5 side gigs to boost your income

Looking for ways to boost your income without taking on another full-time job? A side gig can help. They offer the flexibility to earn extra money and help you achieve your financial goals on your schedule. Plus, some side gigs can give you the opportunity to explore your passions and develop new skills, which could offer long-term benefits for your career.
Here are five side gigs that can help you start earning extra cash.

1. Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

Nearly every pet owner needs someone dependable and caring to take care of their dog or cat from time to time. Becoming a pet sitter or dog walker can allow you to bond with the animals in your community—and get paid for it. While you don't need formal training to become a pet sitter, knowing the basics of animal care and what to do in an emergency is essential. You can find this type of side gig through a variety of apps ,or simply let your loved ones and neighbors know that you're available for their pet care needs.

2. Rideshare Driver

Got a valid driver's license and a good sense of direction? Consider taking on a side gig as a rideshare driver through an app like Uber or Lyft. You can offer rides in your own vehicle (or rent a car from a ride share company) whenever it's convenient for you, whether that's on a traditional 9-to-5 schedule or just a few hours on the weekends. Some rideshare companies also offer drivers the ability to get paid instantly, making this side gig a compelling option if you don't want to wait for a paycheck.

3. Virtual Assistant

You can increase your income without leaving home by becoming a virtual assistant. No two virtual assistant gigs are exactly the same. You may need to organize emails, answer phone calls, book appointments, post on social media, manage spreadsheets, or transcribe documents—it all depends on your skills and what your clients’ needs to be done. You can find virtual assistant gigs at Time etc., Fancy Hands, Belay, and many other sites.

4. Tutor

With almost four in 10 parents of school-age children reporting their kid has fallen behind in school during the pandemic, tutors are in high demand. Helping students brush up on their academic skills can be a smart way for a teacher to bring in extra cash after school or on weekends. But even if you're not a formal educator, you may still be able to take on a side gig as a tutor if you have a deep understanding of a certain subject and a knack for explaining it. You can post flyers advertising your tutoring services near schools in your city or sign up with an online tutoring platform, such as Tutor.com, Hey Tutor, or Varsity Tutors.

5. Odd Jobs

Just about anyone can earn money doing odd jobs through TaskRabbit, Handy and NeedTo. One of the benefits of this side gig is that the tasks can be matched to your unique skill set. People who are handy around the home, for example, could get paid to assemble furniture, hang framed photos, mount a TV, or provide basic repairs. But if you prefer to be out and about, you can also take on tasks that involve running errands or waiting in lines for people. You choose when you're available for work and which types of tasks you take.
If you need to boost your income, you don't have to wait for the perfect job offer to come your way. You can start earning extra money now by taking on a side gig. Look for a task that also involves something you enjoy doing, such as playing with pets, to make the experience more enjoyable.