For many of us right now, money is tight. It seems like everything is going up in price yet our pay rate virtually stays the same. When you’re trying to manage your money better, you can either spend less, earn more or a combination of both. There is a limit to how frugal you can be. Living on a very small budget can be incredibly stressful as you try to make every dollar stretch.
Many of us already have hobbies and interests that we do for fun. It keeps us occupied, engages our brains, develops our bodies and provides us with so much joy.
Hobbies can also cost us money. They can be expensive with registration fees, uniforms, equipment and lessons.
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That’s when we can pivot by turning a hobby into a hustle.
Starting a side hustle can not only be fun but rewarding too.
Some questions to ask before you come up with a side hustle are:
What do you love doing?
What are you good at?
What comes easily to you?
What is your capacity right now?
What skill can you teach others?
Consider what would suit you best
Depending on your stage of life and energy levels, it might suit you to do this person or do it online. The advantage of online is that it’s not affected by Covid and you can do any time of the day. As a busy mum of three, I can work on my side hustles while my toddler naps, when they go to bed at night and any other spot in the day that I find some spare time. It’s not always easy and I don’t always feel like it, but I am motivated to work hard now to build up my passive income for the future.
If you enjoy writing, why not start up a blog? You can monetise your site through ads and affiliate links.
If you enjoy being in front of a camera, why not start a YouTube channel? You can create videos on a topic that is meaningful to you and that you know a lot about.
If you enjoy talking, why not start a Podcast? You can grow your channel and help educate, entertain and engage your audience on your given topic.
If you enjoy photography, why not sell your photos online? Many sites pay every time someone downloads your image.
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If you enjoy arts and crafts, why not sell your creations on Etsy? It doesn’t just stop at creatives. You can list virtually anything on Etsy now.
If you enjoy teaching people, why not tutor people? You can join an agency or go off on your own.
If you enjoy gardening, why not start mowing lawns and completing yard work? Many people are time-poor and looking for help with their gardening.
If you enjoy creating content, why not get paid to produce content for a company? This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working online.
If you enjoy cleaning, why not start cleaning homes for cash? It feels good to see the transformation of mess to spotless.
If you enjoy growing plants, why not sell them (the legal ones of course!) Plants like succulents are easy to grow and divide. Herbs, vegetable plants and fruit trees all sell well.
If you enjoy riding your bike, why not deliver food with Uber Eats? It’s a great way to keep fit and earn money,
If you enjoy finding a bargain, why not flip items for profit on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay? You can find things on the side of the road, at garage sales, op shops and for free online.
If you enjoy driving, why not drive for Uber? You can sit down, get to know your city better and meet some interesting people.
If you enjoy organising, why not declutter and tidy people’s homes? More people are opting for help online so you could arrange video consults if in person isn’t suitable.
The options are virtually endless. Not all hobbies can turn into profitable side hustles so it is worth doing your research first. I suggest trying a few different ones to see which one works best for you. Avoid spending a lot of money upfront. Try your side hustle on the cheap and if it starts earning you cash, then you can pour some money into it to help it grow.
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Canna Campbell’s bestseller The $1000 Project is a wonderful guide to making money fast to put towards your financial goals, and one worth reading. I also have an extensive post on 30 side hustles that can earn you an extra $1000 per month. This guide is all you need to get started and earn decent cash.
All the best as you seek to turn your hobby into a hustle!
I’d love to connect with you over on Instagram or Facebook. Come and say hi!
Melanie Wegener
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