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A lot of people are struggling to pay their bills on their salaries alone. If that's the boat you're in, or if you simply want extra money to save for things like home improvements or vacations, then you may be eager to pick up a side hustle.
The booming gig economy is loaded with opportunities to earn extra cash. But if the idea of having to drive people around town late at night or haul yourself over to a local restaurant to wait tables doesn't appeal to you, then you may want to seek out a side hustle you can do from home. Here are some great options to look at.
1. Data entry
It may not be the most glamorous side hustle you'll find. But if you're good at focusing, you may be able to find a company that needs help with data entry. It's often low-pressure work you can do at your own pace.
You can look for freelance data entry jobs on sites like Upwork and Freelancer.com, among others. Or, use social media. Share to your own network that you're looking for a side gig, since you never know which of your contacts might work for a company that needs outside help.
2. Content writing
Are you good with words? Are you willing to dig in and do your share of research on complex topics? If so, then you may be a good candidate for a content writing gig, whether it's updating a company's blog or helping create various guides.
Of course, with writing gigs, there may be deadlines involved, so you'll need to make sure that works for your schedule. And don't be shocked if there's a pretty wide range of hourly or per-assignment rates out there.
If you don't have a large portfolio, you may need to start with some lower-paying projects. But once you build up an online presence, you can hopefully graduate to better-paying assignments.
3. Content editing
Content writing and editing are two different beasts. To be a good editor, you need meticulous attention to detail and a lot of patience. But if you'd rather be the person to correct the words on a page than create them, then this could be a good role for you.
As is the case with writing, though, as an editor, you may have various deadlines to meet. And if you have a good eye for detail but are new to editing in general, you may want to familiarize yourself with the Associated Press style guide, which is commonly used in online publications.
4. Customer service
Many companies outsource their customer service needs to remote workers who can log in and address consumer complaints or issues from home. This gig could translate into steady work, but you may need a pretty thick skin to deal with some of the people who call in.
If you're the type who won't break down in tears if a stranger yells at you, then this could be a good way to earn extra money you can use to pad your savings account or buy yourself some breathing room.
5. Web or graphic design
If you have the skills needed to create websites or logos, then web or graphic design could be a pretty lucrative side gig. Do keep in mind, though, that a job like this may require client meetings during your regular work schedule. You'll need to make sure that won't be a problem, as you don't want to compromise your main job.
6. Pet-sitting
People with pets who go on vacation often need someone to care for their animals while they're gone. Sites like Rover let you sign up to watch pets from the comfort of your own home. This could be a great gig if you like animals and don't mind a bit of a mess. But first, make sure you and the people you live with don't have pet allergies. You may not realize you do until you spend a lot of time indoors with a cat or dog.
However, if you are okay with watching pets, it's a nice way to earn extra money without having to spend even more time in front of a screen.
Love using social media platforms? Some companies will hire you to maintain a social media presence, such as by advertising deals on Facebook or using sites like X (formerly Twitter) to gain visibility. This is a job that can easily be done from home, but it may involve daily work -- so make sure you're up to the task.
The money you earn from a side job could work wonders for your budget . So it pays to explore these and other work-from-home opportunities.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
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