In the wake of a recession, the ability to make extra money can provide the financial cushion needed to weather tough times. As job losses increase and companies cut back, many people struggle to make ends meet. Starting a side hustle can be the solution to help keep your paycheck coming on a monthly basis. In this article, we will cover the top 5 side hustles to make money in a recession.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Online Tutoring and Teaching
One of the best side hustles to make money in a recession is online tutoring and teaching. Depending on the nature of the recession, schools might close doors due to financial means or safety protocols. This might create a high demand for virtual teachers and online tutors.
The recession also comes with high unemployment rates. That is you are more likely to get laid off during a recession than any other economic condition. Losing your job, however, does not mean your skills, knowledge, and experience are also lost. You can easily leverage your knowledge by starting an online tutoring side hustle in a recession to make money.
You can offer your services as a subject matter expert or language tutor and work with students of all ages. Many tutoring and teaching platforms offer flexible schedules, so you can easily fit this side hustle around your existing commitments. Plus, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.
If you have a passion for helping others and knowledge in a particular subject, online tutoring and teaching can be a rewarding way to earn extra income in a recession. Tutoring rates vary depending on your experience and the subjects you teach, but you could potentially earn upwards of $20-$30 per hour.
Where to find online tutoring jobs during a recession?
If you are interested in getting started with tutoring’s side hustle to make money in a recession, check out the following online tutoring websites. Each site comes with its own benefits and flexibility.
- Preply
- Pearson’s Smarthinking
- Skooli
- Mathnasium
- Tutapoint
- Chegg
- Kajabi
- Learn To Be
- Thinkfic
- Cambly
You can also offer tutoring services on your own blog or social media. When the world is falling apart, people turn to social media. So, in case you have a lot of social media followers, offer your tutoring services to interested followers and their relatives and friends.
Another option to make money during a recession from offering online tutoring services is to record videos where you solve problems in your chosen area, build a large following list, and then monetize your services. For example, you can start a YouTube channel and record videos about a particular subject such as Math, Chemistry, English, etc. Once you have a good number of subscribers, you can run Ads on your channel and monetize your channel through affiliate links, sponsored content, and promotional videos.
2. Social media management
Social media management is another excellent side hustle to make money in a recession. Social media is now an integral part of any business’s marketing plan, and many businesses are seeking social media managers to help them create and implement effective strategies.
As a social media manager, your primary responsibilities will include managing the company’s online presence, creating engaging content, and analyzing social media performance. You’ll need excellent communication skills and a good understanding of social media platforms.
The best part of this recession side hustle is that it can be done remotely, making it a flexible option for those seeking to earn extra income. Depending on your experience and the size of the businesses you work with, you can earn $15-$30 per hour or more for your services. If you have a passion for social media and marketing, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
3. Freelance Writing and Editing
If you have a way with words, freelance writing and editing could be the perfect side hustle to make money in a recession. As businesses continue to expand their online presence, there is a growing need for skilled writers and editors who can produce high-quality content.
A freelance writer can create blog posts, website copy, or social media content for businesses, while an editor can help perfect the content that others have written. The best part of this recession side hustle is that it can be done remotely, making it a flexible option for those seeking to earn extra income. Depending on your experience and the size of the businesses you work with, you can earn $15-$30 per hour or more for your services.
Check out this guide if you want to become a successful freelance writer.
Do you want freelance proofreading jobs? Check out this list of the top 22 websites to find proofreading freelance jobs and start earning an income in a recession.
4. Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking
If you’re an animal lover, pet-sitting and dog-walking are great ways to make some extra money in a recession. Many pet owners prefer to have their furry friends looked after in the comfort of their own homes, and this is where you can come in. Not only will you be helping out pet owners, but you’ll also get to spend time with some adorable animals.
Pet-sitting and dog-walking can be done on a flexible schedule, making it one of the best side hustles to make money in a recession. You can set your own rates depending on the services you offer and the market in your area. Typically, pet-sitters can expect to earn $15-$20 per visit, while dog-walking services can range from $10-$30 per half-hour walk.
Where to find dog-walking and dog-sitting jobs?
If you’re interested in this side hustle, start by advertising your services on social media, or consider signing up with online platforms that connect pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers.
The following are some of the top apps and websites to find dog-walking and dog-sitting jobs online.
- Pawshake
- Holidog
- Rover
- PetBacker
- Wag!
- Care
- Fetch!
- Swifto
- Come Sit, Stay, Dog Walking and Pet sitting
- Petsitter
If you are not sure how to get started with this recession side hustle to make money, start by walking your neighbor’s or friends’ dogs. This will open a window of opportunities as you get more referrals from a word of a mouth. As you build your portfolio, keep expanding to other areas in your neighborhood and sign up on the apps and websites I mentioned above.
5. Delivery and Errand Services
Another side hustle to make money in a recession is to offer delivery and errand services. What makes delivery services one of the best side hustles to make money in a recession is that it doesn’t require any particular skills. Additionally, you get to set your own rates and hours.
Many people who offer delivery and errand services charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat rate per task. Depending on your location, you can make anywhere from $10-$25 per hour.
Where to find delivery services jobs?
To get started with this recession side hustle, advertise your services on social media platforms and apply for delivery jobs to companies that offer delivery services in your area. You can also join a delivery or errand service that connects you with customers in your area.
The following are a few apps and websites to find delivering services jobs.
- DoorDash. You can earn up to $25/hr, have a bonus, get a referral bonus, and have flexible hours.
- Grubhub. You can earn up to $15/hr, have flexible hours, use your preferred delivery method, etc.
- Instacart. Great for groceries, alcohol, etc. The pay is also great given the service you provide.
- GoPuff. Can earn up to $21/hr, have flexible hours, have different ways to earn extra cash, etc.
- Uber Eats. You will have flexible hours, Keep all the tips and different ways to boost your earnings.
- Shipt. Great for all kinds of deliveries such as groceries, goods, and household essentials.
- Roadie. You get to earn up to $15 and keep 100% of your tips.
- Favor delivery. You get flexible hours, get a $100 bonus, and keep all your tips.
Offering delivery and errand services can be a great way to earn extra cash during a recession. It’s a side hustle that doesn’t require much investment or overhead costs, and it can be a flexible option for those who have other commitments. If you’re looking for a way to make some money on the side during a recession, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
