The internet is flooded with promises of easy money, but if you have ever tried to fill out online surveys for pennies or navigate the complexities of drop-shipping, you know the reality often falls short of the hype.
You don’t need a “get-rich-quick” scheme; you need a legitimate way to trade your skills and time for a fair return.
The gig economy is massive — worth over $550 billion globally — but not every opportunity is created equal. While some gigs offer genuine flexibility and high hourly rates, others are taxing and pay far below minimum wage.
It can be hard to tell the difference, so, let’s get into examples of what can help you get rich, versus what to ditch.
1. Bookkeeping for small businesses
If you are organized and comfortable with numbers, freelance bookkeeping is one of the most lucrative remote side hustles available. Small business owners often struggle to keep their finances in order and are happy to pay someone reliable to manage their books.
You don’t necessarily need to be a professional accountant to do this. Many bookkeepers start by managing simple transactions, invoicing and monthly reports using software like QuickBooks or Xero. According to recent industry data, freelance bookkeepers can earn between $30 and $50 an hour, with specialized professionals charging even more.
2. Loan signing agent
This is a specific niche within the notary public world that is surprisingly profitable. A loan signing agent is a notary who specializes in walking people through the final paperwork for mortgages and real estate transactions.
Unlike a standard notary who might charge a nominal fee for a single stamp, loan signing agents are paid per appointment. A single signing — which typically takes under an hour — can pay between $75 and $200. It requires a certification and a background check, but the barrier to entry is relatively low compared to the income potential.
3. Specialized pet sitting
If you love animals, platforms like Rover have formalized what used to be a casual favor for neighbors. The key here is specialization. While standard dog walking pays a modest hourly rate, offering overnight sitting or specialized care for pets with medical needs can command a premium.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for dedicated pet sitters can hover around $45,000 for full-time work, meaning a consistent side hustle can easily generate hundreds of dollars a month. It is a solid option for active adults who want to monetize their daily walks.
4. User testing
Companies are desperate to know if their websites and apps are user-friendly before they launch them. They pay real people to record their screens and voices while attempting to perform specific tasks, like “find the return policy” or “add a pair of jeans to the cart.”
Sites like UserTesting typically pay around $10 for a 20-minute test. While it won’t replace a full-time salary, it is one of the few low-stress options that pays a respectable hourly rate without requiring you to build a client base or market yourself.
5. Consultant or career coach
You have spent decades building expertise in your field. Rather than letting that knowledge sit idle, you can monetize it by consulting for younger professionals or smaller companies that can’t afford a full-time senior executive.
This is arguably the highest-paying side hustle on this list because you are selling high-level strategy rather than labor. Whether it is HR consulting, management coaching, or specialized IT advice, you can set hourly rates well into the triple digits.
6. Tech and software tutoring
There is a massive demand for people who can teach specific digital skills. This doesn’t just mean coding; it includes teaching older adults how to use their smartphones, helping small business owners set up Excel spreadsheets, or training employees on productivity software.
Tutoring platforms and local community centers are great places to start. Because this requires patience and clear communication skills, it is often a perfect fit for experienced professionals.
7. Freelance writing and editing
Despite the rise of AI, there is still a strong market for high-quality human writing. Businesses need content that is fact-checked, nuanced, and legally accurate — things AI still struggles with.
Niche expertise is your best asset here. If you have a background in healthcare, finance, or legal services, you can charge significantly more than a generalist copywriter. Specialized writers often command rates of $30 to $50 per hour or more.
Side hustles to avoid
Not every opportunity is worth your energy. These three popular hustles often result in frustration and low pay.
1. Online surveys
You will see countless ads promising easy cash for filling out surveys. In reality, the pay is abysmal — often working out to less than $2 an hour. You frequently spend 15 minutes answering screening questions only to be disqualified at the last second. Unless you have absolutely nothing else to do, your time is better spent elsewhere.
2. General dropshipping
The idea of selling products without holding inventory sounds perfect, but the market is oversaturated. To succeed today, you generally need significant capital for advertising, a deep understanding of digital marketing, and the patience to deal with long shipping times and angry customers. For most people, it is a fast way to lose money.
3. Multi-level marketing (MLM)
If you have to pay money to start working, it is usually a red flag. MLMs often require you to buy inventory upfront and pressure you to recruit friends and family. Research consistently shows that the vast majority of participants — over 99% in some studies — lose money.
