It’s not uncommon for busy professionals to have a side job to help makes ends meet, or just make some extra “fun money,” even if they have a good job or thriving business. If you’re busy with work and family, here are 8 side business ideas with some help from U.S. News & World Reports and Money Crashers.
App developer
As you’ve seen from your kids and the people on commuter trains, smart phone and tablet apps are uber popular. If you have the skills to design them, you can get paid very well in this rapidly growing field. Freelancer.com posted 4,318 job postings for the iPhone app market in the first quarter of 2014. And PayScale.com says part-time, self-employed software developers earn a median hourly pay of $40 an hour.
Freelance writer/proofreader
The fact about writing is that while there are some very intelligent, accomplished people who run businesses, writing may not be their strongest suit. Or, they just don’t have time to do it. Like a ghost blogger, freelance writing for other people and companies can be a lucrative side business, especially if you land contract work for large corporations.
Another fact of writing is that it’s usually hard for people to proofread and edit their own work. If you’re a real grammarian — yes, that’s a real word — you can probably find side work as a proofreader/editor for just about anyone who writes for themselves.
Ghost blogger
Generally speaking, most personal bloggers don’t make much money, if any at all. But, you can if you are a “ghost” blogger for clients and companies. A strong social media presence is a must in today’s business world, and new and fresh content is one effective way that companies and business people stay top-of-mind with their clients. You can also make money as a blogging expert, teaching others how, writing and selling e-books and webinars, and teaching workshops.
Green Housecleaner
Many people are too busy to clean their homes. Many people are also allergic to harsh cleaners, or just want milder, eco-friendly cleaning solutions used in their homes for themselves, children, and pets. If you don’t mind, or even enjoy house cleaning, you can create a holistic housecleaning business, and promote the fact that you use only natural cleaning products.
Social media consultant
Are you savvy with social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and others? That skill can make you money! Most companies know they should have a social media presence, but few know how to do it well, or have the time to maintain them. That’s where you come in. Market yourself as a social media consultant, and train people how to blog effectively, Tweet and blog, and even prospect new customers. Or tell them you’ll do it for them — for a price, of course.
Gardener for hire
Many people love fresh herbs and flowers, but don’t know the first thing about gardening. If you have a green thumb, offer to plant gardens for people in your community and/or handle their yard work duties. This is a great way to spend time outside and get paid doing something you love!
Part-time Teacher
Is there a skill you’re particularly good at? Chances are someone else wants to learn how, and is willing to pay for it. Teaching part time can bring in good extra money, as well as provide satisfaction that you’re helping others learn and grow. You can teach a course about almost anything, from how to sing and perform, to how to declutter a home and organize closets.
Tutor
Tutoring is not only a great way to earn some money on the side, but it’s also a hugely satisfying job. Students of all ages need tutors for math, science, reading, foreign languages, and other subjects. If you’re skilled in a certain area, then why not help others succeed in school? To get started tutoring, put up flyers at local schools and libraries, and post on Craigslist.
For further reading
Parts of this article were excerpted from U.S. News Money senior editor, Kimberly Palmer’s book, The Economy of You: Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur and Recession-Proof Your Life.