5 Unusual Side Hustles To Make Some Extra Money

The idea of just relying on a day job for a livable income isn’t cutting it anymore. Inflation has made life more expensive. And job security? Well, it’s starting to feel more like a fairy tale with all the layoffs we’ve been seeing lately. Not to mention, that companies are unabashedly embracing AI to replace human office labour where they can.   

This is why it’s prudent (some might say, necessary) to have a side hustle –the extra cash that’s supplementing your main income can help you build a solid financial foundation as quickly as possible.   

Here are 5 side hustles that could boost your income without a big investment upfront, and could seriously pay off down the line (monetarily, or otherwise):  

1. Virtual Assistant 

We can thank the pandemic for shaking things up and making remote work the new norm. As more businesses go online, demand for virtual assistants has also grown.  

As a virtual assistant, you can lend a hand to businesses or entrepreneurs with all sorts of tasks. It could be keeping their emails in check, scheduling posts on social media, data entry, meeting scheduling or handling customer queries.  

The best part? You can do all this from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and organisational skills to get started.   

To get started, platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr are excellent places to find clients. Or hey, if you’re a fan of someone’s business, you can also slide into their DMs to offer your services. 

2. Freelance Voice Acting 

If you have a talent for voice acting or narration, consider freelancing in this niche.  

Voice acting opportunities range from audiobook narration to commercial voiceovers, animation, and more.  

With minimal equipment—a decent microphone and recording software—you can create a home studio and start auditioning for gigs on platforms like Voices.com or even through social media.  

It’s a creative outlet that can turn into a lucrative side income. 

3. Starting a Niche Newsletter 

Newsletters are making a comeback, and starting one on a niche topic can be a rewarding side hustle.  

Whether it’s about gardening tips, personal development, or niche hobbies like beekeeping, there’s an audience for almost every topic.  

Platforms like Substack make it easy to create and distribute newsletters. Once you’ve got a sizeable audience for your newsletter you can monetise through subscriptions, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.  

4. Amazon Reseller 

Becoming an Amazon reseller is a straightforward way to start a side hustle with minimal investment.   

You can source products from wholesalers, liquidation sales, thrift stores, or even garage sales, and resell them on Amazon for a profit.  

It’s essential to research market trends, competition, and pricing strategies to maximise your earnings.  

With dedication and persistence, you can scale your reselling business over time and potentially turn it into a full-time venture. 

5. Pop-up Party Organiser 

If you have a knack for event planning and enjoy bringing people together, consider becoming a pop-up party organiser.  

These events can range from themed parties, workshops, or networking gatherings held in unconventional venues like parks, rooftops, or even abandoned warehouses.  

With creativity and resourcefulness, you can keep costs low by DIY decorations, leveraging social media for promotion, and partnering with local vendors for mutual benefit.  

Charging admission or securing sponsorships can help generate revenue while providing attendees with unique experiences. 

There is a side hustle for everyone  

When it comes to earning a bit of extra cash, the possibilities are endless. Especially with the internet and how interconnected our world is today. 

The beauty of starting a side hustle is that it doesn’t discriminate. You don’t need a fancy degree or a fat wallet to get started.  

All it takes is a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of resourcefulness, and a keen eye for spotting opportunities in the market.  

While these 5 side hustles may not fit the bill for you, here’s how you can figure out what works: Find that sweet spot where your skills, passions, and market demand intersect.  

It’s about doing what you’re good at, doing what you love, and doing what people are willing to pay for. So ask yourself what lies at the centre of that 3-way Venn diagram, and you just might find the side hustle that fits the bill.