A few years ago, I found myself feeling stuck, trying to make my 9-to-5 salary stretch further than it ever seemed to want to.
That frustration pushed me to start exploring side gigs — not just to cover the bills but to see if there was something out there that could add a little more excitement to my life.
It wasn’t always easy, and there were plenty of missteps along the way, but each one brought me closer to figuring out what really worked and what didn’t.
Now, I want to share those lessons with you so you can skip the trial and error and get straight to the strategies that will make a difference.
Let’s explore 27 ways to make extra money while working full time and see what sparks your interest — you might just find your next big opportunity hiding in plain sight!
1. Become a mystery shopper
Mystery shopping is a fun way to earn extra cash while helping businesses improve their customer experience.
You’ll visit stores, restaurants, or other establishments incognito, evaluating various aspects of their service.
The essential step is to sign up with reputable mystery shopping companies. You can check out companies like BestMark and Market Force. These are good places to start your search for a mystery shopping role.
As a mystery shopper, you can expect to earn anywhere from $10 to $100 per assignment.
Plus, you often get to keep or get reimbursed for any purchases you make during your “mission.”
My first experience as a mystery shopper was at a local electronics store, where I was tasked with evaluating their customer service.
With a checklist in hand and a simple backstory, I went in to assess everything from the initial greeting to how the staff handled my questions about specific products.
It was an interesting way to spend a few hours, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the process.
2. Work as a usability tester
If you’ve got an eye for detail and enjoy exploring websites and apps, working as a usability tester might be the best gig to take while working full-time.
Companies are always on the lookout for fresh perspectives on their digital products, and they’re eager to pay for them.
Platforms such as UserTesting offer a simple way to get started.
Whether at home or at work, you’ll be asked to visit websites or use apps while sharing your thoughts out loud. You can fit tests into your schedule whenever you have a spare moment.
While compensation for usability testers may not be very high, you can still earn between $10 and $60 per test.
Are you looking for more platforms like UserTesting? Read my article on 30 legit sites that pay you to test websites or apps.
3. Take in a boarder
Have a spare room that’s going unused? Transform it into a revenue-generating asset all while working full time!
With platforms like Airbnb, you can easily rent out that extra space to travelers from around the world.
However, before jumping in, you must do some research about this side hustle.
First, you have to check local rates for renting rooms and make sure you’re prepared to take on the responsibility of hosting. It’s also a good idea to run background checks on potential long-term boarders!
The earning potential here is significant. Depending on your location and the amenities you offer, you could earn anywhere from $500 to $1500 per month.
4. Paint murals
If you have artistic talent, consider painting murals. This creative side gig can be both fulfilling and profitable.
Getting started is easy!
Just create a portfolio showcasing your style, then start promoting your services at local home and garden shows or on social media. This will help your work get noticed by potential clients.
Mural artists can charge anywhere from $10 to $20 per square foot, with some high-end projects fetching even more.
Note: Don’t be afraid to start small. Even simple designs for children’s rooms or local businesses can help you build your reputation.
If you’re an artist searching for more ways to monetize your creativity, check out my article on 29 side hustle ideas for artists to earn extra money!
5. Sign up for medical tests
Participating in medical studies can be a profitable side gig, too. However, it is not for the faint-hearted!
Universities often conduct clinical trials that offer substantial compensation for volunteers. All you need to do is sign up but be sure to understand the risks involved before participating.
Some studies can pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, it is crucial to prioritize your health and safety.
If you wish to find opportunities, you should check with local universities or search online for clinical trial databases.
Just keep in mind that compensation varies widely depending on the length and nature of the study.
Some quick, non-invasive studies might pay between $50 and $100, while longer-term or more intensive trials could net you $1000 or more.
6. Set up a roadside stand
Setting up a weekend roadside stand can be a fun way to rake in some extra cash without ditching your full-time job.
Whether you’re selling fresh produce from your garden, homemade crafts, or snacks for travelers, a roadside stand can be a profitable side job.
When setting up a roadside stand, look for a spot with high traffic during peak times. Also, don’t forget to check local regulations before setting up shop because some areas may require certain permits.
Earnings significantly differ depending on the products you’re selling and your location. On a good day, you might make anywhere from $50 to $200 or more.
7. Put ads on your car
Who would have thought that your daily commute could become a money-making opportunity just by putting ads on your car?
Companies like Carvertise connect drivers with businesses looking to advertise.
The most appealing feature of this side hustle is that you don’t need to change your driving habits. Just drive as you normally would!
The process is not as complicated as it seems. You just need to sign up, and once you’re approved, the company will wrap your car with removable ads. You’ll then get paid for just driving.
Most car advertising companies pay around $100 to $400 per month. Pay rates are based on your location and the campaign you’re advertising.
8. Rent chickens
Yes, you read that right! Renting chickens is a thing, and it can be a surprisingly lucrative side job.
With the growing interest in sustainable living and locally sourced food, many people are curious about raising chickens but aren’t ready for a long-term commitment.
Even with a full-time job keeping you busy, this quirky side hustle lets you make more money while embracing the urban farming trend.
Companies like Rent-a-Chicken provide everything needed for backyard chicken keeping, including the coop, feed, and of course, the chickens.
As the chicken landlord, you’d be responsible for raising and maintaining the chickens when they’re not rented out.
While startup costs can be significant, as you’ll need to invest in coops, feed, and chickens, the potential returns are impressive. You could earn anywhere from $150 to $400 per month per chicken setup.
9. Scalp tickets (legally)
Have you ever scored tickets to a sold-out event? That’s where ticket reselling comes in handy.
While it might sound sketchy, there are legal ways to resell tickets and make a tidy profit.
You can set things in motion by purchasing tickets for upcoming popular events. Then, you have to list them on platforms like StubHub at a marked-up price.
Before you proceed in selling tickets, you must check out the current prices on StubHub to get a feel for the market.
Timing is vital. Prices often spike just before an event, so your patience can pay off!
With some savvy buying and selling, you could pocket anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per ticket.
Note: You have to familiarize yourself with local laws regarding ticket reselling. Some areas have restrictions, so it’s crucial to stay on the right side of the law.
10. Flip websites
Flipping websites is similar to house flipping but for digital platforms.
All that is required is for you to purchase a website that’s underperforming, spruce it up with quality content and improved design, and then sell it for a profit.
Flippa and Empire Flipper are great platforms to start your website flipping journey.
You have to look for sites with strong potential but in need of improvement. Perhaps the content needs updating or the design is outdated. With some effort, you can significantly enhance the site’s value.
Profits can be significant. Successful flippers report earnings anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per flip.
Moreover, it’s not uncommon for a well-executed flip to net $1000 or more.
11. Become a frequent flyer specialist
If you excel at maximizing airline miles, you can convert that skill into cash by becoming a frequent flyer specialist.
Believe it or not, people will pay good money for expertly crafted travel itineraries that make the most of their miles.
As a specialist, you’d help clients book award travel, navigate complex loyalty programs, and squeeze every last drop of value from their points.
All that is required is for you to build up your own expertise by mastering various loyalty programs.
Then, offer your services through freelance platforms or your own website.
Frequent flyer specialists can charge upwards of $60 per hour for their services.
Rates can be higher for those with extensive experience or those who offer additional services like personalized travel planning and itinerary management.
12. Do patent research
If you’re a full-time worker with a knack for details, diving into patent research could be your ticket to boosting your income.
Law firms, research businesses, and corporations often need help ensuring their ideas are original – that’s where the role of patent researchers becomes essential.
As a patent researcher, you’ll look into existing patents to determine if an idea is truly novel.
If you’re willing to take on the job, you must brush up on patent law basics and hone your research skills.
Then, look for opportunities on freelance platforms like Upwork or reach out directly to law firms specializing in intellectual property.
Patent researchers can earn between $100 and $1,500 per project, depending on its complexity.
Simpler projects may be on the lower end of the scale, while more detailed or extensive research can command higher fees.
13. Play dress-up
Playing dress-up is not just for kids. As a mascot or character impersonator, you can use costume play to earn some extra cash!
From being the Chick-fil-A Cow to wearing the red suit as Santa Claus, there’s a wide range of characters to choose from.
The Chick-fil-A Cow Mascot, for instance, can earn between $20 and $30 per gig. Meanwhile, if you’re willing to grow out your beard and spread some holiday cheer, playing Santa can bring in $1,000 to $2,000 per season.
To begin, look for casting calls or reach out to local businesses and event planners.
Pro Tip: A well-maintained costume and a positive attitude are essential to thrive in these fun side gigs.
14. Become a group cruise planner
If you love cruising, you can also convert that passion into profit by becoming a group cruise planner.
As a planner, you’ll organize cruise trips for groups, handling everything from booking cabins to planning onboard activities.
The compensation is generous. You can earn a commission of 15% to 18% of the cruise fare. Some planners have received over $4,000 for planning just three cruises. That’s a pretty sweet deal!
To proceed, you need to familiarize yourself with various cruise lines and their offerings.
Then, build relationships with cruise company representatives and start promoting your services to local groups and organizations.
15. Find free money
Although this might sound unrealistic, there are actually ways to claim ‘free’ money!
You can begin by searching for unclaimed property on the NAUPA website. This could be forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, or other funds that rightfully belong to you.
You shouldn’t stop there. Proceed by checking with your insurance company for potential refunds, and make sure you’re not missing any tax refunds from the IRS.
Even old savings bonds or pensions from previous jobs could be sources of forgotten funds.
While the amounts can vary, people have found hundreds or even thousands of dollars through these searches.
For more ways to find free money, check out my article on 18 ways to get free money – you might discover some unexpected opportunities to boost your finances!
16. Stage homes
If you’re skilled in interior design, home staging could be the perfect side hustle for you.
Real estate agents often need help making properties look their best for potential buyers.
As a home stager, you’ll arrange furniture and decor to highlight a home’s best features and create an inviting atmosphere.
You just have to build a strong portfolio showing your style. You can begin decorating your own home or offer to stage friends’ houses for free to get some experience.
Home stagers can earn anywhere from $300 to $600 for a basic staging job, with larger or more luxurious properties commanding even higher fees.
17. Host an event
Have you considered turning your hosting expertise into a profitable event? It’s easier than you might think.
This side hustle is perfect for full-time workers looking to make extra income on weekends.
You can begin your hosting journey by creating a free MeetUp group centered around a topic you’re knowledgeable about. For instance, if you’re skilled at growth hacking, that could be your niche.
Then, you can try offering free hosting services so that you can build a connection with potential clients.
As your group gains traction, you can transition to paid events featuring guest speakers.
People are often willing to invest in high-quality content and valuable networking opportunities.
Pro Tip: If you wish to make things run smoothly, you can consider using virtual assistant services to handle tasks like event registration and promotion.
This way, you can focus on creating fantastic content and delivering a memorable experience.
18. Become a brand ambassador
As a brand ambassador, you’ll represent companies on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
You’ll share unique discount codes with your followers, earning a percentage of each sale made using your code.
Don’t worry if you’re not a celebrity influencer with millions of followers. Many brands are more interested in micro-influencers with engaged, niche audiences.
Even with a following of 10,000 to 50,000, you could earn up to $500 per post.
Getting started as a brand ambassador is straightforward. You just need to focus on building a strong, engaged following in a specific niche.
Then, you need to reach out to brands that align with your personal brand or look for opportunities on influencer marketing platforms.
19. Join the sharing economy
You can also explore a highly profitable side hustle by joining the sharing economy. This innovative sector offers diverse opportunities to earn extra income by leveraging your assets, skills, or time.
It’s not just about renting out a spare room anymore.
If you have a car gathering dust in your driveway, platforms like Turo let you rent it out when you’re not using it. If you prefer to be behind the wheel, you can consider driving for Uber or Lyft in your spare time.
Don’t stop at vehicles!
You can rent out your digital camera on KitSplit. Moreover, you can list your rarely-used snowboard or bike on Spinlister.
Even that sailboat you only use a few times a year could be making you money on Sailo. The possibilities are endless!
With a bit of creativity, you could be earning anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars a month, just by sharing what you already own.
20. Start a photography business
A photography business offers significant flexibility, making it an ideal side hustle or primary venture for those with other commitments.
You can schedule photo shoots around your day job or personal responsibilities, allowing you to balance your time effectively.
If you wish to start your own photography business, you must first identify your niche. Maybe you love capturing the joy of weddings, or perhaps you’re a headshot expert.
Once you’ve identified your focus, create a portfolio that highlights your best work.
Then, you set up a website and social media presence. Platforms like Instagram are perfect for showcasing your shots and attracting potential clients.
Don’t forget to network – word of mouth can be your best marketing tool.
As for earnings, photographers can make anywhere from $100 to $300 per hour. Pay rates depend on the photographer’s expertise and the type of shoot.
Looking for platforms to sell some of your photos? Check out my article on the 26 best sites or apps to sell your photos online for passive income.
21. Start a clothing line
Starting a clothing line may be simpler than you expect, thanks to the print-on-demand model.
Platforms like Printful and Printify allow you to upload your designs onto various products – t-shirts, sweaters, hats, you name it.
What makes this business stand out is that there’s no need to invest in inventory upfront.
When a customer orders from your online store, the print-on-demand supplier prints your design and ships it directly to the customer. You never have to touch the product!
You just need to create eye-catching designs and set up an online store.
Shopify is a popular platform that integrates seamlessly with many print-on-demand services.
With some artistic and innovative designs, you could be earning anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars a month.
You can use Canva to design your t-shirts, and if you’re interested in more money-making opportunities, check out my article on 22 ways to make money online with Canva.
22. Start dropshipping
Looking for a side hustle with minimal startup costs? Dropshipping might be your solution!
It’s an e-commerce model where you sell products without ever handling the inventory yourself.
To get started, create an online store using a platform like Shopify, which is a popular choice among dropshippers.
Next, partner with suppliers who hold the inventory since dropshipping requires finding reliable suppliers. Platforms like DSers or Spocket can connect you with the best dropshipping providers.
Then, when a customer places an order, your supplier ships the product directly to them. You never have to worry about storing or shipping products yourself.
While profits can vary widely, dropshippers earn anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 per month.
23. Create private-label products
Spotted a gap in the market and thought you could do it better? Private labeling might be your ticket to entrepreneurial success!
Private labeling involves partnering with a manufacturer to create products under your own brand. Popular items for private labeling include pet products, hair growth vitamins, and skincare lines.
Getting started only requires identifying a product with potential. Research the market thoroughly and find a reliable manufacturer.
You can check out sites like Alibaba to find reliable suppliers.
Next, work on creating a unique brand identity. This is where you can really set yourself apart from the competition.
With a solid marketing strategy, private-label products can yield impressive profits. Some entrepreneurs claim to earn from $5,000 to $10,000 per month or more with successful private-label brands.
24. Do affiliate marketing
As an affiliate marketer, you’ll promote other companies’ products and earn a commission on each sale made through your unique affiliate link.
Commission rates typically range from 1% to 50%, depending on the product and company.
To succeed in affiliate marketing, choose a niche you’re passionate about. This could be anything from fitness equipment to eco-friendly products.
Then, you have to sign up for affiliate programs in your chosen niche.
Amazon Associates is a popular choice for beginners, but don’t overlook niche-specific programs that might offer higher commissions.
Other affiliate programs to consider are Impact, ShareASale, and FlexOffers.
Be sure to create content around your affiliate products – this could be blog posts, YouTube videos, or social media content.
Take note that you should provide value to your audience while naturally incorporating your affiliate links.
While earnings can vary widely, successful affiliate marketers report making anywhere from $100 to $10,000 or more per month.
24. Sell online courses
Knowledge is power and it’s also a valuable commodity. Why not package your expertise into an online course and watch the passive income roll in?
First, you need to identify where you’re good at. It could be anything from Vedic astrology to caring for succulents. You must find a niche where you can offer unique insights.
Next, plan your course content. Break your knowledge down into digestible modules and create engaging video lessons.
Once everything is set, visit platforms like Teachable or Thinkific to sell your course.
Don’t underestimate the earning potential here. Some course creators report making between $5,000 and $30,000 per month from a single well-crafted course.
24. Become an influencer
Being an influencer is not just for celebrities. The rise of micro-influencers has opened up new opportunities for everyday people to monetize their social media presence.
If you want to become an influencer, start by choosing a niche that interests you.
It may be sustainable living, vintage fashion, or gourmet cooking. Just make sure that your authenticity will shine through!
Then, you have to consistently create high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
As your following grows, you can start monetizing through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or even launching your own product line.
Even with a modest following of 10,000 to 50,000, you could earn up to $500 per sponsored post.
25. Sell thrift store finds
Another option to make more money while working full-time is by reselling your thrift store finds.
To do this, you need to scour local thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets for undervalued items. Look for things like vintage clothing, antique furniture, or collectibles.
Prior to your search, you must know what’s in demand and what price it can fetch.
Once you’ve built up an inventory, set up shop on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or even Instagram. When setting up a shop, take great photos and write compelling descriptions to showcase your items.
With consistent buying and selling, you could be looking at profits between $500 and $2,000 or more per month.
26. Offer calligraphy
In an age of digital communication, there’s something special about beautifully handwritten text. If you’ve got good penmanship, you can make calligraphy to earn extra income while working full-time!
Before offering calligraphy services, you must prepare by practicing different styles and investing in high-quality tools. Once you’re confident in your abilities, create a portfolio presenting your best work.
Then, you can start offering your services for wedding invitations, special event signage, or even personalized gifts.
You can market your skills on social media or through local wedding planners and event coordinators.
Calligraphers can charge anywhere from $2 to $5 per envelope for wedding invitations or $100 to $300 for custom signage. With steady work, you could be looking at an extra $500 to $1,000 or more per month.
27. Invest in real estate
Real estate investing is no longer reserved for the wealthy. There are now more accessible ways to get into the property market and generate passive income.
One option is to invest in a vacation rental property.
In this kind of investment, it’s ideal to look for areas with high tourist traffic but reasonable property prices.
You can manage bookings through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, and hire a local property management company to handle day-to-day operations.
Another approach is to invest in commercial real estate through platforms like Realty Mogul. With as little as $5,000, you can invest in vetted commercial properties and earn a share of the rental income.
While returns can vary, many real estate investors report earning 8% to 12% annual returns on their investments.
Final Thoughts
My experience with side gigs has been anything but boring — it’s full of learning, a few bumps in the road, and plenty of growth.
But honestly, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It’s given me financial freedom, new skills, and stories worth sharing.
Even if you’re juggling a full-time job, there are plenty of ways to make extra money and boost your financial stability while picking up some professional growth along the way.
Whether you’re looking to pay off debt faster or save for that dream vacation, these side gigs prove you can make more money without sacrificing your full-time job security.
With a bit of determination and some effort, you can work these ideas into your busy life and watch your funds grow.
And if you’ve got any tips or ideas on making extra money while working full-time, I’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts in the comments below!
