Side careers are a great way to level up your financial game. Are you short on cash or looking to make extra income to fulfill your financial obligations and also save more? Then a side career is just for you.
The best thing about a side career is that it can be remote. This means you carry out your usual functions and also handle your side job comfortably from home without altering your regular work schedule. To learn more about how to find a side career and what kind of high-paying side job you can get, continue reading.
What Is a Side Career?
A side career is something that people can do part-time, or on the side, to make money. Side careers can include a wide range of jobs that people do in addition to working in a full-time position. It is called a side career because it is not your main career. It is an extra job you do during your spare time or weekends. It is flexible and done at your own pace.
The beauty of a side career is that it gives you more income and also affords you the freedom to do other jobs. Side careers often do not require a bachelor’s degree or higher education. The major thing you need is work experience and other relevant skills.
Top 10 Side Careers You Should Consider in 2022
There are so many side careers you can choose from, depending on your skills, relevant experience, schedule, and other factors. Check out some of the best side career opportunities below.
Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing is one of the side careers through which you can earn a high income in the long run. An affiliate marketer helps brands to sell their products to consumers or sign them up for services. Their major focus is to drive sales by marketing the products and offering promotional materials on behalf of a manufacturer.
For every product you sell, a commission is given. Some companies offer a ripple effect type of commission where you keep earning when your referrals also refer other people to purchase a product or sign up on that service. It will be helpful if you have a background in marketing.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is often the backbone of an organization. As such, there has been a huge demand for virtual assistants by many companies, despite the negative job growth for administrative positions overall.
Being a virtual assistant, you can specialize in areas like customer service, email management, calendar and schedule management, event planning for organizations, sales support, bookkeeping, marketing support, writing newsletters, data entry, and scheduling appointments. In this career, you need organizational skills and proactiveness to help you find easier ways to get the job done. Other skills include computer literacy and communication skills.
Copywriter
- Salary: $67,120
- Job growth: 9%
- Education needed: High school diploma
Most people think copywriting and blog writing are the same, but they are quite different. Blog writing is more about giving information to readers while copywriting is persuading your reader to take a particular course of action.
Many brands need copywriters that will help them create content to drive sales. What copywriters do is grab the attention of people looking for a product or service. If you can write persuasively and convince people, then being a copywriter is the perfect side job for you.
Web Developer
- Salary: $77,200
- Job growth: 13%
- Education needed: Coding bootcamp or web development course
Every business needs a website and thus also needs a website developer. Further, businesses that already have websites also need web designers to maintain the structure of the website in terms of visual representation. One interesting thing is that a web developer can also be a web designer. These professionals can also be involved in software development.
Being in this career is a very lucrative business. It is flexible and you can always work from home. All you need is a computer, a stable Internet connection, basic web development knowledge, and coding skills. You can get this knowledge by attending a web development bootcamp, online courses, or a university. A web designer needs to be very creative and have good organization skills.
Fitness Instructor
- Salary: $40,510
- Job growth: 39%
- Education needed: High school diploma
With the pandemic hitting every part of the globe, many people have an increased awareness of their health. As such, it is a great point in time to be a fitness instructor. You can also offer balanced meal plans to help keep your clients in shape.
In fact, you can even become an online fitness coach if you don’t want to work in a fitness facility. This is a very lucrative business as many people are too shy to go into a gym to register for fitness classes but still want to work on their muscle strength. You will need a stable Internet connection and a good camera as this is a major part of your work.
Social Media Manager
- Salary: $55,117
- Job growth: 10%*
- Education needed: High school diploma
If you think you want to become a social media manager, you are in luck. Every business and personal brand is looking for someone who can maintain their social media presence. What social media managers do is manage content for marketing companies or individuals, curate or create content in line with the brand vision, respond to comments, and work to increase engagement.
A social media manager also needs to follow trends and incorporate them into the accounts they are handling. If you are running company social media accounts, you may be in charge of announcing new products.
You can work with multiple accounts to gain more money. Skills you need to have include graphic designing, content creation, and creativity. It is also best if you have an online portfolio to show prospective employers.
*Figure taken from the BLS page for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers
Technical Writer
- Salary: $74,650
- Job growth: 12%
- Education needed: High school diploma
A technical writer combines knowledge of technology with excellent writing skills. Technical writers are responsible for conducting research, generating ideas, and writing content for specific companies that are mostly involved in the tech world. Most technical writers specialize in a specific topic, also known as a niche.
A technical writer simplifies complex technical concepts and ideas so that readers can easily understand them. This can be a lucrative side job if you have a solid understanding of complex technical topics.
Yoga Instructor
- Salary: $40,510
- Job growth: 39%*
- Education needed: Yoga teacher certification
A yoga instructor leads yoga classes and helps students learn the proper way to do a yoga pose. As a yoga instructor, you can choose to work remotely or in person, so it is a flexible side job.
You can lead group classes, workshops, or one-on-one personal training sessions. In addition, yoga studios typically offer a handful of classes throughout the day so you can choose to teach classes that fit in with your busy schedule.
To increase your income, you can offer additional services like yoga philosophy, nutrition, meditation, and deep breathing techniques. To be an instructor, you must complete a training course in yoga, have knowledge of CPR, and be good at what you do.
*Figure taken from the BLS page for fitness trainers and instructors
Medical Writer
- Salary: $85,267
- Job growth: 12%
- Education needed: High school diploma
If you are in the medical field and you need a side hustle, being a medical writer is a great way to earn extra. Medical writers conduct research and write technical projects. To become a medical writer, you need sound reading skills, communication skills, and an interest in conducting research on various medicines and medical conditions. Of course, relevant experience in the medical field is beneficial in this position.
*Figure taken from the BLS page for technical writers
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Executive Recruiter
- Salary: $107,680
- Job growth: 8%
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources
As an executive recruiter, your major responsibility is to find candidates to fill certain positions in your company. Executive recruiters sift through hundreds of applications to match the best candidates with the available positions.
By simply helping companies save time sorting through hundreds of applications, you will consistently make good money. In this position, you could work with a wide range of companies and professions.
10 Side Careers That Don’t Require a Degree
Most side careers do not require a formal education before you can begin. The basic requirements for these side careers are your traits and personal skills, such as communication and writing skills, culinary and organizational abilities, patience, and courtesy. Below are some side careers you can start without a degree.
Drop Shipper
- Salary: $46,358
- Job growth: 10%*
Drop shipping allows you to sell a product directly to your customer without having to hold stock or even have a warehouse. The manufacturer ships the products directly to the buyer. In this side career, you can always make a passive income without any stress. All you need to do is to have good marketing skills, great product pictures, and maintain good customer relationships.
Good examples of drop shipping include selling beauty products, kitchen equipment, or clothes. To make extra sales, you can also offer discounts and other promotions. Your income depends on how much you can turn in over a certain period. This career requires sound communication, organizational skills, and effective digital marketing strategies.
*Figure taken from the BLS page for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers
Blog Writer
- Salary: $40,937
- Job growth: 9%*
As a blog writer, you can specialize in any topic, including fashion, lifestyle, faith, or health. You can write about anything that interests you and will also interest your readers. Typically, blog posts are educational and fun. The more readers and followers you have on your blog, the better chance you have at monetizing it.
You can earn money through your blog by utilizing affiliate marketing and different ad services. If you want to start a blog, you can do so today as there is no previous experience required. If you are designing your blog from scratch though, it may be helpful to have an eye for design. You can also work as a freelance writer for other people’s blogs.
*Figure taken from the BLS page for writers and authors
Delivery Driver
- Salary: $34,340
- Job growth: 12%
As a delivery driver, you will pick up packages from different delivery stations, stores, and restaurants and deliver them to customers. All you need to do is sign up on an online delivery platform and get to work once notifications for deliveries arrive.
This career, however, requires that you have a valid driver’s license. You may also be expected to pass a background check. The company may provide the vehicle or expect you to use your own. Must-have skills include time management, punctuality, and communication.
Social Media Influencer
- Salary: $54,023
- Job growth: 10%*
Being a social media influencer is a great way to earn passive income. All you need to do is to build your social media account based on what you can do well. The more followers and engagement you have on your profile, the more you will be able to earn. You can also run sponsored ads on your account, create video content for companies, or be the face of an organization online.
You will also need to be consistent in the type of content you post and when you post. This way, you’ll gain new followers as people know what they can expect from you. Your content could be educational or simply entertaining. You can set your rate based on the size of your audience.
*Figure taken from the BLS page for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers
Dog Walker
- Salary: $26,370
- Job growth: 33%
If you have an interest in dogs or animals, you can sign up as a pet walker. Your earnings depend on how many dogs you walk and for how long. This job can also involve cleaning the pets, feeding them, and making sure they get the best care possible during their time with you.
You can approach animal agencies or individuals in need of such services. The basic requirement would be previous experience in caring for pets. If you have a true love for animals, you may be the perfect match for this side career.
Caregiver
- Salary: $27,080
- Job growth: 33%
Caregivers are in high demand. This side career can include being a babysitter or providing care for the elderly. A caregiver is responsible for the direct care, protection, and supervision of their client. You need to have good communication and compassion. The work may mostly be during the weekends or at night.
Some clients may also request that you have CPR or other medical certifications. This job requires passionate people who want to provide high-quality care. If you are naturally caring, patient, and understanding, then this is your ideal side career.
Party Planner
- Salary: $51,560
- Job growth: 18%
This job can be a gold mine, particularly if you have a knack for planning parties. You can plan wedding events and children’s birthday parties. Your responsibilities will include decorating the venue and finding gift items.
Some clients may need you to plan their events from scratch to finish. In addition, sometimes organizers clean up after parties as well. The major thing you need to do is negotiate the budget with them.
To succeed in this career, you need a wide professional network that includes vendors in the food and beverage industry as well as interior design and lighting professionals and entertainers. Good organizational skills are a major requirement to thrive in this career.
Bartender
- Salary: $24,960
- Job growth: 32%
Anytime there’s a party going on, caterers are in need of servers, bartenders, and ushers, especially when they have a large crowd to cater to. You can always have a side hustle in this field and make extra income in the evenings or on the weekend.
Aside from serving drinks, you will be required to clean up regularly and make sure guests have what they need. The basic requirements for this career are good communication skills, interpersonal skills, courtesy, and patience.
Tutor
Working as a tutor is a great side career if you are available to work in the evenings and on weekends. In this position, you will help students of all ages learn the subjects that you specialize in. You could teach anything from math to piano.
To work as a tutor, you should be great with kids, have patience, and be able to explain complicated topics in a clear manner. In addition, you can also work as a tutor online for some subjects instead of hosting lessons in person.
Ridesharing Driver
- Salary: $34,670
- Job growth: 25%
Ridesharing is one of the most popular side careers in the world today. You can become a ridesharing driver if you have a reliable car and extensive knowledge of your area. Aside from having a valid driver’s license, you need to be punctual and organized. You also need to be a safe driver that follows road rules. It is also helpful if you are friendly to passengers so that they give you a good rating.
How to Find Side Careers
Have you been wondering how to find a side career? Below you will find helpful tips for how to find the highest-paying side jobs that fit in with your busy schedule.
Enhance Your Skills
One of the basic ways to land a side job is by improving your skills in the areas that interest you. If you have writing skills or culinary skills but have yet to score a side career, improve your skills further. It is certain that as you practice what you do, you will gain the attention of prospective clients who want your services.
Leverage Your Social Media
The world can be small due to the emergence of social media. Many high-earning side career workers landed their jobs over the Internet, especially on social media. So, as soon as you’ve garnered a certain skill that is relevant for the career you’re looking to land, use social media as your launchpad. Post or advertise what you do on your social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others.
Set Up Your Profile on Freelancing Platforms
The major advantage of a freelancing platform is that it connects you with customers that require your product or services. You can identify the platforms that deal with your niche or area of expertise and make a profile.
Visit Job Engines and Companies’ Career Pages
When you are looking for work, you can always visit job websites and companies that may require your skills. Your intention is to pitch your craft or skillset to them to get their attention and help them realize how you can add value.
Tell People About What You Do
Word of mouth has been recognized as one of the fastest ways to disseminate information. You need to talk about the products and services you offer to those around you including your colleagues, neighbors, friends, family, acquaintances, and others. Even if they don’t contract your product or services, they may connect you to those who will.
Why Finding a Side Career Is Important
A side career is a great opportunity to explore passions and interests that you do not directly deal with in your main career path. In addition, the best part-time side careers allow you to supplement your full-time income by earning more money. Side careers are often highly flexible positions that give you the opportunity to build more skills and add purpose to your life.
Side Careers FAQ
A CV is not necessarily required for every side career, but it is never a bad idea to have one ready just in case. Some side careers that would require a CV or resume include mental health therapists, project managers, and professional organizers, to name a few.
Although a side career is not necessary, it can help you advance your career as you can gain more skills and more experience to move your career in the right direction.
The very definition of a side career implies that it is meant to be combined with a day job or other full-time work. What you need to do is balance both jobs well so you don’t burn out or get to a point where you can’t fulfill your tasks.
Good side careers can be found in a variety of industries and can include positions such as social media manager, software developer, application developer, house accountant, tutor, writer, fitness instructor, and more. A good side career typically pays well and allows you to explore your interests outside of your normal job.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
