10 Best Money Making Side Hustles for Those Working a 9-5
Working a 9-5 can feel like a grind, especially when bills keep stacking up and your paycheck just isn’t cutting it.
If you’ve been thinking about picking up a little something on the side, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, searching for ways to earn extra income without quitting my full-time job.
That’s why I pulled together this list of the 10 best money-making side hustles that actually work for people with busy schedules.
Whether you’re looking for part-time jobs, easy online side hustles, or even long-term ideas for a side business, there’s something here for you.
Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
And nope, you don’t need any special skills or a ton of money to get started. From virtual jobs to side gigs you can do on the weekends, these options are flexible, beginner-friendly, and 100% worth a try.
Ready to find your perfect side hustle? Let’s go!
Related:
- 15 Best Remote Jobs that Make up to $10k a month
- 50 Creative Side Hustle Ideas To Make $200 A Day
- 16 Weekend Side Hustle Ideas That Make $800 A Month
1. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing and can stick to deadlines, freelance writing is a great way to make money on the side.
Many businesses, bloggers, and websites need content, and they’re willing to pay for it. You don’t need a degree in English or journalism to get started.
In fact, most clients just want clear, helpful writing that speaks to their audience. If you can explain things well and keep people interested, you’re already ahead.
Start by signing up for platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. These sites connect you with people looking to hire writers for blog posts, product descriptions, newsletters, and more.
Over time, as you gain experience, you can increase your rates and even find clients who hire you directly. That’s where the real money comes in.
Want to level up faster? Pick a niche like health, tech, or finance. When you specialize, you stand out, and clients are willing to pay more for experts.
2. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Being a virtual assistant is perfect for folks who are organized and like helping others stay on track.
VAs help with everything from managing emails and calendars to scheduling social media posts and booking appointments. If you’re already good at juggling tasks at your 9-5, you’ve got a leg up.
You don’t need fancy tools to begin, just a computer, Wi-Fi, and a willingness to learn. Sites like Belay, Fancy Hands, and Upwork are great places to find your first clients.
Some VAs even work for influencers or small business owners who need help but can’t afford a full-time employee.
The pay can be decent, and the work is flexible. Start with a few hours a week after work or on weekends.
Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
Once you build a reputation, you can take on higher-paying gigs—or even turn it into a full-time online side hustle if that’s your goal.
3. Print-On-Demand Store
Got a creative streak? Try starting a print-on-demand business. This side hustle lets you design t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more, without ever handling the inventory yourself.
Services like Printful, Redbubble, and Teespring handle the printing and shipping, while you focus on creating designs and promoting your store.
You don’t have to be a graphic designer, either. There are tons of templates and tools (like Canva) that make it easy to put together eye-catching designs.
Focus on specific themes like dog lovers, funny quotes, or seasonal items. Niches help your products stand out.
Promote your shop through social media, Pinterest, or even a blog. As sales grow, so does your income. It may take some trial and error to find winning designs, but once you do, this can turn into a passive side business that earns while you sleep.
4. Online Tutoring
Do you know something well—like math, writing, or even playing guitar? Online tutoring might be the perfect gig.
Sites like Wyzant, Cambly, and Preply make it super easy to connect with students looking for help. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a certified teacher.
Start by offering help in a subject you’re comfortable with. As long as you can explain things clearly and have a good internet connection, you’re good to go.
You can tutor kids, high schoolers, college students, or even adults learning new skills.
The best part? You get to choose your own hours. That means you can work around your 9-5. This kind of part time job not only pays well but also feels super rewarding. Helping someone succeed never gets old.
5. Sell Digital Products
Selling digital products is a super smart way to earn extra income without trading time for money forever.
You create something once—like a planner, budget spreadsheet, or ebook—and sell it over and over again. Platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Payhip make it easy.
If you’re already organized, creative, or good at solving small problems, think about what kind of digital product might help someone else.
For example, if you’re a teacher, you can sell lesson plans. If you love budgeting, try making a savings tracker.
The key is to start small. Don’t try to build a huge online shop right away. Make one good product, test it, and build from there.
Over time, your digital product sales can grow into a real online side hustle that brings in money while you’re at your day job.
6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Love animals? Pet sitting or dog walking is one of the easiest ways to start making money on the side, especially if you’re in a neighborhood with lots of pet owners. Apps like Rover or Wag make it easy to find gigs.
The work is simple: feed pets, take dogs for a walk, keep them company while their owners are away. It’s also a great excuse to get outside and sneak in some exercise.
This hustle works well after work hours or on weekends, so you can keep your regular job and still pick up a few extra bucks.
Plus, cuddling with pets doesn’t feel like work at all. Just be reliable and treat the animals well—your clients will keep coming back.
7. Social Media Manager
Are you already spending time on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest? Turn that time into cash by managing social media accounts for small businesses or influencers.
Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
Many business owners don’t have time to post regularly or engage with their followers—and that’s where you come in.
You can start by reaching out to local businesses or offering your services on platforms like Fiverr. Once you have a few clients and a system in place, the work gets easier and more profitable.
You don’t need a marketing degree. If you understand how to grow an account, write captions, and create content people like, you’ve got everything you need. This can turn into one of the best online jobs with lots of room to grow.
8. Flipping Items for Profit
Flipping means buying things cheap and reselling them for more. It might sound simple—and it is, but it does take a good eye and a little effort. You can flip furniture, clothes, electronics, or even collectibles.
Start small by browsing thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales. Look for items that need just a bit of cleaning or fixing up. Then list them on eBay, Mercari, or Poshmark at a higher price.
This side hustle can be fun if you like treasure hunting. And the money adds up fast when you start flipping bigger or higher-value items. It’s a perfect example of an online side hustle that doesn’t require a ton of money to get started.
9. Do Online Surveys or User Testing
Okay, this one won’t make you rich, but it’s easy and doesn’t require any special skills. Companies want to hear your opinion on their products and websites, and they’re willing to pay for it.
Sites like Swagbucks, UserTesting, and Pinecone Research are legit places to get started. You sign up, answer some questions, and earn a few bucks per survey or test. It’s not exciting, but it’s simple and can add up over time.
Use it during lunch breaks or while watching TV. It’s low effort and low commitment, which makes it perfect for someone juggling a full-time job. Just make sure you’re using trusted platforms.
10. Become a Course Creator
If you’ve got knowledge in a specific area, package it into a course and sell it. You don’t have to be a pro, just a few steps ahead of someone else. Platforms like Teachable, Podia, and Skillshare are great for beginners.
Pick a topic you’re confident in, outline your lessons, and record them with your phone or laptop. Think short videos, worksheets, or checklists. People love learning from real, relatable people, not just polished professionals.
Course creation takes time upfront but can turn into passive income later. It’s one of the smartest online side hustles you can build from home. And hey, you might even discover a passion for teaching you didn’t know you had.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to side hustles. The best gig is the one that fits into your schedule, matches your interests, and helps you earn extra income without burning you out.
Try one, test it, tweak it, and see what sticks. You never know, your side hustle could turn into something way bigger.
FAQs
- What’s the easiest side hustle to start with a 9-5 job?
Freelance writing, dog walking, or taking online surveys are the easiest places to start. They don’t need much setup or experience. - Do I need to register a business for my side hustle?
Not right away. If your side hustle starts making consistent money, then you can look into setting up a business for tax purposes. - Can I do side hustles even if I have no special skills?
Yes! Many gigs like flipping items, taking surveys, or pet sitting don’t require any special skills—just time and effort. - How much time should I spend on a side hustle?
Start with 5–10 hours a week and see how it goes. The key is to stay consistent without overwhelming yourself. - What’s the best way to balance a side hustle with my full-time job?
Use evenings or weekends, stay organized, and choose a hustle that energizes you. Don’t pick something that adds more stress to your life.
