People are choosing to get second jobs to make ends meet. In one study, 61% of respondents said the current generation needs a side business for money, while 31% said they will have a side job in the future. A majority of people believe having a side job is necessary for financial stability in the modern world.
If you are considering getting a part-time job on the side in addition to your full-time job, you are not alone. Taking on a part-time job can help you gain new skills and experience, as well as increase your income.
Getting a second job is important, and how you can pick up extra work to start earning more money is explored in this article. It’s important to remember that having a second job can be a great way to supplement your income, but it’s also important not to overextend yourself financially.
15 Best Second Jobs to Boost Your Income
Here are the top second jobs you can start today:
- Drive for Rideshare Apps
- Take Online Surveys
- Meal Delivery
- Grocery Shopper
- Babysit or Other Care Services
- Do Odd Jobs
- Walk Dogs or Pet Sit
- House Sit
- Restaurant Server
- Fast Food Worker
- Bartend
- Freelance Writer
- Teach English Online
- Start a Blog
- Transcriptionist
App Based Second Jobs
Chances are you use rideshare services like Lyft and Uber on a regular basis. Why don’t you drive for them? If you’re looking for a reliable way to get your products to customers quickly and efficiently, this might be the company for you. It is possible to earn money while using your own vehicle and setting your own work hours. It is great for people in busy metro areas like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, or Boston.
rideshare services are open 24/7. They are a great option for transportation at any time of day or night. If you wake up at 2 a.m. This time can be used to read a book or write in a journal. on a You can grab your keys, fire up your engine, and roar off into the night on Saturday with a burning desire to make money. You can chase down every opportunity that comes your way and put your entrepreneurial spirit to work.
2. Take Online Surveys
You can earn extra cash by completing online surveys. Online surveys that pay up to $50 for a single survey are a great way to make money quickly. Businesses are looking for feedback about their ideas, products, and marketing campaigns, so they team up with survey companies to solicit your opinions in exchange for cash or gift cards. All you need is a There is a mobile device or computer. It’s important to have a compatible device or computer for effective remote work.
There are plenty of online survey companies out there, but we’ve found that Branded Surveys and Swagbucks have the highest average payout and the lowest minimum cashout. Do your research before you make a decision, and make sure the company pays you fairly for the time you put into it.
Make sure the company is legit and watch out for scam artists. You should research the company and read reviews to make sure you are making the right decision. Check out our guide to the best online survey companies to ensure you register with one tested and approved by Millenial Money.
3. Meal Delivery
Through apps such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, you have the freedom to deliver food in your area, on your own time, and keep 100% of the tips you earn. You could get your tolls reimbursed if you make an additional hourly wage. This could be a great way to increase your income and save money. You will be responsible for your own insurance. Be sure to budget for these costs.
You can deliver on your schedule. You can work as much or as little as you want. You can switch your availability within the driver’s app. You can decide when you want to receive ride requests. You will need a car and a phone to be a meal delivery driver. You should be able to navigate unfamiliar streets and have a sense of direction.
Some companies may have an age requirement, ask you to consent to a background check, and show a clean driving record. Before being hired, some companies may require you to pass a drug test.
4. Grocery Shopper
If you’re always at the store, why not shop for someone else? You could use the extra money to purchase something for yourself, as a reward for your hard work. Like other app-based delivery services, grocery delivery can be done entirely on your own schedule, with 100% of your tips going right in your pocket.
Depending on the service, you can apply to be just a shopper or delivery driver, which entails shopping for grocery orders, checking out/bagging, and delivering the order to the customer. If you become a delivery driver, you will be able to earn money by delivering groceries right to your customer’s door.
It is the most widely-used and available service in the U.S. and it is a great option for grocery delivery. It allows customers to get their groceries delivered right to their door. If it is a large order or has several heavy items, it will pay more.
Shoppers can make between $10 and $25 an hour. You can choose your own hours, so you can fit it around your lifestyle. After five shopping trips, your earnings will be deposited into your bank account.
Service Jobs
5. Babysit or Other Care Services
It won’t feel like work if you make a second job out of caring for children, seniors, or people with special needs. You can be rewarded with a sense of purpose and satisfaction if you help others.
Meal prep, light housework, and homework help are some of the things babysitters and nannies are compensated for. They may be asked to take the child or children to activities outside of the home. Visiting, cooking, and cleaning are some of the care services for the elderly or disabled. Depending on the needs of the individual, these services can be provided in the home or in a care facility.
You can utilize a service such as Care.com to set up a caregiver profile, your available hours, and hourly rates. On your profile, you can offer more than one service. Potential clients can quickly find the right fit for their needs if you list all of the services you provide.
6. Doing Odd Jobs
Do you help around the house or yard? I look for ways to make home improvement projects simpler. TaskRabbit connects people who need help with people who are willing to help. TaskRabbit is a great way to get help with small tasks around the house without having to hire someone full time. Possible tasks include cleaning, mounting a Home repairs, furniture assembly, and TV are some of the things that can be done. The services can be provided by either a professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast.
Depending on the job type, location, and skill set, earnings can range between 15 and $75 an hour. Many jobs offer overtime pay. To become a Tasker, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a bank account, and pass a background check. You will be able to choose from a variety of tasks that fit your skills and interests once you have been accepted as a tasker. FlexJobs can be used to connect with those needing odd jobs done. FlexJobs has a lot of resources to help you find the perfect job.
7. Walk Dogs or Pet Sit
If you have experience caring for animals, you may be able to work as a dog walker or pet sitter. The work can be rewarding for both you and the pet, and can be found on websites such as Rover or Care.com. Dog walkersand pet sitters can be found on Rover.com.
You can offer a variety of services through Rover.com, including pet sitting, dog walking, boarding, and doggy daycare. It’s easy to find and book the services that fit your pet’s needs at Rover.com. The preferred pet size and age can be set. If you are just starting out, it is a good idea to start with smaller and younger animals. Within 48 hours, you can withdraw your earnings. It is easy to withdraw.
8. Housesit
Do you want to be paid to have a roof over your head? Renting a room or apartment can be a great way to make money, and you could even make a profit if you find the right tenant. While living rent-free in someone’s house, housesitting is a great option for a second job. It’s a win-win situation for both parties, as homeowners get their house and pets looked after while they’re away. If you are currently working remotely, this is ideal. It can be beneficial for people who want to change to a more flexible schedule.
Pet care, watering plants, yard work, and heating or cooling system maintenance are some of the additional duties housesitting often requires. Before beginning the housesitting arrangement, it’s important that both parties agree on the duties. Sharing any previous experience of caring for someone with your prospective clients is a must if you want to show the homeowner that you are trustworthy and will be responsible with their earthly possessions.
9. Restaurant Server
If you enjoy working in a restaurant and have good people skills, you might be able to work as a server. The job is even more enjoyable because you will get to interact with a lot of people.
If you work at a restaurant with a higher price point, you should get a larger tip. It’s important to provide excellent service regardless of the restaurant’s price point because tips are often based on the overall customer experience. You can work around your full-time job if you work during the dinner shift.
You can inquire or search for part-time serving opportunities at local restaurants or ZipRecruiter. Many restaurants are always looking for friendly and reliable staff to join their team, so don’t hesitate to apply!
10. Fast Food Worker
You can join the 5.9 million Americans currently working in fast food. If you’re looking for a job that can easily fit around your other commitments, working in fast food might be the perfect option for you. Some fast-food restaurants will pay between $10 and $15 an hour. This can be a good starting salary for people who want to work in the service industry. You don’t need a degree or experience for this type of work, and you can work around your full-time job. It’s ideal for people looking to supplement their income with flexible hours. Some fast-food restaurants offer health insurance to their part-time workers. The benefit helps to make sure that their employees have access to quality healthcare no matter how many hours they work.
Even if you don’t stay in the fast food industry for long, having experience as a fast food worker shows future employers that you can multi-task, work under pressure, follow directions, and have communication and customer service skills. It is possible to learn how to handle difficult customers and situations while working in a fast food restaurant. Inquire at nearby fast food places, such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, or Chipotle. The variety of food options at these restaurants may surprise you.
11. Bartend
If you work behind a desk all day, Bartending is one of the best second jobs. It is a great way to meet people and make money. It gets you out of the house and away from the computer. It gives you the chance to interact with other people. You can make money pouring drinks. You can earn tips from happy customers, which can add up over time.
Bartending can be hard work, but it can also be fun. The rewards of a job well done make it worth it. You will make a lot of interesting connections. New opportunities and experiences can be opened up by making these connections. As a bartender, you will most likely have control over the music you play and the television. You will be responsible for keeping the bar stocked and serving customers on time.
Most of your money will come from tips. When budgeting for your monthly expenses, it’s important to keep that in mind. You can make a lot of money on a busy night. On a slow night…
If you want to serve food, you can get a job as a server or bussing tables.
Work from Home Second Jobs
12. Freelance Writer
You might have a knack for writing. You can become a master of writing with practice. If so, freelance writing offers numerous opportunities to earn money for your words and ideas. You can be hired to write articles, e-books, web content, social media posts, sales pages, product descriptions, and even novels. It’s important to be able to tailor your writing to meet the specific needs of each project, because these types of writing projects vary in length, complexity, and purpose.
Websites like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelance writers with clients looking for a copy, facilitating your job search, interviewing, and payment process.
It is possible to be paid by the hour or by the word. They can negotiate payment terms with their clients. Sometimes that is a decision you can make as the writer, and other times your clients may call. Before you make a decision about how to structure your writing, make sure you consider all your options.
I advise you not to get into the habit of writing lower-paying articles because it will lead to burnout. When it comes to writing for clients, it’s important to find a balance between quality, time and cost. You can promote yourself as a writer in a niche if you have experience in it or have knowledge about it. The more detailed you are about your specialty, the better chance you have of success as a writer.
Those looking for their own experience will find better-paying jobs. You can market yourself effectively to potential employers if you assess your skills and qualifications.
13. Teach English Online
If you’re a former teacher or have a background in education, companies like VipKid are always looking for educators to teach English online. To apply, you need to submit an online application and complete two mock lessons. Within two weeks, you will be notified of the outcome of your application.
Teachers make between $7 and $9 per class. Teachers may be eligible for additional benefits. Teachers can make $18+ an hour with 25 minutes of classes. You should be prepared to work at odd hours. You may have to work on weekends and holidays. The classes are for students in China, and VipKid teachers tend to work early morning hours between 4:00 and 7:00 am EST.
14. Start a Blog
While there may be better options for fast money, if you have the time to put into starting a blog, it can absolutely be worth it in the long run. Writing for your blog is something that you can do on your own time, from anywhere, and at a comfortable pace.
The first year is usually when a lot of hard work is required to get posts written and published. It can be rewarding to see your website take off. In your first year, you could see anywhere from $500 to $2,000 a month. The amount is dependent on how much time and effort you are willing to put into it.
We recommend registering your blog’s domain through Bluehost.com. If you use our link, you will get your domain for free and a discount on your monthly hosting fees.
15. Transcriptionist
Transcription will require concentration, but if you’re already a good listener or a fast typist, this might be your side gig. Audio files are listened to and transcribed into a text document. Ensuring that the transcribed text accurately reflects what was said in the audio file is a top priority for transcriptionists.
There are many opportunities for beginners to listen to audio. It’s a great way to learn new skills and make money doing it. You can work on your own schedule if you are a transcriptist.
Most of the time, transcriptionists are paid by how long the audio track is, and not by how long it takes to write it down. An audio hour could take a beginner anywhere between four and six hours to complete, so if a job pays $50 per audio hour and it takes you five hours to complete, you are technically earning $10 per hour with that particular gig.
Gaining some experience will allow you to increase your speed and earn more money. You can become a successful freelancer with practice and dedication.
What To Do With Money From a Second Job
One of the most important things you can do for yourself after getting a second job is to tighten your money management skills and set some financial goals.
You could make hundreds or even thousands of dollars per week by getting a second job. The payoff can be more than worth the extra effort and time. This sounds great, but it can be overwhelming. It’s helpful to take a step back to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed.
Discipline is required to manage this kind of money. Setting a budget and sticking to it is key to being successful. It is possible to go on a spending spree if you are not careful. It’s important to remember that sometimes it’s better to save your money for something more meaningful. Discipline will allow you to maximize your earnings and protect your revenue stream. By focusing on the basics and following a disciplined approach to your finances, you can ensure that you are able to maximize your earnings and maintain a steady and secure revenue stream.
With that in mind, here are some ideas for how to allocate your side hustle money when you pick up a part-time gig.
1. Pay Off Credit Cards and Debt
You need to get out of the hole as quickly as possible if you have thousands of dollars in credit card debt and student loans. One of the best ways to get out of debt is to create a budget and stick to it. It makes sense to pay off debt if you can get a better return. Paying off debt can free up money for other goals.
Paying off the highest-interest debt first is the best way to organize your debt. If you want to get out of debt, you need the help of a financial advisor. It is possible to consolidate your debt into a single loan for a lower interest rate. If you consolidate, make sure to compare interest rates from different lenders to find the best deal for your situation.
2. Save Money in an Emergency Fund
Once your debt is at a reasonable level, start building an emergency fund. Open a high-yield savings account (HYSA) for flexible, high-interest savings, and start putting as much money in as your budgeting allows.
If your main job falls through, you need to build up emergency savings to cover at least six months of savings. Having an emergency fund will give you peace of mind in the event of a financial hardship. It shouldn’t take you long to save if you’re working a side hustle. You can save money with a little discipline.
One of the smartest personal finance decisions you can make is this one. Saving for retirement will help you plan for the future. It helps you coast until you get your next full-time job offer, and it prevents you from having to rely on debt during an emergency.
3. Invest
As you put money into savings, you should also invest through a brokerage account and a tax-friendly retirement account like an individual retirement account. These accounts can help you grow your money while also giving you tax benefits.
Spread the extra income you bring in between strategic investment accounts like stocks, exchange-traded funds, and bonds. To maximize returns and minimize risk, it is important to invest in a variety of asset classes.
You don’t need a lot of money to start investing. Anyone can do it. It doesn’t matter how hard it is, anyone can do it.
If you are working a side job as an independent contractor, make sure you know how to handle taxes. You won’t be caught off guard when it’s time to file if you start saving a percentage of your paycheck for taxes. You don’t want to tie your money up in investments if you have to set aside a portion of each invoice to cover income taxes. It’s important that you have a good understanding of your finances, so that you can make good decisions about how much money to invest.
4. Buy a House
If you save enough money, you might decide to buy a house. Do your research to ensure you’re getting a good deal, as well as to ensure that the property can provide for your needs in the short and long term. Pick an area where you want to live, find a real estate agent, and then go through the process of securing a mortgage loan and buying property. To ensure that the purchase process goes smoothly and successfully, be sure to take the necessary steps once you have found the right property.
It can take a long time to find a house that is right for you. It is a great financial decision. Investing in a house can be both emotional and wise. By building equity and paying down your mortgage, you will be able to pay yourself instead of a landlord. You’ll be able to build wealth if you do this.
If you already own a house, buying an investment property will allow you to start collecting residual monthly income from tenants. Passive income is one of the keys to building long-term wealth.
One option is to combine homeownership and real estate investing into one purchase. You can live in a multi- family house with tenants. This investment opportunity can help you generate passive income. You will be able to pay down the mortgage much quicker. This will speed up the process of building equity in your home.
5. Look into Alternative Investments
Continue to invest with your side hustle money as time goes on. For example, you may want to look into a cryptocurrency like bitcoin, commodities, or fine art.
The more diverse your portfolio is, the more secure you will become. Diversification can help reduce the risk of loss and increase the chance of a steady return. There are different opportunities in addition to traditional deposit and investing accounts. You might find that there are more options than you thought.
Learn More:
Benefits of Second Jobs
There are several reasons why it might make sense to get a second gig. It can allow you to save for future goals or investments and earn more money at the same time.
1. Protect Yourself
Most workers are replaceable despite all the improvements in worker rights over the last few decades. As employers move forward with automation, this will get worse.
Employers have access to a wider global talent pool thanks to remote work. The potential to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace can open up new opportunities for innovation and employee satisfaction.
It’s a way to protect yourself when you get a second job. In times of financial uncertainty, stability and security can be provided. If your main source of income goes away, you can still make money by changing your income.
2. Get Ahead for Retirement
Planning for retirement isn’t easy when you’re struggling to pay your bills and put food on the table. You can put more money away for retirement if you pick up a second job. If you have a plan for retirement, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in later years.
3. Live a Better Life
Money doesn’t buy happiness. It gives fertile ground for happiness to grow. It can be the foundation of a fulfilling life. Everything gets easier when you have more money in your pocket. You can treat yourself to the things you’ve been wanting. You will be able to eat better food, wear nicer clothes, and live in a nicer house. You will get a better quality of life.
As you think about getting a second job, it is also important to think about your health. Ensuring that the extra income from a second job doesn’t come at the expense of your personal wellbeing is essential. To stay healthy, you need to achieve an effective work-life balance. Finding ways to relax and have fun is just as important as staying productive in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
4. Open Up New Opportunities
Working a dead-end job that doesn’t expose you to exciting people or teach you new skills is frustrating. It can be hard to feel like you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t give you opportunities for growth or development. By taking on a side job, you can make new connections and create new opportunities for yourself. A side hustle can open many doors for you and lead to exciting possibilities—potentially even a new day job altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is finding a second job worth it?
It’s worth it to get a second job. It can be used to help pay off debt or save for a special purchase. You will bring in extra cash, grow your personal network, and improve your situation in life. Taking on a side hustle is definitely worth it. If you want to get a second job, you need to put a plan in motion. Determine what kind of job you want and how much it will cost.
What’s the difference between being an employee and a business owner?
It takes time and effort to work as an employee or as a self-employed person. It’s important to remain dedicated and motivated no matter what path you choose. It should be your goal to eventually make your money by owning a business or investing, which requires less of your time for a higher return on your investment. Start by taking small steps to create financial stability, such as finding ways to increase your income.
If you’re considering second jobs, consider doing something that will propel you forward and eventually make you more money. Taking on a second job can give you more skills and experience that will benefit you in the long run.
Don’t just start a side hustle. Before diving in head first, be sure to research and plan out your business idea. Hire people to work for you when you start a business. Make sure that your employees feel respected and appreciated for their work. Eventually, you will be able to rake in cash while letting others manage your operations. You will be able to focus on the big picture and take your business to the next level.
Can an employer stop you from getting a second job?
If there is a reasonable conflict of interest, an employer can stop you from getting a second job. This could include working for a direct competitor or using company time and resources to work on the second job.
If you work in marketing and start an advertising agency on the side, you could open up a huge can of worms, including lawsuits and penalties, if you go after your own clients. It is important to think about the consequences before taking any action.
If you have a contract with your employer that restricts you from doing other types of work on the side, you should check it out. You should discuss your rights with an attorney. Information about your legal options can be provided by an attorney. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Extra precautions are always taken when it comes to safety.
How do second jobs affect taxes?
Your taxes can be impacted by having a second job. If you bring in extra money, it can push you into a higher tax rate. It’s important that you save some of the extra money for taxes.
Not all employers will take money out of your checks. Employers are willing to give other forms of compensation, such as health insurance or vacation time. If you work a job as an independent contractor on a 1099 basis, you’ll need to set aside your own money for taxes. Do not expect your second employer or clients to do this for you.
Should You Get a Second Job?
It is possible to get a second job in addition to your primary job. You can use it to pay off debts, save for a house, or take a vacation. It has never been easier to get a second job. This opens up a world of opportunities for people who want to supplement their income or find a new career path.
You can moonlight as a bartender, Uber driver, Amazon delivery driver, social media manager, or virtual assistant, to name just a few possibilities.
The type of job you get in your free time should correlate with your skills and personality. Before investing too much time and energy into a job, you should carefully consider the type of job you want to pursue. You don’t have to put in extra hours during the week if you explore available options. This will have a lasting impact on your career, so be sure to consider the long-term benefits of your decision.
Who knows? It might not feel like work at all. You might find yourself enjoying it.
