Finding Your Perfect Side Hustle

Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, build an emergency fund, or save up for a big purchase, a side hustle can be a smart way to increase your monthly income. So, what’s the best second job to take on?

Try to find a side hustle that fits your financial goals and also aligns with your skills and interests. That can be the difference between a short-lived side hustle and a sustainable income stream.

1. Start with your income goals

Are you looking to just add a little bit of cushion to your monthly budget, saving for a home purchase, or paying off high-interest debt? Your answer might determine what kind of side hustle opportunities you should focus on, as well as what you shouldn’t waste your time on.

If your goal is to pay off debt faster: Consider steady virtual work with low to no start-up costs like freelance writing, design, editing, online tutoring, or virtual assistant or admin work. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Etsy connect freelancers with potential clients and ensure a safer transaction process.

If your goal is to slowly build up your savings: Earn occasional income by selling items online through places like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or eBay. You could offer local services like pet sitting and dog walking.

 Gig economy jobs like Uber, Lyft, Instacart and TaskRabbit allow you to work as little or as much as you want, and they can be a great option if you’re looking to pay down debt or simply add cushion to your savings.

If your goal is to replace your full-time income and make a career shift: You might offer tutoring, coaching, or consulting in your field of expertise. You could start a service-based business like photography or organizing, or create and sell digital products.

2. Consider your skills and interests

With your financial goals in mind, make a list of your skills and interests, and see where the biggest opportunity is. For example, if you have experience in writing and administrative work and you’re looking to pay down debt, then taking on a virtual assistant role or a freelance writing gig would make a lot of sense.

3. Leave space for passion projects (and potential future income)

Do you want to learn new skills or explore a new hobby or interest? Consider trying a side gig that allows you to do this. If you’re trying something new that you’ve always been interested in, you could be laying a foundation for future income or even a career change down the road.

What to look for in a side gig

1. Low start-up costs. Look for jobs that don’t require you to invest a lot of money upfront. There are lots of third-party services to connect clients and individuals (Etsy, Lyft, Instacart, etc.). If you see a side hustle advertised that requires a high upfront cost like buying inventory or paying a huge training fee, be wary.
2. It works with your schedule. Remember, a side gig is exactly that! Find a job with the right amount of flexibility so that it can easily fit in around your primary job.
3. It’s legitimate. Use reputable platforms that offer legitimate opportunities. If a job opportunity sounds too good to be true, do your research. Warning signs of a scam or Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) include promises of fast, easy money, vague job descriptions, or pressure to recruit others.

Choosing a side hustle that fits your financial goals, skills, and interests can be a great way to add to your financial health.

Begin with a low-commitment side hustle with low start-up costs to test the waters. As you gain experience and confidence, you can scale up your efforts or explore more opportunities.