It is now 2021, the pandemic is still with us and most people are still stuck at home. There’s only so much binge-watching and snacking you can do before you feel like a total slob. So why not try your hand at online side hustles and make some extra cash from the comfort of your own home?
Although COVID-19 vaccination is underway, no one is certain what 2021 brings us. We can only hope that these vaccines will work the way we all want it to work so we can start getting back to normalcy.
The start of the year showed many people are struggling financially, the unemployment rate is high and it’s becoming harder for many people to make ends meet.
For some, staying at home during the pandemic has opened a few online opportunities to make extra money in the form of side hustles.
Why Start an Online Side Hustle in 2021
Every one of us has our personal reason why we want to start a side hustle. Maybe those credit card bills are beginning to pile up and your primary source of income is no longer enough to make the payments, or you just want to make some extra money to buy that new furniture.
If you have been thinking about switching careers, a side hustle is also an excellent way to explore new career opportunities.
Moreover, the feeling of having multiple sources of income is empowering and reassuring. You will feel a sense of confidence that you have some extra money in case an emergency arises. It alleviates financial stress and makes you a happier person.
If you’re out of a regular job and struggling to make ends meet, these online side hustles can really help you out. If you’re working from home and want some extra cash (I mean, who doesn’t want that), then these side hustles are the way to go.
10 Online Side Hustles to Explore in 2021:
Translator
If you are fluent in two languages, being a translator may be the route to go. Many people and businesses need translators. This doesn’t just strictly mean translating what someone is verbally saying. Many businesses need websites and documents translated.
The translation industry will always be here as more companies are expanding their business in other parts of the world. This will create a robust demand for bilingual and multilingual individuals.
If you want to get started as a freelance translator, you can check out some freelancing websites such as Upwork or Freelancer.com.
The average pay for translators in the U.S is $23/hour.
Virtual Babysitter
Yes, you heard me right. Amidst the pandemic, parents are starting to reach out for virtual babysitters to keep their kids entertained a few hours of the day.
Regular babysitting requires the babysitter to be physically present and be at the child’s side most of the time.
Being a virtual babysitter is basically just watching kids through a platform like Zoom, and keeping them engaged, whether that be through songs, crafts, and games.
Popular babysitting websites such as Care.com and Sittercity.com are also offering virtual babysitting services.
Virtual babysitters allow parents to breathe a sigh of relief – especially with E-learning going on as well.
This year (2021), this trend will continue.
Virtual Assistant
Do you have good communication skills? Are you organized and have a strong set of computer skills?
Try being a virtual assistant.
You would provide various services to businesses and entrepreneurs, such as scheduling appointments, managing errands, to digital marketing tasks.
As a virtual assistant, your job is to make sure that your clients assigned day-to-day tasks are taken care of. While some of these tasks may vary depending on your client’s needs, the most basic ones, such as scheduling, replying to emails and phone calls, are usually regular virtual assistants’ jobs.
Teach an Online Class
Thanks to platforms like Skillshare, anyone these days can make money while teaching online on something they are interested in.
If you are an artist, you can teach a virtual class on oil painting techniques or charcoal drawings.
If you are passionate about video editing, you can showcase your skills through an online class.
A certified fitness instructor out of work because your local gym is closed? Go ahead and teach that yoga class online.
The possibilities are endless with this one. All you need is a decent camera, a platform – oh, and knowledge about the content you’ll be presenting.
Resell or Flip Items
Nowadays, you can always find something for everyone that you can resell. You can buy and sell a variety of items either online or in-person. Buying and selling at a profit are some of the most lucrative and successful side-hustles available out there.
With the availability of goods to resell, making a lot of money in this day and age is now a greater possibility than ever.
This one’s success depends on what you have that you can already resell or flip to profit.
Many people go to thrift stores and buy items in great condition (sometimes even brand new) and resell them for a much higher price than they paid for.
You can make a lucrative profit reselling or flipping items. While designer brands are in high demand, why not clean out your attic or garage – you may just find some valuable treasures. You can post your listings on eBay, Poshmark (clothing), or even on social media.
Freelance Your Skill
This one is an umbrella idea with tons of ideas falling under it. If you are a graphic designer, freelancing is not only a great way to make money but build up your portfolio and clientele. The same goes for writers and illustrators.
Freelancer.com and Fiverr are two great sites to look for freelance work.
Whether it be copy editing, social media managing, or even voice over acting, there are many skills one can freelance and make money off.
Although most freelancers work out of their homes, some do work at a business place as a “work for hire” contractor. Those who do not want a permanent full or part-time job being a freelancer are the perfect solutions. There are many different advantages to being a freelancer, such as:
- You can choose your own work schedule.
- You may make more money being a freelancer because you can set your own price.
- You are your own boss and can work where you want.
- You can pick the jobs that are of interest to you.
One thing that a person must consider when thinking about becoming a freelance worker is that you will not become rich overnight. It will take time to find the work and the clients.
There are also no retirement benefits or health care benefits. You are self-employed. It may also take years in order to establish your name in a particular field as a freelancer.
Sell Your Photography
A lot of people take photos just for fun and as a hobby. They love to take pictures, not because they are professional photographers. Some just want to take beautiful pictures because it helps them ease their anxieties and stress, while others take photos exclusively for family occasions and vacations.
If you have hundreds of photos from trips and celebrations – you can sell them through a site like Shuttershock. You can start a stock photo side hustle by doing so.
All you have to do is go through your photos and filter through all of them to decide which ones are composed well enough to be sold. Here are some websites where you can sell your beautiful looking photographs:
Become an Entrepreneur
Have you always wanted to start your own business? Do you have a list of ideas that could potentially make money…that stays a list and never form into fruition? Now is the time to take one of those ideas and start planning out your business.
Quarantine has allowed pretty much everyone to have spare time on their hands – go and put it to good use and start planning out a business. This could be as simple as making a list of things your business would need (marketing plan, materials, steps to take) and get on it.
While you may not be able to physically go out and do something for your business, working on the behind the scenes stuff can put you ahead of the game later on.
Take Online Surveys
An easy way to make money is to take online surveys. Sites such as Swagbucks and Survey Junkie have surveys from brands and organizations that are looking for people to offer their opinions on the latest trends.
This at-home side hustle only takes a few minutes, depending on how long the survey is and how many you decide to do, so do not expect to make tons of money from it. But it’s still money.
Getting started with taking online surveys is pretty simple. You need to complete your profile information first.
There will be a few basic questions that you need to answer before you can get started. Survey companies would like to know that they are sending you relevant questions during the survey process.
Start a Youtube Channel
Smartphones have great high-quality cameras these days, and to be honest, who doesn’t enjoy binge-watching Youtube videos?
If you are passionate about something, film yourself talking about it. For example, if you love to read about stocks and all things financial, why not start a Youtube channel where you discuss them?
If you know multiple ways to style your hair, you can make videos on different hair tutorials. Now, just filming and uploading videos does not guarantee fast money (or money at all).
It is all about consistency and putting out quality content. If you do these two steps, as well as get your videos out there (promote them through all your social media handles), then your videos and channel may just end up getting monetized.
Online Side Hustles – Final Thoughts
Alright, there we have it. These ten online side hustles where you can make money from the comfort of your own home. Now is the time to try and start that business, make some extra money, and honestly distract yourself from the worries of the world for a few hours. Who knows, one of your online side hustles can turn to a full-time job or even a successful business.
