Get your side hustle going

A bit of extra cash is always welcome, and many of us are looking for opportunities to supplement our income.  Having an extra income stream has become a way of life for many, and there have even been instances where the side hustle has grown into a full-time business!

While you are juggling a job, a family, and maybe other family responsibilities, any side hustle shouldn’t take up too much of your spare time, but be profitable at the same time. It has to fit into your lifestyle and work for you. There are lots of ideas around – here are some that are easy to start and may give you some good money too!

1. Sideline sales agent

If you work in an office with many other people, or you have a big circle of acquaintances such as a church or community group, you have a perfect market. There are many business opportunities ranging from selling jewelry to cosmetics and other home products. Think about Honey Jewellery, Avon Justine, and Watkins Valeur, just to name a few.  You can earn a commission of around 10% or more and can generate you a tidy sum if you devote your time to it.

2. Bucks for pics

With smartphones, everyone is a photographer these days, but you may have a special talent.  There is a huge demand for good quality images from graphic designers and other businesses, and there are websites where you can list your images, and earn money every time one is sold. This includes illustrations as well as video clips and you can earn around 25% to 30% of the selling price.  The most popular types of images are people in varying situations, food, cities, nature, and travel. The possibilities are endless. Check out Adobestock, Shutterstock, and Alamy as some options to get started.

3. Location, location, location!

Did you know that you can rent out your home for a film or photoshoot?  Film and photo scouts are always looking for existing new locations as these are often cheaper than building from scratch. Locations are needed for TV shows, full-length movies, advertisements, or photoshoots.  All types of properties are suitable for locations – from sophisticated city dwellings to garden settings or even slightly dilapidated buildings. So even if you live in a humble property, it’s worth exploring. They also sometimes look for wide-open office settings and premises which are light and open plans. On the downside, you may have a film crew around for a day or more, and they may rearrange your home entirely. It can be very intrusive and it may even be easier if you move out for a few days. On the plus side, you can earn anywhere from R5,000 for a half-day, to R10,000 for a full day location rental.  Look at The Location Corporation SA and Cherry-Picked Locations as a start.

4. Trash to treasure

The upcycling trend is massive as we try to save the environment by reusing items that would otherwise have been discarded. There are many creative ideas on Pinterest as well as other sites (just google ‘upcycling’). You can unleash your creativity, and turn old unwanted items into something beautiful that can be sold through one of the many channels that exist, including Facebook Marketplace, Hellopretty, Gumtree, or even Shopify if you want to set up your own online store. In a similar vein, but perhaps needing a bit more skill, is to buy and restore old furniture. Vintage items are very popular but you will need to know the difference between worthwhile antiques and old junk and have some money to invest. If you’re up to it though, it can be hugely rewarding.

5. Get crafty

So many of us have a hobby or something we would love to learn to do, yet we never seem to be motivated to get on with it. How about being motivated by the fact that is can generate some money?  There are many avenues to sell online, and craft items can include mosaic work on mirrors, scented candles or soaps, baked goods, decorated coat hangers, and gift baskets for special occasions to name but a few. 

6. Sell your skills

Do you have skills that you can sell on the side?  Many small businesses use freelancers to perform certain functions and this is a thriving economy.  Perhaps you can offer transcribing, social media management, writing, proofreading, or basic accounting or payroll services.  Do a course on Udemy if you need to hone your skills. Register on websites such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer, and build up a portfolio of work. On a more personal level, if you can sew, perhaps teach people how to sew, or offer your services a seamstress to make alterations or shorten curtains. These are the little things that make people’s lives easier, and they are more than happy to pay for this.

Getting a side hustle going takes a bit of effort, but can be so much fun. Apart from generating money, it can also allow you to experience other avenues of ‘work’ and explore your creativity or passion. What are you waiting for? Start hustling today!