business at one point. It’s a fun way to make extra money.

While flipping items by buying and selling them for profit can be exciting, it has some downsides. One big risk is that you might not always make a profit, especially if the market drops or you overestimate the item’s value. It can also take a lot of time to research products, find good deals, and manage your listings. There’s tough competition too, as many people are trying to flip items, which can lower prices.

You can learn more at How I Made $40,000 In One Year Flipping Items.

6. Sold clothing

Selling used clothing can be a great way to make extra money. You can find clothes to sell in many places: thrift stores, clearance aisles, garage sales, and even your own closet.

For me, I liked to sell clothing on eBay as well as in person to places like Plato’s Closet. There are many more options these days, such as Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace.

Selling used clothes as a side hustle has its ups and downs. On the plus side, it has low start-up costs because you can start with clothes you already own, and it’s eco-friendly, supporting sustainable fashion. You also get to work on your own schedule, and there’s a high demand for secondhand clothes, especially trendy or vintage items. But it can take a lot of time to sort, clean, photograph, and list the clothes. Plus, shipping costs can cut into your profits, especially for heavier items.

I’ve sold a lot of clothing over the years, both online and in person (I also used to work at a secondhand clothing store for many years). I even had a small clothing resale business at one point, so I have plenty of experience in selling used clothes!

You can learn more at 16 Best Places To Sell Clothes For Cash.

7. Social media management

Social media management is a great side hustle if you enjoy creating content and engaging with people online.

Social media managers handle businesses’ social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They create posts, reply to comments, and help grow their followers.

Some benefits include:

• Flexible hours: Many times, you can work anytime, making it easy to fit around your main job. This is because you can schedule social media posts to go out at the exact time that you want.
• You can be creative: You can express your creativity through different types of content.
• Work from anywhere: All you need is a laptop and internet.

But, there are some cons too. This wasn’t my favorite side hustle, mainly because it was stressful at times. It is very time-consuming (creating good content and engaging with followers can take a lot of time), there is constant learning (social media trends change quickly, so you need to keep learning new skills), and some clients may have high expectations and tight deadlines.

If you like being creative and spending time online, social media management can be a fun and rewarding side hustle.

8. Virtual assistant

Being a virtual assistant is one of my favorite side hustles. It’s flexible, and you can work from anywhere. You handle tasks for other people or businesses, like managing emails, scheduling appointments, or doing research.

Why I like virtual assisting:

• Flexible hours: You set your own schedule.
• Work from home: No need to commute.
• Variety of tasks: You can decide what virtual assistant tasks you want to provide.

Working as a virtual assistant is a great way to make extra money. It gives you flexibility, a variety of tasks, and you can get started with just a computer and an internet connection.

You can learn more at Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs.

9. Freelance writer

As a freelance writer, you get to write for different clients and websites. You can work from home and set your own hours. This side hustle can be very flexible, especially if you enjoy writing.

I’ve been a freelance writer for many years, and I really enjoy it. I’ve written for lots of different websites and companies, and I’ve made good money doing it.

The positives of being a freelance writer include:

• Flexible schedule: You can write during your free time.
• You get to decide what you want to write about: You get to write about different topics.
• Work from home: No need for a commute.

There are some cons, though, such as income can vary, with some months being busy while others are slower. Finding clients requires actively searching to keep work steady. Plus, meeting deadlines can also be stressful, adding pressure to the job.

Freelance writing is a great side hustle if you love to write and want to make extra money. It takes time to build a steady income, but it can be very rewarding.

You can learn more at 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!).

10. Receipt scanning apps

Using receipt scanning apps is an easy way to earn some extra money. You just take a picture of your receipts from shopping, and these apps give you points or cash back. Here are some of the best apps to try:

I’ve been using receipt-scanning apps for years, and I love how easy they are to use. You can earn points or cash without spending much time. Plus, since I already have the receipts, it’s great to make some extra money by doing almost nothing.

My favorite receipt-scanning apps are:

I like to use both Fetch Rewards and Ibotta on all of my receipts (yes, at the same time to stack rewards).

Receipt-scanning apps can be handy, but they do have some downsides. One of the main drawbacks is that the rewards are usually small, so it can take a while to earn a significant amount. You also have to remember to scan receipts regularly, which can be time-consuming and easy to forget.

For me, though, I like to use them on all of my receipts as it only takes a quick moment to do.

11. Mystery shopping

When I had student loans to pay off, I turned to mystery shopping to make extra money. It didn’t make me rich, but it helped increase my income and allowed me to enjoy some free meals and free stuff (like free makeup and household goods).

Mystery shopping involves acting like a regular customer and then reporting on your experience. You might review a restaurant, shop at a store, or even evaluate a phone call. Companies use your feedback to improve their service.

What I like about mystery shopping:

• Extra cash (typically $10 to $15 per mystery shopping task)
• Free items or meals (you’re usually given an amount to spend in the store or restaurant)
• Flexible schedule

Mystery shopping helped me make around $100 to $200 a month.

Joining a reliable mystery shopping company is important, though, as there are a lot of scams. I used Bestmark and had a good experience with them.

Mystery shopping won’t replace a full-time job, but it’s a fun way to make some extra money.

You can learn more at How To Become A Mystery Shopper.

12. Babysitter

Being a babysitter is a flexible side hustle. You can choose your own hours and accept jobs that fit your schedule.

Parents often need help on weekends or evenings, which can be perfect if you are busy during the day.

What I liked about babysitting:

• Good pay – around $15 to $25 per hour (depending on where you live)
• Helps develop responsibility
• Flexible hours

Of course, there are downsides to being a babysitter, such as it can be tiring watching kids for long periods, and sometimes this side job means that you’ll be working late nights or weekends.

I was a babysitter when I was younger and I really liked it. The kids I babysat were fun to be around!

13. Coaching

Coaching can be a great side hustle. You get to help people grow and achieve their goals. It also offers flexibility because you get to be your own boss and decide your work hours.

I used to offer blog coaching in the past, and I enjoyed helping people learn how to grow their blogs and make money blogging.

It was also really easy for me to do, as I have been blogging for many years and have learned a lot about what to do and what not to do.

If you have the expertise and enjoy motivating others to improve, then there is probably a topic that you can coach others on.

14. Course creator

Creating an online course can be a game changer for your income. I launched my first course, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing, in July 2016. Within the first year, it brought in around $434,698. This wasn’t due to any fancy marketing techniques but mainly through word-of-mouth.

Even though the course was successful, it didn’t come easy. I was nervous about it, especially since it was my first. I had worries that no one would be interested. Plus, many people said that your first course usually isn’t great.

Yet, the desire to help others understand affiliate marketing kept me going. By sharing my knowledge, I aimed to help bloggers increase their income. Online courses are beneficial because they can include interactive materials, workbooks, and community support, which go beyond what an ebook offers.

Here are some success stories from my course:

• One student increased their monthly income from $272 to $4,400.
• A new blogger got their first affiliate sale just two days after taking the course.
• Another went from earning $87 a month to over $1,700 the next month.

And I have helped countless bloggers earn well over $100,000 a year from their blog and turn it into a full-time income.

Creating a course is a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. It allows you to reach a wider audience and can become a substantial income stream. If you have knowledge to share, you may want to try creating your own online course.

This is a business idea that I recommend more people start! I enjoy taking courses from people and sign up for them all the time. I love learning, and so do others.

You can learn more at How I’ve Made Over $1,000,000 From My First Course Without a Big Launch.

15. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular side hustles. It’s easy to start and doesn’t need a lot of money up front.

You promote products and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link. This can be done on social media, a blog, a YouTube channel, and more.

What I like about affiliate marketing:

• Low start-up cost: You don’t need much money to start.
• Flexible schedule: Work when you want.
• Passive income: You can earn money even when you’re not working.

Affiliate marketing can be a fun and profitable side hustle. Just remember to stay patient and persistent!

You can learn more at What You Need To Know About Affiliate Marketing For Beginners.

16. Rent out a room in your home

Renting out a room in your house can be a simple way to make extra money. If you have unused space, like a spare bedroom or basement, you can turn it into a rental.

I have had several roommates in the past, and I liked this side hustle a lot.

What I liked about making extra money by renting out a spare room:

• Extra income to help pay the mortgage
• If you have unused space, then this can be a good way to fill it

Of course, there are challenges to having a roommate, and it isn’t always perfect. Sometimes, it can be hard to share common spaces (like the kitchen and bathroom), and it can also take time to adjust to someone else’s lifestyle.

Renting out a room isn’t for everyone, but it can provide steady income with minimal effort.

17. Shop at cash back websites

Shopping at cash back websites is an easy way to earn extra money. These sites give you a percentage of your purchase back as cash. You just have to sign up, shop through their site, app, or browser extension, and earn rewards.

I like cash back sites because they are easy to use and you don’t have to pay anything extra for using them.

Shopping through cash back sites can give you a nice little bonus on things you already planned to buy. It’s like getting paid to shop.

My favorite cash back sites are:

• Rakuten (for online shopping like clothing, home goods, etc.)
• Upside (for gas)
• Honey (for online shopping like clothing, home goods, etc.)
• Fetch Rewards (for groceries)

18. Earn credit card rewards

Using credit cards (the smart way) can help you earn rewards like cash, travel points, and more.

I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and now they’re the only cards I use. They help me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more.

By choosing the right credit card and using it wisely, you can enjoy great rewards and make the most of your spending.

Remember, carrying a balance on your credit card can lead to interest charges, which can outweigh the benefits of rewards. Always try to pay off your full balance each month to avoid these fees.

You can see my favorite credit card rewards at Best Rewards Credit Cards For This Year | What You Need To Know.

19. Brand ambassador

Being a brand ambassador is one of the more popular side hustles.

You represent a company and help promote its products. Often, you act as a public spokesperson. You can find opportunities on Facebook and many cities have brand ambassador groups where gigs are posted.

Brand ambassadors can earn between $15 to $20 per hour. Some high-end gigs can pay up to $100 per hour.

Benefits of this side hustle include flexible hours and the chance to work for brands you like. You may be able to get free products or swag, too, and this is one thing I really liked about being a brand ambassador in the past.

20. Newspaper delivery

Delivering newspapers can be an easy way to make money. It’s a job you can do before school or work, and it lets you get exercise too. You may drive, ride your bike, or walk to each house and leave the newspaper by the door.

The benefits of newspaper delivery include:

• Exercise: If you walk or ride your bike, you can get plenty of fresh air and exercise.
• Scheduling: Most routes are in the early morning, so you still have the rest of the day free.
• Tips: Some customers might give you tips during holidays or for good service.

But, there are some downsides, with the main one being that you typically have to wake up really early for this job. For newspaper delivery, you usually have to wake up very early in the morning, often around 3:00 to 5:00 AM. The exact time depends on how big your delivery route is and what the newspaper company requires. The goal is to have all the newspapers delivered by the time most people wake up, usually around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, so starting early is really important.

The other main negative is that a big collection of newspapers is, of course, heavy!

When I was younger, I helped a friend’s family with their newspaper run whenever I slept over at their house. They used their van to deliver a bunch of newspapers, and I got to tag along.

21. Help others with their resume

Helping others with their resume can be a rewarding side hustle. You can earn extra money while also making a big difference in someone’s job hunt.

When I was in my last year of college as well as about a year after I graduated, I helped several people with their resumes. I didn’t charge a lot (and many times worked for free or for a free meal), but I liked looking at resumes and finding ways to make everything sound better.

I was also really good at it and it came so easy to me!

Some benefits of this side hustle include:

• Flexibility: You can do this from home.
• High demand: Many people need help with their resumes.
• Work at your own pace: There’s no rush, and you can take on as many clients as you want.

By helping others with their resumes, you can earn money and provide help. It’s a great way to use your skills and make a difference in someone’s life.

22. Enter contests and giveaways

Entering contests and giveaways can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. You will definitely not win every time, but the more you enter, the higher your chances. People have won cash, gift cards, vacations, and electronics through these events.

You can spend a little time each week entering different contests. You can find them online, on social media, and in emails from brands you follow. Some people set aside about an hour each week to enter as many as they can find.

I found success this way. For example, I once won $10,000 from a financial blog’s anniversary contest, and this was a major win early on in my side hustle journey.

Remember, entering contests should be fun. Think of it as a hobby that could pay off with some great surprises. You most likely won’t get rich nor win the lottery doing this.

23. Rewards sites (GPT sites)

Rewards sites, also known as GPT (Get-Paid-To) sites, are platforms where you can earn money by doing simple tasks online.

Tasks you might do include:

• Taking surveys
• Reading emails
• Playing games
• Shopping online
• Trying new apps and services
• Clicking ads

Rewards sites have been around for a while and have proven to be a reliable way to earn some extra cash. Though the payouts are often small, they can add up over time. For instance, Swagbucks has paid out over $80 million to its users.

Using multiple sites can help maximize your earnings. It’s easy to do tasks during your free time, making it a flexible way to earn money without a huge time commitment.

It’s key to choose reputable sites to make sure that you get paid for your efforts, so I recommend that you stick with popular, well-reviewed platforms to avoid scams.

Rewards sites will most likely not replace a full-time income, but they can be a fun way to get some extra spending money.

Here’s a quick list of the best GPT sites:

24. Test websites (User Testing)

Testing websites, also known as user testing, is a popular side hustle. You get paid to visit a website or app and give feedback on your experience.

You will need a computer, a reliable internet connection, and sometimes a microphone.

User testing is flexible. You can do it in your free time from the comfort of your home. This side hustle is great if you like trying new things and providing feedback.

I have personally been paid to do user testing in the past, as well as paid others to do user testing on this very website, Making Sense of Cents. I thought it was an easy side hustle where you just share what you honestly think of a website.

25. College textbook resale

Selling your college textbooks is a great way to make some extra money.

When I was in college, I sold all of my college textbooks once I was done, and I always tried to make the most money (so, that typically meant that I never sold it directly back to my college bookstore, because they usually paid the least amount).

Reselling college textbooks as a side hustle has its ups and downs.

On the plus side, there’s a high demand for cheaper, used textbooks, so you can make good money if you buy low and sell high. It’s easy to start, especially if you begin with your own used books, and it’s a great way to encourage reusing materials.

But the market is seasonal, with most demand at the start of each semester, so your income might be inconsistent. New editions can come out, making older books less valuable, and storing a lot of books can be tough. Plus, shipping heavy textbooks can cut into your profits if you’re not careful.

Recommended reading: 17 Best Places To Sell Used Books For Cash

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about finding the best side hustle.

What are the top side hustles that can bring in good money?

Top side hustles that can bring in good money include freelancing, blogging, flipping items for resale, and renting out rooms in your home.

How can I find side hustles that pay me every week?

You can find weekly pay side hustles through gig economy platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. Freelancing on websites like Upwork or Fiverr might also pay weekly, depending on your agreement with clients. Another option is finding part-time jobs at local businesses that pay weekly wages.

Can you suggest some side hustle ideas I can do from my house?

There are several home-based side hustles. You can start freelancing in areas like writing, graphic design, or social media management. Another idea is to sell virtual assistant services. Teaching online courses or tutoring students in subjects you excel at is also a great way to earn from home.

What side jobs are out there for someone with no experience?

There are many side jobs for beginners. You can try pet sitting or dog walking through apps like Rover. Babysitting is another option if you like spending time with children. Delivery driving for companies like Uber Eats or Instacart doesn’t require much experience and can be started quickly too.

My Favorite Side Hustles – Summary

Now that we have gone over my full list, I want to talk about one of the main deciding factors of a side hustle.

Your time is important. Some side jobs take a lot of time but don’t pay well, while others pay more with less time.

Think about how much free time you have after your main job and how much money you want to make. This balance is very important. Track the hours you work and the money you earn to see if it’s worth it. The best side job fits into your life without stressing you out.

Also, another important deciding factor is choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills and lifestyle. If you’re good at something, you’re likely to enjoy it more and perform better.

So, I recommend thinking about your current skills and hobbies. Matching your side hustle to your skills makes it easier and more enjoyable. Plus, you’re more likely to find success and earn extra income.

What’s your favorite side hustle?