After setting up my blog in 2014, I came up with a ‘Money Manifesto’ – a bunch of financial goals I’d strive towards. But, honestly? I kind of put it on the back burner. Now, I’m going back to each point to see how I did over the past decade. And one that had a huge impact on me was ‘learning to side hustle.’
Financial wisdom always says: spend less than you earn. True, but the real gain is in boosting your income! My first step into the side hustle world started with a post I wrote about various ways of making extra money. There’s likely a side hustle that’s perfect for you too, and some of my favorite ones are:
1. **Substitute Teaching**: I won’t pretend I love it, handling small kids and high schoolers isn’t my favorite. But as a substitute teacher for 14 years, I can say it offers good income and flexibility. Note that you need to get a substitute teaching certificate, and the process may not be quick.
2. **Blogging**: My blog is another major source of extra income, although if you break it down per hour, the returns might not be that impressive. Initially, it was just a record-keeping tool for me, but as I learned about monetizing, it started to deliver a steady income, albeit at side hustle level.
3. **Transcription Work**: Not the most thrilling job, yes, but it’s easy to get started and pays quickly. I used a platform called Rev during my transcription days, but there are others out there too.
4. **Freelance Writing**: This one also required initiative to get clients and assignments. My blog helped as it offered writing samples for potential employers. Many other bloggers I know, started off on a similar note and are doing pretty well.
5. **UserTesting**: This is by far my favorite. On UserTesting, you get paid for website reviews. It’s not a big money-maker, but if you can keep it running in the background of your daily routine, it’s an easy way to earn a few extra bucks.
6. **Travel Rewards Cards**: They have helped me save a great deal on my travel expenses. Although, I wouldn’t exactly call it a side hustle, it does take some time and planning for credit card churning. Reminder: this is for those who completely pay off their credit card balance every month.
I’ve also tried prop shopping, radio voice work, being a brand ambassador, using cashback apps, selling on eBay, mystery shopping and even game development. Despite an unpredictable work schedule, it’s quite possible to build a network of side hustles and make some money. Till the time we all get paid enough from our primary job, these side hustles can definitely lend a helping hand!
Have you ever tried a side hustle? Are you curious to know how I did with other goals from my Money Manifesto? Read more here:
1. Paying off all my debt.
2. Tithing 10%
3. Saving at least 15%
4. Building a $10,000 emergency fund.
5. Maximizing my IRA contributions.
6. Understanding the stock market better and investing.
7. Understanding and investing in REITs.
8. Owning a home.
9. Buying cars in cash.
10. Writing a book.
11. Living thriftily and frugally.
12. Making wise spending decisions without sacrificing the present for the future.
13. Traveling a lot – ideally, all 7 continents someday.