Side hustle ideas for extra income in 2021

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If the pandemic taught us something, it’s that we can’t rely on one source of income only. As a single mom (my fiancé and I are miles away from each other because of the Canadian-US border closure), I understand how delicate my situation would be if I ever lose my job, as I am the only provider for my family. There’s always a way to make extra money on the side. This is where getting a side hustle comes into play. It’s never too late. The best time to start a side hustle was 10 years ago. The next best time is now! Learn how to get started.

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What do you do in your free time?

This is the most important question you need to ask yourself. What do you like? When you are not working, what do you do?

The thing is, you could make money from selling or offering your services for what you like or what you are good at.

Side hustles for crafty people

If you were blessed with the talent of being an artist or a crafty person (not my case… I can draw stick figures, and that’s pretty much the extent of my talent!), you can sell your creations!

Etsy

I’m sure you know Etsy but if you don’t, this is a global marketplace where shops can sell vintage, custom, handmade, and unique products (description taken from Etsy’s main page).

I don’t have an Etsy shop but starting one seems pretty easy. You must know that there will be transactional fees on each sale you will make.

If you want to create your own Esty shop, start here.

Society6

Society6 is another great platform to sell your products. They seem to be focusing more on home decor and wall art but I have bought shirts and coffee mugs as well.

This platform is great for artists, as you get to sell your art there on multiple mediums (apparel, household items, canvas, etc.).

Get started with Society6 here.

Side hustles for services

There are so many services you can offer, depending on your interests and skills. For instance, I’m a translator, so I launched my translation services (learn more here). But you have a lot of options, depending on what you are good at. Here are a few ideas:

• Design (logos, websites, merch, etc.)
• Accounting (bookkeeping, taxes, etc.)
• Dog-walking
• Babysitting
• Housesitting
• Proofreading
• Ghostwriting
• Virtual assistant services
• Uber driver

Start a blog

When I started my blog, I had no idea you could actually monetize them. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t happen overnight and requires a lot of work but many bloggers have six-figure income from their blog only.

Before you create your own blog, start thinking about a niche, or a general topic if you want. Your blog should be focused on that topic and aim to help solve a problem for your audience.

You can monetize your blog by:

• Offering your services
• Getting some passive income with affiliate marketing
• Creating printables, eBooks, eCourses, etc.

If you decide to go for this avenue, I strongly suggest you take some online courses to do it the right way and learn from professionals. Head over to my other blog, A Grammar Nerd, to get started and discover all the tools and resources I use.

Niche ideas

• Crafting
• Parenting
• Finances
• Medical
• Blogging
• Education

YouTube

You know there are many YouTubers who make millions. It didn’t happen overnight. Just like with a blog, you need to put time and effort into your project but it’s totally doable.

Just like for a blog, your YouTube channel should be aimed at solving your audience’s problems, whether it’s tips on parenting or how to sew.

I just launched my YouTube channel and I’m hoping to grow it this year. Being in front of a camera is scary, and you might feel like you are an impostor but keep doing it!

If you are thinking of launching your YouTube channel, check out this post from The Content Bug.

Twitch

If you are a gamer, why not launch a Twitch channel? All you need to do is create a schedule, stick to it, and entertain your viewers.

After a certain number of subscribers and videos, you can become a Twitch Affiliate, which gives you the opportunity to make money through subscriptions and more.

Here are a few examples of successful streamers:

• XQCOW (1st most active subs)
• Hasanabi (2nd most active subs)
• PayMoneyWubby (I just like him, he’s hilarious)

And here’s another streamer. I’ve known her since she was 12 years old, as she was my sister’s best friend. Give her a follow KittyVee.

Learn how to stream on Twitch and how to become a Twitch Affiliate.

Income taxes

Make sure to report all your extra income on your year-end taxes. It is mandatory to declare it to the federal revenue agency or you could get yourself into trouble. Yes, that means you need to give the revenue agency a portion of your income. I’m not entirely sure what’s the percentage, so head over to the revenue agency of your country to learn more.

• Canada: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• US: Internal Revenue Agency (IRS)

Also, once you hit a certain annual income, you need to charge taxes. As far as I know, in Canada, it’s when you make $30,000 a year but it could be different in your country. Again, make sure to visit your federal revenue agency’s website to check what is the minimum amount.

If you are still unsure, give a call to your accountant! They should be able to give you some direction.

Parting thoughts

The key to creating a successful side hustle is to use your talents and interests, and monetize them! If you do something that you like, it won’t feel like you are working at all, plus you’ll get some extra money. It’s a win-win situation!

For more tips about personal finances, make sure to check out my posts New Year Resolution: Working on your finances, Quick tips to improve your finances, and How to make a budget even when you’re terrible with money.

What about you? Tell me how you make some extra money. What’s your side hustle? If you don’t have any but have an idea, let me know below!