Best Side Hustles and Virtual Jobs to Make Cash Quick
Everybody has skills that they apply each day at their job. But if you lose your job for any reason, you may struggle to understand just how your skills can transfer to temporary work while you search for something long term. Call it a side hustle, call it a gig, or call it doing whatever it takes—you need to find a way to make money fast.
The gig economy and the boom of working remotely brought on by COVID-19 present more options than ever to apply your various skills in unique ways. Below is a list of some side hustle options and virtual jobs to make money fast. Still, you should research each one heavily before jumping in so you’re aware of any pitfalls.
Delivery Driver
Online shopping has exploded and that’s not a trend—it’s the new normal. More packages mean more deliveries. Whether it’s for a local company or a giant like Amazon, the opportunities are there and growing. Instacart, GrubHub and DoorDash are all options, but even Amazon has opportunities.
Babysitter or Nanny
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60 percent of households have a situation where both parents are employed. That means childcare is a must. At-home childcare is a unique alternative to traditional daycare, and it has great potential to be a long-term opportunity. Care.com is a trusted website to create a profile and solicit opportunities.
Virtual Tutor
Virtual classrooms are part of the rising tide of available and reputable video services. Whatever subject or subject matter you have an expertise in, leverage it into a teaching job that doesn’t require you to leave your home. There are opportunities with Tutor.com and others like it or do a search on any number of job sites.
Teach a Language/Be a Translator
Same opportunity as a virtual tutor, only this is a very specific skill. If you know another language, you have a unique value that can earn you money. Check out Upwork.
Teach music lessons
Turn your talent for a musical instrument into a revenue stream. Online or in-person, there are plenty of people who wish they had your skill. As long as you stay within your abilities, you can get paid to share them. Options range from music academies to online apps, so search for what works fits you. Or, tap into your personal network and set up sessions yourself with Zoom or Skype.
Participate in Focus Groups, Online Surveys & Other Studies
Companies will pay for your insight into their products or their industry in general, so feel free to let them pay you for it. Stick to areas that interest you so you can add value and get some perspective out of it, too. Options include Respondent.io, User Interviews, and Survey Junkey.
Call Center or Chat Representative
With just a phone and an internet connection, you can help customers with questions for companies from more or less anywhere. Customer service is a critical tool for businesses, and they are increasingly willing to pay for it.
Become a Virtual Assistant
Maintain schedules, set up meetings, answer emails, and coordinate other needs for people who can’t keep up. You’ll have be ultra-organized with high attention to detail, but this is a valuable service for people who can afford it. Check job boards, or look into Remote.co or Upwork.
Freelance Design
Use platforms like Upwork, 99Designs and Fiverr to sell graphic design work. Not only does it help generate cash flow, but it also builds your portfolio to show potential employers down the road.
Social Media Manager
Many businesses don’t have the budget to hire a social media manager. Take your social savvy to task and help them build a presence while also broadening your skillset.
Virtual Data Entry
Much like virtual customer service, this is a task that can be done from home. Companies provide raw data and you categorize it to fit their needs.
Virtual Bookkeeping
Another potential service for businesses. If you have proven skills at organizing business financials, offering that service up to do remotely could prove to be a win-win situation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Community Bank does not recommend or approve of any specific employment opportunity, product, process, or service referenced in this article and the inclusion of such opportunity, product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by Community Bank of the employment opportunity, products, processes, or services, or its employer, producer, or provider. Reference in this article to any specific opportunity, product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the reader, and the views and opinions expressed in any referenced website do not necessarily state or reflect those of Community Bank.
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