Side hustles abound: Just search online
The world is full of odd jobs, but here’s what one of the most unusual: scooter retriever.
During a recent show, I got a call from Tiffany in Los Angeles. Her side hustle is to pick up electric scooters, recharge them, and put them back on the street. Companies including Bird and Lime have become very popular, and the services hire regular people to help out with their stock.
Tiffany claims to earn between $6,500 and $7,500 per month.
One thing is for sure. Technology has opened up a lot of job opportunities. Specialized apps and websites make second jobs more accessible and more flexible than ever – and some people are making serious bank.
Here are some jobs that are in regular demand, thanks to advances in consumer tech.
Transcription
If you have the time, typing skills, and a pair of earphones, you can transcribe for money. The best part about transcribing is that you can often do it from home on your schedule. Look for work on such sites as Daily Transcription. On job sites, search for medical transcriptionist positions or run more of a generic search.
Freelance Writing
You can quickly start making money as a freelance content creator. You can check sites like JournalismJobs.com, Indeed, WriterAccess, and others such as Freelancer. You can also visit Upwork to view listings for freelance writing jobs, along with other options.
Blogger
Similarly, you could start a blog and, once you have a following of a few hundred or thousand people, you can make money with advertising. You can quickly create a blog on Google’s Blogger, for instance.
Search engine evaluation
One way companies find out how well their websites are working is by hiring evaluators to give them feedback. A good place to start looking for evaluator jobs is Appen, formerly known as Leapforce. Another option is iSoftStone.
Virtual assistant
You can make up to $30 an hour as a virtual assistant, which is essentially a secretary who works from home. You can find employers on such sites as Zirtual.com, FlexJobs, and Upwork.
Answering service
For the verbally adept, there are doctors, dentists, and many other companies that will hire you to answer their phone. Search for “remote answering service positions” on job sites.
Online reseller
Perhaps you’ve sold items on such sites as Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Many people make a full-time living (or side hustle) photographing items, writing descriptions, and even discussing products in person with potential buyers.
Secret shopper
Mystery shopping dates to before the internet, and many “secret agents” still make some money by posing as regular customers. Secret shoppers help stores assess stocked shelves, correct markings, and customer service. It won’t make you a millionaire, but you can quickly sign up through Field Agent.
Complete everyday tasks
If you’re considered “handy” and want to get out of the house, check out TaskRabbit. There, you can find jobs for furniture assembly, helping with moving and packing, cleaning, heavy lifting, or as a general handyman.
Call center rep
An army of customer reps are now answering calls from the comfort of their homes. Get started at such sites as WorkingSolutions.com or run a search for “work at home call center” at job sites.
Ride-hailing driver
If you don’t have ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft on your smartphone, you should. Meanwhile, you could be the driver who’s making money by visiting Uber.com or Lyft.com.
Dog walker and pet sitting
Love animals? Help fellow pet people. You can become a dog walker to help residents in your area by searching listings at Wag! You can check for dogwalking and pet-sitting jobs at other sites like Rover.com.
Tech support rep
If you feel equipped helping people with tasks, get paid for it. Search for “work at home technical support positions” at the job sites.