13 Online Side Hustles | Washington Post Jobs
We’ve all felt the effects of staggering inflation since 2020. Although not as bad as in 2022—when inflation rates reached 9.1%—consumers are still seeing monthly price increases of approximately 3%. It’s no wonder, then, that half of employed U.S. consumers supplement their income with some form of side hustle. Here are 13 online job opportunities to consider if you’re seeking supplemental income:
1. Online tutor: You can work from home as a tutor for nearly any type of student. Perhaps you want to help an elementary student with math, or maybe you’re an engineer who can assist with AP calculus. You might be able to find a student to tutor through personal connections, or you might search for a role through an established tutoring agency.
2. Language teacher: Teaching a language, whether it’s English to non-English speakers or a foreign language in which you’re fluent, is closely related to tutoring. You might find yourself working with individuals in a faraway country, helping them navigate the nuances of American English.
3. Freelance writer/copy editor: If you have a knack for grammar and proofreading, freelance writers and copy editors are generally in high demand. Every business has a need for clear communications. Seek out online agencies that will pair you with remote job openings.
4. Social media specialist: Put your Instagram acumen to work as a virtual social media specialist. Small businesses can’t afford to hire dedicated social media managers, so they may be willing to work with you to manage their online presence on a contract basis.
5. Virtual assistant: A virtual assistant does all the tasks an in-person executive assistant does—managing schedules, booking travel, and responding to emails—but they do so remotely. If you’re organized and highly proficient in office-type software (think Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), this could be for you.
6. Online reseller: Most of us have items kicking around we just know could be resold on eBay or Facebook Marketplace—but it’s easy to let them collect dust while we procrastinate on posting them. Why not take on that burden for someone else (and receive a cut of the profit)?
7. Photographer/photo editor: Do you have strong photography or photo editing skills? Take photos as a hobby, and you could sell them on stock photo sites. You could also help amateur shutterbugs fix up their family photos.
8. Survey taker/focus group participant: Did you know you can get paid for sharing your opinion? Not only are there companies that will pay you a set amount per survey you take, you can also work with market research companies to participate in online focus groups.
9. Customer service representative: The days where customer service associates worked in giant call centers aren’t completely gone, but often, you’re communicating with a remote worker when you finally get past an AI chatbot.
10. Transcriber: Companies such as Rev pair customers who need audio files transcribed with remote workers. You choose the types and lengths of files you wish to transcribe, then complete the transcription using web-based software.
11. Translator: Translation services are in high demand, particularly if you are fluent in languages such as Spanish and Arabic. Sign up with an online translation service to have your pick of freelance opportunities.
12. Bookkeeper: Much like social media or copywriting, bookkeeping is a task every business needs but for which not every business can afford full-time help. If you know your way around online accounting software, this could be a great opportunity for you.
13. Notary public: This is a newer online opportunity, but since the pandemic, many jurisdictions have made provisions for online notary services. Check your local or state government for information on the application process in your area. You can either work independently or through an online notary service.
Before you begin a side hustle, be sure that you’re familiar with federal and state tax requirements. Once you make $400 in a side hustle, you’re responsible for paying self-employment tax.
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