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Popular Side Gigs to Bring in Extra Holiday Cash
With the holidays fast approaching and your annual traditions with friends and family beginning, you may be wondering how you’ll afford all the presents, dinners, and events this year. It’s no secret that inflation has made things much more expensive and you may be wondering how to budget for the additional costs this December. If you’re in need of some extra cash, there are plenty of ways to make additional income through side gigs that don’t require any experience or special skillset.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular side gigs that can help you rake in extra holiday cash.
Retail Associate
Retail stores are always looking for extra help during the holidays, and there are a variety of positions available, from cashiers to gift wrappers to stockers. This is a great option for people who are looking for a flexible job that they can fit into their schedule as most stores are open through the evenings and on weekends.
In fact, there are several “Seasonal Retail Sales” positions open right now at stores like Dick's Sporting Goods in Downingtown, Target in Phoenixville, and Macy’s in Philadelphia just to name a few. Visit the careers page of any retail store near you to see their open positions and apply.
Delivery or Ride Share Driver
With more people shopping online than ever before, there is a high demand for delivery drivers. This is a great option for people who have a car and are available to work evenings and weekends and companies like Amazon are always in need of extra help around the holidays.
If you’re looking for an even more flexible schedule you could also sign up for ride share apps like Uber or Lyft and work completely on your own time. Ride share drivers earn a lot around the holidays, as people are constantly traveling to and from the airport.
Or if driving people around isn’t your thing, you can try DoorDash or Uber Eats and use your car to deliver food from restaurants to customers in your neighborhood.
Babysitting & Dog Sitting
Many people have dogs and small children that can’t always participate in holiday activities or traveling. If you have experience as a pet sitter, you can use Rover to create a profile and offer services like dog sitting. You’ll be able to set your availability and rates but be sure to research other providers in your area to set a fair price.
If you’re not into animals and babysitting kids is more your thing, try creating a profile on Care.com. Plus, if you build a good rapport with the kid you’re looking after, the parents might use you exclusively and you’ll be able to earn extra income all year round.
Freelancing
If you have a full-time job, chances are you have some skills that you can market as a freelancer. Whether that’s accounting help, virtual assistance, writing, photography, or web design, making yourself available during your off-hours can be a great way to pick up extra money. Start by listing your services on sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, or TaskRabbit. You may need to set your freelancing rates low while you collect testimonials from your customers and build a strong portfolio.
Eventually, you may want to build your own website showcasing your skills. This is a great way to utilize the skills you already have with work you enjoy doing, and earn more income along the way.
Online Tutor
With the rise of online learning, there is a growing demand for online tutors in a variety of subjects. This is a great option for people who are knowledgeable in a particular subject and have a patient and understanding demeanor. To get started as an online tutor, you can create a profile on a tutoring website or app such as Tutor.com or you can reach out to local schools or learning centers to see if they need online tutors.
Some of the benefits of being an online tutor:
- You can work from anywhere in the world.
- You can set your own hours.
- You can be your own boss.
- You can help students succeed.
If you are looking for a flexible and rewarding side gig, online tutoring is a great option to consider.
Making and Selling Gifts Online
If you're a skilled craftsperson, you can sell your handmade items at craft fairs or online. This is a great option for people who are creative and have a passion for making things and want to see their work end up in someone’s home. Etsy is a great place to sell your handmade items as well as eBay or Amazon, although some of these websites charge a seller’s fee, so remember to keep an eye out.
These are just a few of the many side gigs that you can do during the holidays to earn extra cash. With a little creativity and effort, you can find a side gig that fits your skills and schedule.
