They don’t call it the Land of Opportunity for nothing: The United States offers tons of possibilities for making some money on the side. Here is a glimpse at some of the best ones.
1. Do virtual bookkeeping
This job is perfect for stay-at-home moms or fresh graduates looking to gain some experience before they aim higher. Being a virtual bookkeeper gives you the freedom to set your own schedule and pays about $60 an hour.
The job involves everything a traditional on-site bookkeeper does, from tracking records to managing business expenses. The best part is that you don’t need a certified public accountant (CPA) degree. All you need is a high school diploma, math skills, and computer literacy.
2. Get a remote job
Today almost anyone can work from home. Remote jobs are a perfect way to earn some extra money or make enough for a living. It can be a part-time or a full-time job—you decide.
From customer service agents and transcribers to content writers and graphic designers, the possibilities are endless. You can start by checking some jobs on ZipRecruiter and see which one will best fit in your daily routine.
3. Watch videos
Believe it or not, you can get paid for watching videos. Swagbucks is one site to check out, but there are many more. You won’t make tons of money (up to $90 a month), but you will make some for hardly doing anything.
You don’t even have to watch the videos. You can simply open a new tab and let the videos run in the background while you are doing something else. If you find this an interesting way to earn some extra cash, you can also download the Swagbucks TV app.
4. Use Airbnb
Listing your spare room, apartment, or house on Airbnb can turn into a steady monthly income if you are willing to share your space. The best way to earn instant money is to make your space available during festivals and large events, for instance, if you are from Dallas and it’s time for the State Fair of Texas. This is a three-week event, so you can visit relatives and rent out your home (unless you want to participate in the festivities). Isn’t that a great idea?
5. Watch movies
Who would’ve thought it? Finally, the day has come when you can get paid for doing what you love the most—watching movies. Well, in this case, it’s watching movie previews, celebrity videos, or the latest news, but yes, please! You even get $5 for signing up.
InboxDollars pays you up to $225 a month to watch videos on a specific playlist that will take anywhere from a few minutes to about half an hour to watch. We say that’s a great way to make money on your coffee breaks.
6. Complete surveys
If you have some time to spare, you can click some buttons to earn extra cash. You can cash in on long commutes, long lines, or whenever you feel bored at home. Answering questions is not the most fun way to earn money, but if you have nothing else to do, why not?
You will find plenty of paid survey sites, with MyPoints seeming to be among the most popular options. Once you complete your first five surveys, you will get a bonus of $5. Better than nothing, right?
7. Become a Lyft driver
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Driving for Lyft can be a full-time or a part-time job. You can make your own schedule and work on your own time. Expect to get paid around $750 a week as a full-time driver. The job is not hard, and you get to drive around and meet new people.
Your vehicle should not be older than 15 years, and you need to pass a background check. You also have to be at least 21 years of age with one year of driving experience. Check the Uber and Lyft sites for details on the requirements.
8. Work with horses
Looking for side gigs and love horses? With over 7.2 million of these majestic animals spread across the United States, there will always be a job for you. One interesting option is working as a horse braider. This job includes braiding the horses’ tails and manes before shows. Expect to earn about $1,000 a month for a few hours of braiding.
There are tons of jobs in the Land of Opportunity (aside from your regular one) that can pay the bills. All you’ve got to do is find which one will fit best into your daily routine.
