Imagine it’s the weekend, and you’ve spent the week nervous about your rapidly dwindling bank account. You quickly check for extra funds, whether it’s a physical or Venmo wallet, and come up with nothing.
This situation is frustrating on several levels, especially if you have a full-time day job. But there are side hustles that won’t take up all your free time, money, or energy. Plus, there are ways to bridge the cash gap if it takes a few days to get paid. Here, we’ll look at several ways to cover your bills so that you can rest easy.
The best side jobs aren’t get-rich-quick schemes. They’re steady, stable gigs that fit with your lifestyle and preferences.
Start with a few simple questions:
Many side jobs are easy to pick up, so there’s no real wrong choice — you’re simply looking for the one that works best for you (even if it takes a little trial and error).
While weekend hustles vary in terms of demand and earnings, they usually don’t require you to quit your day job, buy supplies, or take a certification class (though babysitting often requires CPR and first aid).
If you’re ready to start today, take note of options you want to explore.
Consider this: 64% of Gen Z report searching for secondhand clothing before buying new. The resale market is pretty hot right now, which creates an opportunity for you. List new or gently used items on popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Poshmark, and eBay.
If you list on an auction site like eBay, consider setting a reserve price (e.g., $100) to avoid selling a valuable item for pennies on the dollar. If you’re selling at a fixed price, research comparable options to stay competitive.
Keep in mind that, while this hustle is a great way to cover one-time cash needs, selling items is usually a quick fix rather than a permanent solution if you consistently need extra income.
Survey platforms like Survey Junkie, User Interviews, and Swagbucks can put your spare time to work. Scroll through and answer simple questions while you’re waiting in line, relaxing on the couch, or even watching TV.
Surveys can be fun to fill out, but they don’t necessarily pay well. Because they’re open to all and easy to complete, many people only make a few bucks an hour.
Focus groups usually pay more, but they also require more time and effort. You may have to qualify to participate, travel to group sessions, or respond to essay-style questions. Check out platforms like Fieldwork or Plaza Research to explore opportunities.
Pet sitting or dog walking can be a reliable side hustle, though it may take time to build your reputation and clientele. Apps like Rover and Wag offer fast background checks, so owners are often more likely to trust you with their furred, feathered, and finned best friends.
If you’d prefer not to use apps, especially when some charge profile review fees, try starting with family and friends. Build repeat business by sending photo updates and following pet schedules. This option is flexible and lucrative, considering many sitters charge up to $1 a minute for a single dog walk.
Delivery driving platforms like Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub offer flexible hours and near-instant access to gigs.
These platforms typically increase driver pay on weekends, also known as surge pricing, due to high demand. Whether you’re delivering lunch or emergency medication, users will pay a little more for the convenience.
Driving gigs do include other costs, including fuel and wear-and-tear on your vehicle. In addition, earnings can vary widely based on location.
Micro-task platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk (aka MTurk), Clickworker, and Appen offer extra cash for tasks like data entry or image tagging. This is an ideal job if you enjoy working in short bursts.
While many micro-task jobs don’t pay much, look for higher-paying tasks that match your skill sets and talents, like fast typing for transcription tasks.
Online tutoring is a flexible and lucrative way to put skills and knowledge to work. Many platforms, including Varsity Tutors, Wyzant, and Tutor.com, don’t require a teaching degree, so it’s easy to sign up and establish a profile.
Tutoring on weekends is a perfect way to support students who need help with tests or assignments, making this an especially profitable side gig. While it may take a bit of effort, consistent and reliable tutors can earn repeat clients and a predictable second income.
Local home services like mowing lawns, raking leaves, organizing, or cleaning can help your neighbors and provide a steady stream of same-day cash. Advertise your services on Nextdoor, Facebook, or flyers, or sign up on a platform like Nextdoor.
While these tasks require more physical effort, cash-only services are an excellent option for bridging an immediate cash gap. Start with one or two clients to get a sense of how best to manage your time and energy.
Flipping refers to buying underpriced items and reselling them for profit, usually online. From old iPhones to vintage clothing, flipping can offer strong margins on select items — especially if you know what’s in demand. You can also refurbish items, like refinishing an old table, to increase their market value.
Flippers enjoy the art of treasure hunting and don’t mind digging to find that treasure. Start with a small budget of $25–$50 to limit your risk. Research similar items on platforms (e.g., eBay) before you buy: check prices, condition, how long it takes others to sell a similar item, etc.
Renting items you use occasionally — like a hole saw, power washer, or parking space — can provide passive income. With platforms like Fat Llama, SpotHero, and JustPark, you list the asset and wait for a renter.
The bonus for you is that renting takes very little effort. Often, you just need to coordinate the drop-off and pick-up for an item or share the location details of the parking space.
To boost your listings, take clear photos and write accurate descriptions. This side hustle is usually best for urban areas, though certain niche items may be in demand no matter where you live.
When so many people save home projects for the weekend, basic handyman services can be in high demand. Whether it’s assembling furniture or fixing leaky faucets, platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, and Nextdoor can connect you with customers who need repairs.
Reliable, quality work can earn you well-paid repeat business. Focus on transparent rates and honest descriptions of your skillset — including your limitations. For example, you might specify that you won’t mount televisions over 75 inches.
Babysitting gigs typically offer flexible hours and solid rates. Parents are willing to pay for reliable sitters, especially those with safety certifications (think CPR or first-aid).
Get started with platforms like Care.com or Sittercity, or ask family and friends for referrals. When so many parents need babysitters for date nights, errands, and emergencies, this side hustle can quickly become a reliable source of income.
Emceeing is a fun way to earn money and meet new people. Whether it’s a football game or trivia, weekends are prime times to work. Agencies like Instawork or Wonolo connect you to local events that rely on big personalities to carry the crowd.
In addition to showing up on time and following the dress code, focus on building your social skills for repeat bookings. Study the pay patterns for a few weeks to get a sense of which gigs are worth your time.
Digital printables, like invitations or wall art, don’t need to be stored or shipped. Simply create them, post on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market, and start generating passive income from repeat sales.
Start by researching popular digital printables, like meal planners or budgeting tools, and then design versions that are simpler or more engaging to use. One woman earns up to $20,000 a month on printables by combining her coding background with AI tools.
As side work grows in popularity, so do scammers. They pop up everywhere, whether impersonating legitimate platforms, sending phony payments, or infiltrating platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Red flags include:
Legitimate gig work is pretty easy to verify in just a few minutes. For better results, add “scam” or “review” to your search. Remember that protecting your money is just as important as earning it.
Gig work is taxable, even if you’re only picking up a job or two. If you don’t receive an official tax form, like a 1099-K, you’re still responsible for reporting the income and paying taxes. To avoid surprises, track income on a spreadsheet and set aside 20%–30% of your earnings.
Most payouts occur within one to five business days, though some offer instant transfers for a small fee. Also, check the payment schedule before you commit those funds to upcoming bills.
While some side work, like gardening or babysitting, can give you instant cash, most take at least a few days. If you don’t have time to wait, consider bridging small cash gaps with a cash advance app.
Klover offers small cash advances of up to $400 with no credit check, no interest, and no late fees. The app simply gives you early access to money you’ve already earned, so you can cover necessary expenses.
Unlike credit cards or payday loans, Klover only needs to see your pay activity — whether it’s from your main job or side gigs. Klover also offers budgeting tools and financial insights to help users track their spending and avoid overdrafts.
Can’t wait to get paid for your side gigs? Join Klover today.
Most gig apps deposit earnings within five business days, though many offer instant transfer options for a small fee (typically $1–$3). Check each app’s payment settings to understand your options and plan accordingly.
For most casual side jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, or selling personal items, you don’t need a business license. However, if you’re earning significant income or offering professional services regularly, check your local requirements, as rules vary by city and state.
Yes, Klover works for people with various income sources, including gig work and side hustles. The app considers your overall financial picture to help you access cash advances when you need them.
Earnings vary widely based on the hustle, your location, and the time you invest, but many people earn $100–$500+ monthly from consistent weekend work. Delivery drivers and tutors often earn $15–$25 per hour, while focus group participants can earn $50–$250 for a single session.
Cash-based gigs like yard work, babysitting, or selling items locally often pay the same day. For app-based work, look for platforms that offer instant transfers or gigs with short payout cycles.
