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10 EASY SIDE HUSTLE IDEAS I am trying after being laid-off & how much money you can make from them
Introduction
After being laid off from my job at the beginning of the year, I realized the importance of diversifying my income streams. I have come to understand that being employed by a company makes you inherently disposable, regardless of how good you are at your job. To safeguard my financial future, I decided to explore various side hustles that could generate additional income and even replace my primary income if necessary. Below are ten side hustle ideas, some of which I have tried and others that I plan to pursue, along with potential earnings from each one.
1. Etsy Store
I opened my Etsy store about a year and a half ago, initially creating printable games and invitations for my sister's baby shower. Etsy allows you to sell nearly any product, from mugs to artwork. The main skill required is creative product development.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With proper marketing, making around $ 500 a month is realistic; that means selling 50 t-shirts at a $ 10 profit each.
2. Dog Sitting/Dog Walking
I started dog sitting with Rover last December. If you’re not keen on having pets at home, you can also opt for dog walking through an app like Wag. No special skills are needed other than an affinity for animals.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐
Currently, I charge $ 50 a day for dog sitting, bringing in up to $ 1,500 a month if I sit for one dog every day.
3. Affiliate Marketing
By promoting products through unique referral links, I can earn a commission on sales generated by my recommendations. I use platforms like "Like to Know It" and the Amazon Associates program.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐⭐
I have generated around $ 40 total through these platforms, with the potential to earn more as my audience grows.
4. Freelance Work
I experimented with freelancing in copywriting, taking advantage of platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. The skill prerequisites vary based on the service offered.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐⭐
Freelancing income can vary widely; successful freelance copywriters can earn anywhere from $ 500 a month to several thousand, depending on demand and specialization.
5. YouTube
This platform is my primary hustle. With consistent effort in video production, you can monetize your channel through ads, which can lead to significant income.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
While the startup is challenging, successful YouTubers can earn anywhere from $ 1,500 to over $ 100,000 monthly based on views and ad engagement.
6. Delivery Services (GrubHub/Uber)
Working as a delivery driver for services like GrubHub or Uber is accessible for anyone with a car and a valid license.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐
On average, drivers earn around $ 15 an hour, totaling about $ 300 a month for part-time work.
7. Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual or personal assistant can involve tasks ranging from administration to content creation, with the added benefit of remote work.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐⭐
Hourly rates average between $ 15 to $ 25. Doing 10 hours of work per week could net around $ 700 monthly.
8. Online Courses
Creating an online course in a field you're knowledgeable about can be lucrative, particularly if marketed effectively.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Courses can be priced from $ 30 to $ 300+, where selling just 10 courses a month can yield significant returns.
9. Online Store
You can launch an online store, selling products either through dropshipping or inventory. Platforms like Shopify simplify setups.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the right products, you could see profits of thousands per month, depending on sales volume.
10. Podcast
Starting a podcast is an exciting venture, especially if you can engage an audience and secure sponsorships along the way.
- Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Potential Earnings: ⭐
While easy to launch, making serious income may require significant scaling to attract sponsors.
Keyword
Etsy, Dog Sitting, Dog Walking, Affiliate Marketing, Freelance Work, YouTube, Delivery Services, Virtual Assistant, Online Courses, Online Store, Podcast, Side Hustles, Income.
FAQ
Q: How much can I realistically earn from these side hustles?
A: Earnings vary widely depending on the hustle and effort put in. For example, you could still make around $ 500 to several thousand a month in favorable conditions.
Q: Do I need special skills for these side hustles?
A: Some side hustles require skills like creativity for Etsy or marketing for affiliate sales, while others mostly need basic skills, like dog walking or driving.
Q: How can I get started with affiliate marketing?
A: You can start by creating accounts on platforms like Amazon Associates or "Like to Know It," and promoting products via your social media, blog, or YouTube channel.
Q: Is there potential for passive income with these options?
A: Yes, several of these ideas, like Etsy sales or online courses, can create passive income streams once established.
Q: How much time do I need to dedicate to these side hustles?
A: Depending on the hustle, you could spend anywhere from a few hours a week to a more substantial commitment, depending on your goals.