20 Genius ways to make money without a job (+10 extra remote jobs)

Ever wondered how to make money without a job? You’re not alone. Forget the myth of free money – there are real ways to earn passive income without clocking into a traditional job. 

From building an online store and selling courses to growing social media accounts, here’s how to make a living without working a 9-to-5 job.

30 ideas on how to make money without a job

1. Start a print-on-demand business

Print on Demand (POD) is a fantastic way to explore how to get money without a job. Instead of investing in a physical store, this online retail model helps you start your own business without the hassle of buying equipment, coordinating shipping, and handling inventory.Services like Printify let you add your own personal designs or branded imagery to hundreds of products. Design your own hoodie, customized pint glasses, or personalize print-on-demand cosmetics, and set your own margins to build substantial income over time.

Pick a product like a custom phone case, upload a design, and publish it to a marketplace like Etsy or an eCommerce platform like Shopify.

Once a customer orders, you profit while our Print Providers handle everything – from printing your design to shipping products

Requirements:

• Skills: Basic graphic design, creativity, marketing skills.
• Resources: A free Printify account and your own online store or marketplace seller account.

2. Sell unique craft items on Etsy

If you’re good at crafts and want to start a small business, Etsy’s the place for you. With over 95 million active buyers, Etsy is the best online marketplace for the growing arts and crafts market.

Create an account, list your handmade crafts or customized POD products (think t-shirts, totes, and mugs), write enticing descriptions, and start marketing your store.

Requirements:

• Skills: Crafting, creativity, photography, basic marketing.
• Resources: An Etsy account and craft supplies or a print-on-demand partner.

3. Pet sit

Pet parents always need a good pet sitter to walk or groom their furry friends. If you’re great with animals, this is an easy way to earn extra cash.

Start doing it for your community by looking for job ads on your local bulletin board, or offer your services on sites like Rover and Wag!.

Requirements:

• Skills: Basic pet care knowledge, reliability, communication skills, time management.
• Resources: Transportation (if required to travel with the pet to a vet or groomer), pet supplies.

4. Babysit

If you’re good with children and like to play games that are educational, try babysitting. You get to entertain and make a positive impact – plus, it typically pays well and doesn’t require long-term commitment.

Check out Sittercity to connect with families. Share your experience and availability with potential customers and outline your services. For example, babysitting or other services like special needs care or in-person tutoring.

Requirements:

• Skills: Child care experience, patience, communication skills, first aid knowledge (preferable).
• Resources: Transportation, child care certification (if requested by clients).

5. Invest in stocks, ETFs, or Bitcoin

Investing is a solid option to generate passive income. While it won’t make you rich overnight, it can help grow your savings and build long-term wealth.

• Stocks: Buying shares in companies can generate returns through dividends. Platforms like Fidelity and Charles Schwab are good for beginners, while Robinhood is popular for ease of use.
• ETFs: Exchange-traded funds are baskets of stocks or bonds that spread out your risk while still providing growth potential. Great if you want to invest but don’t want to pick individual stocks. Try Vanguard or M1 Finance for low-fee ETF investing.
• Bitcoin: While crypto is volatile, some investors use bitcoin as a hedge or a high-risk, high-reward part of their portfolio. Platforms like Crypto.com and Kraken are among the most trusted for buying and storing bitcoin.

Requirements:

• Skills: Basic understanding of markets, risk management, patience.
• Resources: Funds for investment, accounts on reliable platforms, and a clear plan for managing your investments.

6. Try freelance writing

Freelance writing might be the best way to start making money if you have a passion for it and are familiar with AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, or Claude. Earnings depend on the niche, topic, volume, and quality of work you produce.

Freelance writers in the United States can earn an average wage of around $20-$40 per hour. Plus, you have the flexibility to work on your own schedule from anywhere in the world.

Sign up on Fiverr or Upwork and describe the type of content you write, like blog posts, press releases, emails, or newsletters. Consider creating your own website to present your portfolio to potential clients.

Requirements:

• Skills: Strong editing and writing skills, research abilities, time management, and adaptability to different writing styles.
• Resources: A portfolio of writing samples, own website for marketing (optional).

7. Drive for Lyft or Uber

Using your car to drive for Uber or Lyft is a straightforward option to explore how to make money without a job. It’s a practical way to cover bills or build a savings buffer while you earn cash on your own schedule. 

Sign up, get your car inspected, and complete a background check. Once approved, you can start picking up passengers and earn money with each trip. Keep your car clean, drive safely, and be friendly to earn tips.

To boost your income, drive during peak hours or in high-demand areas where surge pricing applies. Some platforms also offer cash rewards for completing a set number of rides in a week.

Requirements:

• Skills: Safe driving, customer service, time management, navigation.
• Resources: A reliable car that meets platform requirements, a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and a smartphone with the rideshare app installed.

8. Start freelance graphic design

Freelance graphic design is a profitable venture for those with experience in digital art, offering an earnings potential of around $35 per hour.

Create logos, social media posts, or marketing materials for clients. Find jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, and promote your online portfolio on social media accounts. 

Landing multiple projects helps you build a strong reputation and a substantial income online. Plus, you can start without a large upfront investment by using free graphic design tools.

Requirements:

• Skills: Graphic design, creativity, communication, project management.
• Resources: Design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, a professional online portfolio.

9. Become a beta tester

If you love exploring new tech, you could get paid for playing games and testing apps.

A beta tester’s job is to trial apps and video games before their final release, making sure there aren’t any glitches or bugs that harm the user experience. Try platforms like UserTesting to get started.

Requirements:

• Skills: Attention to detail, basic technical knowledge, good communication, problem-solving.
• Resources: Computer or smartphone, accounts on beta testing platforms, headset (optional for usability testing).

10. Start a YouTube channel

Enjoy sharing your opinions, public speaking, and appearing on camera? If you love researching various topics and talking about them, try creating YouTube videos. 

The site brings in almost 2.5 billion active users every month and has various monetization options for passive income, like video sponsorships and Google AdSense.

Starting a YouTube channel is one of the best choices for making money online and growing a profitable business. On average, a YouTuber makes $5-$15 for every 1,000 views.

Requirements:

• Skills: Public speaking, video creation, editing, research, marketing, consistency.
• Resources: Camera or smartphone with good video quality, microphone for clear audio, video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie.

11. Make money on Twitch

If you’re asking yourself how to make money without a job while doing the things you love, play games and stream on Twitch.

The popular streaming site is estimated to host around 36.7 million users in the US by 2025, making it a lucrative platform to earn cash.

Stream gameplay footage from your PC or console. Earn money through donations, brand partnerships, and selling merchandise to your fans. If you become a Twitch Affiliate, offer monthly subscriptions and earn extra cash from people buying games through your promos.

Requirements:

• Skills: Gaming skills, viewer engagement, consistency, basic video editing.
• Resources: High-quality microphone, camera or webcam, streaming software like OBS Studio, gaming equipment.

12. Become a podcaster

Podcasting is a lucrative way to earn money on the side. It involves topic research, planning, content creation, and production, but the potential income is well worth the effort.

Start by researching the podcast industry and see what niche aligns with your passion. Try to be as specific as possible and spend time preparing scripts and setting a publishing timeline.

Monetize the content with affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and ads through hosting platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. As your popularity increases, explore podcast merch ideas like hoodies and t-shirts to make even more extra cash.

Requirements:

• Skills: Public speaking, content creation, audio editing, research, marketing.
• Resources: Microphone, audio editing software, hosting account on podcast platforms.

13. Transcribe audio or video

Transcribing audio and video into text is a great way to earn extra money if you’re good at interpreting and consuming media quickly. All you have to do is watch videos.

A site like Rev is a good starting point. It attracts clients needing transcription services and pays $0.30-$1.10 per audio/video minute. Other transcription platforms include TranscribeMe, which offers $15-$22 per audio hour.

Requirements:

• Skills: Fast and accurate typing, good grammar and spelling, listening skills, attention to detail.
• Resources: Headphones for clear audio, word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

14. Start a blog

Blogging is one of the most popular ways to make money without a job or supplement traditional employment.

Cover any niche, as long as you’re consistent and provide value to readers. Once the blog gains traction, earn money from ads, affiliate marketing, and subscriptions.

Wix, WordPress, and Squarespace are some of the best blogging platforms. They offer plenty of customization options and have tiered pricing, so anyone can find a plan that fits their budget. 

Requirements:

• Skills: Writing, content creation, SEO knowledge, marketing, consistency.
• Resources: Account on a blogging platform, custom domain name (optional), time for regular publishing.

15. Grow your social media audience

If you spend a lot of time on social media, why not make money from it? Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide the perfect opportunity to earn cash as an influencer without having a traditional job. 

To start making money on social media, consistently produce high-quality content and identify peak times for engagement. Don’t forget to use hashtags and join trends to attract new followers.

As your account grows, earn money by partnering with brands, doing affiliate marketing, and selling t-shirts and other merchandise.

Requirements:

• Skills: Content creation, photography or videography, social media marketing, trend analysis, audience engagement.
• Resources: Accounts on social media platforms, content scheduling and editing tools, time for regular posting.

16. Sell digital products online

Selling digital products, such as eBooks or digital art, is a creative way to make money without inventory and physical shipping.

It’s a huge passive income opportunity – create digital products once and sell them continuously for extra money. Use platforms like Etsy or Gumroad to reach potential customers.

If you’re into photography, you can also upload your images to stock photo sites and list them for sale online.

Requirements:

• Skills: Content creation, digital design, marketing, photography.
• Resources: Design software, accounts on digital sales platforms, own website with eCommerce functionality (optional).

17. Participate in contests

Turn your hobbies into profit by entering contests that offer cash rewards for skills like creative writing, photography, or music production. Check your local community boards or search online to find competitions that match your interests.

Winning isn’t the only benefit. Contests put your work in front of new audiences, helping you build credibility and leading to more ways to make money through gigs or freelance opportunities in the future.

Requirements:

• Skills: Creativity, attention to detail, ability to meet contest guidelines.
• Resources: Tools specific to your hobby – for example, a camera, writing software, musical instruments.

18. Become a session musician

Bands and music groups sometimes hire session musicians to perform in the studio or during live gigs. They’re not permanent band members and work mainly behind the scenes, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get paid while doing what you love without long-term commitment.

Search for opportunities on Fiverr or Upwork. Create a YouTube channel or TikTok account to share your musical skills, build an audience, and help you land gigs.

Requirements:

• Skills: Proficiency in one or more musical instruments, ability to read music (optional but helpful), collaboration skills, adaptability to different musical styles.
• Resources: Musical instrument(s), recording equipment, accounts on freelance platforms, social media for promotion.

19. Run errands

Grocery shopping, picking up laundry, or delivering food is a solid way to explore how to make money fast without a job. 

Doing simple tasks for others can pay off. Numerous online platforms like TaskRabbit and Grubhub provide real opportunities to make money with odd jobs. 

Requirements:

• Skills: Time management, reliability, communication skills, basic customer service.
• Resources: Transportation, accounts on freelance job platforms.

20. Create online courses

Whether it’s cooking, coding, or another valuable skill, there’s a broad market for online education. Share your knowledge and earn extra cash by creating online courses.

Start with platforms like Teachable or Udemy and expand your course offerings over time. Invest time upfront to create lessons and enjoy passive income as more students enroll.

Requirements:

• Skills: Subject matter expertise, teaching, video creation, editing.
• Resources: Recording equipment, word processing software for syllabus creation.

21. Rent out your home, car, or equipment

Consider renting your car, spare room, or equipment to others who might need it. It’s a great opportunity to earn some extra money while putting your existing assets to work. 

List your vehicle on sites like Turo and rent out property on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

Requirements:

• Skills: Customer service, communication skills, scheduling.
• Resources: Space or equipment for rent, accounts on rental platforms to manage listings, insurance.

22. Take online surveys

Several survey sites like Swagbucks pay users for consumer feedback. They’re always looking for new members, and you can complete online surveys for a few dollars each whenever it fits your schedule.

Earnings are modest, but it’s an easy way to make extra cash for your savings account or get free gift cards in your spare time. Before signing up, carefully research the survey sites and read third-party reviews to avoid illegitimate platforms.

Requirements:

• Skills: Ability to give clear feedback.
• Resources: Accounts on reputable survey sites, free time to complete online surveys.

23. Offer virtual assistant services

Many businesses need help with tasks such as scheduling appointments and handling emails.

Get paid per gig through platforms like TaskRabbit or Upwork. Best of all, you have the freedom to set your own schedule and work from anywhere.

Requirements:

• Skills: Organization, communication, data entry.
• Resources: A personal computer and standard work software, like a text editor and scheduling application.

24. Take part in market research

Market research companies are always on the lookout for new people to provide real consumer insights. Your opinion will help businesses improve their products and services.

Join paid focus groups to review goods or services, or participate in product testing. Try SIS International Research, Experience Dynamics, or do a quick search to find other market research agencies.

Requirements:

• Skills: Good communication skills, ability to offer constructive feedback.
• Resources: Membership with reputable market research platforms, time to participate in focus groups or product testing.

25. Provide expert advice online

Platforms like JustAnswer and Clarity.fm connect users with professionals who provide real-time answers on a range of topics. If you have specialized knowledge in a subject, sign up to share tips and get paid in exchange.

From legal advice to tech support, earn anywhere between $5-$90 for answering a question. Often, more difficult inquiries needing specific expertise will pay a premium.

Requirement:

• Skills: Expertise in a specific field, clear communication, problem-solving.
• Resources: Proof of credentials for approval on expert advice platforms.

26. Offer language courses

Earn some money by providing online or offline language courses. Sites like Preply and Italki let you tutor online and set your own service fee.

Take your skills offline by offering one-on-one tutoring. Language classes are always in demand, and a simple flyer or local ad can help you land regular students.

Requirements:

• Skills: Proficiency in a second language, teaching abilities.
• Resources: Lesson materials like textbooks or digital resources, application to set up and manage a tutoring schedule.

27. Buy and sell domain names

Domain flipping is the process of buying domain names and reselling them for a profit. If you already own a domain others want, you’re in luck. If not, purchase one from popular sites like Namecheap or Hostinger.

The trick is spotting what might be valuable tomorrow. Dig into trends, explore niche industries, and watch online auctions – those digital gold mines could lead to a profitable sale.

Requirements:

• Skills: Basic understanding of domain value, research and negotiation skills.
• Resources: Initial capital to buy domains, time to monitor market and industry trends.

28. Proofread texts

Got an eye for grammar and spelling? Put it to work by proofreading and editing content like academic journals, essays, marketing materials, or resumes.

List your services on sites like Upwork and Fiverr, set your own price based on the content topic and length, and get paid to polish other people’s words – no office job required.

Requirements:

• Skills: Strong grammar and formatting knowledge, editing skills, time management.
• Resources: Accounts on freelance platforms, a portfolio of proofreading samples (optional), access to style guides (APA, MLA) for specific content types.

29. Restore and sell furniture

If you’re good with handiwork, consider being a flea market flipper. Source old furniture from family members or visit local flea markets, thrift stores,  Facebook Marketplace, and garage sales to find hidden gems that need a little love.

Try different techniques, such as sanding, reupholstering, and adding decorative accents, to give the piece a fresh look. Then, sell them for a profit.

Requirements:

• Skills: Basic sanding, painting, reupholstering, design creativity.
• Resources: Access to tools, materials (paint, fabric, hardware), transportation for picking up and delivering furniture, space for restoring pieces.

30. Manage social media accounts

Managing social media accounts is one of the best ways to explore how to earn money without a job. Many small businesses and creators need help to post consistently, engage followers, and grow their reach. 

Earn cash by creating and scheduling social media posts, replying to comments, and tracking analytics for clients. For a more substantial income, package services like content planning, branded graphics, and copywriting.

This side hustle offers flexibility to work on your own schedule. Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, and Facebook groups are solid places to find clients, or use your own website to market your services.

Requirements:

• Skills: Content creation, social media marketing, audience engagement, analytics tracking.
• Resources: Scheduling tools like Buffer or Later, Canva or Photoshop for graphics.

Join Printify: Make money, your way

Want to make money without the stress of a full-time job? Start a print-on-demand online store with Printify. 

Sell high-quality custom products from home with no upfront costs or inventory. Build your own business and generate passive income in just five simple steps.

Step 1

Sign up for free and select products from the Printify Catalog. Choose from over 1,300 items, including t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, decor, and stylish accessories.

Step 2

Customize with our beginner-friendly Product Creator. Designing is easy with the help of our AI Image Generator and easy text editor.

Step 3

Review your final design and check the beautiful, realistic mockups. Once you’re happy, order a sample and see your designs come to life.

Step 4

List products in your online store. Printify integrates with all major eCommerce platforms and online marketplaces, helping you reach a wide audience.

Step 5

Spread the word about your online store and start earning extra cash. Our global network of Print Providers handles all printing, packing, and shipping – no hassle, no stress.

Wrapping up

Learning how to make money without a job isn’t just possible – it’s empowering. From freelance gigs to flipping thrift finds, there are plenty of ways to make money that fit your lifestyle and help you generate passive income. 

Over time, you can turn small wins into a successful business, earn on your own schedule, and skip the limits of a traditional job.Want an easy way to make money without a job? Start a print-on-demand store and sell online with Printify. No upfront costs, no inventory – just your creativity and a clear path to extra income.