Side Hustles You Can Do From Home
Side Hustles You Can Do From Home
If you want to set up your own side hustle from home, then you’ll be glad to know that this is sometimes very easy to do. Here are my best ideas to get you started.
Written by Liz Bayardelle, PhD | See Comments | Updated 08/09/2019
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Side Hustles You Can Do From Home
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If you want to set up your own side hustle from home, then you’ll be glad to know that this is sometimes very easy to do.
I’ve created a list below with some of the most common ways to earn money from home. Some are harder than others, but all are verified ways to bring in some extra money.
One thing to watch out for: beware the side hustle with high start-up costs.
Many people get sucked into things that are supposed to earn them money, but end up paying way more than they could ever hope to earn just to get “set up”. Do a rational cost-benefit analysis before you get into anything, read reviews, and heed the golden rule of the internet:
The Golden Rule of the Internet: If it seems too good to be true, it is.
That said, there are bonified side hustles that can make you some serious money. This list should help you make the most out of your income while also exploring any additional options that might be available.
Virtual Assistant
If you are looking for a flexible side hustle that pays well, then it may be worth considering a virtual assistant position.
When you work as a virtual assistant, your duties may vary depending on who you work for, but usually you can expect to handle a lot of administrative duties. It may be that you manage email accounts, perform research or even schedule meetings. In some instances, you may even upload content to websites or blogs.
Either way, you can expect to earn a good amount by doing this job. The only thing that you need is a good internet connection, a phone, and a computer.
Franchise
This one is a little heavy on the start up costs, but if you’re serious about it they can be quite lucrative.
If you have a mind for business, you could look out for some insect control franchise opportunities...or if that’s too squiggly try googling what it takes to franchise your favorite store or restaurant? With a franchise, you can easily be in control of your money while also having the option to start up your very own side hustle.
There are plenty of franchise opportunities available if you know where to look.
One word of warning: these are rarely “side” hustles...because it really does turn into a full time job if you do it right. They also take some set up time, so it’s not the quickest way to earn money, even though they’re technically more lucrative in the long term.
Freelance Writer
Do you have a knack for words?
If you can write, then there are so many side hustles that you can sign up for. You can write blog posts, website copy, product descriptions or even newsletters. If there are words involved, you can essentially be hired to write them.
Freelance writing can be a fantastic side hustle and you can even do it in your spare time. The only thing that you need is a good computer, an internet connection and a Word processing system.
If you want to get started then it’s a good idea for you to create an online writing portfolio. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills and it will also help you to gain traction online.
Social Media Marketing
You probably spend a lot of your time on social media, so why not get paid for it?
Having a social media marketing side hustle is a great idea because it gives you the chance to earn a lot of money in a very short space of time. As if that wasn’t enough, you may even get recommendations from the people who you work with.
If you are savvy with Facebook, then there are a range of other software products that you can use. This will help you to schedule posts and it will also help you to work around the clock much more efficiently.
Transcriptionist
If you have a quick finger and a very good ear, then working as a transcriptionist could be a good side hustle for you.
Transcription work essentially involves you listening to an audio file, before transcribing it into a written format. Accuracy and speed are key here. You can easily make money by transcribing business meetings, video content or even podcasts. If you think that this is something that you could do, then why not give it a go?
You’ll be able to make a good amount per hour and you would be surprised at what an efficient way it can be for you to make money.
Blogging
Ah, you knew this one had to be on the list, right?
Let me give you the (very short version of the) brutal truth about blogging.
Blogging is not a side hustle. It can be incredibly lucrative, when done intentionally and properly, but it is definitely under the category of “starting a business”, not starting a side hustle.
It takes the average blog a year or two before it starts turning a profit, and even then it starts with dollars and cents before it gets to anything substantial. You will be working your first thousand hours at far below minimum wage before you actually began making a profit.
There is also a substantial learning curve and a massive market of educational opportunities (some incredibly useful, others quite the opposite) that cost money to pursue. This means that, often, you will be spending a great deal of money before you ever make any.
I don't want to discourage potential bloggers, because it can be a wonderful business and enable you to work from home, but you definitely shouldn't think of it is a quick way to earn money. It is definitely more like starting a business than working a side hustle.
Any Additions?
What side hustles have you tried? Which ones actually worked? I’d love to hear what you guys have experienced.
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About the Author
Liz Bayardelle, PhD
Founder | Contributor
Liz (or Dr. Mommy, as her toddler started calling her after learning what a PhD was) is the happily sleep-deprived mom of a toddler (and professional raccoon noise impersonator), a sparkle-clad kidnado, a teenage stepdaughter, 200 cumulative pounds of dog, and herd of dustbunnies (if daily vacuuming doesn't occur). During nights and naptimes, she uses her PhD in business psychology as an author, speaker, and consultant. She also serves as an executive and principal for three companies, two of which she co-founded with her very patient (and equally exhausted) husband.