I’m an introvert. Unfortunately, in the United States, it’s an extrovert celebrating society. Outgoing personalities are often viewed as ideal, and the workplace is no exception. Many of us introverts spend our lives doing our best to fake it, until we make it. For my day job, I work in Finance, and I find that profession one of the better career fields for introverts. But, while paying off debt, a “side hustle”, or second job, to bring in more income is something I often recommend. Here are ten side hustles for introverts (and you extroverts too!) that will help you earn extra income to pay off debt, but doesn’t necessarily require you to even leave your house.
There are many reasons why you may want to earn extra money. If you aren’t into getting out debt, which is sorta my THING here on this blog, that’s okay. Perhaps you want to save money for a dream vacation or you’ve lost your main job and need a side gig until you can land your next job. Whatever the reason, a “side hustle” is always a good idea, in my opinion. I like options, and multiple income streams gives you just that.
What’s a valid “side hustle”?
Let’s be clear…. if your side job doesn’t earn a profit, it’s NOT a side hustle. If your second job ends up costing more money than you make, it’s a hobby. There’s nothing wrong with hobbies, but if your goal is to EARN extra cash, you need to be honest with yourself. Be sure the time you’re spending “working”, is being used to the best of your ability to earn money.
Ten Side Hustle Ideas
1. Blog or Vlog
This is first on the list only because it’s what I do. I’m a YouTuber, and a blogger. It earns enough money per month for me to classify it as my side hustle. Be forewarned, however, this is not a quick way to make a buck by any means. It often takes years to build an audience. Oftentimes creators upload videos or post blog posts as a hobby for a long time before things start to monetize. It took me abut four years of consistent effort before I began to see any real earnings. It’s a passion, and isn’t for the impatient or faint of heart.
2. Etsy
Sell your craft online. If you’ve got a talent this is an excellent way to earn money from home. Sew, knit, crochet, draw, or built. The potential to earn is limitless if you have the ability to create beautiful and/or useful products.
3. Transcribe
For all my YouTube videos I use a captioning service. Those people are being paid to do a much needed service from the comforts of their homes. If you’re a fast typer and a good listener, this could be your thing. Fill out an online application and give it a go.
4. Dog Walk or Pet Sit
When I was in my 20’s I walked dogs as a living. This is an exceptionally good side hustle if you live in a largely populated area. There’s millions of dog owners who seriously love their dogs. They’re willing to pay big bucks for daily dog walking services, and in home doggie day care. I walked dogs, fed cats, watered plants, and slept the night in clients homes with their pets. No humans involved. Start by telling friends and family, and then try using the power of FaceBook advertising by targeting your local community to get the word out.
5. Virtual Assistant
Do bookkeeping, social media email management and more. Time management is often an issue for online creators, and they need help keeping up with the ever growing list of social media platforms. If you’re savvy with a computer, and social media, you can help (and earn money).
6. Surveys
Complete online surveys sharing your experiences with certain products, places or things. There are several survey sites that pay cash. Such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research. I’ve known a few people who’ve made extra cash this way.
7. Graphic Design
Create cover art for blogs and other social media platforms. If you’ve got an eye for art, this could work for you as a side hustle. In a few of the YouTube Creator groups I’m in there’s often people asking for help with their channel cover art, or intro clips. Scout out some FaceBook Groups, and perhaps offer our work for free the first few times.
8. Sell Your Stuff
Do you like to shop? Why not buy low and sell high. Alternatively, you could just sell your own stuff. Start looking through your closets for things you barely wear, or for furniture pieces you wouldn’t mind parting ways with. You can list them on FaceBook marketplace, eBay or Craig’s List.
9. Flip It
Use apps like Profit Bandit or Scan Power to determine to value of products you find at yard sales, thrift stores, or retail stores on clearance. You can resell those same items on Amazon, eBay, or Craig’s List for a higher price than you bought them. Some people make seriously big bucks doing this.
10. Sell The Rights to Your Photos
Most people nowadays have a smart phone, and those phones often take quality pictures. If you have a special knack for snapping amazing photos, you can sell those pictures online on sites like SmugMug. Seriously! Bloggers and other social media marketers are looking for photos to post on their sites, and are willing to pay for them.
