Author Topic: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!  (Read 508858 times)

auzzman

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At one time I was a journeyman plumber, so I still bring in some extra $ with that, but I'm interested in other side jobs, or creative gigs that any of you take advantage of.

Let's here em'

MissStache

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2013, 10:54:10 AM »
This is certainly unique, but I make handmade 18th and 19th century hats and bonnets for reenactors, museums, even an opera company once!  Obviously the market is small and you have to have considerable sewing skills, but it brings in some decent $.  $400/month for July, though that is higher than usual. 

I've been thrilled with my ability to turn a craft/hobby into meaningful income!  And there are plenty of quilters, seamstresses, etc who have little side hustles on Etsy.

Reepekg

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2013, 11:43:13 AM »
Refereeing sports. I make $40-$60 per game doing teenage soccer. You can be as casual as a game here and there or as intense as a tournament with 6-8 games per day for 3 days over a holiday weekend. Getting qualified is a matter of completing a weekend course. They're always begging for more refs.

Must have a thick skin and enjoy running about in the park! I tell everyone I can about this side gig because making 45 bucks watching 14 year old girls (they rarely foul each other) have fun outside on a sunny afternoon is like stealing money.
« Last Edit: July 26, 2013, 11:47:23 AM by Reepekg »

boy_bye

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2013, 12:14:37 PM »
i wrote an e-book, and on a typical month, i make about $50 from it. the first few months it was out, i made a lot more.

working on the second one now :)

exranger06

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2013, 12:19:22 PM »
I work at an auto parts store on the weekends. It started off as a summer job in college. I worked full time during the summers and part time during the semesters. I just continued working there even after I graduated. I enjoy it, it puts extra money in my pocket, and I get a really big discount on parts, which I've used countless times and has saved me thousands of dollars.

NumberCruncher

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #5 on: July 26, 2013, 02:11:31 PM »
This is certainly unique, but I make handmade 18th and 19th century hats and bonnets for reenactors, museums, even an opera company once!  Obviously the market is small and you have to have considerable sewing skills, but it brings in some decent $.  $400/month for July, though that is higher than usual. 

I've been thrilled with my ability to turn a craft/hobby into meaningful income!  And there are plenty of quilters, seamstresses, etc who have little side hustles on Etsy.

I'm curious - have you figured out your essential hourly wage from this/how do you price your pieces?

FuckRx

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2013, 02:18:56 PM »
i'm a full time physician so not a whole lot of extra time but...
i opened a mechanic shop and had my mechanic friend (who became my partner) run it for a while...
made some money but i reinvested a lot of it too...
it was good because he pretty much ran it and i did all the book keeping, financing etc...

i was on fiverr.com for a while and it wasn't too bad but needed a lot of my time and make $10-30 per month...

i started buying some car parts on craigslist and car forums for cheap and would sell them on ebay...
again time consuming...
i did this more when i was in med school...

in college i went around computer shops and asked them for the parts they didn't need (old hard drives etc)...
and would get all the info, make a nice posting and sell on ebay....
that actually was really good money....


MissStache

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2013, 02:22:30 PM »
This is certainly unique, but I make handmade 18th and 19th century hats and bonnets for reenactors, museums, even an opera company once!  Obviously the market is small and you have to have considerable sewing skills, but it brings in some decent $.  $400/month for July, though that is higher than usual. 

I've been thrilled with my ability to turn a craft/hobby into meaningful income!  And there are plenty of quilters, seamstresses, etc who have little side hustles on Etsy.

I'm curious - have you figured out your essential hourly wage from this/how do you price your pieces?

My hourly wage is laughable- I tend to make about $5/hr on my labor, but it is improving.   That said, I do this while I am sitting in front of the TV, so it is time that would otherwise be wasted.  Also, I just really enjoy doing it, so it doesn't seem like work for me! 

For my pricing,  I looked at what was out in the marketplace that was similar (admittedly it is a small marketplace) and used that as a guide.  I'll add more for a more elaborate design or expensive materials or if it has some feature that increases the labor.   I could probably charge more, but I feel like I am getting a fair amount. 


KatieSSS

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2013, 02:26:25 PM »
Waitressing.

I'm glad I have this skill to fall back on in case I get laid off. But I plan on quitting when I pay off my loans and then hopefully I'll find something different - like making things - to bring in some extra cash.

Spork

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2013, 02:30:51 PM »
This is certainly unique, but I make handmade 18th and 19th century hats and bonnets for reenactors, museums, even an opera company once!  Obviously the market is small and you have to have considerable sewing skills, but it brings in some decent $.  $400/month for July, though that is higher than usual. 

I've been thrilled with my ability to turn a craft/hobby into meaningful income!  And there are plenty of quilters, seamstresses, etc who have little side hustles on Etsy.


I'm curious - have you figured out your essential hourly wage from this/how do you price your pieces?

My hourly wage is laughable- I tend to make about $5/hr on my labor, but it is improving.   That said, I do this while I am sitting in front of the TV, so it is time that would otherwise be wasted.  Also, I just really enjoy doing it, so it doesn't seem like work for me! 

For my pricing,  I looked at what was out in the marketplace that was similar (admittedly it is a small marketplace) and used that as a guide.  I'll add more for a more elaborate design or expensive materials or if it has some feature that increases the labor.   I could probably charge more, but I feel like I am getting a fair amount.

IMO: If you have a hobby you enjoy and someone pays for your raw materials and you come out at $0 an hour: you come out ahead.

MissStache

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #10 on: July 26, 2013, 02:37:19 PM »
This is certainly unique, but I make handmade 18th and 19th century hats and bonnets for reenactors, museums, even an opera company once!  Obviously the market is small and you have to have considerable sewing skills, but it brings in some decent $.  $400/month for July, though that is higher than usual. 

I've been thrilled with my ability to turn a craft/hobby into meaningful income!  And there are plenty of quilters, seamstresses, etc who have little side hustles on Etsy.


I'm curious - have you figured out your essential hourly wage from this/how do you price your pieces?

My hourly wage is laughable- I tend to make about $5/hr on my labor, but it is improving.   That said, I do this while I am sitting in front of the TV, so it is time that would otherwise be wasted.  Also, I just really enjoy doing it, so it doesn't seem like work for me! 

For my pricing,  I looked at what was out in the marketplace that was similar (admittedly it is a small marketplace) and used that as a guide.  I'll add more for a more elaborate design or expensive materials or if it has some feature that increases the labor.   I could probably charge more, but I feel like I am getting a fair amount.

IMO: If you have a hobby you enjoy and someone pays for your raw materials and you come out at $0 an hour: you come out ahead.

My feelings exactly!  I would do this for free, so the money is like a super bonus!

Tony_SS

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #11 on: July 26, 2013, 02:39:16 PM »
Flipping items. Anything from cars, to car parts, to unique antiques. It's a lot of fun finding a deal and turning a profit. For example I found a really cool typewriter at Goodwill for $3. Looked it up and found it to be collectable after I bought it. Sold it on CL for $120.

Anything vintage is a great investment.

Eleden

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #12 on: July 26, 2013, 02:42:53 PM »
I'm a web developer by trade and did some on the side consulting for about a year before I got burnt out. Wasn't a fan of 60-65 hour work weeks  and my friends harassing me for never being available on the weekends. It's not like I NEEDED the extra money.

Since then I've been building and redesigning/updating websites for small businesses in the area, mostly for people I know. I typically do any side projects during the winter - I hate being stuck inside in the summer. After all, we only get 2-3 months of nice weather here in MN!

amyable

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #13 on: July 26, 2013, 02:52:49 PM »
i wrote an e-book, and on a typical month, i make about $50 from it. the first few months it was out, i made a lot more.

working on the second one now :)

Do you know the rough word count of your E-Book?  I want to write something, but I keep thinking it will be too short!

ghaynes

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #14 on: July 26, 2013, 02:57:04 PM »
I do photography on the side and shoot family/couples. I charge $250 for a session and make quite a bit more on prints. It makes a decent side income and its something I love doing. My day job is a software engineer.

Kipp

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #15 on: July 26, 2013, 03:10:44 PM »
I was working a side job at a gym, low pay, but got paid to exercise!  I will probably go back to it a few nights a week when I move back to the area (hopefully soon).

boy_bye

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #16 on: July 26, 2013, 03:39:44 PM »
i wrote an e-book, and on a typical month, i make about $50 from it. the first few months it was out, i made a lot more.

working on the second one now :)

Do you know the rough word count of your E-Book?  I want to write something, but I keep thinking it will be too short!

i can't remember exactly, but i think it's between 15-20,000 words. it's 10 chapters long, and each chapter is 1500-2000 words. comes out to 45 pages as assessed by the kindle store.

i priced it low -- $2.99 -- figuring that it will be at least as entertaining and useful as a cup of coffee.

rocklebock

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #17 on: July 26, 2013, 04:03:37 PM »
I flip vintage collectibles (mainly clothing, housewares, decor, some books) in various venues, mostly online. I've been doing it on and off for 12 years. I only do about $1000/year now - but when I started out, I had a low-paying entry-level job in my field, and the extra cash covered most of my grad school tuition. But it was a lot of work and I probably didn't crack $10/hour - I had more time than money back then. Nowadays I only do it if I happen to run across something and I think I can make at least $50 without much effort. Those opportunities are pretty scarce in the niche markets I know well. If I wanted to ramp up my side gig I'd plan to expand into other niche antiques/collectibles areas.

Riceman

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #18 on: July 26, 2013, 06:15:49 PM »
I used to make money playing online Poker, but soon after I quit I believe it became illegal.  Ended up being 8-10 dollars an hour profit, but it wasn't good for my mood.

cbear

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #19 on: August 04, 2013, 09:50:44 PM »
I work in law enforcement/forensics but will be teaching a night class at the local university this fall for an extra $5000/semester. If it works out, I will try to pick up another class for the spring or summer - or maybe do one online.

twbird18

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #20 on: August 04, 2013, 10:03:13 PM »
I run an ebay store that earns me about $1000 profit/month & that is after I pay someone else to most of the work. So, all in all a pretty good side gig that I could ramp up with more free time. 

ChiStache

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #21 on: August 05, 2013, 06:42:09 AM »
I rent out my basement apartment on Airbnb. It requires maybe 20 hours of work per month (cleaning, communicating with guests, etc.). It brings in about 1,800 per month in income, some of which is used to cover elevated utility costs, paper product costs, etc. Still a pretty profitable side gig, and we've also met a lot of cool people too.

ender

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #22 on: August 05, 2013, 07:08:08 AM »
I work in law enforcement/forensics but will be teaching a night class at the local university this fall for an extra $5000/semester. If it works out, I will try to pick up another class for the spring or summer - or maybe do one online.

I have been thinking about teaching part-time in the evenings, too.

Problem is I think $5000/semester is a lot more than I would get... :)

TrulyStashin

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #23 on: August 05, 2013, 07:20:31 AM »
I rent out my basement apartment on Airbnb. It requires maybe 20 hours of work per month (cleaning, communicating with guests, etc.). It brings in about 1,800 per month in income, some of which is used to cover elevated utility costs, paper product costs, etc. Still a pretty profitable side gig, and we've also met a lot of cool people too.

WOW!  Where do you live that you get that much demand?   

maryofdoom

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #24 on: August 05, 2013, 08:51:34 AM »
I sell books on Amazon. I buy them at the Goodwill for $1 or $2, then list them and send 'em off when they sell. The best one I found was a book on internal combustion mechanics that I bought for $2 and sold for $125.

The husband is the one who really rakes it in with the side gigs. He plays drums in a local swing band and makes at least $60 per show. However, if he could convince himself that he's good enough at the bagpipes, he could hire himself out as a bagpiper for weddings and funerals for $250 a pop. (He's a perfectionist, though, and is never pleased with how he plays.)

ChiStache

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #25 on: August 05, 2013, 09:01:09 AM »
I rent out my basement apartment on Airbnb. It requires maybe 20 hours of work per month (cleaning, communicating with guests, etc.). It brings in about 1,800 per month in income, some of which is used to cover elevated utility costs, paper product costs, etc. Still a pretty profitable side gig, and we've also met a lot of cool people too.

WOW!  Where do you live that you get that much demand?

I live in Chicago. Hotels are so expensive here; there's a lot of demand for affordable temporary housing. :)

ace1224

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #26 on: August 05, 2013, 12:20:21 PM »
i walk a dog.  10 bucks an hour 3 hours a week.  best part is i walk the dog with my dog on a walk i was going to do already

zinnie

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #27 on: August 05, 2013, 12:50:56 PM »
My husband and I have day jobs that are often freelanced, so we can do very similar work as contractors when we want extra cash. Freelance editing and freelance graphic design.


Left

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #28 on: August 05, 2013, 01:01:12 PM »
After fixing my dryer myself, and reading people doing it full time, I thought about doing it on weekends but I don't have a truck/space to store it (excuses I know...)
But for about a $10-100 parts and about 30 minutes to take apart and clean, you can resell them for about $100-200 fairly easy on craigslist in my area. And pick up free "broken" ones on craigslist as well.

Another thing is doing a tuneup on cars (spark plugs and wires only) and charge $100 for it. I know someone that does this on the weekends, takes a $30 kit for both plugs and wires, and 15 minutes to change out. He does the rest of the auto mechanic work (switch out timing belt/water pump, etc) but I don't have the tools, hours for something that takes 4-5 hours to do. The spark plugs/wires I can do though :). I just have to advertize myself for it but I don't really put much effort into it. Maybe 1-2 cars a month? I get decent responses because I offer to drive to their house and do it in their driveway (something other people don't seem to do and I don't see any reason not to, I'm getting 3-4x the parts price so I can afford gas/bike).
« Last Edit: August 05, 2013, 01:04:57 PM by eyem »

Simple Abundant Living

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #29 on: August 05, 2013, 01:08:44 PM »
I have just fallen into a side gig every Christmas.  I'm a good shopper, and I recognize a deal when I see one.  I have usually financed my family's Christmas by selling deals I find on ebay or local classifieds.  Last year, I bought Sorel boots at a Columbia factory outlet store- I bought every pair between a size 6 and 11.  They cost me $16/pr with discounts, and I sold them all on eBay for $60/pr.  They retailed for $120, so it was a win/win.  A couple years ago, it was XBOX's.  I found a deal that included gift cards, then rolled the gift cards into the next XBOX purchase.  In years past, I've also bought and sold Wii's and American Girl dolls.  I never intend to do it.  It's just something I'm trying to find a deal on.  Then I start doing the math and somehow I get sucked back into it.

hybrid

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #30 on: August 05, 2013, 01:09:22 PM »
I rent out my basement apartment on Airbnb. It requires maybe 20 hours of work per month (cleaning, communicating with guests, etc.). It brings in about 1,800 per month in income, some of which is used to cover elevated utility costs, paper product costs, etc. Still a pretty profitable side gig, and we've also met a lot of cool people too.

WOW!  Where do you live that you get that much demand?

I live in Chicago. Hotels are so expensive here; there's a lot of demand for affordable temporary housing. :)


Big thumbs up, what a great idea.  Has me thinking about getting a second inexpensive condo....

hybrid

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #31 on: August 05, 2013, 01:15:23 PM »
I'm a sysadmin, so I do IT work on the side for individuals and very small businesses,  At $50 an hour I'm pretty happy, and I know I could make and charge more if I were to really push it, but I am a very busy person already so I usually let the work find me.   If I were young and single and didn't want to work for "the man"???  There is good money here, certainly qualifies for one of those 50K+ jobs without a degree that MMM recently posted about.  If I were out of work I am confident I could fall back on this.

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #32 on: August 05, 2013, 01:55:13 PM »
I play casino poker.

I am now dedicating my free time to learning how to play better to bring my hourly win rate up. 

Lans Holman

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #33 on: August 05, 2013, 02:39:50 PM »
I do a couple wedding dj gigs a year, mostly for friends or friends of friends.  I've got a basic sound system and a laptop full of hits (most of them ripped from library cds), and that's all it takes to get started.  Every time I do one I upgrade my gear a little bit with the proceeds.

bikestach

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #34 on: August 10, 2013, 08:54:51 AM »
I have a teaching license, so I was able to get a very part time teaching job at night.  I teach adult immigrants how to read English.  It's about five hours a week, and I take home an extra $500 a month.  It's super easy and fun!  Definitely a fun side gig.

MMMdude

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #35 on: August 10, 2013, 09:21:11 AM »
I dont have a side gig but really want one.  In the past i sold coupons on ebay....woulg get them out of recycling dumpsters and make around 300 per month. Also did online poker which cleared at least a few hundred on average but it has become too saturated. Lots of ideas, i just have to  focus and make one of these work:

Resell sports jerseys....buy from china, sell on craigs. Likely $30 profit per item
Poker in casinos
Dog walker
Do taxes or books on the side (im an accountant)
House sitting
Pet boarding
House cleaning although people are reluctant to hire males
Driving instructor
Get an actual part time job
« Last Edit: August 10, 2013, 09:29:51 AM by MMMdude »

katheh

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #36 on: August 10, 2013, 09:53:56 AM »
I make about $1000 every holiday season by offering gift-wrapping service.

They provide their own papers, decorations & consumables (tape), I show up with my toolbox (good scissors etc) and do everything they have in 1 trip. I charge $3.50 per gift big or small and prefer to make only one trip to wrap everything (I work at their house).

When I started I had a classified ad, now I have enough referrals/regulars to stay as busy as I would like to be during the season. Average job is about 4-5 hours and 30-40 gifts.

I find a perverse satisfaction in making money from other people's consumerism LOL.

girly mustache

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #37 on: August 10, 2013, 10:22:41 AM »
This is more passive income -- but I rent our 1/2 my two car garage to a contractor to store his tools. It's $100/month - and he's been renting it for over 5 years... So it's worked out well for me.

I've considered learning how to do calligraphy (I've wanted to learn just for fun anyway) and then offer to invitations, etc... but haven't started that yet - has anyone else done this or know anything about it as a side gig?

tomsang

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #38 on: August 10, 2013, 12:20:05 PM »
Buying extra tickets for concerts that I am confident that will sell out. We don't actively pursue this, but we easily make a few hundred a month doing that. Probably could make $2k a month if we put effort into it.

The last few years I have helped start up some businesses with friends and acquaintances. Usually that is a six figure side gig. I have kept the stock and make about $30k a year in semi passive income for a few hours a month for board meeting, meetings with bankers, etc. 

Managing the balance sheet, by refinancing debt to low interest rates, buying rentals, managing investments adds up to tens of thousands. The refinance of the mortgage over 10 years saved like $50k in interest.

Keeping eyes and ears open for good deals. It is mostly just simple math and the initiative to do it.

A friend buys up land with timber.  He typically is dealing with uneducated people who need money fast and have no clue of  the value of the timber. He can buy the land for $40k cash, thin the land and get $50k in timber and then subdivide the land. This is not his full time job, he just started doing it as a side project.

umterp1999

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #39 on: August 14, 2013, 06:28:39 AM »
I have down a lot of side gigs in my life.  Currently I have a few people that I dog sit for.  I either watch the dogs at my house or stay at their house when they are away, if they want me to take care of other things while they are away.  It's pretty easy money, and I usually bring in about an additional 200.00 a year.  It's not a huge amount, but something I enjoy. 

I also played baseball in college, and was giving private baseball lessons.  I had all my own equipment, from batting tees, to catchers equipment, hundreds of balls etc.  At one time I was giving lessons to three different kids making an extra 150.00 or so a week.  It was fun, but then I got nervous about a kid getting injured, and getting sued.  I stopped as my clients got older. 

When I was a teenager, I used to mow lawns.  I had about 4 in my neighborhood.  Most of my current neighbors pay about 100.00 for professional lawn services.  I have been thinking about getting back into lawn care again, and charging 75. LOL

Villanelle

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #40 on: August 14, 2013, 07:13:00 AM »
Since I buy a decent amount of art from local artists, I've been spending a ton on professional framing.  I just signed up for a lesson ($50, including equipment) so I can learn to mat and frame myself.  Assuming I pick it up reasonably well, I'm thinking it will be a decent side hustle.  I don't imagine it will bring in big bucks, but I think it will make something.  I've been struggling to come up with a side gig that I can do for many years and scale up and down as needed, so I'm pretty pleased about this.  Fingers crossed...

sleepyguy

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #41 on: August 14, 2013, 12:40:14 PM »
Although due to time I don't do much of it now but...

IT support/setup/installs for small business or personal.  Generally charge about $45/hr.  I stopped doing this due to time and not wanting to work on IT during weekends.

Tennis Coaching, although I'm not certified yet... playing at the club I get strangers approach me and ask me to teach lessons to their kids... I do and charge about $25/hr (could be more but heck, i'm having fun too!).  I'll be certified once I'm FI.

Also not for all and probably frowned upon by this crowed, I play online and live poker.  It takes a lot of emotional control, bit of mathematics, bit of deductive reasoning and a lot of gamble :)... but generally the more skilled player wins long term.  Been playing for about 8yrs now, majority of our current rental condo down payment was by a tournament win, about 25k.


MissStache

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #42 on: August 14, 2013, 12:52:35 PM »
Also not for all and probably frowned upon by this crowed, I play online and live poker.  It takes a lot of emotional control, bit of mathematics, bit of deductive reasoning and a lot of gamble :)... but generally the more skilled player wins long term.  Been playing for about 8yrs now, majority of our current rental condo down payment was by a tournament win, about 25k.

I think you're the 3rd person on this thread to mention online poker!  So maybe it isn't so frowned upon.  Certainly surprised me, though!

kkbmustang

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #43 on: August 14, 2013, 12:53:40 PM »
I make about $1000 every holiday season by offering gift-wrapping service.

They provide their own papers, decorations & consumables (tape), I show up with my toolbox (good scissors etc) and do everything they have in 1 trip. I charge $3.50 per gift big or small and prefer to make only one trip to wrap everything (I work at their house).

When I started I had a classified ad, now I have enough referrals/regulars to stay as busy as I would like to be during the season. Average job is about 4-5 hours and 30-40 gifts.

I find a perverse satisfaction in making money from other people's consumerism LOL.

This is brilliant.

dstreet6

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #44 on: August 20, 2013, 03:42:20 PM »
Great to see everyone's response.

My wife decided to submit her picture to be an "extra" at TV commercials and TV shows.  Perfect for opportunities during days off and you do have the option to either accept or not the opportunities she is offered.

- If selected, averages approx $75- $250/day (typically 5-8 hours)  at one point there was one for $800/day (depending on client budget)
- No skills needed other than wait for you to be called on and be a background for a commercial.
- They usually feed you on the set.

We've used this as extra incoming which 80% goes straight to savings.

*This did require a 1 time fee to be in the agency database.  The wife got that fee back on her first gig.

Crabricorn

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #45 on: August 20, 2013, 04:40:31 PM »
Also not for all and probably frowned upon by this crowed, I play online and live poker.  It takes a lot of emotional control, bit of mathematics, bit of deductive reasoning and a lot of gamble :)... but generally the more skilled player wins long term.  Been playing for about 8yrs now, majority of our current rental condo down payment was by a tournament win, about 25k.

I think you're the 3rd person on this thread to mention online poker!  So maybe it isn't so frowned upon.  Certainly surprised me, though!

Just FYI: opportunities to make money playing online poker in the USA are very limited. You can play on ultimatepoker if you are in Nevada, and that's just about it. If you live outside the US, you have vast options, but post Black Friday (that's what we call the day the feds shut down internet poker in the US) the fields have gotten significantly tougher.

As far as casino poker, I'd recommend building your bankroll up as quickly as possible to get out of 1/2 NLHE - the rake is too high and eats up your profit. 2/5 and up is probably best.

In my opinion, poker is the most fun I've ever had making money! If you can do it - more power to you!

I currently make my living as a gaming consultant and poker tournament player :-)

Cheers!

snellbert

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #46 on: August 20, 2013, 09:01:46 PM »
1. I coach kids' gymnastics a few evenings a week. It's fun and a lot of the time I work out afterwards.

2. I buy stuff (usually niche things I'm very familiar with) at the thrift store and re-sell it on ebay for quite a bit more than I paid

3. I play bagpipes at weddings/funerals/events. maryofdoom, I may have actually met your husband if you're in the Southwest PA area, that's where I am, too!

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #47 on: August 21, 2013, 10:07:11 AM »
Also not for all and probably frowned upon by this crowed, I play online and live poker.  It takes a lot of emotional control, bit of mathematics, bit of deductive reasoning and a lot of gamble :)... but generally the more skilled player wins long term.  Been playing for about 8yrs now, majority of our current rental condo down payment was by a tournament win, about 25k.

I think you're the 3rd person on this thread to mention online poker!  So maybe it isn't so frowned upon.  Certainly surprised me, though!

Just FYI: opportunities to make money playing online poker in the USA are very limited. You can play on ultimatepoker if you are in Nevada, and that's just about it. If you live outside the US, you have vast options, but post Black Friday (that's what we call the day the feds shut down internet poker in the US) the fields have gotten significantly tougher.

As far as casino poker, I'd recommend building your bankroll up as quickly as possible to get out of 1/2 NLHE - the rake is too high and eats up your profit. 2/5 and up is probably best.

In my opinion, poker is the most fun I've ever had making money! If you can do it - more power to you!

I currently make my living as a gaming consultant and poker tournament player :-)

Cheers!

It sucks, we don't have much 2/5+ here, it's all either 1/2 or 1/3.  But the 1/2 has a $300 max buyin so you are a little deeper.

I'm working on my game now.  I have not had a very good year.  I took $10K out of my bankroll when I bought a house, leaving me with $5K left.  I finally realized I was playing to not lose instead of playing to win.  I was a pretty weak-tight player to begin with who was a little profitable.

Good thing, is now I have recognized that and have been reading advanced texts and have been starting to play a more aggressive game.  Too early to tell, yet.  Hoping this will bring my win rate up.  Increasing my bluffing and stealing and just trying to play the players better instead of playing the cards.

GeorgeInAL

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #48 on: August 21, 2013, 10:16:24 AM »
I buy and sell antiques and widgets for a healthy profit (About 750 in the last month) Currently I am preparing to start a side business of handyman services and/or computer repair for some additional income. Shooting for 35/hour with a 2 hour minimum

The person with cash in their pocket can always make a deal.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2013, 11:24:27 AM by GeorgeInAL »

brandino29

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Re: Who has a side gig/job that brings in extra cash?? Share with us!
« Reply #49 on: August 21, 2013, 11:18:21 AM »
I sell books on Amazon. I buy them at the Goodwill for $1 or $2, then list them and send 'em off when they sell. The best one I found was a book on internal combustion mechanics that I bought for $2 and sold for $125.

This sounds interesting, and dare I say it, pretty easy (as long as you've got storage space, have patience, and can organize your books easily and efficiently).  How much do you make in a normal month?