Are you short on extra cash? Do you have to stretch from paycheck to paycheck to get the bills paid? If you’re not ready to look for a higher paying full-time position or don’t want to commit to adding a permanent part-time job to your schedule, consider a flexible side job or an on-demand gig. 

You can work as much or as little as you’d like. You’ll be able to set your schedule based on how much you want to boost your earnings, and you will end up with some new skills to bolster your resume. You can also cobble together a variety of gigs, and turn your side jobs into working as a full-time freelancer. 

There are many different ways to make money on the side, and there are some gigs you can do from home. Options range from traditional positions like pet sitting or childcare to new types of flexible work options like driving for Uber or becoming an online retailer.

 

15 Side Jobs to Make Some Extra Money

Here are 15 side gigs to consider when you need some extra income. They are easy to get, you don’t need to acquire additional education or training to get hired, and they are jobs in which you can decide when you want to work. 

1. Ride Share/Delivery Driver

If you have a reliable vehicle and know your way around town, there are openings for drivers in all the cities where ride sharing is permitted. Another option is to deliver packages for companies like Amazon. You’ll be able to work a flexible schedule and use your car to earn cash. UPS hires drivers and driver helpers for part-time positions.

Check company websites for information on driving, delivery, and delivery helper jobs in your location. You'll be able to quickly and easily apply online from your computer or your phone.

 

If driving isn't your favorite activity, but you can fly a drone (you'll need to be licensed) check out pilot opportunities at DroneBase.

2. Household Helper/Personal Assistant

Are you handy around the house? Can you fix or build things? Do you like cleaning and organizing? TaskRabbit is a site you can use to offer your services. After you’ve been approved, you’ll be able to use the app to find jobs that interest you. 

If you have handyperson, assembly or cleaning experience, sign-up for Handy or Amazon Professional Services to find jobs in your city. 

 Tip:     You can also use Craiglist and word of mouth to find additional gigs.


3. Caregiver

Babysitters are always in demand, and elder care is a fast growing field. There are always caregiver positions available with flexible hours. Options include signing up for a caregiving service like Care.com or securing your own jobs. In either case, you’ll be able to set your availability based on your schedule. Here’s how to land a babysitting job and how to get hired as a cargiver. 

4. Pet Sitter, Dog Walker or Sniffspot Host

If you prefer pets to people, pet sitting is an ideal way to make some money. You could work at a doggy daycare or boarding facility, or you could be self-employed. One way to get started is to check with your family, friends, neighbors and your pet to line up referrals. You can also sign up on websites and apps like Wag and Rover to market your services. Rover also has opportunities for dog groomers.

If you have a dog-friendly yard, you can become a Sniffspot host to earn some extra money. 

5. Customer Service Representative

Customer service is one of the fastest growing occupations. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get hired for both online and in-person positions. Evening and weekend jobs are plentiful if you need to work around your day job. Here’s information on the top 10 customer service jobs and how to land one of them. 

6. Get a Freelance Gig

If your paycheck isn’t cutting it and you’ve got the right skills and the time, you could freelance to help boost your bank account and your resume. You may even have thought about freelancing full-time. If that’s the case, doing some side gigs is a good way to see whether a transition to self-employment makes sense.

To get started, review these tips for how to become a freelancer. Here are some of the sites you can use to find gigs: 

 

 

7. Rent Your Extra Space

Another self-employment option is to rent your extra space. Do you have a spare room, a garage or storage space you’re not using? If so, check out:

8. Sell Your Stuff

If you have a closet full of clothes, shoes, bags, and other accessories you can free up some space, downsize your wardrobe, and earn money by selling what you don’t need. Use eBay or one of the online sites dedicated to selling used clothes, or use an app like Poshmark or Vinted, for example, to sell those clothes you haven’t worn in forever. You can use Lystant to help you sell, or sign up to help other people sell their items.

9. Get Some Micro Jobs

Even though little jobs only pay a little money, your earnings can add up over time. If you’re looking for something that’s quick and easy to do, with no commitment, consider a micro job. A micro job is a small, task-oriented temporary position. Fiverr is one of the top sites for getting quick gigs, and here are 33 more places to find them.

10. Participate in Research Studies or Focus Group

Depending on where you live, you may be able to participate in a paid research study or online focus groups. Some are ongoing, others pay by the hour or pay a flat rate for your time. For some positions, you’ll need to participate in-person. Others can be done online. 

Tip:    Search Google for “research studies” to find opportunities in your area or online. 

 

11. Organizer/Mover

Are you organized? Does cleaning out cabinets and closets sound like fun? Whether it’s for someone who needs help staying organized or for someone who is downsizing their home, you can get paid to help clear out clutter. You can sign up for Bellhops or Goshare to help people move.

12. Party Planner

If you have a knack for planning parties, this is a side job you can easily get started doing. Offer your services to everyone you know and you’ll soon have a list of clients who can attest to your abilities. You can start small with events like kids birthday parties and expand as you build your experience. Here's information about what's involved in event planning.

13. Work for a Caterer

One of the benefits to working for a caterer is that you don’t have to commit to a regular schedule. You can work events when you’re available. Typical positions that caterers hire for include servers, bartenders, and other event staff.

Search Google or Indeed.com to find jobs in your area. Also, check with local caterers directly to see if they are hiring.

14. Tutoring

You don’t have to have an advanced college degree to become a tutor. College students are often hired to tutor elementary and high school students or as peer tutors, and, for older candidates, a bachelor’s degree in a subject area can help you line up tutoring jobs for after school, evenings, and weekends.

Check with the guidance office in your school district for high school and elementary jobs, and with the career or student employment office for campus positions. Or use a site like Tutor.com to tutor online.

15. Work at a Market or Festival

Many communities have weekly Farmers Markets and some also have Flea Markets that are held on a regular basis. If you’re available weekends, signing up for a job at the market can provide some additional income, and you may be able to get a deal on produce and the other items that are being sold.

When you live in a resort area, check the calendar for upcoming festivals, concerts, and fairs. You’ll find a variety of fun jobs you can pick up, and you’ll get free admission to the event.

More Ways to Make Extra Money

Whether it's adding a second job, a part-time position, or a weekend job to your schedule, in this gig-focused economy there are many ways you can supplement your income and boost your bank account.

There are even easy part-time jobs with flexible hours that you can consider, and apps you can use to find a gig quickly.