Do the Hustle-Do the Hustle!

Are you ready to “Oh, do it. Do it. Do it. Do the (side) hustle”? I’d love to hear your favorite ways to side hustle.

“Do the hustle, do the hustle.”

Did I get that song in your head yet?

I am Sarah, mom of three girls and founder of The Wandering Rumpus, where I write about expanding our kids’ worldview through travel, books, local experiences, and food! I’m also a freelance writer, communications consultant and the Director of Communications at The Family Backpack.

As a part-time working mom of 3 who loves to travel, I’m constantly looking for ways to earn extra money — and also teach my girls about money and model strong saving and earning behaviors. One way I do this is through a side hustle (there’s that song again…) or two. I think as bloggers and influencers, we are natural hustlers and entrepreneurs so why not find fun work that utilizes our skills and makes some cash for the things we love. Plus, I think this is a great skill to teach kids.

There are so many opportunities to earn extra money through a side hustle – a side hustle is defined as a way to make some extra cash that allows you the flexibility to pursue what you’re most interested in. Whether you’re single or a mom, a homeowner or a renter, a fashion blogger or a gifted writer, here are some of my favorites to do the (side) hustle:

Become a Personal Shopper: Are you a lifestyle or fashion blogger? How about personal shopping (and consider bartering with me, lol, I am NOT a shopper)? Women, men, and moms are busy and would love some services to shop with or for them. Scour the web and other online resources such as ThumbTack to find people looking for personal shoppers.
Sell clothes and furniture: This is a great way to make extra money and recycle old clothes and furniture. You can do this through a yard sale, consignment sales (great for kids clothes) or consignment or trade shops like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange. Sell clothes on Depop. Or host a closet sale on Instagram.
Rent out a room through Airbnb: Consider renting out your house when you travel or a room in your home. We have some friends (with 3 kids) who rent out their house through Airbnb whenever they take a family vacation, which pays for their trip, plus some! My mom also rents out a room in her condo from time to time through Airbnb – both to meet new people and to make extra cash. Another dear friend renovated a basement apartment in her home that makes a part-time salary through Airbnb.

If you are a parent, rent baby & kid equipment through BabyQuip: Babyquip allows you to rent your baby equipment to traveling families visiting your city or town. Plus, they teach tons of entrepreneurial skills. I love that Babyquip can help you earn money for travel while also supporting family’s who travel. Utilize a skill or
Manage social media for small businesses: Are you gifted on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter?Many small businesses need a social media manager and simply don’t have the time nor the expertise to be constantly posting on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Contact local businesses or organizations that you love and offer up your services for a contracted monthly fee. This is an easy way to make money no matter where you live.
Drive for Uber or Lyft: These services provide a flexible schedule that could work for you or your family. I even have several mom friends who have done this for periods of time to make extra money.
Tutor or teach English over Skype: There are several programs available to teach and tutor online. Or consider tutoring in your neighborhood or through the local schools.
Sell products on Etsy: If you have a talent for making art, crafts or other creative projects, consider selling them on Etsy. Most of my favorite gifts were bought on Etsy. You could also sell digital items such as digital posters that can be printed out.
Buy and rent out income property: This is a bigger endeavor and investment, but may be worth it if it works. My husband and I first got into our beloved Nashville neighborhood only by purchasing a triplex and renting out 2 units while living in the third. (We have since moved and sold that property). We’ve also looked into buying smaller single-family homes to rent out – but it’s not in the cards for us right now.
Teach a language: If you know a second language, and you’re well-versed enough in it, you could teach it to others. You can even teach English to students here in Nashville.
Give music lessons: If you play the piano, guitar or another instrument (it is Music City after all), consider teaching others in your local area. Advertise online through social media or through your personal or professional networks.
Write resumes: With my English degree, I’ve helped tons of people write resumes. Use sites like LinkedIn and other professional sites to advertise your resume writing services. Do a few for free and grab some raving reviews, then start charging a fair rate.
Become a house sitter: Become a professional house sitter and watch homes or pets for people that go on vacation or have a second home and don’t spend much time there. HouseSitter.com and Care.com both offer house-sitting jobs.
Sell your graphic design expertise: If you have graphic design skills and you have access and expertise to programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, offer your services for a fee. I have worked with a dear friend and graphic design guru on my logo, holidays cards, baby announcements, and other special projects. You could also potentially compete for design work on 99Designs.