After hanging up my whistle as a personal trainer, I found myself with extra time and a desire to keep busy (and, let’s be honest, to keep a little extra cash coming in).
Over the years, I’ve dabbled in quite a few side hustles—some were hits, some were misses, but all taught me something new. If you’re just starting out and feeling a bit overwhelmed, let me share the side hustles based on the Side Hustle Database that are genuinely beginner-friendly and worth a try.
1. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
If you love animals and enjoy being outdoors, this one’s a no-brainer. When I started, I signed up with a couple of pet-sitting apps and let friends and neighbors know I was available. It’s flexible, requires almost no upfront cost, and you get paid to hang out with furry friends. Plus, all those walks kept me active post-retirement!
Beginner Tip: Start with pets of friends or family to build confidence and gather a few positive reviews.
2. Online Tutoring
You don’t need to be a certified teacher to help someone learn. I tutored basic fitness, nutrition, and even English conversation online. There are tons of platforms out there where you can set your own schedule and teach what you know best. The best part? You can do it from the comfort of your home.
Beginner Tip: Pick a subject you’re passionate about—it makes the sessions more enjoyable for both you and your students.
3. Freelance Writing
I never thought of myself as a writer, but after years of creating workout plans and nutrition guides, I realized I had a knack for explaining things simply. I started with small blog posts and articles for fitness websites. There are plenty of beginner-friendly platforms where you can find writing gigs, and you don’t need a fancy degree to get started.
Beginner Tip: Use your personal experiences to add authenticity to your writing—people love real stories!
4. Selling Handmade Goods Online
During the pandemic, I picked up a few crafty hobbies—making candles and simple jewelry. I started selling them on local online marketplaces. You don’t need to be an artist; people appreciate unique, handmade items, and there’s a market for all skill levels.
Beginner Tip: Start small, test what sells, and don’t be afraid to ask friends for honest feedback.
5. Virtual Assistant Work
If you’re organized and good at managing tasks, becoming a virtual assistant can be a great fit. I helped a few small business owners with scheduling, email management, and social media posting. The work is varied and can be done remotely, making it perfect for retirees or anyone looking for flexibility.
Beginner Tip: There are plenty of free resources online to help you learn the basics—don’t be intimidated by the tech side!
6. Participating in Online Surveys and App Testing
If you’re looking for something you can do from your couch, online surveys and app testing are about as easy as it gets. You sign up for survey platforms or app testing sites, answer questions or provide feedback, and get paid for your time. According to Side Hustles Database, the pay isn’t huge, but it’s a simple way to earn a little extra during downtime—perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes in without any risk.
Tip: Stick to reputable survey and testing platforms to avoid scams.
7. Selling Printables and Spreadsheets
I was surprised how much demand there is for digital downloads like planners, trackers, and budget templates. You create a digital file once (using software like Excel or Canva), upload it to a marketplace like Etsy, and earn passive income every time someone buys it. It’s a great creative outlet and you don’t need to be a design pro to get started—just solve a simple problem for people.
Tip: Browse Etsy to see what kinds of printables are selling, and start with something you’d personally use.
8. Flipping Items for Profit
This side hustle taps into the thrill of the hunt. I started by selling unused items from around my home, then expanded to sourcing deals at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. You clean up, photograph, and list the items online (Facebook Marketplace, eBay, etc.). It’s flexible, low-cost, and can be surprisingly fun—plus, you learn what sells quickly in your area.
Tip: Start small, and focus on items you know well (like sports gear or electronics).
9. Washing and Detailing Cars
If you don’t mind a bit of elbow grease, car washing and detailing is a classic side hustle that requires minimal supplies. I offered my services to neighbors and friends at first, then picked up more clients through word of mouth. It’s a straightforward, hands-on way to earn extra money, and you can set your own hours.
Tip: Offer a simple package at a competitive price to attract your first customers.
10. Delivering Groceries or Packages
With the rise of delivery apps, it’s never been easier to earn money delivering groceries or packages. I signed up for a couple of local delivery platforms and picked up shifts that fit my schedule. You don’t need any special skills—just a reliable vehicle and a smartphone. It’s ideal for those who like being out and about and want total flexibility.
Tip: Try different apps to see which pays best in your area, and work during peak hours for higher earnings.
11. Start a Dropshipping Business
If you want to try e-commerce but don’t want to deal with inventory or shipping, dropshipping is a fantastic option. You create an online store, pick products from a supplier, and when someone buys from your shop, the supplier ships directly to the customer. It’s low-risk and you can run it from anywhere with a laptop and Wi-Fi.
Beginner Tip: Use platforms like Shopify to set up your store, and start with a niche you’re interested in.
12. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income. You promote products or services online (through a blog, social media, or YouTube), and earn a commission whenever someone makes a purchase through your unique link. It costs nothing to start, and you don’t need to create your own products.
Beginner Tip: Focus on products you genuinely like or use—your recommendations will be more authentic and trustworthy.
13. Transcription Work
If you’re a fast and accurate typist, transcription is a straightforward way to make money from home. You listen to audio recordings and type them out for clients. There are plenty of online platforms that connect beginners with transcription jobs, and you can work as much or as little as you want.
Beginner Tip: Invest in a good pair of headphones and start with short audio files to build your speed and confidence.
14. Sell Your Photography
If you have a knack for taking photos—even just with your smartphone—you can sell your images to stock photo sites like Shutterstock or Getty Images. You can also offer event photography services locally or sell prints and photo gifts online. This side hustle is perfect for creative types and can be started with minimal equipment.
Beginner Tip: Build a small portfolio and upload your best shots to multiple stock photo sites to increase your chances of sales.
15. Rent Out a Spare Room or Your Home
If you have extra space at home, consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. It’s a flexible way to bring in substantial extra income, and you can choose when your space is available. Even renting out your place while you’re on vacation can help offset travel costs.
Beginner Tip: Start by renting to friends or family to get comfortable, then expand to short-term guests as you gain confidence.
Final Thoughts
Trying out different side hustles was not just about making extra money—it was about staying active, learning new skills, and meeting interesting people. My advice? Start with what feels most comfortable, don’t be afraid to try something new, and remember: everyone starts as a beginner. You never know which side hustle might just become your new passion!
If you have any questions or want more tips, feel free to ask—after all, sharing what I’ve learned is my favorite hustle of all!
