Whether you have a great job you love that just doesn’t pay a lot, you need to find a new job or you need some extra money to tide you over during a tough time, freelance jobs can be a great way to make up the difference. Believe it or not, there are a lot of ways to make extra cash and very few of them require any special skills or training. Depending on your interests and what you have available to you, you can try a few different things or concentrate on one. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up with a new career.
1. Social Media Guru
Believe it or not, your time on Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites can actually pay off. Offer your services to businesses as a social media expert — assuming you are one and understand the types of social media out there – you can write blog posts, Facebook posts, Tweets and other messages for companies that don’t have time to keep up with their social media platforms. Check out just what you need to be a social media guru here. A social media guru can charge per post or per month, often as much as $150 per brand per month.
2. Yard Work
Post a sign on the board at the grocery store, post in groups on Facebook and let everyone know that you can weed, mow, weed whack or whatever. Those who do yard work for a job often charge by the job, so call around and find out what others in your area are charging and adjust your prices accordingly.
3. Trash to Treasure
Do you have a flair for turning something old into something new? Start refurbishing old furniture and other items. Add knobs to old dressers, paint them bright colors and resell them for a profit. You’d be amazed at how much you can make at a local flea market doing something like this. An old dresser you buy for $20 at a yard sale can turn into a $200 item.
4. Teach
Can you play the piano? Knit? Take brilliant pictures? Offer classes. Talk with someone at your local library or community center and set up class times. Piano or other music lessons are frequently about $20 per half hour. If you’re not sure what to charge, look up similar classes in a nearby town.
5. Babysit
Parents always need extra help in this department. If you have some time available in your day or night, you could offer babysitting services for local families. Make sure you are familiar with first aid and CPR first and then hang out your shingle. If you want to do something more permanent or long-term, check with your state about laws for child care. Babysitters make different amounts in different areas but can charge between $5 and $10 an hour depending on where you live and how many kids you are watching at once.
6. Petsitting/Walking
Dogwalking is a great service to offer those who are away for a long time during the day. It’s also a great way to stay in shape. You can also add petsitting services and if you’re not squeamish, dog poop scooping services. Dog walkers frequently get about $20 per hour, depending on location. Petsitters often charge per visit – usually about $20 per day depending on what your duties will be.
7. Head to the fair
Summertime is fair and festival time. Do you have a craft you make that you would be willing to make a lot of? Do you bake or make fudge? Try your hand at making fudge and bring it to the fairs and festivals in your area. You could make hundreds of dollars — maybe more — over a weekend, depending on the festival. Make sure to investigate your state rules first regarding cottage food industries if you are making edibles.
8. Tutoring
Were you a math whiz in high school? Do you understand the intricacies of chemistry? Many students could use a helping hand in a lot of these subjects and you might be just the person to help them out. You could make $10 or so an hour and be a real boon to a student who is struggling.
9. Videographer/Photographer
Have a flair with a camera? From weddings to parties to receptions of all sorts, many organizations need someone to photo or video their events. Become familiar with your equipment and offer to do the first one or two jobs for the cost of gas and you will have a portfolio upon which you can build.
10. Running errands
Moms, seniors, folks that work out of town often, frequently need someone to help them get those little things done. You could drive senior citizens to appointments or go shopping for or with them. You could pick up someone else’s dry cleaning while you drop off someone else’s prescriptions. Put up flyers, post on Facebook and Craigslist. You’d be amazed at how much people are willing to pay for an extra hand now and again. Start by charging a basic rate – $5 per errand, for example, depending on the errand – or $20 for an hour of shopping plus delivery. Adjust your rates as you run more errands and find more need for your services.
