We all know that feeling of looking at our bank account and wondering how on earth we’re ever going to accomplish the financial to-dos with what’s in there. Financial inadequacy is a thing that even gainfully employed persons aren’t exempted from, that’s why virtually everyone is looking toward side hustles to boost income. Appropriately, Warren Buffett, the 5th richest man in the world advised to “never depend on a single income, and to always make investments to create a second source.”
Nonetheless, the one million dollar question is how does one take on a side job amidst all the daily bustles?
Let’s be honest, we’re all busy people; between our 9-5 work on weekdays, family & friends commitments – there’s not a whole lot of time left to devote to a side hustle. Having to juggle work, personal life, and finding extra income streams isn’t an easy task, however, worry less, because there is plenty of side hustles out there that can fit into your already jam-packed schedule.
Top 15 Side Hustles For Busy Employees
Here’s the breakdown of the best 15 side jobs that will allow you to make extra income without interfering with your day job.
- Virtual Assistant
If you’re a well-organized person with profound communication skills, you’d thrive as a virtual assistant for businesses, regardless of your commitments. This is a side way of making more money, as many organizations are on the lookout for VAs to take on administrative tasks virtually.
- Content Creation
In today’s digital world where quality content across various platforms are on-demand, content creation can be a very great side hustle. All you have to do is to get started by identifying a niche that suits you and then creating content in any form that’ll attract, nurture and retain your target audience.
You can also reach out to businesses or individuals who may be interested in your services and offer them your content creation services. As you gain more experience and build your reputation, you can increase your rates and take on more complex projects. With dedication and hard work, content creation can be a rewarding and lucrative side hustle.
- Digital Marketing
Perhaps, this might be a bit complex if you’re not conversant with the marketing world. But digital marketing has proven to be a rewarding side gig for employees over the years. The current business landscape is filled with businesses that are looking to leverage the growth of social media, hence the need for digital marketers.
You can start your digital marketing side hustle, by building your skills and knowledge in this area – taking courses, reading, and practising on your own or with friends and family before you start making money from it.
- Social Media Handling
Still on social media, the boundless growth of social media is also an opportunity to make money with it on the side. This doesn’t require many technicalities since you’re already attuned to social media platforms.
All you have to do is get accustomed to quality engagement, and awareness driving, and you’ll be able to start making extra income as a social media manager.
- Photography
If you have a good eye for capturing moments on camera, you should start monetizing this skill by taking on events gigs.
- Tutoring / Coaching
As the cliche goes, “No knowledge is a waste.” If you have expertise in a particular subject, area or thing, tutoring can be a great way to make some extra money. You can offer your services in person or online.
- Freelance Writing or Proofreading
If you’re creative with words, freelancing as a writer or a proofreader is a great way to earn some extra cash on the side, as you can do it from the comfort of your home and on your own time & terms.
- E-commerce
With the rise of online shopping, e-commerce can also be a great side hustle for busy employees looking to make some extra money. Start by knowing your target audience and choosing to sell product(s) that you’ll be comfortable selling. If established online stores like Jiji and Konga seem like a big short for a start, you can also leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even WhatsApp to sell your products.
- Copywriting
Although copywriting is a very technical and competitive skill that involves the psychology of persuading people to take a particular action, it can also be a side hustle. Start by learning and mastering the act, so you won’t have much problems selling yourself, as the skill is basically selling.
- Freelance Graphic Design
Freelance graphic design can also be a lucrative and fulfilling side hustle for busy people employees with an eye for design and a passion for creativity. Start by building your portfolio, networking and establishing your brand.
- Blogging & Vlogging
This can be a fun side money-making gig, as it involves creating content (in words or videos) on any particular topic(s). If done properly, this will attract an audience to your blog or vlog, and you get to monetize it through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or advertising
- YouTubing
Similar to vlogging and blogging, YouTubing is also a skill where extra income can be milked. Content in the form of video will be your go-to, and you can also get to monetize your account with AdSense, affiliate marketing and others.
- Event Planning
If you’re an outgoing and organized person, event planning can be another route for making money on the side. You can help plan anything from informal to corporate events.
- Translating
If you’re fluent in English and another language, you can work on getting paid by translating. No matter what language you speak, there’s always a demand for its translating services.
- Transcription
If you’re a good listener and a fast typer, transcription work can be a great way to earn extra income. You can transcribe audio or video recordings for businesses or individuals.
Now that you have some ideas for side hustles, the question remains: how do you balance a side hustle with a full-time job?
How To Balance A Side Hustle With A Full-time Job
There isn’t any cheat code or complexity to balancing this. The key is to be organized, efficient and adept at your time management skill. Do not bite more than you can chew, and don’t jump the guns; knowing full well that you have to learn the ropes of whatever side hustling you’ll be venturing into before you earn.
Also, be sure to take on only the side hustle that suits your interests and fits in with your schedule.
How To Determine The Best Side Hustle
To determine the best side hustle for yourself, take time to do proper research and profiling before venturing into any. Weigh the complexities and technicalities of each before making settling, and when you eventually see the perfect one, do not shy away from learning, or buying courses, gadgets, or resources to aid your side skill.
Recall Benjamin Franklin said “Money makes money. And the money that money makes, makes money.”
Money, time, discipline, and dedication are a must investment if you’ll be making the best out of your decision. Good luck with making money on the sides.
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