26 Side Gigs That Don't Suck

Working side gigs was a big part of my journey to getting out of debt. I added about $20k to my income working side gigs.

I would work Saturdays and Sundays as a brand ambassador - I love people, so it was ideal for me.

I know it may feel like picking up 10 (or 20!) more hours per week might seem impossible right now, but I’d challenge you to really make a budget with your time.

You might be surprised!

Use this debt calculator to see how much faster you'd pay off debt with a side hustle:

And if you're not sure how much money you have to put toward debt right, sign up for my FREE BUDGETING TEMPLATE.

Now, before you dive into the list, I want to call out the two best ways to earn extra money:

Leveraging the skills you have

If you have skills already in your job or that you’ve gotten from just living your life, that’s always going to pay more than general jobs that don’t require any skills. Most of you reading this work a career that requires skills, you’d be surprised how many people would pay for some part time help for that skill. This is how you can end up making $30/hr or more.

Having a business owner mindset.

Some side gigs just require you to show up and do the work. And that’s great because it’s easy. But, they will not pay as much as jobs that require you to find your own. For example, a cleaning job. You’ll make way more finding your own jobs than doing cleaning for someone else. Put your sales cap on. Learn how to advertise yourself, you’d be surprised how far you can go!

But let’s get into the list.

26 Side Gigs That Don’t Suck

1. Brand Ambassador ($20/hr-$30/hr)

Get paid to hype up brands at events. Think handing out samples, answering questions, and looking friendly. Once you get into the scene, you’ll often get invited to more gigs without even applying.

Websites: Brand Bestie, Craigslist, Facebook

2. Cat Sitter ($400/mo)

Watch someone’s cat while they’re out of town. It’s quiet, flexible, and perfect if you prefer pets over people.

Website: Meowtel

3. Dog Walker ($1,000/mo)

Start with lower rates to build up a base of good reviews, then raise your prices as demand increases. Plus, you get paid to get your steps in.

Websites: Rover, Wag

4. Become Friends with Older People ($20/hr)

This is a paid role to keep seniors company and help with small errands or tech stuff. It’s low-pressure and incredibly rewarding.

Website: Papa Pal

5. Cook Your Food and Sell It ($20-$25/hr)

If people constantly tell you your cooking is fire, start selling it to neighbors. You’ll need to follow some food safety guidelines, but it’s a great way to monetize your skills.

Websites: Shef, Cookconnect, Cookin

6. Freelance ($15/hr - $50/hr)

Already work in writing, coding, design, or marketing? Just moonlight your skills and stack extra cash on your own terms.

Websites: Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, Freelancer.com

7. Deliver Food ($13/hr-$16/hr)

It’s fast, flexible, and good in a pinch—but long-term, the pay isn’t great unless you’re in a high-tip area. Treat it like a quick cash injection, not a full strategy.

Websites: UberEats, DoorDash

8. Move Stuff ($40/hr)

People need help lifting couches and hauling boxes. If you’ve got a strong back and a good attitude, this is straightforward money.

Website: Hireahelper.com

9. Assemble Furniture ($20-$25/hr)

It’s basically adult LEGO. Follow the directions and get paid to put together beds, desks, and bookshelves.

Website: TaskRabbit

10. Teach People ($25-$30/hr)

Got a degree or deep knowledge in something? Put it to work by tutoring students online or in person.

Websites: Wyzant, Varsity Tutors, Preply

11. Babysit or Nanny ($16-$20/hr)

This is a classic for a reason—especially good if you're available nights or weekends. Families always need reliable care.

Websites: Urbansitter, Care.com, Bambino

12. Security Officer ($12-$30/hr)

Many companies need overnight or weekend building patrols. Some even pay for your training and certification.

Websites: Indeed, Craigslist, Facebook, LinkedIn

13. Hang TVs ($100/hr)

People will pay well for this simple but intimidating task. If you're handy and have a drill, you’re in business.

Website: Angi.com

14. Nanny (Long-Term) ($20-$35/hr)

This can be more time-consuming and schedule-dependent, but it pays well, especially as you build trust over time. Good for consistent income.

Website: Windsor Nannies

15. Farmers’ Markets ($20/hr)

Booths often need weekend help selling produce or handmade goods. Ask vendors directly—they’re usually open to it.

How: Just go to your local farmer’s market and ask

16. Do Laundry ($20-$25/hr)

Pick up, wash, fold, deliver—it's that simple. Great side gig because you can do it while watching Netflix.

Websites: NoScrubs, Poplin, Hampr, Rinse

17. Coffee Shop ($18/hr)

Tips can be solid, and you get caffeinated for free. Plus, barista jobs often have flexible part-time shifts.

How: Visit your favorite spots and ask if they’re hiring

18. Your Favorite Restaurant ($20-$30/hr)

Get paid, eat free, and reduce your grocery bill. If you’re going to be there all the time anyway, might as well earn from it.

How: Ask your go-to restaurant directly

19. Transcriptionist ($10-$75/hr - experience matters)

Turn audio into written content. All you need is a decent ear, fast typing, and the ability to sit still for a bit.

Website: Rev.com

20. Odd Jobs ($100-$200 per job)

From helping someone pack to cleaning out garages—you never know what’s out there. Craigslist is a goldmine for this kind of random money.

Website: Craigslist

21. Clean Homes ($20-$25/hr)

A hustle that pays well, especially once you build a client base. Start with friends and neighbors, then expand with referrals or apps.

Websites: Thumbtack, Nextdoor, word of mouth

22. Sell Blood Plasma ($50)

One of the fastest ways to legally make $50/hour. Just don’t overdo it, and stay hydrated.

How: Google local plasma donation centers

23. Photographer/Videographer ($50-$200/hr)

If you’ve got a good eye and your own gear, people will pay for you to shoot events, portraits, or even proposals.

Websites: The Knot, Flytographer, GigSalad

24. Reselling ($10-$100/hr)

Find hidden gems at Goodwill Outlet (where items are sold by the pound), then flip them for profit online. Requires hustle, but the margins can be great.

How: Visit your local Goodwill Outlet

25. Barter for Stuff

Not everything is about money. Offer your skills (like fixing things, cooking, childcare) in exchange for services or goods you’d otherwise pay for.

How: Post on Facebook, Nextdoor, or community boards

26. Work Retail (But Be Smart About Where) ($14-$25/hr)

Not all retail jobs are created equal. Some pay surprisingly well—Costco, Trader Joe’s, IKEA, Lowe’s, and luxury brands like Nordstrom or Louis Vuitton often offer better pay, benefits, and schedules than the average mall job. If you're going to clock in somewhere, make it a place that pays $20+/hr, gives employee discounts, and doesn't kill your soul.

Let me know if you have worked side gigs that don’t suck so I can continue to update this list.

My goal is to get it closer to 50.

And if you get a side gig, let me know, I love hearing people’s debt pay off stories.