5 Side Hustles You Never Thought of

Want to make extra money or explore taking your hobby to the next level? A side hustle is a job or project that someone takes on in addition to their main job or source of income. It’s typically flexible, done during free time, and often pursued as a side project that stimulates your creativity.

Here are a few thought starters from the Wealth Elf that’ll make you say, “why haven’t I thought of that?” Whether you're looking to supplement your income or simply want to engage in something fulfilling, these suggestions could be the catalyst you need to embark on your side hustle adventure.

1. Reselling concert tickets. Buy tickets and flip them. Now how easy is that? Keep in mind your profit potential. You only profit if demand for the concert exceeds supply and you're able to sell tickets for more than you paid (after fees).

   
   

   Big-name artists or sold-out shows usually have the best resell potential. When fans are eager to secure their place at these events, they are often willing to pay a premium, which can lead to substantial profits for those who manage to acquire tickets early. Keep in mind resale platforms such as StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, and Vivid Seats will charge seller fees, anywhere from 10–15%, which eats into your profits so pad for those when considering your margins.

2. Become a party planner. From wedding coordinators to child birthday parties - typically families will need an extra hand to produce these entertaining events which scale in sophistication. Thankfully in most economic environments, people always celebrate—birthdays, weddings, baby showers, corporate events, anniversaries, graduations, and more. The demand stays relatively constant, especially in cities or areas with disposable income

   
   

   Once you’ve got your event skills down, there are ways you can scale such as offering courses, selling templates for coordinating and project management or even selling Custom Party Boxes. Curate themed party-in-a-box kits for kids, holidays, or adult celebrations. Include decor, activity ideas, and small favors and your working hours are largely decreased. You can start part-time and grow gradually.

3. Are you an engineer, architect or work in the construction field? Tired of jobs that may feel monotonous? Many technical experts are interested in non-commital gigs you can do on your own time.

Consider CAD Design and 3D Modeling freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. These platforms provide a vast marketplace where skilled professionals can connect with clients seeking expertise in computer-aided design and three-dimensional modeling. As a freelancer, you can showcase your portfolio, highlighting your previous work and unique design capabilities, which can attract potential clients looking for high-quality designs for various applications, including product development, architectural visualization, and custom prototypes.

You can also get involved with Firmware Development creating embedded systems or apps and eventually turn your knowledge into an online business. Consider creating an online course that teaches engineering topics on Udemy or Teachable. Explore topics such as circuit design or Python for engineers.

4. Are you a teacher with time off in the summer looking to flex your education muscles? Consider Private Tutoring in your subject area online or in-person.

   
   

   You can focus on test prep helping students prepare for the SAT, ACT, GRE, or local exams. These exams can often be a significant source of stress for students, and your expertise can provide them with the tools and strategies they need to succeed. You can create customized study plans, practice tests, and review sessions that target the areas where your students may need the most help. By focusing on test prep, you can help students improve their scores, which can open doors to college admissions and scholarship opportunities.

   
   

   Alternatively you can sell teaching materials. Create and sell lesson plans, worksheets, or classroom games on Teachers Pay Teachers or Etsy.

5. Sell goods and clothing. First, set up a selling platform and decide the types of products you’ll offer. New, used, vintage, custom? If selling secondhand goods, consider eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Vinted, or Etsy.

   
   

   You can list and sell items from the comfort of your home, at any time. Many apps and websites make it quick and easy to upload photos, set prices, and communicate with buyers.

If you are establishing your own store for new clothes, bags or goods use Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce. You can further amplify your Shopify store products through Social media leveraging Instagram Shop, Facebook Marketplace, and TikTok Shop.

When choosing the right platform for your e-commerce site, it is important to evaluate the specific features and benefits each one offers. For instance, Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem, which allows you to customize your store extensively and add functionalities as your business grows. BigCommerce, on the other hand, is particularly well-suited for larger businesses or those expecting rapid growth, as it offers advanced features and tools for scaling your operations.

Did you like any of these recommendations? Let us know your favorite at @Wealth_Elf on Instagram