When Henry David Thoreau wrote about men leading lives of quiet desperation, it’s probable that he had something akin to the modern office in mind at the time. Indeed, there’s nothing quite so drab and demoralizing as a nacreous, uniform cubicle. If you’ve grown tired of the monotonous nine-to-five drudgery, or if you’re desperate to avoid it, you’ll need a few side hustles to help you get by. Fortunately, there are ways you can make money without ever going to “work” at all. Here are five alternative options to the corporate grind:
Driving Services
It’s no wonder that commuter services like Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity over the past few years. All you need to start making money is a car and free time (as well as a healthy tolerance for other humans). If you love driving or just have plenty of time on your hands, signing up with one of these services can be a great way to get extra cash.
Freelancing
There’s never been a greater need for freelance workers across industries. Blog writers and web designers are in high demand –– and businesses will pay handsomely for their services. Plus, the work is often diverse and stimulating. One week you could be writing about culture vessels for a scientific journal and the next describing how to successfully apply for a loan. It’s likely that anyone who values their autonomy would love freelancing.
Offering Rooms for Rent
Have a spare bedroom you never use? Then you can repurpose it to make money for essentially nothing. Signing up with Airbnb or a related company is one of the easiest ways to make a quick buck –– and meet new people at the same time!
Taking Surveys
Companies will spend large amounts of their marketing capital determining why consumers behave the way they do. Taking surveys and agreeing to participate in market studies is a fun and simple method to make a few extra dollars and help a company you value. Additionally, your work will help businesses cater their services to consumers just like you.
Bartending
The quintessential “no-strings-attached” job, bartending is a wonderful way to make money, develop people skills, and broaden your horizons all at once. The best part about a gig like bartending is that the tricks of the trade are readily transferable from one establishment to the next. So if you love travel or have to move at a moment’s notice, tending bar can help you get through a few lean months in a pinch.
