This post is all about the best side hustles for young adults to make some extra money.
Are you a teenager or young adult looking to make extra money in 2024? With the rise of the gig economy and online opportunities, there are now more ways than ever to make extra cash on the side. Whether you’re saving up for college or a car or want extra money to spend, a side hustle can be a great way to boost your income.
This post will explore some of the best side hustles for teens and young adults in 2024. Let’s delve into some of the best side hustles for young adults, why they’re great, and how you can get started.
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SIDE HUSTLES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Why Start a Side Hustle as a Teen or Young Adult?
There are many reasons why starting a side hustle as a teenager or young adult can be beneficial:
- Earn extra income: A side hustle allows you to earn money during your free time, giving you more financial freedom and flexibility.
- Flexibility: Most side hustles allow you to set your own schedule, making it easier to balance them with other commitments like school or a full-time job.
- Gain valuable experience: Many side hustles provide opportunities to learn new skills and gain knowledge that can be valuable in your future career.
- Entrepreneurial Experience: Running a side hustle gives you a taste of entrepreneurship without the risk of starting a business.
- Explore your interests: A side hustle can be a great way to explore your passions and interests while earning money.
- Build your resume: Having a side hustle on your resume can demonstrate your work ethic, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit to potential employers.
- Skill Development: Many side hustles help you develop valuable skills and creativity that can enhance your resume and career prospects.
Now let’s dive into some of the best side hustle ideas for teens and young adults in 2024:
Best Side Hustles for Young Adults
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a fantastic side hustle for tech-savvy teens and young adults who love writing and want to get paid. Many websites and online platforms allow you to find freelance writing side gigs, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. You can write articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and more for businesses and individuals who need content.
To get started as a freelance writer:
- Build a portfolio of writing samples to showcase your skills
- Create a profile on freelance platforms and start bidding on writing jobs
- Network with other writers and business owners to find ongoing opportunities
- Continuously work on improving your writing skills and expanding your niche
Freelance writing is a side hustle that offers much flexibility and the potential to make money online, which is decent. Rates for freelance writing can vary widely depending on the type of content and your experience level, but many writers can earn $20-$100+ per article or blog post.
To do this job, you’re going to need a good laptop, check these ones out here on Amazon:
Why Freelance Writing is Great:
- Flexible hours
- It can be done from anywhere
- Great for building a portfolio
Related Article: How To Manage Money As A University Student: Helpful Tips
2. Online Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject or have a knack for teaching, online Tutoring can be an excellent way for teens to earn money. With the growth of online learning, tutors are highly demanded to help students of all ages with their studies. Platforms like TutorMe, Tutor.com, and Chegg allow you to sign up as a tutor and connect with students needing help with your expertise.
To get started as an online tutor:
- Determine which subjects you’re qualified to tutor based on your knowledge and experience
- Sign up for a tutoring platform and create a strong profile highlighting your qualifications
- Set your availability and rates
- Start connecting with students and providing high-quality tutoring sessions
Online Tutoring is a flexible side hustle that allows you to work from home and set your own hours. Rates for this side gig can vary depending on the subject and your experience level, but many tutors can earn $20+ per hour.
You’ll need a good webcam to do online tutoring if isn’t already built into your lapotp. Check these ones on below:
Why It’s Great:
- High hourly pay
- Helps reinforce your own knowledge
- Flexible schedule
3. Participating in Online Surveys
Participating in online surveys is easy for teens and young adults to make a few extra bucks in their spare time. While you won’t get rich taking surveys, making extra cash for small purchases can be a simple way. Some popular survey sites include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, InboxDollars, and Vindale Research.
To maximize your earnings from online surveys:
- Sign up for multiple reputable survey sites to increase your opportunities
- Complete your profile thoroughly to qualify for more surveys
- Check your email and dashboard regularly for new survey invitations
- Be honest in your responses to maintain your account standing
- Cash out your earnings regularly to avoid losing them
Online surveys are great for teens who want an utterly flexible side hustle that only requires a phone or computer and an internet connection. You can take surveys during your free time, whether after school or on the weekends. While earnings can be modest, some apps offer sign-up bonuses that boost your balance when you’re starting.
I would only spend my time doing surveys when more profitable side hustles on this list guarantee much more cash.
Why It’s Great:
- No special skills required
- It can be done anytime, anywhere
- Quick and easy
4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you love animals, pet sitting can be an excellent side hustle for teens. It offers flexible scheduling and interesting daily experiences. Many pet owners need someone to watch their furry friends when they travel or work long hours and are willing to pay for quality care. You can offer dog walking, feeding, and playtime services for cats and other pets.
To get started as a pet sitter:
- Decide which types of pets you’re comfortable caring for
- Determine your rates based on the services you’ll provide and your local market
- Sign up for a pet-sitting platform like Rover or Wag to find clients
- Offer to pet sit for friends, family members, and neighbors to gain experience and references
- Consider getting pet-sitting insurance and bonding to protect yourself and your clients
Pet sitting can be a fulfilling side job for teens who love animals and want to earn extra cash. Websites like Rover and Wag! Connect you with pet owners who need your help. Rates for pet sitting can vary depending on your location and the services you provide, but many sitters earn $20-$30 per day for a single pet.
You’ll need a dog leash and maybe a toy bone for the dog to chew on:
Why It’s Great:
- Fun and rewarding
- Great for teens who love animals
- This can be done in your local area
5. Social Media Management
Many small businesses and entrepreneurs need help managing their social media accounts, creating content, and engaging with their audience. If you’re a teen or young adult with a knack for social media, you can turn this into a profitable side hustle. You can offer your services as a social media manager, helping businesses grow their online presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
To start a social media management side hustle:
- Build your own social media presence to use as a portfolio
- Reach out to small businesses in your area and offer your services
- Set precise rates and deliverables for your social media packages
- Stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and best practices
- Use scheduling tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to manage multiple accounts efficiently
Social media management can be a fun and lucrative side hustle for teens already spending a lot of time on social media. Rates for social media management services can range from $15-$50+ per hour, depending on the scope of the work and your experience level.
Why It’s Great:
- High demand
- Creative and dynamic work
- This can lead to more advanced marketing opportunities
6. Lawn Care Services
Lawn care services are a classic side hustle for teens who don’t mind physical labor and enjoy being outdoors. You make good money while getting some exercise and fresh air. Many homeowners are willing to pay for lawn mowing, edging, and other yard maintenance services, especially during the busy summer months.
You can start by offering your services to neighbors and family members, then expand your business through word-of-mouth referrals.
To start a lawn care side hustle:
- Invest in quality lawn care equipment like a mower, trimmer, and edger
- Set competitive rates based on your services and local market
- Promote your services through flyers, social media, and neighborhood apps like NextDoor
- Consider offering add-on services like weeding or planting to increase your earnings
- Be reliable, professional, and communicative with your clients
Rates for lawn care services can vary depending on the size of the yard and the services provided, but many lawn care entrepreneurs earn $30-$50 per hour.
Why It’s Great:
- High demand in residential areas
- Physical activity
- It can be scaled into a small business
7. Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teens and young adults. Parents are always looking for reliable babysitters; websites like Care.com can help you find clients.
Why It’s Great:
- Good pay
- Flexible hours
- Build strong relationships with families
8. Creating an Online Course
Creating an online course can be a lucrative side hustle if you have expertise in a particular area. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to create and sell courses.
Why It’s Great:
- Passive income potential
- Share your knowledge
- Can establish you as an expert in your field
9. Selling Handmade Crafts
If you have a talent for creating handmade goods, selling your crafts online can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. There are many online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Facebook Marketplace where you can set up a shop and start selling your creations, jewelry, clothing, home decor, and more to customers worldwide. You can make anything from jewelry and apparel to home decor and art.
To start selling handmade crafts online:
- Choose a niche and develop a unique product line
- Take high-quality photos of your products and write compelling descriptions
- Set up a shop on an online marketplace and optimize your listings for search
- Promote your shop through social media and other online channels
- Provide excellent customer service and ship orders promptly
Selling handmade crafts online is an excellent side hustle for creative teens who want to turn their passion into profit. The earning potential for this side hustle can vary widely depending on your products and marketing skills, but successful crafters can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.
Why It’s Great:
- Creative outlet
- It can be done at your own pace
- Build a unique brand
10. Driving for Rideshare Services
If you have a car, driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can be a flexible side hustle. It allows you to work whenever you have free time.
Why It’s Great:
- High earning potential
- Flexible hours
- Meet new people
11. House Cleaning Services
Offering house cleaning services can be a profitable and in-demand side hustle. Many busy professionals are willing to pay for a clean home.
Why It’s Great:
- Steady demand
- Good pay
- Opportunity to build a client base
12. Online Reselling
Buy and resell items on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. You can find great deals at thrift stores or garage sales and flip them for a profit.
Why It’s Great:
- Low startup cost
- The thrill of finding bargains
- Flexible and scalable
13. Online Content Creation
Whether it’s blogging, YouTube, or TikTok, creating online content can be a great way to earn money online. You can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Why It’s Great:
- Creative freedom
- Potential for high-income
- Build a personal brand
14. Virtual Assistant
You can offer administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs as a virtual assistant. This can include tasks like email management, scheduling, and customer service.
Why It’s Great:
- High demand
- Work from home
- Develop organizational skills
15. Photography
If you have a good eye for photography, you can offer your services for events and portraits and even sell stock photos online.
Why It’s Great:
- Creative and fun
- Potential for high earnings
- Build a diverse portfolio
Other Side Hustle Ideas for Teens
Here are a few more side hustle ideas that can be great for teens and young adults:
- 👩👧Nannying
- 📚Reselling items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace
- 🛠️Doing odd jobs on TaskRabbit
- ▶️Starting a YouTube channel or blog
- 🧽Providing car washing or detailing services
- 📈 Offering graphic design services on Fiverr
- 👨👩👧👧Participating in paid focus groups or user testing
How to Get Started with Your Side Hustle
- Identify Your Skills and Interests: Choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills and passions.
- Research the Market: Understand the demand and competition for your chosen side hustle.
- Create a Plan: Set clear goals and plan to achieve them.
- Start Small: Begin with a manageable workload and gradually scale up.
- Market Yourself: Use social media, word of mouth, and online platforms to promote your services.
- Stay Consistent: Consistency is critical to building a successful side hustle.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Time Management
Balancing a side hustle with other commitments can be challenging. Create a schedule and prioritize your tasks to stay organized.
Maintaining Quality
Ensure that your side hustle keeps your primary responsibilities intact. Deliver high-quality work to build a good reputation.
Staying Motivated
Set short-term and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated. Celebrate small wins and stay focused on your ultimate objective.
Final Thoughts on Side Hustles for Young Adults
Starting a side hustle as a young adult in 2024 is an excellent way to earn extra income, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience. Whether you choose freelance writing, pet sitting, or creating an online course, there are plenty of opportunities to make money during your free time.
The key is to find a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and schedule and to be persistent in your efforts.
Identify your strengths, find a suitable hustle, and take the first step toward financial independence and personal growth.
Check back to my blog every week for more helpful content to helpy you make more money as a young adult.
Happy hustling!
This post was all about the best side hustle ideas for young adults.
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