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The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the jobs landscape, with workers from different industries around the globe compelled to work from home for years and counting. While economies are slowly re-opening and health protocols and social distancing restrictions have been easing, people face new challenges and tough circ*mstances as they navigate the new normal.
Those who need more funds are turning to part-time gigs and side hustles to make ends meet. But what does it really mean to start a side hustle? And will it help to boost your finances in 2022?
Why You Need A Side Hustle Now
Many describe side hustle as a game-changer, an opportunity to have a source of extra income outside of your 9-to-5 job. A side hustle that can make a significant difference in your wallet is most welcome in these trying times.
But contrary to popular belief, there’s more to side hustles than just finding new ways to pay off your loans faster or managing the rising costs of rent, food, bills, and transportation.
With more time spent at home to curb the spread of the virus, many people were able to take a step back and focus on what matters most to them. Instead of just working to pay the bills, you can also chase after what you love to do and fill your life with purpose and passion. Even for just a few hours each week, you’ll be able to explore your passions and earn extra cash along the way.
6 Side Hustles to Help You Make More Money
1. Teach or tutor online
If you love teaching and meeting new people, consider teaching a language or a subject you consider yourself an expert in from your own home. There are a lot of companies that can pay you to teach English online, and you can work around your full-time job because you get to decide your schedule.
If you’re confident in various skills, why not mentor others online and make extra cash? From singing, dancing, and music to cooking, arts and crafts, fitness, and more, you can leverage online platforms to teach people about a myriad of skills no matter where you are.
2. Be a virtual assistant
In this digital age, and with how things are going due to the pandemic, the growing demand for virtual assistants shows no signs of slowing down. If you can multitask well and are capable of helping business owners grow their business, then a virtual assistant side job can be a perfect fit.
You need a computer or laptop, a reliable internet connection, and a growth mindset to get started. You can look for virtual assistant jobs on sites like FlexJobs, Fiverr, and Upwork. Alternatively, you can join Facebook groups to offer your services. Some of the most common tasks of virtual assistants include administrative work, booking and bookkeeping, research, customer service, email marketing, and social media management.
3. Be a freelancer and get paid for your creative talents
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The road to becoming an established independent contractor or freelancer can be tough, as you’ll have to build your portfolio and skillset. But the hard work pays off in the long run. Freelance writers, for example, can earn anywhere between $100 to a little over $1,000 a month while taking on various projects.
It all depends on your subject matter expertise, niche, and experience. But when you do your job right and charge clients based on the value you’ll bring, you’re well on the path to success. Among the most popular freelance gigs include online writing, graphic design, social media marketing, and video editing.
4. Assist in selling or renting out homes and business spaces
If you are fond of keeping up to date with real estate trends, then you might as well explore getting into the real estate industry. Getting a real estate license is no easy feat, but it can produce a nice income on the side if you’re determined to make it a part-time job. Assess whether you have the time, patience, dedication, and network to engage in real estate transactions and turn leads into sales.
5. Join the NFT craze
More and more crypto and gaming enthusiasts are getting into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFT). NFTs are used to purchase and sell digital items like artwork and gaming skins.
Are you a pro mobile gamer? Try gaming for NFTs and earn as you play. Games like Axie Infinity, Cryptoblades, and Lost Relics let you earn cryptocurrency tokens within the game and give you the option of trading them on decentralized exchanges for hard cash.
6. Develop blockchain-based apps
Take your side hustle to an extreme level by learning blockchain technology. Many experts are banking on the idea that blockchain-based technologies will revolutionize how people live and work. That’s why technology-related jobs like web, mobile, and software development are among today’s highest-paid and in-demand side hustles. If you excel in coding and software engineering, you’ll gain a competitive edge.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re looking to launch a business from home or turn a hobby into a lucrative venture, there’s no better time than now to develop new skills and build your unique brand. Who knows, maybe your side hustle can become your main job and empower you to achieve financial freedom.
Find a side hustle that you know you will enjoy doing? Don’t think twice about pursuing it and reap the rewards of your labor. You’ll be achieving your financial goals sooner than later.
