Forget about delivering parcels or being part of an MLM scheme to make extra money; there are many exciting ways to turn your skills into profit. Whether you’re a data whiz, a social media guru, or a pet whisperer extraordinaire, we explore ten unique ways to make a surprising amount of money:
Professional Cuddler
Yes, you read that correctly! Believe it or not, there’s a growing market for platonic cuddling services. Cuddlers offer companionship and emotional support, often to people struggling with loneliness or anxiety. Rates vary depending on location and experience, but some cuddlers earn over $80 per hour. It is essential to establish clear boundaries around acceptable physical contact and session duration and don’t be afraid to say no to requests that fall outside your comfort zone.
Pet Sitter/Walker With a Twist
If you are good with pets but want to earn more than you should with regular dog walking, you can turn your pet services up a notch. We offer specialized services like pet reiki, photography, and dog hiking adventures. Social media-savvy pet owners are willing to pay for unique experiences for their furry companions, so you can get as creative as you want, depending on your skills. High-range pet services can demand $75+ per session to make money.
Freelance House Sitter
If you love to travel but can’t afford it as much as you would like, house-sitting is a great way to combine travel with income. Homeowners pay you to live in their house while away, caring for pets, plants, and general security. Luxury house-sitting gigs in desirable locations can be pretty rewarding, which you can see when you sign up for house-sitting websites. Most house-sitting services don’t pay cash, but the money you will save on holiday rentals can be significant.
Sell Your Stuff Online Creatively
It is common for people to earn extra cash by selling unused clothes online, but it won’t make big money unless you think outside the box and get creative. Instead of just listing your old clothes on consignment, upcycle vintage clothing or furniture, create customized prints, or offer personalized calligraphy services. Etsy and other online platforms are great places to showcase your unique crafts or collections. High-end, expertly upcycled clothing can earn anything from $50-100 per item.
Become a Data Entry Specialist for Medical Transcription
Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings of doctors dictating medical reports and convert them into written documents. While some training is required, this work-from-home job offers flexibility and can be well-paying, especially for those with typing speed and medical terminology knowledge. You can work full-time and earn around $40,222 per year or freelance on top of your everyday job if you want extra work.
Sell Your Voice or Soundscapes
Websites and apps use background sounds and voice-overs for various purposes. You can record calming nature sounds for meditation apps, create sound effects for video games, or narrate audiobooks. Platforms like Shutterstock, AudioJungle, and Pond5 allow you to upload and sell sound effects, music beds, and libraries. Rates can range from $50 to $1000+ per project, depending on your skill level.
Teach a Language Online
If you’re bilingual, you can use our language skills to teach English or your native language online. Platforms like VIPKid and Cambly connect you with students worldwide, offering great pay and flexible hours. Teachers with experience and certifications (like TEFL) generally command higher rates.
Rent Out Your Unused Space
If you have a spare room, a parking spot in a desirable location, or even some storage space in your garage, you can utilize it to earn good cash. There are online platforms that connect renters with people who have underutilized spaces, so it is a great way to earn some passive income.
Become a Mystery Shopper
Mystery shoppers are undercover agents who evaluate these experiences, and it can be a fun and flexible way to earn some extra cash. Companies hire mystery shoppers to evaluate customer service, product quality, and cleanliness. While the tasks may be short, they can be a fun way to get paid to shop or dine out.
Write and Publish Ebooks
Freelance writing is a great way to earn additional cash as a sideline or elevate your writing to a book level. Self-publishing has become much easier in recent years. If you have a talent for storytelling or specific expertise, consider writing and publishing an ebook. While success takes effort and marketing, ebooks can offer ongoing royalties if done strategically. Ebook prices typically range from $2.99 to $9.99, with some outliers above or below this range, and retailers offer around 70% royalty for ebooks priced at $2.99 and above. Lower royalty rates apply for ebooks priced below $2.99.