Author Topic: Name your "side hustle"  (Read 53464 times)

Captain Cactus

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 562
  • Location: The Land of Steady Habits
Name your "side hustle"
« on: October 19, 2017, 05:35:49 PM »
Hello,
A part of many people's FI plan is the side hustle.  If you have a side hustle (a side job other than your main employment) what is it?  How much does it bring in?  Is it your transition plan into FI?

frugalmom

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 89
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2017, 05:50:31 PM »
Same one I have had for 25 years.  I teach developmentally disabled kids to swim a couple nights a week for a couple hours. 

It gets me a 100% free gym membership, and I worked out a deal to get my daughters swim lessons 100% free.  I also get all the free t-shirts I can handle (often past years camp shirts, but who cares).  They pay for all of my training costs to keep up my lifeguard, swim instructor, swim team, and cpr/first aid.

Its a not bad deal; oh yeah---and I'd do it for free, but insurance requirements will not allow it....so I occasionally buy a splurge with the money from this job. 

TexasRunner

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 926
  • Age: 32
  • Location: Somewhere in Tejas
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2017, 06:12:26 PM »
Drafting on the side.  Work in metal buildings full time but most people don't know how to build something without hiring an architect.

I fill that gap.
(Relevant links about when you need an architect in Tx:  (almost never) http://www.tbae.state.tx.us/content/documents/lawsenforcement/archrequiredflowchart.pdf )

About 2500$ for the hardware and software to get into it, but not bad returns.  50-90$ an hour part time- usually 3-5 hours at a time or per project.

It is fun for me as well, and I get the same 'joy' that an architect does with seeing a client's vision or goals becoming real.

jacquespluto

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 75
  • Location: Oregon
    • Roaming Options
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2017, 02:31:32 AM »
Market neutral options trader.  Basically a net seller of time premium.  $2k-$4k per month.

DrumAllDay

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 65
  • Location: South of Canada
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #4 on: October 20, 2017, 09:24:14 AM »
My side hustle is being a musician.

I will make about $8000 a year through a combination of teaching and performing.

ketchup

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4323
  • Age: 33
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2017, 09:43:55 AM »
My main "side hustle" outside of my 9-5 is helping my GF in her photography business.  Mostly I play bookkeeper, IT, and travel agent.

I've also done random one-off stuff like this year making about a grand profit in cryptocurrency mining.

Cwadda

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2178
  • Age: 29
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2017, 09:46:03 AM »
Hello,
A part of many people's FI plan is the side hustle.  If you have a side hustle (a side job other than your main employment) what is it?  How much does it bring in?  Is it your transition plan into FI?

If you started a side hustle creating cactus recipes, I'd gladly be your first customer.

effigy98

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 555
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2017, 09:48:23 AM »
Have a coding side hustle and crypto mining side hustle. Potential around 100k depending on how hard I work (hourly paid) and luck.

wordnerd

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1156
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2017, 10:18:09 AM »
Teaching English online to kids in China. My referral link is in my signature.

ETA: I made about $800 last month. Once I ER and have more time, I'll up this to $1500/mo.
« Last Edit: October 20, 2017, 10:56:48 AM by wordnerd »

westtoeast

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 355
  • Location: East Coast City
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #9 on: October 20, 2017, 07:39:34 PM »
Right now I'm doing private tutoring and freelance writing. Brings in maybe $500 a month, but it is a lot of work and a lot of traveling to different locations (on public transport). Looking forward to seeing more responses here!

I've also been listening to Side Hustle School and Side Hustle Show (podcasts) to get more ideas.

startingsmall

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 837
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #10 on: October 20, 2017, 08:01:11 PM »
Veterinary writing and consultant to a few start-ups. Currently bringing in ~$3000/month. SO tempted to quit my FT job, but I'm still scared that the ACA will go away, husband has a pre-existing condition, and we can't get insurance through his work. Not sure whether I'm making the right choice to stay in a FT job I hate, or if I'm just being paranoid.

VolcanicArts

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 129
  • Location: San Antonio
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #11 on: October 20, 2017, 11:38:00 PM »
I do consulting once every two weeks. I’ve also started my own woodworking business, and I’ve currently got about 50 finished products in reserve. I’ve completed all the necessary licensing and tax requirements and have set up a POS system linked to my business account. Sold over 10 items so far, but my first real test is in 2 weeks as I have a vending booth reserved at a Trade Fair.

Off the Wheel

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 306
  • Age: 124
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #12 on: October 21, 2017, 12:11:19 PM »
Currently? Nothing. I struggle because the side hustles that would be 'easiest' are most aligned with what I currently do, but my job is very involved and I don't have the mental capacity to do more of it after long work days and work weeks. I need to figure that out.

What I could do now:
- Marketing consulting
- Blogging (I set up a couple, one about DIY life skills from the perspective of a city girl starting from scratch, and one about dog-friendly adventures in the PNW but both have been languishing as work has taken up so much time.)
- AirBnB our second bedroom (technically not allowed though)

What I'd like to do post-FIRE:
- Host overnight guests and community dinners in a homestead-lite farm :D (the dream!)

Bracken_Joy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #13 on: October 21, 2017, 01:08:11 PM »
Dog sitting. The new apps make it super easy. Just started (our dog passed away recently, and we started after we lost her), so not sure yet on how much we'll make. But it's looking like a couple hundred a month. I'm sure it'll be higher around the holidays then the rest of the year though.

badassprof

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 150
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #14 on: October 21, 2017, 04:26:37 PM »
I do consulting work and give talks. I also help doctors and dentists from foreign countries who are applying to US medical schools with their applications. (Even though they are licensed in their countries, they often have to go through a U.S. program to practice medicine here). Make around 5-8000 a year.

arowback

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #15 on: October 21, 2017, 04:53:38 PM »
I do some personal training, both in person and online. I target a specific niche (drug-free strength and physique athletes) and it's not something I actively push. I only take on clients that are serious and go out of their way to seek my help, therefore, I usually have a roster of only 2-4 athletes at a time plus the occasional consult. Typical income is $200-$600 a month.

Captain Cactus

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 562
  • Location: The Land of Steady Habits
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #16 on: October 22, 2017, 09:46:58 AM »
I am considering a niche screen printing business.  Mostly online, possibly some while customers in select locations.  Anybody know any screen printers?  Artists?

Cwadda

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2178
  • Age: 29
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #17 on: October 22, 2017, 01:11:30 PM »
I am considering a niche screen printing business.  Mostly online, possibly some while customers in select locations.  Anybody know any screen printers?  Artists?

I'm not sure about screen printing but if you start doing cactus recipes or mail-order cactus treats, I'll happily buy!  :D
« Last Edit: October 22, 2017, 07:25:16 PM by Cwadda »

GetItRight

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 627
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #18 on: October 22, 2017, 02:08:01 PM »
One of my side hustles is buying and selling car and bike parts. Some are leftovers in package deals for my own projects, others are things I find cheap and resell, or crusty old parts I'll value add by refinishing, restoring, polishing, etc. then sell. It pays for a sizeable chunk of my automotive hobby. Once RE I'll need something I enjoy to occupy my time so I'll likely continue with it.

RedmondStash

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1114
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #19 on: October 22, 2017, 10:47:34 PM »
Freelance fiction writing. Made a little money at it a decade or two ago, will probably pick it back up in retirement. It won't be a lot of money, maybe a few hundred a year at best. But fun money, and I'd be writing anyway.

Possibly some freelance editing or writing work in the tech or games industry. Just depends what comes up.

Johnez

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1102
  • Location: Southern California
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #20 on: October 23, 2017, 12:26:49 AM »
Drafting on the side.  Work in metal buildings full time but most people don't know how to build something without hiring an architect.

I fill that gap.
(Relevant links about when you need an architect in Tx:  (almost never) http://www.tbae.state.tx.us/content/documents/lawsenforcement/archrequiredflowchart.pdf )

About 2500$ for the hardware and software to get into it, but not bad returns.  50-90$ an hour part time- usually 3-5 hours at a time or per project.

It is fun for me as well, and I get the same 'joy' that an architect does with seeing a client's vision or goals becoming real.

This is pretty interesting to me. I'm currently learning AutoCAD right now in my HVAC classes and was wondering how far I could take the knowledge.

SmokeySnow

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 18
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #21 on: October 23, 2017, 01:20:15 AM »
Consulting and Purchasing for optimizing Vacation Rentals

I live in a tourist heavy area that is full of substandard rentals. After 're-doing' a few vacation rentals for a friend, I got more more interest in my services. I've always been somewhat of a bargain hunter, and this resonates well with my clients as they know I won't spend their money frivolously. Plus is that I get to spend time thrifting, which I enjoy, without spending my own money! I make an extra $4-6k a year doing this job and it is fun!

middo

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1772
  • Location: Stuck in Melbourne still. Dreaming of WA
  • Learning.
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #22 on: October 23, 2017, 02:52:36 AM »
I don't know if it qualifies as a "side-hustle", more an umbilical cord when we do FIRE.  Relief teaching.  We are currently teachers and both still enjoy most of the job, so some relief or part time will probably be on the cards when we do retire.

swinginbeef

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 71
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #23 on: October 23, 2017, 06:45:41 AM »
my side piece is AutoCAD drafting as well. I worked for a small Civil/Survey firm from late high school (94) until the housing crash (08) when the company folded. In January 16, I got a call from one of the guys I used to work with asking if I had any interest in doing some overflow drafting work for him. I said sure and he bought me a laptop and software subscription and off I went. All of our correspondence is email, text and phone  with him mailing me checks and 1099ing me at the end of the year. Was expecting maybe $6-8k/year but ended up just shy of $35k (pre-tax) last year and am trending to about the same this year. I haven't been good about tracking my actual time, since he pays me by the job, but I'd estimate it's roughly $60-70hr (pre-tax). Plus, if it continues it'll be a nice, location independent part time gig once I can hang it up at my full time job.

JanetJackson

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 733
  • Location: United States
    • How I actually made $50 just for taking a survey and being in the healthcare marketplace
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #24 on: October 23, 2017, 06:50:55 AM »
    In order of highest paid outside of my day job:
    • Tutoring two to three days/sessions per week (up to four sessions max without a stress meltdown on my part, ha). About 6k/yr
    • Pet Sitting/Walking for Rover dot com and also on my own. About 2-3k/yr
    • House Cleaning and reorganizing. About 1k/yr
    • Yardwork and mowing. About $100/mo depending on season
    • ReSelling on Amazon and Ebay (Usually books). About $100/mo depending
    • Short retail copywriting and/or "top ten" lists for websites (usually through. Upworks). Maybe $300-500/yr?
    Also....
Babysitting on occasion, but this is my least favorite side hustle although certainly not the least paying... probably about 1-2k/yr if I can make myself do it...
  • Previously, for about 3 years until about 4 months ago, I taught a group fitness (Crossfit-ISH) class at 5 and 6am, but the burn out was REAL and the commute was a bit rough, so I let it go-- I still get messages from clients asking me to come back, and it's heartbreaking.
.


I'm currently trying to figure out my Amazon Merchants account and my Google business account as well.  It's all a bit technical for me (as you can see by my jobs, I'm a manual labor kinda gal).  The Amazon account has one t-shirt design on it currently, which I think has sold one... The google business page will be for my dog walking, but I may eventually sell pet mind puzzles online, as I see a market for it in my day-to-day work with animals who are home for maaaaybe a little too long alone.

I also collect scrap metal, but more than half of the time I donate it to my retired neighbor, because he uses the money to supplement his retirement and he still works his butt off scrapping at 70 years old.. and I have a soft spot for work ethic :)


My day job is as a property and fleet manager.[/list]
« Last Edit: October 23, 2017, 09:17:18 AM by JanetJackson »

Digital Dogma

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 423
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #25 on: October 23, 2017, 08:05:52 AM »
I've been dabbling in Cryptocurrency mining and trading which has been an eye opening introduction to market trading for me. The market trading side of things has been an eye opener mainly because I've dollar cost averaged into mutual funds my entire life so placing sell/buy orders was unnecessary and foreign to me. The hardware side of things has always been an interest of mine, and with less time for video gaming during the summer its a nice way to make use of idle computing power.

My SO has been making use of her idle time by producing crocheted cat beds and wreaths for sale at a local mom and pop shop.
The cat beds are made from a crocheted pattern she came up with, it cups our fat cats belly and keeps her inside the bed like a muffin. Our fat cat is the QA/QC inspector, she only likes to use the newest bed under construction, as soon as a new bed is made she loses interest in the old one and won't use it anymore.
The wreaths are made from glycerin preserved fall leaves and ribbons with a wire frame. She's also made some crocheted wreaths that sold very well.

In the future I plan on
-starting up a greenhouse geared towards landscaping contractors.
-making oak barrels for aging vinegar, liquor, etc - anything that won't hold water would be repurposed as a container for planted flower arrangements.
-constructing BBQ smokers, smoke houses, and smoke pits for sale.
-producing sauces (hot sauce, tomato, BBQ, etc) for sale.
-selling the best damn pulled pork you've ever tasted in frozen 2-3lb packs.
-raising grass fed cows to sell high quality beef.

I really like that people are making money on pet sitting, this was a childhood hustle that paid for much of my insurance and gas after I invested my income over the years. Unfortunately my current housing situation means I can't host dogs, and don't have the time to walk pets during the weekdays when its most needed.

I am considering a niche screen printing business.  Mostly online, possibly some while customers in select locations.  Anybody know any screen printers?  Artists?

My MIL has been successful in screen printing towels, sheets, and table cloths and selling them at the same local shop that my SO sells the cat beds/wreaths at. She makes designs that are printed repeatedly in a pattern, and may even be dying cloth. We got her some Aluminum frames this winter and she's made some great new designs. Selling online is great if you can get some momentum, but it seems like quality hand made stuff like this sells best in person.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2017, 08:17:58 AM by Digital Dogma »

goalphish2002

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 290
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #26 on: October 23, 2017, 08:57:33 AM »
I do some personal training, both in person and online. I target a specific niche (drug-free strength and physique athletes) and it's not something I actively push. I only take on clients that are serious and go out of their way to seek my help, therefore, I usually have a roster of only 2-4 athletes at a time plus the occasional consult. Typical income is $200-$600 a month.

Might be interested in this...message me if you like.  I have a few specific goals.

goalphish2002

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 290
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #27 on: October 23, 2017, 08:59:15 AM »
I have two side hustles.

First one is an online travel agency.  The income can fluctuate wildly from month to month, but for the last few years it has brought in $40,000+ in net profits.  This one takes only a few hours a week to maintain.

Second one is a niche site that I have been working on for about 15 months now.  It has been a fun experiment starting from scratch and trying to build up the site, email list, and social media presence.  I hit $1,000 in ad revenue for the first time in January and last month was $4,000.  This month is on track to be a little lower, but I'll still be in the $3,000 range.  I've been averaging about two hours a day working on the site.  I need to hire someone since most of my time is spent writing content, which is pretty cheap/easy to outsource.  Once I get someone trained I'll drop to a few hours a week to maintain this one as well.

I'll continue both side hustles after I quit my day job since I enjoy tinkering with them and I can run them from anywhere.

How can I become your mentee? 

TexasRunner

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 926
  • Age: 32
  • Location: Somewhere in Tejas
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #28 on: October 23, 2017, 09:09:49 AM »
Drafting on the side.  Work in metal buildings full time but most people don't know how to build something without hiring an architect.

I fill that gap.
(Relevant links about when you need an architect in Tx:  (almost never) http://www.tbae.state.tx.us/content/documents/lawsenforcement/archrequiredflowchart.pdf )

About 2500$ for the hardware and software to get into it, but not bad returns.  50-90$ an hour part time- usually 3-5 hours at a time or per project.

It is fun for me as well, and I get the same 'joy' that an architect does with seeing a client's vision or goals becoming real.

This is pretty interesting to me. I'm currently learning AutoCAD right now in my HVAC classes and was wondering how far I could take the knowledge.

As far as you want.  There really isn't a limit to 'how good' you can get.  With good recommendations, actually taking care of your clients, learning all the other trades, and visiting your construction sites- you could make an exceptional amount of money and have an extremely long list of clients wanting to give you projects.

Basically the exact same thing as an architect, but with low overhead and focused on customer service instead of building your crystal palace with someone else's money.

;)





Edit to comment on:
my side piece is AutoCAD drafting as well. I worked for a small Civil/Survey firm from late high school (94) until the housing crash (08) when the company folded. In January 16, I got a call from one of the guys I used to work with asking if I had any interest in doing some overflow drafting work for him. I said sure and he bought me a laptop and software subscription and off I went. All of our correspondence is email, text and phone  with him mailing me checks and 1099ing me at the end of the year. Was expecting maybe $6-8k/year but ended up just shy of $35k (pre-tax) last year and am trending to about the same this year. I haven't been good about tracking my actual time, since he pays me by the job, but I'd estimate it's roughly $60-70hr (pre-tax). Plus, if it continues it'll be a nice, location independent part time gig once I can hang it up at my full time job.

I find this to be extremely realistic.  My (full time) company does the exact same thing with several of our drafters, but I'm not too interested as I don't want to go back to production PEMB drafting.  Concept creation and implementation is much more fun.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2017, 09:12:51 AM by PriestTheRunner »

semiretired31

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 82
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #29 on: October 23, 2017, 09:41:11 AM »
As soon as I'm done chasing/coaching my kids on soccer weekends (a couple years left), I intend to start reffing a bunch.  Pretty good side gig in something I love.  Refs are severely needed, so should be all the opportunity I want.  Can't wait...

NeonPegasus

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 374
  • Location: Metro Atlanta, GA
    • Neon Pegasus
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #30 on: October 23, 2017, 10:24:58 AM »
usertesting.com. When I qualify for tests, I get paid $10 for 10-20 minutes of checking out another company's website and telling them what I think about it. I'm at the computer all day anyway so it's easy to spend a few minutes here and there to see if I qualify for a test. I make $100-200/mo. It's enough to cover my gym membership and pay for kids' school activities while also being something I can ignore when I don't want to do it.

As soon as I'm done chasing/coaching my kids on soccer weekends (a couple years left), I intend to start reffing a bunch.  Pretty good side gig in something I love.  Refs are severely needed, so should be all the opportunity I want.  Can't wait...
Do it! Yes, it's much needed. The kid reffing this weekend forgot that the teams switch sides after halftime. SMH!

Cwadda

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2178
  • Age: 29
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #31 on: October 23, 2017, 11:36:54 AM »
My two hustles:

1. Musician. I am paid $175/week for church services and I play about 3 weddings/funerals per year. I make about $9k/yr from this side hustle.

2.  Amazon.  Buying things at stores and flipping them on Amazon. I am currently making $300/month but am working to get this higher.

RedmondStash

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1114
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #32 on: October 23, 2017, 05:53:06 PM »
2.  Amazon.  Buying things at stores and flipping them on Amazon. I am currently making $300/month but am working to get this higher.

Intriguing. I'd be interested in more info, if you're so inclined. This sort of sounds like Amazon is the new eBay.


mancityfan

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 160
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #33 on: October 23, 2017, 06:17:06 PM »
Soccer ref. $ 4-10k per year, depending on my motivation and time available.

momcpa

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 102
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #34 on: October 23, 2017, 06:59:24 PM »
"usertesting.com. When I qualify for tests, I get paid $10 for 10-20 minutes of checking out another company's website and telling them what I think about it. I'm at the computer all day anyway so it's easy to spend a few minutes here and there to see if I qualify for a test. I make $100-200/mo."

How difficult is this to get started in?  Do you 'qualify' on a regular basis for the assignments, or are they few and far between?    This sounds interesting to me.  How do they pay, and how often?   Thanks for your insights.

stachestache

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 43
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #35 on: October 23, 2017, 07:02:01 PM »
Picking up overtime at work. My work schedule allows for working a lot (too much) overtime. $30-50k/yr

DaveSch

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 56
  • Location: Beaver Dams (living cheap), NY USA
    • Dave's Homemade Radios
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #36 on: October 23, 2017, 07:04:22 PM »
I have a few hobby websites and have Google ads on them. Not a lot of money after paying the hosting and taxes, but it is better than paying for the hosting out of my pocket. I am retired and the earned income allows me to add to my Roth  IRA. I never intended to put ads on the site but some kind fellow in KY suggested I should, so I did. I rewrote some sites for friends for free, if they allowed the ads.  Nice outcome for just a hobby.

Dave's Homemade Radios

NeonPegasus

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 374
  • Location: Metro Atlanta, GA
    • Neon Pegasus
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #37 on: October 24, 2017, 07:26:22 AM »
"usertesting.com. When I qualify for tests, I get paid $10 for 10-20 minutes of checking out another company's website and telling them what I think about it. I'm at the computer all day anyway so it's easy to spend a few minutes here and there to see if I qualify for a test. I make $100-200/mo."

How difficult is this to get started in?  Do you 'qualify' on a regular basis for the assignments, or are they few and far between?    This sounds interesting to me.  How do they pay, and how often?   Thanks for your insights.

It's pretty easy. You just need a mic attached to your computer. Watch their tutorials before doing your audition test. Keep in mind that their customers hire them so they can get input to make their websites better so be as helpful as possible with your feedback.

They pay 7 days after you complete the test by transferring the money to your PayPal account. I probably only qualify for 10% or less of the tests that come up but I typically answer only a couple of multiple choice questions before I'm disqualified so it isn't a huge time suck. The key is to keep the website up in a browser tab so you can hear when new tests are posted. I have signed up for several other similar testing sites and this one is by far the best since they have lots of tests. This is also way better than those stupid survey sites where you spend 10 minutes filling in demographic info to find out you didn't qualify for the $0.75 survey.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

semiretired31

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 82
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #38 on: October 24, 2017, 08:28:43 AM »
usertesting.com. When I qualify for tests, I get paid $10 for 10-20 minutes of checking out another company's website and telling them what I think about it. I'm at the computer all day anyway so it's easy to spend a few minutes here and there to see if I qualify for a test. I make $100-200/mo. It's enough to cover my gym membership and pay for kids' school activities while also being something I can ignore when I don't want to do it.

As soon as I'm done chasing/coaching my kids on soccer weekends (a couple years left), I intend to start reffing a bunch.  Pretty good side gig in something I love.  Refs are severely needed, so should be all the opportunity I want.  Can't wait...
Do it! Yes, it's much needed. The kid reffing this weekend forgot that the teams switch sides after halftime. SMH!

A slippery slope.  Refs get treated horribly (I'm guilty at times) and then they no longer want to come out.  Then, the quality of reffing goes down because the refs get younger and younger.  Then.. people get even worse on the sidelines. 

I want to do it for a million reasons.  Love to watch youth soccer and be involved.  And, I think I can do a good job and improve the play for kids.  And... it's not a bad side gig.  There's money to be made.  Win/win/win...

Captain Cactus

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 562
  • Location: The Land of Steady Habits
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #39 on: October 25, 2017, 05:14:21 AM »
Anybody have a website associated with their side hustle?  I want one for my screen printing, from which people can buy shirts.  How much would a basic site cost to set up?

SC93

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 605
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #40 on: October 25, 2017, 06:55:41 AM »
Basic website? Before you pay anyone any money make sure you do some research. Don't waste your money like 95% of the businesses do. If you want to use a website to sell, you need a great website with built in SEO. And once you have all of that, what is your marketing plan? I can make you a basic website in about 15 minutes..... I'd do it for $250..... but it won't net you any profit. It just doesn't work like that and people have lost millions to prove it doesn't work like that.

fuzzy math

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1726
  • Age: 42
  • Location: PNW
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #41 on: October 25, 2017, 05:15:31 PM »
Dog sitting. The new apps make it super easy. Just started (our dog passed away recently, and we started after we lost her), so not sure yet on how much we'll make. But it's looking like a couple hundred a month. I'm sure it'll be higher around the holidays then the rest of the year though.

Could you speak a bit more about this? Is it hard to get those first few clients to get reputation? I have been talking about doing this here and there (overnights only) just to get a bit of extra $$ going.

Captain Cactus

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 562
  • Location: The Land of Steady Habits
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #42 on: October 25, 2017, 06:10:56 PM »
Basic website? Before you pay anyone any money make sure you do some research. Don't waste your money like 95% of the businesses do. If you want to use a website to sell, you need a great website with built in SEO. And once you have all of that, what is your marketing plan? I can make you a basic website in about 15 minutes..... I'd do it for $250..... but it won't net you any profit. It just doesn't work like that and people have lost millions to prove it doesn't work like that.

Hi SC93, thanks for that.  I have some learning to do about websites and SEO.  What is meant by built in SEO?

toodleoo

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 112
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #43 on: October 25, 2017, 06:46:48 PM »
My side hustle is the website in my signature, InstaGC :) You don't make a ton of money on there but it's good if you're sitting at work bored with nothing to do. You get paid to watch videos, take surveys, click on articles, etc.

Edited to add: I also heard about this company ToursByLocals where you can be a tour guide if you live in a famous/historical/interesting area. I don't have any experience with the company but it could be a fun side gig.
« Last Edit: October 25, 2017, 06:49:46 PM by toodleoo »

SC93

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 605
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #44 on: October 25, 2017, 10:02:46 PM »
You can't just build a website the way you want it to look. You have to build SEO in to it. It's hard to explain but let's take this for example, do you know what an H1 or H2 or H3 is? Probably not but you need to have certain key words in the H1. Then in your H2 you need other key words. Then in the H3 you can be more explanatory about who you are and what you do. I'm not an expert but every website I've built has been on the first page of google for key search words. That's another thing, all of these people will tell you they can get you on the 1st page of google when reality is they are getting you on 1st page of google for YOUR domain name. Well I would hope they could get you on 1st page of google for your own domain name. A 1st grader could do that. The thing about websites is this.... a good & honest person that builds websites is hard to find. Once you do find one the price is sky high and they are usually too busy to work for peanuts.

Bracken_Joy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #45 on: October 26, 2017, 08:35:42 AM »
Dog sitting. The new apps make it super easy. Just started (our dog passed away recently, and we started after we lost her), so not sure yet on how much we'll make. But it's looking like a couple hundred a month. I'm sure it'll be higher around the holidays then the rest of the year though.

Could you speak a bit more about this? Is it hard to get those first few clients to get reputation? I have been talking about doing this here and there (overnights only) just to get a bit of extra $$ going.

I can absolutely talk more about it =) I've been using Rover. Difficulties with first clients? Absolutely not. BUT, I got a ton of review for past dog sitting (family and friends) because I've done a lot of care there. Plus, I'm a nurse and until she recently passed away, had a geriatric dog with complex medical therapies. (And I can give insulin and everything, obviously, being an RN and all). My husband and I also stagger our schedules so we can share a car/so one person can always be home for the dogs we're caring for. We also have a large house, fully fenced yard with double gates on each side, no children or other pets, no smoking, and I know doggy CPR. I also worked in high school as a dog trainer. So I think my qualification level helps, and our availability. I actually set my rates *higher* than the recommended and averages for my area (by $5/day for day care and $15/day for sitting in home). I like the ability to be picky with my clients.

I've had ~3 client contacts each week since registering. A surprising number of owners have their plans change (about 1/3-1/2 I'd say), but otherwise it's been going well. My November and December weekends are already filling up.

Feel free to ask any follow up questions. I'm doggy sitting a 3 month old german shepard today. =)

FallenTimber

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 110
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #46 on: October 26, 2017, 09:05:53 AM »
My wife wanted a bookshelf made from apple crates about 6 years ago. Apple crates were impossible to find then as everyone had switched to cardboard, so I built some myself. Then we moved, I posted them on Craigslist, and had a dozen phone calls within a day. I couldn't believe it, so I started building more of them.

I have a full time job so I could only spend about 4-6 hours per week building them. The first year it brought in $40k, and the next year we topped $100k. We were approached by Walmart and Home Depot about 4 years ago but would have lost money at the prices they were talking, so we had to turn them down. Seems like they all found a China producer now, so our numbers have fallen with the heavy competition, though it still brings in over $50k per year. Our accidental side hustle business is www.coloradoapplecrates.com.

We also use Rover.com (about $2,000 per year), along with RVShare.com and Outdoorsy.com (renting out our camper for $180 per night).

We sell our chicken eggs as well (about $250 per month), and plan to sell beef and pork to friends / family / neighbors to cover the cost of our own groceries that we can't raise or grow ourselves.

I've always felt like side hustles were the excitement of life. I don't think we'll ever fully retire simply because my wife and I have so much fun trying to come up with ways to make extra money.

99to1percent

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 30
    • https://99to1percent.com
Re: Name your "side hustle"
« Reply #47 on: October 26, 2017, 11:08:40 AM »
Yes, on top of our 9-5's, we have a few side hustles:

-A consulting business
-A tax prep side gig
-A product we had neglected, and about to re-launch
-More coming

Total we bring home $400K+/yr...hope to at least double it again in the next 5 years.

fuzzy math

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1726
  • Age: 42
  • Location: PNW
Re: Name your "side hustle
« Reply #48 on: October 26, 2017, 12:57:31 PM »


I can absolutely talk more about it =) I've been using Rover. Difficulties with first clients? Absolutely not. BUT, I got a ton of review for past dog sitting (family and friends) because I've done a lot of care there. Plus, I'm a nurse and until she recently passed away, had a geriatric dog with complex medical therapies. (And I can give insulin and everything, obviously, being an RN and all). My husband and I also stagger our schedules so we can share a car/so one person can always be home for the dogs we're caring for. We also have a large house, fully fenced yard with double gates on each side, no children or other pets, no smoking, and I know doggy CPR. I also worked in high school as a dog trainer. So I think my qualification level helps, and our availability. I actually set my rates *higher* than the recommended and averages for my area (by $5/day for day care and $15/day for sitting in home). I like the ability to be picky with my clients.

I've had ~3 client contacts each week since registering. A surprising number of owners have their plans change (about 1/3-1/2 I'd say), but otherwise it's been going well. My November and December weekends are already filling up.

Feel free to ask any follow up questions. I'm doggy sitting a 3 month old german shepard today. =)

Thanks. I'm also in the medical field and have vet clinic experience. I think my main Hang up is that I take call and need to structure my rover schedule around that. I also go to work early -- some days 6 am and need to be able to express that explicitly so I don't get bad reviews. The goal would be to do it just here and there when I can guarantee my hours but it can be difficult to anticipate.

Bracken_Joy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Name your "side hustle
« Reply #49 on: October 26, 2017, 01:01:48 PM »


I can absolutely talk more about it =) I've been using Rover. Difficulties with first clients? Absolutely not. BUT, I got a ton of review for past dog sitting (family and friends) because I've done a lot of care there. Plus, I'm a nurse and until she recently passed away, had a geriatric dog with complex medical therapies. (And I can give insulin and everything, obviously, being an RN and all). My husband and I also stagger our schedules so we can share a car/so one person can always be home for the dogs we're caring for. We also have a large house, fully fenced yard with double gates on each side, no children or other pets, no smoking, and I know doggy CPR. I also worked in high school as a dog trainer. So I think my qualification level helps, and our availability. I actually set my rates *higher* than the recommended and averages for my area (by $5/day for day care and $15/day for sitting in home). I like the ability to be picky with my clients.

I've had ~3 client contacts each week since registering. A surprising number of owners have their plans change (about 1/3-1/2 I'd say), but otherwise it's been going well. My November and December weekends are already filling up.

Feel free to ask any follow up questions. I'm doggy sitting a 3 month old german shepard today. =)

Thanks. I'm also in the medical field and have vet clinic experience. I think my main Hang up is that I take call and need to structure my rover schedule around that. I also go to work early -- some days 6 am and need to be able to express that explicitly so I don't get bad reviews. The goal would be to do it just here and there when I can guarantee my hours but it can be difficult to anticipate.

They do have a calendar you can customize for availability. But yeah, I don't see how providing day care when you're at work would work out generally. Maybe just have dog sitting availability weekends?

They also do have a field for 'frequency available for potty breaks' for the dog sitting. And if someone requests you and they don't meet your pre-set requirements, that doesn't negatively effect your numbers at all. Hope that makes sense. It's a pretty good system for not being punitive for complex schedules.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!