How to Turn What You’re Good At And Love Doing into a Side Hustle
Ready to unlock the secrets of turning your hobbies and skills into a sweet side hustle for making extra money? In this article, I’m dishing out my own experiences and some practical advice for anyone itching to earn some cash while doing what they love. Whether you’re a pro at ironing shirts, a master at serving legal papers, a piano prodigy, or a maestro at event music, there’s a side hustle calling your name!
Recently, I was chatting with a reader who found herself in need of a little extra income on the side of her 9-to-5 grind. As we bounced ideas back and forth, it got me thinking about all the different gigs I’ve picked up over the years to make ends meet. You see, I’m a firm believer in leveraging what you’re good at to pad your pockets and make extra money. So, I sat down and scribbled out a quick list of the side hustles I’ve dabbled in throughout my life. My goal? To help her—and maybe you too—uncover those hidden talents that could be turned into cold, hard cash.
Laundress
Years ago, I stumbled upon a lucrative opportunity hiding in plain sight: ironing men’s dress shirts. It all started when I noticed my friends shelling out a small fortune to have their husbands’ shirts professionally laundered. Now, in those days, prices were certainly more reasonable than today, but even back then in the 80s, $1.50 per shirt seemed a tad extravagant.
So, with a dash of determination and a sprinkle of thriftiness, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Armed with an iron and a keen eye for detail, I dove headfirst into the world of laundering and pressing shirts to perfection.
I became a master of the ironing board, wielding starch like a seasoned pro and delivering crisp, immaculate shirts at a fraction of the cost. And the best part? I turned this into a fun side hustle, squeezing in a bit of ironing between my kids’ nap times and, yes, the occasional guilty pleasure of catching up on daytime dramas.
The lesson here? While ironing men’s shirts might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, there’s a valuable nugget of wisdom to be found: Tap into your talents, offer value, and make extra money!
Process Server
Imagine this: I found myself moonlighting as an independent process server—a fancy term for someone tasked with delivering legal documents—in my quest for extra cash. Picture me, swinging by the office whenever I had a spare moment, grabbing a stack of subpoenas, and hitting the pavement to track down unsuspecting defendants in civil lawsuits.
Now, let me tell you, it was a bit like playing detective. My mission? To locate the defendant, make eye contact, and deliver the document with a dose of legal finesse. And get this: I pocketed a cool $35 for each attempt. Even if the person refused it, I could legally assert that I had completed the mission. That means if I knocked on the door and no one answered, the attempt would be complete. Then back into the stack it would go, for a future attempt.
I could easily “attempt to serve”—or actually serve a subpoena—two or three times per hour. The attorney service company I worked for loved me because I was available at odd times, like late at night or early on a Saturday. Plus, I took some kind of personal pride in accepting and completing my missions.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—process serving comes with its own set of legal hoops to jump through. Process serving laws differ by state. But if you’re a friendly, law-abiding adult with a knack for engaging strangers, this could be your ticket to a lucrative side hustle.
Piano Teacher
Ah, the days of my youth! At the tender age of 15, I found myself plunking away at the keys as a student teacher at the Kincaid School of Music in Spokane, Wash. Now, let me be honest—it wasn’t the thrill of teaching that had me hooked, but rather the sweet sound of $5 bills jingling in my pocket and making extra money with each lesson.
As time went on, I found myself flying solo, offering piano lessons right from the comfort of my own home after school. Little did I know, I was already knee-deep in the world of side hustles before I even knew what to call it!
Believe it or not, those piano lessons became my ticket to college funds. With determination and a bit of musical magic, I managed to juggle a whopping 72 students, dishing out half-hour lessons like a pro. Now, looking back, I can safely say it was a wild ride—one that I wouldn’t recommend to the faint of heart!
Wedding and Funeral Musician
Oh, the tales I could spin from my days as a wedding and funeral musician! Let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable moments.
At one wedding, the bride sobbed so long and loudly, she never did “repeat after me.” The groom ended up handling the vows for both of them as she never could fully gain her composure.
Another couple got the giggles as they approached the altar. They could not stop laughing. Of course, it was infectious, and once the minister began to chortle, the ceremony ended in short order. I carried the day, playing softly behind the entire fiasco until every last person was out of the church. I’ve always wondered if the couple hit the reception bar on the way in.
But perhaps my favorite memory is the wedding where my friend Tom and I were tasked with serenading guests as they arrived. Little did we know, the line stretched for miles, delaying the ceremony as each guest painstakingly signed the guestbook. With a nod and a wink, Tom and I kept the music flowing, our fingers dancing across the keys until the venue was bursting at the seams.
Looking back, those moments may have been chaotic, but they’re etched in my memory as some of the most heartwarming experiences of my life. And to think, it all started as a simple side hustle—a decision that’s paid off not only in making extra money but in lifelong friendships and cherished memories.
Get a Side Hustle
Alright, listen up! You might not be tickling the ivories like a concert pianist, but I’d wager my morning coffee that you’ve got a talent tucked up your sleeve. Whether it’s whipping up culinary masterpieces, organizing chaos into calm, or even wielding a mean paintbrush, there’s something you do like nobody’s business.
Now, here’s the kicker: why not turn that passion into profit? Yep, you heard me right! Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen, a green-thumbed gardener, or a tech-savvy wizard, there’s a market out there just waiting for your skills.
So, take a good hard look in the mirror and ask yourself: what’s my thing? Then, shout it from the rooftops! Let the world know you’re open for business, whether it’s through word of mouth, social media, or good old-fashioned flyers.
Trust me, if you’re good at what you do and you charge a fair price, the customers will come knocking. And before you know it, you’ll be raking in the dough, making extra money doing what you love. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make it happen!
Question: What hidden talents do you have that could be turned into a side hustle? Share your skills with us and let’s brainstorm ideas together
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When i was a kid, I shoveled snow(I was raised in Flint, Michigan, so there was plenty, and yes, girls can do that!). I actually picked up rocks from our gravel road and scrubbed them with toothpaste and sold them to friendly neighbors door-to-door! Well, they were very friendly…LOL!
Now, after many years in the military and then selling real estate, I’ve semi-retired and do mystery shopping, occasional merchandising, and I create AI graphics for an online graphics site.
I also do designs for Zazzle.com, a personalized gift vendor online where anyone can design and sell products on their platform with no cash outlay. It’s a hoot! Sure, you won’t be getting rich there, but there are some “stores” that are pretty large. I have over 4000 products in my little store alone. Helps at Christmas, and I love the process and creativity.
Many of my perennial plants naturalize on my hillside. I let the new plants grow (often till the spring of the third year) and then pot them up and sell on FB marketplace. Bought used nursery pots real cheap and bagged garden soil (my only expenses.) keeps me busy in April and May.
What a great idea! I would have never thought of this 🙂
I answered an ad on Nextdoor for a Shakespeare tutor. Within a couple weeks, I had a little cottage industry!
Excellent! Who knew all your Shakespeare lessons and dramatic presentations would pay off like this!
I have 25+ years in travel. I am no longer a travel agent, but have tons of friends and family who love to travel. I get paid about 1% commission of the travel package just for referring people to my old agency. It’s an agreement we worked out so I would keep the customers coming long after I retired. It’s nice to get a surprise check every now and then!
Now, I’m a Professional Organizer with my own business in Arlington, TX. I absolutely LOVE what I do and feel I’m teaching a valuable art of organizing to friends, family, and referrals. I organize kitchens, garages, offices, everything. I also offer photograph organization in albums, online ordered books, etc as well. I also taught myself calligraphy and get paid by the envelope for weddings, party invitations, etc. I’m having a ball! Becky Phillips, Organization Unlimited (Find me on Facebook).
I have cleaned houses for friends of friends. It’s physically demanding, but you can do it as much or as little as you’d like. I have also tutored children in their school subjects, which was fun and creative. Currently I make small 8″ x 10″ (more or less) zipper cosmetic bags and sell them on Facebook or by word of mouth. I have also sold bread, homemade brooches and Christmas ornaments at farmers’ markets and Christmas craft shows.
I sell Tupperware to make some extra money. It’s a product that I love and believe in, which has been around for over 72 years! (I have some Tupperware pieces from my Mom that are older than I am, and I’m 55!) I make 25% of my sales, and earn lots of discounted and free Tupperware products, too. Best of all, I don’t have to leave home to have a party. It’s all done online these days. It has been a fantastic side gig during the pandemic. I’m having fun doing it, and have made a bunch of new friends. I know that direct sales aren’t for everyone, but it has been great for me!
After I retired, I answered an ad on Nextdoor requesting a tutor for Shakespeare studies. I soon had a little cottage industry.
I don’t know if this is possible any more, but for a few years during and after the recession, I proctored students taking ACT tests (sort of like the SAT). I took roll and verified identity; passed out test booklets and reviewed the procedures; answered questions; timed the tests; collected the booklets and answer sheets; for a handicapped student, transferred answers in the booklet to a test sheet; returned materials to a central location; etc. I had to get up early and stay after the tests were done, but it was a fairly easy way, over a few hours, to earn $100. I think nowadays students take the test online, but that may not be true in all areas.
I House/Dog sit for a coworker when he goes out of town. He sent the request via company email. He pays me $35/40 per day and all i have to do is stay the night at his house, feed and give his dogs their medicine, and walk them once a day.
I don’t have any children or pets of my own at home, so I can just do my normal routine from his house. It’s nice!
I love the piano lesson thing–that is like 36 hours a week and a full-time job. Process serving tends to be a tad more complicated than told in this article. The server must also complete the service and sign an affidavit attesting to same in front of a notary. One cannot simply make an attempt and then get paid for doing so. Otherwise, the process of service would run astronomically high and the plaintiff is getting charged for having those papers served. I can see where that might be somewhat lucrative but typically a charge is something like $15-35 per actual process served. It could also be a dangerous situation to put yourself into depending on who and what is being served. Just my take. That is why where I live the sheriff knocks on your door. Someone else in the household may also accept the service on the defendant’s behalf, as well, in some situations.
DianaB … I had to only sign an affidavit, no notary required. This was years ago, and again each state has its own laws and guidelines. And these laws can change so readers should always make sure they are adhering to the most current. I think that goes without saying. And each attorney service can set its own fees, pricing and compensation for workers. Which state’s laws are you describing here?
It was a full-time job! But not all 72 were individual lessons. I had group lessons as well. And lot of adult studentd whose lessons were mid-week. As for process serving, when I did this in Calif, what you described was not required of me. Perhaps the servive I worked for had to do that kind of certification. i want to reiterate: Check the laws in your state.
Great post! The process serving job really interests me!
I privately tutored French to a student. It was from a referral who simply knew I spoke French. What started out as a one-time thing turned out to be an every Sunday thing for a year. And the best part, the mom brought her child to me at my place!
I know tutoring is nothing new. I was a lot younger then so I was just impressed that I was given the opportunity. On my own terms.
Okay, I’m the bride that kept the musicians playing hours before our wedding started! We were told only a percentage of invited guests actually show up at weddings…not true- there was standing room only as Mary & Tom kept playing! Incidentally, we just celebrated our 45th- so it took! Thanks Mary!
Wow … really, is that you!? So I wasn’t exaggerating, was I? But are you sure about the 45 years thing? That would have made me about 5 years old … 🙂
Some of the ways I make extra cash is by creating “kitschy” crafts that people enjoy having but do not have time to make. Also cake decorating at home. Pretty costly to start up but pays itself in the process
I have spent a lifetime finding odd part-time jobs. Recently, I have been living in a college town and taking social work classes, and have picked up a recurring gig as a paid ‘expert witness” at law school mock trials. My job is to testify as a social worker about why a hypothetical child ought to be removed from a hypothetical family. It is interesting, takes two hours and provides a free lunch, and pays $50.00 cash!
I do alterations on clothing. It’s a lost skill.
I love using AdvoWire.com to earn from social media. It’s really easy and takes just a few minutes. The platform is set up so that you earn every time you share on Twitter, Facebook, and/or LinkedIn and you can share up to 6 times per day. It’s been a great way to earn some extra “fun money!”
When our youngest was born, I felt the need to give up my full time employment, but that did not end the need for money! I started baby-sitting children from my previous company in my home. It was close to work and they knew me well. During the summer the children went garage saling with us and learned to budget. Other filler jobs included delivering phone books and making cookies for an executive lunch room! LOVE your columns!
as a child, i collected deposit bottles, walked dogs, babysat, went shopping for the elderly, etc. it was fun for me, as i was making MY OWN money.
And don’t forget that you still have to report and pay tax on this income. While it’s much easier when you are working “for” someone like the process server, or another entity which may issue you a 1099, if you are ironing during your soap operas, you are still making money that must be reported. There are so many students (high schoolers) around here that think they can just pick up a camera and charge for photo shoots, but get bitten when it’s discovered by the IRS or state revenue service that they aren’t reporting it as either business or hobby income.
Another “weird” way to make money is to referee youth sports. It’s mostly weekends and evenings, and there are usually either youth sports associations, or even the high school sports association always looking for referees. You can almost always tailor your availability, too.
the irs gets plenty of money from everyone – if a person can make extra on their own i say go for it. geeze they even want to make kids pay if they have a lemonade stand. i don’t have any extra jobs but i wish i did.
Honesty is the best policy… IRS may not know, but God does.
kathy, i couldn’t reply to you directly, Yes honesty is the best policy, but I think God will forgive people these days, bc with the economy we are all suffering!
I use to do ironing for people when my kids were young — yes, I know, but I love to iron. My daughter is currently working for Instacart. She does grocery shopping for other people and gets paid to buy and deliver their groceries. A “shop” pops up on her phone and she can grab it before someone else and goes shopping. She has found it a great way to fill some gaps of time between picking kids up from practices, after dropping kids at school, etc.
Great info, Becky!
My first job was at age 11 and I mowed lawns. We lived near a college and most houses around us were rentals. It was unusual for a girl to mow lawns, but I got spending money. Next was during 7th grade, I helped one of my teachers clean her house once a week. Then babysitting when we moved to the country. My first real job (with a paystub and sadly taxes) was a waitress at a little diner.
You sound very entreprenurial, Heather!
I embroider the logo on uniform shirts for a christian school. I have been doing this for 4 years. I have a very short turn around time and they love it.
That’s a side job I could love!
When I was about 15 years old ( I am now 75 ) I sold women’s
clothing for a company called “ Fashion Frocks “. They furnished a three ring binder with pictures of dresses and fabric swatches attached. I went door to door and took orders, customers paid a set deposit that was mine to keep, then I sent the order in and the customer paid the balance COD. I had many repeat customers . The deposits were usually $2.00-$4.00
and I liked doing it, I also met a lot of nice ladies.