This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.
It can be tough to make ends meet each month with just one income or while you’re attending school.
You may have to cut back on some of your expenses, but that’s not always possible.
Most people think that they have to work a second job in order to make more money, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, there are a lot of great one-day-a-week jobs that can help you make some extra cash.
The main benefit of working jobs for one day a week is that it doesn’t interfere with your demanding schedule without having to sacrifice too much time or energy.
While many online jobs offer many great options, such as the flexibility to work from home and when you want, there are plenty of traditional side jobs that you can take on to help supplement your income.
1. Freelance Writer
Many people can write, but not many people can write well. If you have a knack for writing, then you could earn extra cash by becoming a freelance writer.
You have a lot of options when it comes to the type of writing you want to do. You can generally choose and take on which tasks you’re most interested in. The most common types of gigs for freelance writers include blog posts, web content, email newsletters, ebooks, and ghostwriting.
The earnings might be on the lower end of the scale when you first start out ($0.05-$0.08 per word, which translates to $75-$120 for a 1,500-word article), but as you expand your writing portfolio and get more clients, you can increase your rates to $0.15-$0.25 per word.
The hours are very flexible so they’re ideal for people that prefer early morning jobs or even late-night jobs. You can structure your day and make your own hours as long as you complete the project before the deadline.
2. Proofreader
If you’re detail-oriented and have a strong grasp of grammar, then you could get paid to proofread documents. Proofreaders are in high demand, especially with the increasing use of technology in the workplace.
For example, before any content is published online, it needs to be checked for errors. No one wants to send an email filled with typos or read an article with bad grammar. This is where proofreaders come in to save the day!
As a proofreader, you would be responsible for reviewing documents for grammar mistakes, typos, and formatting errors. You will need to have strong attention to detail and be able to catch errors that others might miss. This shouldn’t be a problem for you since errors stand out like a sore thumb to you!
Similar to freelance writing, proofreading offers you the flexibility to work from home and choose your own hours. You can often find work by reaching out to content creators or posting your services on Fiverr and Upwork.
3. Tutor
Do you enjoy helping others learn and tend to be patient with others? Tutoring is one of the best ways to make money in college. You can work with students of all ages, from elementary school to college level.
Tutoring allows you to choose your hours around your availability and schedule. You can also choose to work with students in person or online. This is great if you already have school or a full-time job or other commitments during the week. Since most students are busy during the week, you’ll likely find the most demand for your services on weekends.
Tutors can charge anywhere from $20-$50 per hour, depending on their experience and the subject they’re teaching. In-person tutoring tends to be more expensive than online tutoring since there are additional expenses, such as transportation. Once you build up a reputation, you can start charging higher rates for your services.
There are a number of different ways to find clients as a tutor. You can reach out to local schools and colleges, post flyers in public places, or ask friends and family if they know anyone who could use your services. You can also find work through online tutoring platforms like Varsity Tutors and Chegg.
4. Uber/Lyft Driver
If you have a clean driving record and a newer car, you could be making money in your spare time as an Uber or Lyft driver. It’s a great way to pocket extra cash when it’s convenient for you. You
can drive as little or as much as you want, and Uber or Lyft will send you riders when you’re logged in and available to pick them up.
Depending on your car, you could make $18 an hour or more. Uber and Lyft drivers are also eligible for a number of bonus opportunities, which can help increase your earnings. For example, as a Lyft driver, you might earn a “bonus” for completing a certain number of rides in a week, or you could get a “boost” in your hourly earnings during high-demand times.
To sign up, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. You’ll also need to pass a background check.
5. Personal Shopper
Everyone is so busy these days that they don’t have time to go shopping for themselves. Many people are too busy to go grocery shopping or running errands. They would rather pay someone else to do it for them.
As a personal shopper, you would be responsible for tasks like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and dry cleaning. You would need to be organized and efficient in order to get the job done quickly.
Personal shoppers typically work on an as-needed basis. This means that you can choose when you want to work and how many hours you want to work. This is a great job for stay-at-home parents or anyone who is looking to make extra cash without a long-term commitment.
If you’re interested in becoming a personal shopper, the best way to find work is through word-of-mouth. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they know anyone who could use your services. You can also create a profile on a platform like TaskRabbit to find work in your area.
6. Babysitter
Everyone needs a break once in a while, even parents! Although babysitting is often thought of as a job for teenagers, it can be a great way for adults to make extra money.
Babysitting is a great option for people who want a flexible job with variable hours. If you have time during the day, you can babysit for working parents. If you’re available in the evenings and on weekends, you can babysit for parents who are going out for date night.
The average babysitting rate is $18-$20 per hour, but rates can vary depending on the number of children, their ages, and the length of the babysitting job.
If you’re looking for a job as a babysitter, the easiest way to get it is through personal recommendations. With Care.com and Sittercity you can easily find parents in your area who are looking for a babysitter.
7. Dog Walker
This one is perfect for all you animal lovers out there. Get paid to walk dogs around your neighborhood or local park! Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Most dog walkers charge around $15-$20 per 30-minute walk. If you’re walking multiple dogs at once, you can charge a higher rate.
One of the best things about being a dog walker is that you can set your own hours.
You can start by advertising your service on Facebook or on Rover.
8. Virtual Assistant
Working from home is more common than ever, and as a result, the demand for virtual assistants has increased significantly.
Being a part-time virtual assistant is perfect for people who like to help others, are extremely organized, and can stay on task even when working independently. Virtual assistants provide administrative support to clients, often remotely. This could involve anything from managing email and calendars to booking travel and preparing expense reports, to providing customer service or handling social media.
Many virtual assistant jobs are part-time, and some can even be done on a per-project basis. That said, most virtual assistants are hired as independent contractors, so you’ll need to be comfortable working without the guarantee of consistent hours or a regular paycheck. You’ll also need to have your own computer and a reliable internet connection.
9. Bartender
While bartending can be a night job, there are also plenty of opportunities to work during the day. Many restaurants and bars are looking for part-time help, especially during lunch rushes and happy hours.
Are you bartender material?
You’ll need to be able to make drinks quickly and efficiently while providing great customer service. Some establishments will require that you have experience, but others may be willing to train you. You should also be able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects, like cases of beer.
The hours can be long and sometimes unpredictable, but many bartenders enjoy the option to work when they’re free. And of course, there are tips! The average bartender earns $15-$20 per hour, but that number can increase significantly with tips.
If you’re interested in becoming a bartender, the best way to find work is to start by asking around at your local bars and restaurants. You can also check job boards like Indeed or Craigslist.
10. Server
This is a classic part-time job, and for good reason—it’s flexible, it pays well (if you work at the right place), and there are always opportunities.
If you’re thinking about becoming a server, there are a few things you should know. First, the hours can be long and unpredictable. You’ll also need to be able to handle a fast-paced environment and deal with customers who may not be happy (even if it’s not your fault).
You might work in a restaurant, coffee shop, or bar, and your duties will include taking orders, preparing food and drinks, and cleaning up. Depending on the establishment, you might also have to run errands like taking out the trash or restocking supplies.
That said, servers can make a lot of money in tips, so if you’re looking for a job that will give you some extra cash, this could be the perfect option.
To find work as a server, start by asking around at your local restaurants. You can also check Indeed or Craigslist.
Leave a Reply