6 Ways To Turn Your Day Job Skills Into a Side Gig

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Almost 40% of working people report having a side hustle, according to Side Hustle Nation.

If you’re ready to join the ranks, why not use the skills from your current job to earn extra money? Here are some realistic ways to turn everyday experience into paid opportunities — all without needing additional training or certifications. 

Also see the best $100 or less to spend on tools that boost your side hustle income.

1. Leverage Your Writing Skills

If your day job requires relying on your writing skills, it’s possible to use those same skills in a side gig as a freelance writer.

Check online job boards, like ProBlogger, or marketplaces, like Upwork or Fiverr, to find writing job opportunities. You can also subscribe to job board listings, like All Freelance Writing.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average rate for an entry-level content writer is about $40 per hour.

2. Use Your Administrative Skills

Days spent working as an administrative or executive assistant can give you valuable administrative skills that you can turn into a side gig.

Virtual assistants are in demand, and the average base pay is $26.63 per hour, according to Indeed. However, there are jobs that pay less and jobs that pay over $40 an hour too. Visit sites like Worxbee for part-time virtual assistant opportunities or check listings on Fiverr and Upwork. 

3. Take Artistic Skills Into the After-Hours

If you’re already a graphic designer, put those skills to work as a side gig. You can create things for clients like logos, print-on-demand merchandise designs, websites or design templates for digital products.

According to ZipRecruiter, a freelance graphic designer makes almost $35 per hour on average. 

4. Use Your Academic Expertise

Teachers — or those who are a whiz in core subjects like math and science — can use their academic expertise to earn extra money on the side, and tutoring is the obvious choice.

Private tutors get paid $25 to $80 per hour, according to Tutors.com. Online tutors, who use platforms like Zoom or Skype, can earn $20 to $50 per hour.

Advertise your services at universities or community colleges. Make some flyers and attend school fairs. Advertise on social media. Once you get some clients, offer a referral discount for every new client you acquire. 

5. Showcase Your Crafting Skills

Being crafty can turn into more than a hobby; it can be a lucrative side gig. Whether you create jewelry, custom hats, candles or party supplies, there’s a market for it.

Set up a booth at local craft fairs or artisan markets and start an Etsy shop. Etsy is very competitive, so to stand out, create a memorable name, use custom photos, learn how to use the right keywords in your listings, offer quick and free shipping, and provide excellent customer service. 

6. Leverage Your Photography Skills

If you’re a good photographer, leverage those skills to make some extra money.

The average hourly salary for a freelance photographer is almost $63 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Consider a niche if you’re skilled in a particular area, such as weddings, professional portraits or real estate, and you may be able to earn more. 

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