Sometimes after spending all day at the office, your job can leave you unsatisfied. You even start feeling like you are stuck in the rat race. That said, whether it is the money, or the desire to explore a career that appeals to you a bit more, there are plenty of unique side hustles that can fill this void. For many people, a side hustle can even turn into a full-time commitment.
Let’s take a look at some of the most unique and unusual side hustles out there—where you can earn real money starting today as a result.
Why does having unique side hustles matter?
Unique side hustles are a great way to increase your income and accelerate your timeline to achieving your goals. The good news is that starting a unique side hustle is something you can do in addition to your full-time job. It's also an excellent way to transition into doing something you love while making money at it.
If you have concerns about job security or are between jobs, having a side gig is also a good idea for extra cash. While you look for a new job, you can use your side hustle to generate income to pay your bills.
Top 24 lucrative and unique side hustles
That said, if you’re looking for a unique side hustle, look no further than the following list we have come up with to help you. And you won't need to quit your day job! (Be sure to check out our list of the best side hustle books!)
1. Start a blog
If you have an interest or experience in a topic, try starting a blog in your spare time. Although it can take a bit of time to grow your audience, blogs can be a great source of additional income.
Above all, the thing that makes this one of the most unique side hustles is that there are so many different ways to monetize your blog. For instance, you can make money with ads, products, affiliate offers, sponsorships, and more. The income potential is limitless!
2. Run a YouTube channel or podcast
So if writing isn’t your thing, how about creating videos on YouTube or recording yourself talking? Podcasts and Vlogs are becoming more and more popular, and there is still plenty of room to find your niche and make great extra income. The key is finding a profitable niche, consistency, and building your audience.
3. Freelance your skills as a side hustle
Freelancing is a popular choice for a side hustle because you can find something that suits your specific skills and strengths.
Whether you are great at writing, enjoy photography or being a virtual assistant, or know how to do some impressive graphic design work, you can find freelance work quite easily on sites like Upwork. As a result, you may even be able to secure a recurring client.
4. Create a course
Are you great at teaching people? Develop a course that you can sell online or a program that you can teach in person. That is to say, having a skill that many other people don't is nothing to take for granted. Share this knowledge, and you could end up making quite a bit of extra money.
5. Start an online store
Online marketplaces and boutique shops like Etsy and eBay, for example, are a preferred way for many people to shop. Whether you sell handmade wood products, crafts, jewelry or simply want to clear out some of your old clothing or children's toys, an online store is a perfect place to make a few extra dollars.
6. Pet sit and walk dogs
When you start researching side hustles, you will quickly learn how much money there is to be made in the pet industry. People love their pets, and they are willing to pay big money so that they have a quality life. Starting a pet walking or pet sitting business with a company like Rover can quickly turn into full-time employment. Plus you can use your dog walking time as exercise as well!
7. Run Facebook ads
Learning the world of social media marketing is a skill you will be glad you took the time to investigate. Facebook ads can run to sell various products or services, and therefore, small business owners need people like you to take the task off their plate.
8. Become an Airbnb host and live rent free
Do you own real estate or live in a place that other people would want to visit or enjoy? Look into renting out a spare room in your home for travelers. This unique side hustle allows for flexibility in when you do and don't want visitors. In addition, you can also purchase and manage rental properties to rent out as an Airbnb host as well.
9. Write a book
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a published author? Writing a book has never been easier and more accessible. With services offered by Amazon, you can self-publish your book in a matter of hours and start earning passive income.
However, the real side hustle here is getting your book out there and letting people know how it can help them. Doing this will help you increase your earning potential.
10. Deliver food
Busy people and those choosing to hang out at home more frequently love having a hot meal or groceries delivered.
However, there is a shortage of delivery food drivers, and picking up this side hustle can result in hundreds of extra dollars a week. Start driving with DoorDash or Instacart to take advantage of the demand.
11. Teach English online
People in other countries want to learn English, and the best place to learn it is from an English-speaking person.
Join a company like VIPKid, for example, to start earning $14 to $22 an hour from the comfort of your couch by teaching kids English. If you’re going to work a side hustle early in the morning, this is an excellent option to consider.
12. Drive for Uber or Lyft
If your car meets the requirements of Uber or Lyft, this is the ultimate unique side hustle idea to increase your earnings. In addition to the cost of the ride, you will also get tips which is great for making money fast. As long as you are old enough and have a valid driver’s license, this is a great option to consider.
13. Try manual labor services
Construction is booming right now as many people want to renovate their homes, yet there are never enough laborers to get projects done. As a result, rates for manual labor side hustles may be quite a bit more than you think.
If you are good with your hands and enjoy fixing things, take a look at this opportunity. You can get started quickly with an online app like TaskRabbit.
14. Take surveys
The rates for taking surveys can be a little low. However, you can make some decent pocket cash sharing your opinion once you get used to the way they work. Check out options like Swagbucks and SurveyJunkie to get started.
15. Use cashback apps
Let your money work for you! If you're already spending money online or in-store, you certainly will want to take advantage of the benefits available to you. Cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and more give you money back on your purchases. They may award you bonuses for signing your friends up too!
16. Become a taste tester
Do you consider yourself a foodie? Companies are always looking for people to try out their products before sending them to grocery store shelves or restaurant tables. Get yourself involved in this industry, and it can be one of the most profitable (and delicious) unique side hustles.
17. Participate in panel studies
If you have the time and knowledge, panel studies through companies like Respondent.io and Google can be a tremendous unique side hustle. Try to find topics you are interested in so you feel more engaged in this process. Help companies improve their product and service offerings while getting paid. It's a win-win!
18. Become a mystery shopper
Although mystery shopping can be a bit hard to get involved in initially, you will never want to pass it up once you get a great gig! When you become a mystery shopper, you'll shop in stores and restaurants, and then report on your experience so companies can improve. Learn more with companies like BestMark and IntelliShop.
19. Donate plasma
Although this ranks as one of the most unusual side hustles to make money, people do donate plasma for cash. The rate for donating plasma is relatively high as the need is apparent all over the world.
Compare rates of different plasma centers to ensure you are getting fair compensation. Also, take pride in knowing that you are helping someone in need! What more could you ask for?
20. Be someone’s friend
Yes, this is by far one of the most unusual side hustles out there. Believe it or not, paid friendship services allow you to make a little extra money for being someone’s friend.
The great thing about this side hustle is that, as a result, you'll gain more social connections and true friendships. So, if you're comfortable with it, try it out!
21. Advertise on your car
If you drive your car around a lot, you may be missing out on the lucrative side hustle opportunity to capitalize on your travel with companies like Wrapify and StickerRide. Your car is a moving billboard that companies will pay to advertise on. However, you should take into consideration what the cosmetic repercussions of this will be.
22. Play video games and watch movies
Playing video games for money is a real possibility on platforms like Twitch. And yes, your mother may be surprised!
In addition, you can become a tester to try out new movies and games and report back on what works and what doesn’t. So if you are an avid gamer, this is one of the most unusual side hustles to take advantage of!
23. Pick up trash
There is quite a bit of money to be made with proper recycling. For instance, if you start a recycling business in your neighborhood, you can make lots of money turning in the trash you pick up locally. Just make sure you take the proper sanitation precautions.
24. Become a personal chef and use your cooking skills
Do you have a passion for cooking? Guess what, most people don’t! Therefore, there is a massive market for efficient personal chefs—making quality food and being fun to be around.
If you can do all of these things, you have a unique side hustle opportunity coming your way! Sites like Care.com can match you with potential families based on your schedule.
Make more money with one of these unique side hustles!
In short, sometimes, the most important part of starting a unique side hustle is finding something that is fun and appealing to you, so it doesn't feel like too much work. The more you want to work your side hustle, the more money you will make.
In addition, many people have turned their side hustle into a full-time job simply because they have worked hard and enjoyed it. So, go out and earn some cash with these unique side hustles!
If you need some help getting started enroll in our completely free business owner course! Also, be sure to tune into the Clever Girls Know podcast and YouTube channel for top tips on side hustling, earning more money, and building wealth!