There’s a ton of reasons you may want to earn yourself a supplemental income. For some, it’s to fund a dream vacation or to save up some cash for a rainy day. For others, it may be to cover unexpected bills or to close a gap in the budget for a month. And for a number of people, it may be that they have the itch to learn a new skill or grow themselves on a personal or professional level. Whatever it is that is motivating you to go out and make some more dough, we’re here to help you think of some realistic ways to do it! Now this isn’t an exhaustive list, and it is up to you to check out any requirements for entry, but if you put some of these ideas into practice you could find yourself creating more income in no time!
- 1. Freelance. Sites like Upwork help match people with various skills to those who are in need of those services. Are you good with Data entry but can’t commit to a solid schedule? Do you have a knack for building websites but aren’t ready to branch out on your own? You can find jobs like these and many more ranging from super simple tasks to more complicated, ongoing projects. Just like the scope and type of work varies, so does the income. It is easy to set up a profile and start putting yourself out there.
- 2. Sell items you own for extra cash. Or better yet, pick up items at yard sales, thrift stores, craigslist, etc. and resell them to markets that know their value. Vintage finds? Try Etsy or consignment shops. Car parts or tools? Ebay or offerup may work for that. Find the right platform for the product and get selling. Pro tip: Tax season is a great time to sell while people have money burning a hole in their pockets!
- 3. Speaking of Etsy. Do you like to make stuff but don’t necessarily want to keep it? Or do you have an in somewhere that you can get crafting supplies on the cheap? Or maybe you have an eye for vintage and know what people want. Etsy is a marketplace to sell not only handmade items but also crafting supplies (think jewelry hardware, buttons, metal pieces, feathers, etc.) that support the artisans in their crafting. You can also purchase vintage elsewhere and resell for a profit on Etsy to people who appreciate the vintage flair. Etsy isn’t just for crafty people!
- 4. Do you like working with Kids and keep odd hours? Sites like VIPKids and Magic Ears let you tutor English to kids primarily in China. Pay ranges for $14-$26 an hour, and like anything, the more serious you are about building your reputation on these sites, the more jobs and income you can potentially make. Another cool tidbit- The peak hours for tutoring fall between 6-10 pm in Beijing which translates in to 2 am to 6 am west coast time. This could be great for someone who is moonlighting with a 9-5 or a stay at home parent that needs to work when the kiddos are asleep.
- 5. And last but not least- the infamous blog. There are enormous varieties of interests that other people have all around the world. And chances are, you are passionate about at least one of them. What are you good at? What makes you tick? What do you want to learn more about? The key to success in blogging is consistency and growth. While it may be intimidating and take a bit to ramp up, there are a ton of ways to monetize a blog- from affiliate marketing to product sales, to online courses or membership sites. The possibilities are endless.
Whatever your endeavor, remember to have fun and keep your eye on the prize. Stay focused on your goals and remember supplemental income doesn’t have to be a drag. It’s up to you to decide how you will make that money!