How To Make $100 or More by Doing Jobs No One Wants To Do

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Making extra money often requires thinking outside the box. While many people pursue traditional, blue-collar jobs, there’s a goldmine of opportunities in doing the jobs most people avoid. These jobs may be dirty, tedious or physically demanding, but they often pay well specifically because few are willing to do them.

Learn about these overlooked opportunities and how you can turn them into a steady stream of income.

Websites Flipping

Flipping websites is a creative way to make money. You buy a website at a low price, improve it by adding better content and visuals, increase traffic and then sell it for a profit. Platforms like Flippa or Empire Flippers make it easy to find websites for sale. For example, a website with outdated content could sell for less. But after your improvements, it could attract higher-paying buyers.

By adding ads and generating income from the site before selling, you can also boost its value and profitability. With a little effort, this can become a reliable way to earn money online.

Doing Online Tasks

You can earn money online by taking surveys, watching videos or playing games online. Sites like InboxDollars can pay you for completing these tasks and there’s even a $5 sign-up bonus. You can also do small jobs like transcription, editing or validation tasks for extra cash.

If you’re already spending time online, why not get paid for it? These platforms reward you with money or gift cards for each completed task. For example, you can take a survey while watching TV and earn a few dollars. It’s an easy, flexible way to earn money in your free time.

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Pet Sitting

Pet Sitting is a great job, especially if you love animals. Many pet owners, like my daughter, pay people to care for their pets while they’re away. As a pet sitter, you might feed the pet, play with it and clean up after it. Cat sitters, for example, can charge $30 to $80 per day depending on the specific kind of services needed.

You can start by advertising with flyers in your neighborhood or joining platforms like Meowtel or Thumbtack. This job is perfect for anyone who has some free hours. It’s rewarding and gives you the chance to spend time with adorable pets.

Driving for Uber or Lyft

If you have a car and some free time, driving for Uber or Lyft is an easy way to earn extra money. You pick up passengers and drop them off at their destinations and earn cash for each trip. If you’d rather not deal with passengers, you can deliver other items or food through services like Uber Eats or DoorDash.

One of the best parts of this is flexibility. You choose your hours, so it works whether you’re a student, a retiree or already have a job. The demand for drivers is always high, especially in busy areas. To get started, watch tutorials to learn the best strategies and follow the delivery platform’s rules. With some effort, you can turn your spare time into a steady side income.

Mobile Car Washing

Busy families often don’t have time to wash their cars. This makes mobile car washing a great way to earn money. You can go to places like apartment complexes or neighborhoods and offer your services directly. Advertising on Craigslist or creating a small website can also help attract customers. For example, naming your site “Springfield Mobile Car Wash” makes it easy for locals to find you.

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If you’re not ready to work independently, consider joining a car washing company; some pay up to $30 per hour. But just make sure you’re not breaking any local laws. With simple tools like soap or detergent, a bucket and a sponge, you can start this flexible and profitable gig quickly.

Translation Expert

If you speak more than one language, you can work as a translator. Many businesses, like hospitals, need translators to assist non-English speakers. Translators can help during doctor visits, meetings or for written documents. You can also advertise your services on Craigslist or local job boards.

In diverse cities like the San Francisco Bay, being bilingual or multilingual is a big advantage. Even if you’re only available part-time, this skill is highly in demand. By offering translation services, you can help people and earn a steady income in your spare time.

Mystery Shopper

As a mystery shopper, you evaluate customer service by visiting stores or restaurants, making purchases and giving feedback. Businesses use this information to improve their online services. You’re paid per visit, so working with multiple companies can increase your chances of earning more money. To save money on gas and transportation, plan your shopping trips efficiently.

Many legitimate companies list mystery shopper jobs online. It’s a fun and flexible way to earn money while enjoying the shopping experience. In addition, it doesn’t require special skills: just good observation and clear reporting. Mystery shopping can be an enjoyable way to make extra cash.

Plasma Donation

Donating plasma is a safe and easy way to earn some extra cash while helping others. Plasma is used in life-saving treatments and you can get paid $30 to $50 per session. This amount depends on how much plasma you can donate.

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The FDA regulates this process and donors must meet specific health and weight requirements. If you’ve got any recent tattoos or piercings, you might need to wait before donating. Find a reputable plasma donation center near you and give it a shot. You’ll earn extra cash and contribute to medical advancements, so it’s a win-win.

Flea Market Upsell

Give those old pieces of furniture and home items a new lease on life and flip them for a profit. Hunt for used or damaged treasures at garage sales, flea markets or thrift stores. A fresh coat of paint or some creative decorations can make them look brand new and super stylish. Then, resell them for a higher price and watch the cash roll in. TV programs like HGTV’s “Flea Market Flip” often show contestants earning hundreds of dollars doing this.

You could even start with items you already have in your attic or garage. This is the perfect side hustle for those who love getting crafty and want to earn up to $100 on a good flea market upsell while giving old items a new purpose.

Junk Hauling

Junk hauling is a lucrative gig if you have a truck. People will pay you to clear out their unwanted items, especially after moving or renovating. Charge enough to cover disposal fees and still earn a profit. Advertise your services on Craigslist or join junk removal apps to find clients.

Dirty jobs like this often pay more because many people avoid them. But with just a few weekend jobs, you could earn up to $1,000 per month. It’s a great part-time hustle that doesn’t require specialized skills. You just need some effort and a reliable truck or vehicle.

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Renting Out a Room

Renting out a room in your house can significantly reduce your housing costs. Whether you use platforms like Airbnb for short-term rentals or to find long-term tenants, this is a reliable way to make money. Be sure to screen tenants thoroughly and use a rental agreement to protect both parties.

If you live in a tourist area, short-term rentals can be especially profitable. Some homeowners even cover most of their mortgage by renting out spare rooms. Check local laws and ordinances before renting and take time to create a safe and welcoming space for your renters.

Cleaning Septic Tanks

Septic tank cleaning, while an undesirable and unpleasant job for many, is a lucrative opportunity if you’re willing to do it. The task involves removing accumulated sludge and scum from the tank, inspecting its structural integrity and ensuring the system functions effectively.

Due to the nature of the work, which involves handling waste and exposure to potentially hazardous materials, specialized equipment and knowledge are required. Professionals in this job typically charge per job, with the cost varying based on factors like the tank’s size, accessibility and the amount of waste to be removed. A single job can yield anywhere from $200 to $400 and in some cases, even more. This makes septic tank cleaning a potentially profitable job.

Post-Construction Cleaning

After construction or renovation, properties are often left covered in dust, debris and leftover materials. Post-construction cleaning helps make the space livable or ready for business. This type of work pays well, typically $25 to $50 per hour because it requires thorough attention to detail.

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Tasks may include vacuuming fine dust, removing construction waste and wiping down surfaces. It’s a great job opportunity for people who don’t mind physical work and have basic cleaning tools. Since construction projects happen year-round, this job can provide a steady income.

Snow Shoveling

Snow shoveling is a simple yet lucrative seasonal job in colder regions. Many homeowners and businesses don’t have the time or energy to clear snow from their driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. This creates a great earning opportunity during winter, with rates ranging from $20 to $50 per property. You only need a sturdy shovel or a snow blower to start and offering same-day service during heavy snowfall can increase your income from the job.

To get clients, you can advertise in your neighborhood or leave flyers. While it’s a seasonal job, the demand for snow shoveling is consistent every winter.

Farm or Agricultural Work

Seasonal farm jobs, like harvesting crops, planting seeds or general farm labor, offer a steady income during certain times of the year. Farmers often need extra hands during peak seasons and these jobs typically pay $15 to $25 per hour. The work can be physically demanding and includes tasks, such as lifting heavy produce or working in hot weather. But it doesn’t require special skills.

Many farms also provide meals or additional perks to workers. This job is ideal for people who enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind manual labor. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about agriculture firsthand.

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Weekend Event Staffing

Weddings, parties and festivals often require extra help with setup, serving, security or cleanup. As an event staff member, you could earn $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the role and type of event. These gigs are perfect for weekends when demand is high and you don’t need extensive experience to start.

Tasks might include greeting guests, arranging tables or assisting with catering. If you’re friendly, reliable and organized, you’ll likely get repeat bookings. You can find these opportunities through event companies, apps or local listings. It’s a flexible side hustle with great earning potential.

Scrap Metal Collection

Scrap metal collection is a profitable way to recycle unwanted items while earning money. Many items, like old appliances, car parts and aluminum cans, can be sold to recycling centers for cash. Depending on the type and amount of metal you collect, you can earn $50 to $200 per load.

All you need is a truck or van to transport the items and some basic knowledge of what metals are valuable, like copper and steel. You can find scrap metal at construction sites, in neighborhoods or even for free on online platforms like Craigslist. It’s a sustainable and profitable side hustle.

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