Hey, Oddies.

Jen Glantz here. When people ask me what my travel plans are this summer, I change the subject.

I’m not going anywhere.

I’m not sad about that. I’m just not in my travel era.

I’m in a handful of other eras instead.

I’m in my busy mom era. I’m in my madly in love with Brooklyn (where I live) era.

And I am very much in my: Let’s make money!!!!! era.

So if you’re not cashing in your credit card points to book a trip to the Caribbean, Europe isn’t on your calendar for July, and going “out east” simply just means walking a few blocks to the other side of town, you can still have a legendary summer.

Even if you are traveling —- you can still see the world and make money — with some of these easy side hustles.

Ps. If you’re daydreaming about a side hustle idea and want to put it in motion, let me help you get started. Here’s how.

Share

But First: 💻 My Tech Stack

I’ve been eyeballing a lot of X threads of people’s tech stacks — the tools they swear by for their business and life. So I decided to keep a running list of my own right here. I’ll update this each week with the best tools I use as a solopreneur:

Social Media & Marketing:

• Tailwind: Makes it super easy to schedule 100+ pins a month on Pinterest.

• Flodesk: Marketing emails that are easy to design and send.

• Event Share: Lets all guests upload photos to one spot at/after an event

• Any Email Finder: Gives you anyone’s email. I use this for outreach.

• 48-Hour Logo: A speedy fast way to get logo designs for your bizz.

• ReplyGuy: A service that mentions your bizz on Reddit and Twitter.

Website:

• Showit: Both of my websites are designed on this platform.

• InstaWP: A fast and easy way to build a Wordpress website.

• Weebly: Free website builder that requires zero coding or skills

• Opt-in Monster: Helps you capture leads on your website in a handful of ways

• Swift Brief: Scans your website and suggests + writes SEO blog posts for it.

Content Creation:

• Fiverr: Outsource work and get quick results. I use it for editing, social media, and design.

• Typefully: Writes you catchy, personalized, and engaging Linkedin posts

• Hemingway: Edits your writing in real-time to make it perfect and professional

Random but Good:

• Toggl: A time-tracking tool that organizes how you spend your minutes.

• Cratejoy: My go-to last minute gift for a birthday or holiday.

• Classpass: Not tech but it’s part of my life stack. I take workout classes using this app.

Make Money Stack:

• Poshmark: I sell clothes and other items around the house

• Etsy: Dreaming up what to sell on this platform.

• Survey Junkie: Get paid to take surveys

• Howl: How I get affiliate/brand deals as a creator

Share

25 Summer Side Hustles That Require Little Effort

Why a Summer Side Hustle is Good:

1. Extra income: A side hustle can help you earn additional money to save for a specific goal, pay off debt, or simply have more disposable income.

2. Flexibility: Most side hustles allow you to work on your own schedule, making it easier to balance with other summer plans and activities.

3. Skill-building: Some side hustles can help you develop new skills or gain experience in a particular field, which may be beneficial for your future career.

4. Low commitment: Unlike a full-time job, a side hustle doesn't require a long-term commitment, allowing you to try out different options and find what works best for you.

1. House Sitting or Pet Sitting

- What it is: Taking care of someone's home or pets while they are away.

- What it entails: Responsibilities may include watering plants, collecting mail, and providing care for pets, such as feeding, walking, and playtime.

- Who it's good for: Animal lovers, responsible individuals, and those who enjoy spending time in different environments.

- Getting started: Sign up for platforms like TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse, or Rover, or advertise your services on local community boards or social media.

- Skills or tools needed: Reliability, attentiveness, and experience with pets (if pet sitting).

- Potential earnings: $25-50 per day, depending on the location and responsibilities.

2. Selling Items Online

- What it is: Selling your unwanted items or creating new products to sell on online platforms.

- What it entails: Taking photos of your items, creating listings, and shipping sold items to buyers.

- Who it's good for: Those with a knack for finding valuable items, crafty individuals, and anyone looking to declutter.

- Getting started: Choose a platform like eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace, and create an account to start listing your items.

- Skills or tools needed: Basic photography skills, knowledge of online selling platforms, and packaging materials for shipping.

- Potential earnings: Varies depending on the items sold and their value.

3. Online Surveys or Focus Groups

- What it is: Participating in online surveys or virtual focus groups to provide your opinions and feedback.

- What it entails: Answering questions or providing opinions on various topics, products, or services.

- Who it's good for: Those who enjoy sharing their thoughts and have some extra time to spare.

- Getting started: Sign up for reputable survey sites like Survey Junkie.

- Skills or tools needed: A computer or smartphone with internet access.

- Potential earnings: $1-50 per survey or focus group, depending on the platform and length of the task.

4. Renting Out Your Parking Space

- What it is: Renting out your unused parking space to others in need of a spot.

- What it entails: Listing your parking space on a platform or advertising locally, and coordinating with renters for access.

- Who it's good for: Those living in areas with high parking demand, such as near airports, stadiums, or city centers.

- Getting started: List your space on platforms like SpotHero, JustPark, or Craigslist.

- Skills or tools needed: A safe, accessible parking space and good communication skills.

- Potential earnings: $50-200+ per month, depending on location and demand.

5. Completing Small Tasks on Platforms

- What it is: Performing small online tasks or microtasks through platforms like Fiverr.

- What it entails: Tasks may include data entry, image tagging, content moderation, or short translations.

- Who it's good for: Detail-oriented individuals with some free time and a desire for flexible work.

- Getting started: Sign up for an account on the platform of your choice and start browsing available tasks.

- Skills or tools needed: Varies depending on the task, but generally requires a computer with internet access and basic skills.

- Potential earnings: Varies widely, typically ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per task.

6. Selling Unwanted Gift Cards

- What it is: Selling your unused or partially used gift cards for cash.

- What it entails: Listing your gift cards on a platform or finding a local buyer, and mailing or electronically transferring the card upon sale.

- Who it's good for: Anyone with unwanted gift cards collecting dust in their wallet.

- Getting started: Use platforms like Raise, CardCash, or GiftCash to list and sell your cards.

- Skills or tools needed: A collection of unwanted gift cards and access to a computer or smartphone.

- Potential earnings: Typically 60-90% of the gift card's face value, depending on the brand and demand.

7. Mystery Shopping

- What it is: Posing as a regular customer to evaluate a business's products, services, or customer experience.

- What it entails: Following specific instructions to make a purchase or inquiry, and then providing detailed feedback about your experience.

- Who it's good for: Observant, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy visiting different establishments.

- Getting started: Sign up with reputable mystery shopping companies like BestMark, Market Force, or Secret Shopper.

- Skills or tools needed: Strong observational skills, a good memory, and the ability to follow instructions closely.

- Potential earnings: $5-25 per assignment, sometimes with reimbursement for required purchases.

8. Participating in Paid Clinical Trials or Medical Studies

- What it is: Taking part in clinical trials or medical studies as a test subject.

- What it entails: Depending on the study, you may be required to take medication, undergo tests, or provide samples.

- Who it's good for: Healthy individuals who are comfortable with medical procedures and have flexible schedules.

- Getting started: Find studies through websites like ClinicalTrials.gov, or check with local universities and research hospitals.

- Skills or tools needed: Good overall health and a willingness to participate in medical research.

- Potential earnings: Varies widely, from $50 to several thousand dollars, depending on the study's length and complexity.

9. Renting Out Your Belongings

- What it is: Renting out your owned items, such as tools, equipment, or party supplies, to others in need.

- What it entails: Listing your items on a platform or locally, coordinating with renters for pickup and return, and maintaining your items in good condition.

- Who it's good for: Those with a collection of valuable, lightly used items that others might need temporarily.

- Getting started: Use platforms like FatLlama, Loanables, or RentNotBuy to list your items.

- Skills or tools needed: A collection of in-demand items and good organizational skills.

- Potential earnings: Varies based on the item and rental duration, but can range from $10-100+ per day.

10. Selling Photos Online

- What it is: Selling your photographs to stock photography websites for others to use in their projects.

- What it entails: Taking high-quality photos, editing them, and uploading them to stock photography platforms.

- Who it's good for: Photographers of all skill levels who enjoy capturing a variety of subjects.

- Getting started: Sign up for platforms like Shutterstock, iStock, or Getty Images, and submit your photos for review.

- Skills or tools needed: A camera (smartphone or DSLR), basic photo editing skills, and an eye for composition.

- Potential earnings: Varies based on the platform and the number of downloads your photos receive, typically ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per download.

Share

11. Freelance Virtual Assistant Services

- What it is: Providing remote administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses or individuals.

- What it entails: Tasks may include email management, scheduling, data entry, social media management, or customer service.

- Who it's good for: Organized, tech-savvy individuals with strong communication skills and a desire for flexible work.

- Getting started: Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Virtual Assistant Jobs.

- Skills or tools needed: Varies depending on the specific role, but often includes proficiency in common office software and strong time management skills.

- Potential earnings: $10-50+ per hour, depending on your skills and experience.

12. Pet Grooming Services

- What it is: Offering pet grooming services from your home or by visiting clients' homes.

- What it entails: Providing services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, and nail clipping for pets.

- Who it's good for: Animal lovers with experience in pet care and grooming.

- Getting started: Invest in grooming tools and supplies, and advertise your services on local pet forums, social media, or by word-of-mouth.

- Skills or tools needed: Experience with pet grooming, a gentle touch, and a basic set of grooming tools.

- Potential earnings: $20-50 per grooming session, depending on the type of pet and services provided.

13. Brand Ambassador or Product Demonstrator

- What it is: Representing a brand or product at events, stores, or online, and engaging with potential customers.

- What it entails: Promoting products, answering questions, and providing samples or demonstrations.

- Who it's good for: Outgoing, enthusiastic individuals who enjoy interacting with people and have a passion for the products they represent.

- Getting started: Apply for positions through agencies like Across the Nation, Elevate Staffing, or ATN Event Staffing.

- Skills or tools needed: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a friendly, professional demeanor.

- Potential earnings: $15-30 per hour, depending on the brand and event.

14. Selling Handmade Crafts or Digital Products

- What it is: Creating and selling handmade items or digital products, such as printables, graphics, or templates.

- What it entails: Designing and producing your products, listing them on a platform, and fulfilling orders as they come in.

- Who it's good for: Creative individuals with a passion for crafting or graphic design.

- Getting started: Open a shop on a platform like Etsy.

- Skills or tools needed: Creativity, skill in your chosen craft or digital medium, and basic marketing skills.

- Potential earnings: Varies widely depending on your products and marketing efforts, but successful sellers can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per month.

15. Offering Freelance Services

- What it is: Providing services such as data entry, transcription, or basic graphic design on a freelance basis.

- What it entails: Completing projects for clients according to their specifications and deadlines.

- Who it's good for: Detail-oriented individuals with specific skills and a desire for flexible, project-based work.

- Getting started: Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, and start bidding on projects that match your skills.

- Skills or tools needed: Varies depending on the service offered, but often includes proficiency in specific software or tools and strong attention to detail.

- Potential earnings: $10-50+ per hour, depending on your skills and experience.

16. Rent Out Your Recreational Equipment

• What it is: Renting out your recreational equipment, such as kayaks, paddleboards, or camping gear, to others.

• What it entails: Listing your equipment on a platform or locally, coordinating with renters for pickup and return, and maintaining your equipment in good condition.

• Who it's good for: Outdoor enthusiasts who have invested in quality gear and want to earn some money from their equipment when not in use.

• Getting started: List your equipment on platforms like Spinlister, Outdoorsy, or GetMyBoat.

• Skills or tools needed: Well-maintained recreational equipment and good organizational skills.

• Potential earnings: Varies based on the type of equipment and rental duration, but can range from $20-100+ per day.

17. Participate in User Testing

• What it is: Testing websites, apps, or products and providing feedback to help companies improve their user experience.

• What it entails: Completing tasks on a website or app, sharing your thoughts and opinions, and answering questions about your experience.

• Who it's good for: Tech-savvy individuals who enjoy trying out new products and providing constructive feedback.

• Getting started: Sign up for user testing platforms like UserTesting, Testbirds, or Userfeel.

• Skills or tools needed: A computer or smartphone with internet access, a microphone, and the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.

• Potential earnings: $10-60 per test, depending on the platform and the length of the test.

18. Offer Lawn Care or Gardening Services

• What it is: Providing lawn mowing, weeding, planting, or other gardening services to homeowners in your area.

• What it entails: Visiting clients' properties to maintain their lawns or gardens, and providing your own tools and equipment.

• Who it's good for: Physically fit individuals who enjoy working outdoors and have a green thumb.

• Getting started: Invest in basic gardening tools and equipment, and advertise your services on local forums, social media, or by distributing flyers.

• Skills or tools needed: Knowledge of lawn care and gardening techniques, physical stamina, and a set of gardening tools.

• Potential earnings: $20-50 per hour, depending on the size of the property and the services provided.

19. Sell Stock Footage or Music

• What it is: Creating and selling video clips or music tracks for others to use in their projects.

• What it entails: Recording high-quality video footage or composing music, editing your work, and uploading it to stock media platforms.

• Who it's good for: Videographers, musicians, or content creators looking to monetize their skills and work.

• Getting started: Sign up for platforms like Shutterstock, Pond5, or AudioJungle, and submit your work for review.

• Skills or tools needed: Skill in videography or music composition, editing software, and an understanding of what makes compelling stock media.

• Potential earnings: Varies based on the platform and the number of downloads your work receives, typically ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per download.

20. Offer Translation Services

• What it is: Translating written content from one language to another for businesses or individuals.

• What it entails: Receiving documents or files, translating the content accurately, and delivering the translated work by the agreed deadline.

• Who it's good for: Bilingual or multilingual individuals with strong writing skills and an eye for detail.

• Getting started: Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or ProZ, and bid on translation projects that match your language skills.

• Skills or tools needed: Fluency in at least two languages, strong writing skills, and a good understanding of cultural nuances.

• Potential earnings: $10-50+ per hour, depending on your language pair and experience level.

21. Flip Furniture or Other Items

• What it is: Finding undervalued items, such as furniture or collectibles, refurbishing them, and selling them for a profit.

• What it entails: Sourcing items from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces, making necessary repairs or improvements, and listing the items for sale.

• Who it's good for: Creative, handy individuals with an eye for spotting valuable items and a knack for refurbishing or upcycling.

• Getting started: Start by looking for undervalued items in your local area, and invest in basic tools and supplies for refurbishing.

• Skills or tools needed: Basic handyman skills, creativity, and a set of tools for repairs and improvements.

• Potential earnings: Varies based on the items you flip and your selling prices, but successful flippers can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per month.

22. Provide Mobile Car Washing or Detailing Services

• What it is: Offering car washing or detailing services that come to the customer's location.

• What it entails: Traveling to clients' homes or workplaces with your cleaning equipment, and providing thorough car cleaning services.

• Who it's good for: Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working independently and have a passion for cars.

• Getting started: Invest in quality car cleaning equipment and supplies, and advertise your services on local forums, social media, or by distributing flyers.

• Skills or tools needed: Knowledge of proper car cleaning techniques, a set of professional cleaning tools and products, and a reliable vehicle for transportation.

• Potential earnings: $50-150 per car, depending on the level of service and the size of the vehicle.

23. Offer Meal Planning or Meal Prep Services

• What it is: Creating meal plans or preparing meals for busy individuals or families.

• What it entails: Developing personalized meal plans based on clients' preferences and dietary needs, grocery shopping, and preparing meals in advance.

• Who it's good for: Health-conscious, organized individuals with a passion for cooking and nutrition.

• Getting started: Develop a few sample meal plans and recipes, and advertise your services on local forums, social media, or by word-of-mouth.

• Skills or tools needed: Knowledge of nutrition and meal planning, cooking skills, and a well-equipped kitchen.

• Potential earnings: $200-500+ per week, depending on the number of clients and meals provided.

24. Participate in Affiliate Marketing

• What it is: Promoting products or services online and earning a commission for each sale or lead generated through your unique affiliate link.

• What it entails: Choosing products or services to promote, creating content (blog posts, social media posts, or videos) that includes your affiliate links, and driving traffic to your content.

• Who it's good for: Individuals with a strong online presence or a knack for creating engaging content.

• Getting started: Sign up for affiliate programs through networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank, and start promoting products that align with your interests or niche.

• Skills or tools needed: Basic website or social media skills, an understanding of online marketing, and the ability to create compelling content.

• Potential earnings: Varies widely depending on your niche, traffic, and the commission rates of the products you promote, but successful affiliates can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per month.

25. Offer Local Tour Guide Services

• What it is: Providing guided tours of your local area to visitors or tourists.

• What it entails: Developing interesting and informative tour itineraries, marketing your services, and leading tours while sharing your knowledge of the area.

• Who it's good for: Outgoing, knowledgeable individuals with a passion for their local history, culture, or attractions.

• Getting started: Research popular local attractions and develop unique tour itineraries, then list your services on platforms like ToursByLocals, Viator, or Airbnb Experiences.

• Skills or tools needed: Excellent communication skills, a deep knowledge of your local area, and a friendly, engaging personality.

• Potential earnings: $50-150+ per tour, depending on the length and type of tour offered.

Leave a comment

Need help taking one of these ideas and making it your own?

• Take our Side Hustle Course. It walks you through everything you need to launch a business in 30-days or less.

Let's Go

• Thanks for reading Odd Jobs. I appreciate your eyeballs on this and the space in your inbox. This newsletter is reader-supported so thank you for having our back. If you want access to more goodies: workshops, brainstorming sessions, and more, consider becoming a paid subscriber: