These 6 Side Gigs Look Like Hobbies — Until You See the Payouts
Written by
Cara Danielle Brown
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Wouldn’t it be great if the things you enjoyed doing in your free time could turn a profit? Well, it turns out, some can.
While, at first glance, these six side gigs may look like nothing more than silly hobbies, you’ll be shocked to see their potential payouts. So fasten your seatbelt — this is not a glitch in the matrix.
Also, check out side gigs no one talks about that pay surprisingly well.
Comic Book Collecting
If you’re into super heroes, there’s some hefty cash to be had in comic book collecting. Vincent Zurzolo, co-owner at Metropolis Collectibles, began collecting comic books at age 5 and nowadays routinely brokers million-dollar deals.
Yes, you read that right! According to Zurzolo, comic books make “some great investments that will increase in value over time” — particularly right after key characters, referred to as “blue chip” superheroes, appear in a movie or TV show.
Most auctions start at $1. With the ability to trade comic books online, Zurzolo recommends starting with a predetermined monthly budget — of even just $20 — and then, similar to a stock, hanging on to your acquisitions until the time is right to sell.
“After the Black Panther appeared in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ in 2016, Fantastic Four 52, his first appearance, soared in value. A 9.8 graded copy that sold for $19,200 in 2012 sold for $83,650 after the movie was released,” Zurzolo said.
While profits will depend on individual investments of time and money, this can certainly be a worthwhile endeavor.
Car Detailing
“When it comes to gigs in the auto space, detailing is one of those things people treat like a weekend hobby, but it can easily turn into a $500-a-day business,” said Golan Haiem, founder and CEO at Destination Wagyu.
That means that, even if performed only on weekends, car detailing could pull in up to $4,000 a month — or an additional $48,000 a year!
“The costs are low, the margins are high, and if you know cars and care about finish quality, word spreads fast,” Haiem said.
All necessary equipment can be purchased for roughly $1,000 to $2,000.
Making Friends
If you enjoy meeting new people and going fun places — and, honestly, who doesn’t? — maybe consider listing your… self on RentAFriend.com.
For up to $50 an hour, users pay rented friends to attend concerts, sporting events and dinners with them. Those new to an area or traveling solo frequently hire individuals listed on the site to show them around; others can simply be hired as the fourth in a pickleball tournament.
The site clarifies it is “solely a platonic friendship website,” and users working five days a week can earn up to $2,000. So go forth and mingle.
Hosting Digital or In-Person Panels
Comfortable in front of groups of people and possesses a passion for current events? You could get hired to moderate panels, lead round table discussions or facilitate corporate workshops. After all, many are already low key doing this at their Thanksgiving dinner tables!
“Think of yourself as the glue that keeps the event flowing,” said Career Nomad CEO Patrice Williams Lindo, who explained gigs could consist of moderating a Women in Leadership panel for a Fortune 500 employee resource group, hosting a fireside chat for a tech company’s Black History Month or emceeing a nonprofit’s virtual gala.
Per Williams Lindo, hosts are paid $750 to $2,500 per session and, to be considered, all you need to submit is a recorded testimonial or polished reel. Just two gigs a month could net you up to $60,000 a year.
Bed Rotting
Is doing nothing your favorite activity? Want to get paid to lay in bed for up to 70 days?
NASA conducts bed rest studies, which could afford you the opportunity to do exactly that — for as much as $19,000 a pop. Looking to study the effects of weightlessness on the body, NASA instructs participants to eat, exercise and shower laying down while data regarding blood pressure, heart rate, muscle atrophy, nutrient absorption and mood are collected.
If you have a couple months off and “literally can’t even,” this is an excellent payout for the lazy amongst us.
Freelance Cooking
Some people find cooking to be relaxing. Know what’s even more relaxing? Making money off all that relaxing.
“Someone who can cook well and create a good vibe can charge $100 a head for small dinners,” said Haiem, who explained private dinners are often booked for birthday parties, anniversaries or “small gatherings where people want something more intimate than a restaurant.”
With the cost of ingredients covered by the client, all the esteemed chef must do is show up, work their culinary magic and create a thoughtful presentation. With a few great photos, one can promote their work on Instagram — though referrals typically come via word of mouth. An intimate party of 10 dinner guests can result in $1,000 for a single evening.
More From GOBankingRates
Sources
- Vincent Zurzolo, Metropolis Collectibles
- Golan Haiem, Destination Wagyu
- Patrice Williams Lindo, Career Nomad
