Let’s face it — working remotely can be great (goodbye commute, hello sweatpants), but sometimes you just need a little bit extra. Extra cash for sure, extra purpose, or maybe just an excuse to dive into something new.
If you have a few spare hours per week and decent WiFi , then congrats — you’re ready for a side hustle. And don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the kind of gigs that won’t burn you out and turn you into a irritable sleep-deprived zombie.
So What Makes a Side Hustle Remote-Worker Friendly?
Hey, I’m glad you asked! It should be flexible, low to no drama, and something you can do without accidentally skipping your Zoom meetings. It wouldn’t hurt if it were fun — or at least will pay you well enough to make it worth your time.
8 Side Hustles That Pair Nicely with Your Remote Job
1. Freelance Writing or Editing
Do you have a way with words, the gift of gab? Turn that skill into cash by writing blog posts, editing newsletters, or polishing resumes. It’s basically typing for money — what’s not to love?
- Cha-Ching Factor: $25–$100+ per article
- Perks: Work in your sweatpants, build a portfolio, and feel like a real-life writer
2. Virtual Assistant Magic
Be the behind-the-scenes hero for all the busy business owners. Think inbox cleanup, calendar wizardry, or posting to Instagram (bonus if you love color-coordinated content).
- Cha-Ching Factor: $15–$40/hour
- Gear: Just you, your brain, and maybe a Trello board or two
3. Online Tutoring or Teaching
Share your smarts on platforms like Cambly or Preply. Teach English, math, guitar — or finally monetize your encyclopedic Harry Potter knowledge (kidding… sort of).
- Cha-Ching Factor: $10–$60/hour
- Bonus: You’ll learn how patient you really are
4. Etsy Shop or Print-on-Demand
Here, you can design t-shirts, sell handmade candles, or create any kind of digital download — and let Etsy (or Redbubble) do the selling while you’re sipping coffee and collecting coins.
- Cha-Ching Factor: $50–$500+/month
- Tools: Canva, Cricut, or just a great sense of style
5. Affiliate Marketing (a.k.a. Getting Paid to Recommend Stuff)
Love a certain product? Rave about it online and get a cut of all the sales you recommend. You can start a blog, a TikTok, or even drop links in a newsletter. It’s like matchmaking for stuff.
- Cha-Ching Factor: $50–$1,000+/month
- Platforms: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, MaxBounty
6. Social Media Side Hustler
Do you know your way around hashtags and Canva? Help small businesses grow their online presence — and get paid to scroll (productively, of course).
- Cha-Ching Factor: $300–$1,000+ per client
- Secret Sauce: Creativity + consistency = cash
7. User Testing and Surveys
Yes, companies will literally pay you to click around their website and tell them what’s broken. Add a few opinion-based surveys, and boom — your coffee fund is covered.
- Cha-Ching Factor: $5–$60/test
- Sites to Try: UserTesting, TryMyUI, Prolific, Inbox Dollars
8. Dropshipping
Want to run an online store without turning your living room into a warehouse? Welcome to the world of dropshipping. You sell it, and let suppliers ship it. Your only job? Marketing like a boss.
- Cha-Ching Factor: Varies — from “meh” to “whoa”
- Reality Check: Takes a lot of upfront effort but can snowball fast
How to Side Hustle Without Losing Your Sanity
- Set boundaries: Your remote job is still your #1 priority
- Start small: Test the waters with just 5–10 hours/week
- Know your limits: Burnout isn’t cute
- Batch and automate: Your future self will thank you
- Make it fun: If you dread it, you’ll ditch it
Final Word (and a Wink)
Side hustles aren’t just about making more money — they’re about exploring different passions, building your skills, and yes, treating yourself a little more often. Pick something that makes you smile and fits your lifestyle and personality, and you’ll be surprised how far it can go.
Need ideas or a place to find your next flexible gig? Check out RemotoDesk’s latest remote job listings. We’ve got the good stuff — updated daily!
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