There’s nobody who wouldn’t benefit from some extra income in 2024. With the rising inflation and the cost of living crisis, a simple 9 to 5 job and some savings just don’t cut it anymore.
In such a scenario, side hustles are a smart way to build additional revenue streams. They allow you to make some extra money in your spare time, allowing you to pay off debts, build a savings account and retire when you need to.
Becoming a side hustler is all about your mentality. You need to be fierce, experimental and ready to overcome obstacles. Moreover, you also need to choose a side hustle that aligns with your lifestyle, schedule and interests.
Whether your side hustle is online or in-person, there are multiple options to choose from. To help make the choice easy for you, we bring you the top 7 side hustles to make some extra money in 2024.
1) Start Mentoring Others
The term “Mentoring” may seem like a task for someone well-versed in a particular subject. However, today, all you need to become a mentor is a job role. Regardless of what job role you’re in, you can become a mentor to anybody aspiring to be where you are.
The best part? There are many websites online that help you become a mentor and also pay you for it. In fact, becoming a mentor doesn’t even need to be an in-person thing, you could mentor online. With remote learning, you can easily share your knowledge and guide others virtually.
Not only does this side hustle help you make some extra cash but also allows you to share your knowledge and grow your business network.
2) Take Online Surveys
Market research companies are surprisingly willing to pay for your opinions on different topics, products or systems.
While this isn’t particularly entrepreneurial, taking online surveys is an easy way to make some extra cash. You only have to create an online account and connect your PayPal or other digital payment account to receive your earnings.
Once this is done, you search for surveys that interest you and sign up for them. After completing your survey, you will get paid within a few days. Not all payment is in cash, you also receive rewards points or vouchers.
Regardless, unlike most passive income sources, filling out survey questionnaires is a no-cost side hustle. However, it is important to remember that they can be very time-consuming. To avoid wasting your time, make sure the company you are filling out questionnaires for is genuine and has a legitimate payout policy.
3) Rent Out Your Car
Do you have a car that you rarely use? If you do, then you could rent it out and monetize it.
If you already own a car, renting it out is sure to generate more money than having it just sit in the garage. According to many, a car is often one of the most unused assets that people use. However, with this strategy, you make the most out of your vehicle.
Moreover, not driving your car and leaving it unused for too long can also lead to multiple problems such as a dead battery, rusting, cracked belts and hoses or even flat tyres. This can be avoided by renting it out.
Are you worried about the whole process? Well, let us tell you that it’s relatively easy to make money by listing your car on car-sharing marketplaces and renting it out. Yet, before you list your car, it is crucial that you do some research so that you know how to price your rental fairly and safely.
Finally, you need to insure your car before getting started. This protects yourself and your car from any unfortunate incidents in the future.
4) Offer to Pet-Sit and Dog-Walk
If you’re an animal lover, pet-sitting and dog-walking are the perfect side hustles for you. People value their pets as members of their families. As such, there’s a growing need for someone reliable to care for their furry companions when they are not able to.
Pet-sitting is not complicated to set up and easy to promote. When pet owners go to work or on holiday, you care for their pets.
If you love dogs but do not have the time or space to pet-sit, you could offer dog-walking services. It’s easy to fit into a busy schedule and allows you to exercise while making some money on the side.
A little tip if you’re looking to take your petcare services to the next level is to start your own business. You could set up a small website to sell products alongside your services to existing customers and earn more from the same clientele.
5) Become an Affiliate Marketer
Doesn’t the promise of free goodies or some extra cash on the side sound rather inviting? This and more are made possible through affiliate marketing.
In affiliate marketing, you have to advertise someone’s products or services on your platform. After doing so, you will receive a commission from any sale made through your referral, normally done through a unique code or link.
As an affiliate marketer, you’re able to combine side hustles for your benefit. If you have a successful podcast or you’re an influencer on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube, affiliate marketing is the next step. Through this side hustle, you earn additional income while focusing on your passions.
6) DIY Car Repairs
If you have an interest in vehicles and have some experience in DIY car repairs, fitting automotive parts could be a perfect side hustle for you.
Many individuals in the UK order car parts online, but may not be as proficient at fitting them into their vehicle. Well, that’s where you come in.
By simply offering a quick fitting service or a minor car repair, you can leverage your skills and make some extra money.
7) Make the Most of Your Gardening Skills
Gardening is a hobby adored and praised by many for its ability to bring you closer to nature. Moreover, spending some time in your garden and tending to crops provides an almost therapeutic sense of comfort and tranquillity.
While you might think of gardening solely as a leisure activity, your gardening skills could also be a potential side hustle if utilized correctly.
With more awareness about the health benefits of consuming fresh homegrown produce, there is more demand for them than ever before. If you already have personal allotments, you can grow fruits, vegetables and herbs. Selling your produce at the local organic market is a big task that will need the right allotment tools, time, experience and money. However, the rewards you receive will be worthwhile.
If you don’t have enough space to grow, you could always look into selling seeds instead. It may come as a surprise, but selling seeds is a lucrative financial opportunity.
Both of these methods allow you to spend time in your garden and stay close to nature while also generating some income on the side.
To Sum Up
Side hustles teach you how to make good money on the side while also balancing your regular day job.
While many rely on traditional careers to pay bills, they may not always help make ends meet, especially if you’re at the beginning of your career. With side hustles, you get the opportunity to test out small business ideas and practices in a public space.
They teach you valuable life skills and help you grow as a professional and entrepreneur. A side hustle allows you to turn your passions into a profitable career. That’s why it is essential to look into side hustles that can help you achieve your personal goals and pave the way for financial independence.
Now that you know some of the best and simplest ways to make some extra money on the side, you can take your pick and make the most of your time in 2024.