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Side hustles almost anyone can try
Would you like to make your “downtime” profitable? Whether you’re lucky enough
to have lots of free time, have plenty of energy to burn or simply want to earn
some extra money, more and more people are using “side hustles” to generate
supplementary income.
A side hustle refers to a secondary source of income, outside of a regular job. Among millennials particularly, the side hustle is a growing phenomenon that it unfolding worldwide. In the UK, at least one in four workers have engineered an additional income stream, which supplements their earnings.
There are many reasons why the side hustle has taken off in a big way in recent years. Technology is a huge factor. The ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world – and connect with potential clients and customers through services like People Per Hour and online marketplaces – has made generating income from home increasingly achievable.
The changing face of work in many economies has also contributed to the rise of the side hustle. Across the world, many societies are seeing a shift in the number of full-time jobs, as businesses increasingly employ part-time workers and those on temporary contracts in a bid to weather economic instability. In late 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa called upon businesses to reduce job cuts in the private sector, illustrating the increasing scarcity of permanent positions.
If
you’d like to dip your toes in the water and try your hand at a side hustle,
there are lots of routes you could take. Your unique skill set will dictate
which avenue you choose to explore. If you’re looking for some inspiration,
however, here are some ideas to get you started…
1. Affiliate marketing
Are you web-savvy with good IT skills? Affiliate marketing could provide a steady trickle of income. This game is all about leads, as this blog explains. The principle behind affiliate marketing is that you will earn money when you generate online leads for businesses. This might mean that someone reading your blog then buys a lawnmower via Amazon by clicking a link you have recommended. It might also mean that one of your Instagram followers uses your discount code to buy a bikini you have promoted. There are many ways to cash in on lead generation online. Here’s a quick introductory guide.
2. Get creative
Turning a hobby or passion into a side-earner is a brilliant way to capitalise on doing something you love. While arts and crafts might not make you a fortune online, this is a brilliant way to turn your creative skills into a little extra revenue. Promoting your creations (whether that’s jewellery, photographic prints, tea towels, perfume or anything in between) on social media and setting up an online shop is one way to go, while platforms like Esty specialize in connecting sellers who make their own products with buyers who love their style. If you’re lucky and diligent, your creative side-hustle could eventually become a full time earner!
3. Sell your skills
Do you have a voice that’s perfect for voiceover work? Perhaps you are fluent in multiple languages? Maybe you’re great at web design? There are tonnes of opportunities for skilled people to find part-time gigs online. Start small and raise your rates as your reputation grows to make the most of sites like Upwork & Freelancer.com. A personal website which shows off your skills is a good way to increase trust and secure projects.
