30 Ways to Make Money Without a Job
If you’ve ever wondered how to make money without a job, you’re in the right place. While there’s no such thing as free money, there are countless opportunities to earn income without relying on traditional employment.
Amid rampant layoffs, economic uncertainty, and rising inflation, finding a way out of the daily 9-to-5 grind is a dream for many.
When exploring new avenues, consider your strengths and what you enjoy doing to increase the likelihood of success.
This article dives into alternative income streams with 35 ideas divided across four scenarios.
How to Make Money Without a Degree
While a college degree can kickstart a professional career, it might not matter that much if you’re looking at how to earn money without a job.
We’ve included ideas that have the potential for big profits. Try them out using skills you can learn along the way, and start earning today.
1. Start a Print-On-Demand Business
Instead of applying for jobs, consider starting your own business. With Print on Demand, you can earn money online without any inventory or logistical worries.
In short, it’s a straightforward business model where anyone can design and sell one-of-a-kind products. After a customer buys from you, the supplier does the rest – printing, packaging, and shipping.
You can design and sell a variety of products – apparel, accessories, and home decor to customers worldwide in an online marketplace or a stand-alone online store.
The Advantages of POD
Easy To Start
A beginner-friendly way of making money. It’s easy to launch, manage, and build.
Low Investment
While you need to invest a little time, setting up a Printify account is free of charge. You only pay for the products after a customer buys from you.
Wide Variety Of Products
Sell items ranging from t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and accessories to home decor.
Creative Freedom
With POD, create iconic products using beginner-friendly design tools and bring your artistic visions to life.
Discover more.
- If you’re ready to join our ranks of thriving entrepreneurs, read their success stories for inspiration and learn how to start a POD business from our easy guide.
- Even if designing isn’t your cup of tea, our graphic design tips will help you create a best-selling design from scratch.
Begin Your Print-On-Demand Journey With Printify Today
2. Sell Unique Craft Items on Etsy
If you’re good at crafts and want to start a small business with a big heart, Etsy’s the place for you. After all, the arts and crafts market has been growing for years. With over 95.08 million active buyers, it’s the best online marketplace for everything crafty.
Begin by creating an account. Then, list original products, write enticing descriptions, and start marketing. The more sales you make and the better reviews you get, the higher your store will rank in search engines, resulting in bigger profits.
Etsy also welcomes POD, making it a great opportunity for those who want to start selling original designs.
Discover more.
- If you’re ready to turn your passion into profit, learn how to make money on Etsy with our easy-to-follow guide.
- To skyrocket your profits, explore the best-selling items on Etsy for inspiration.
3. Pet Sit
Have you ever tried to pet sit for family or friends? If you have, and enjoyed it, you can also earn cash for doing it. Finding a reliable pet sitter is challenging, which is where you come in.
Taking care of people’s pets for cash is almost like free money for people who love animals. Use sites like Rover and Wag! to get a pet-sitting gig. Create an account and offer your services, or look at job postings where people search for someone to watch after their beloved furry friends.
People are willing to pay for someone reliable to pet sit while traveling or working. Pet sitting can provide a good income without having a full-time job.
4. Babysit
If you’re good with children and are willing to make a difference in their lives, try babysitting. Typically, it pays well, and there’s no need for any long-term commitments.
Sittercity is an online platform that lets you create an account to describe yourself, your experience, and availability. Potential customers can then reach out and ask for your services.
Start slow if you’ve never worked with children. Remember that you can get better-paid gigs if you offer additional value like tutoring, working overnight, or on weekends.
5. Become a Podcaster
Today, it seems like almost everyone has their own podcast – and with good reason. It’s a great way to earn some money on the side. While you’ll have to put in work, the 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.
Once you record your first episode, list it on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Podchaser.
As you grow your audience, monetize the content with affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and ads. You can also offer online courses or sell merchandise.
Discover more.
- If you need a little inspiration, learn how podcasts make money and find out how much money podcasts make on Spotify.
- After you launch, consider podcast affiliate marketing to supplement your cash flow.
- As soon as your popularity increases, explore the best podcast merch ideas to grow your show and make more money.
6. Invest in Stocks
If you have money that’s sitting in your bank account and doesn’t have a specific purpose, try investing. The stock market has the potential to provide returns in the long run, and it can help grow your savings’ value.
Invest with the help of a broker or do it yourself if you’re confident about your knowledge of the financial market. If you decide to go solo, online investment platforms like Robinhood and Acorns will make it easier.
7. Try Freelance Writing
If you have a way with words and an ear for language, freelance writing might be the best way to earn a few extra bucks – or hundreds. The earnings depend on the time and the volume of work you put in.
In 2023, freelance writers in the United States can expect to earn an average salary of over $59,000 per year. Enjoy the flexibility to work on your own schedule from anywhere in the world.
Sign up on Fiverr or Upwork and describe the content you’re ready to write, including blog posts, press releases, emails, or newsletters on various subjects. You might also consider creating your own website to offer your services.
8. Drive for Lyft or Uber
If you have a car and are okay with giving others a ride, driving for Uber or Lyft is a great way to earn some extra cash.
All you need is to create a free account with the preferred app, get your car inspected, and complete a background check. When you’re all set, start providing rides for money.
If you work during the busiest hours, the trip price increases and you can get some good bonuses. In addition, always be friendly, polite, and open-minded – passengers love to tip those who treat them with kindness.
9. Earn Money With Dropshipping
Dropshipping is similar to POD. They’re both risk-free order fulfillment methods that don’t require online businesses to keep inventory. However, POD has an additional benefit that makes a big difference – you can customize the products you sell.
With these business models, anyone can start selling a wide selection of products with low upfront costs and small overhead expenses.
A word of advice – choose a specific niche to reduce competition and increase profits. You should publish a variety of products for sale online in case one fails.
With our quick sign-up process for a free Printify account, you get the best of both worlds. A powerful combination of dropshipping and POD, so you can design, create, and sell products specifically tailored to your target audience.
Discover more.
- As a first step, learn how much it costs to start dropshipping in 2023 so you can plan your finances well.
- Find a reliable dropshipping supplier to avoid unnecessary trouble down the road.
- Explore common pitfalls and practical tips for starting a successful dropshipping business.
- The essential guide on how to find products to dropship with free methods or paid product research tools.
Begin Your Print-On-Demand Journey With Printify Today
10. Become a Beta Tester
If you enjoy all things digital, you could get paid for playing games and testing apps. Sounds like an opportunity that’s too good to pass on, right?
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 might have slipped unnoticed.
Beta testing is performed in real-life conditions. You’ll be playing games or using apps while noting observations about the interface, gameplay bugs, or usability errors.
Typically, beta testers are paid over $18 per hour on average. Try a platform like UserTesting to get started.
How to Make Money as a Teenager Without a Job
While school can take most of your free time, there are several ways you can earn without work interfering with your studies.
11. Start a YouTube Channel
Do you feel confident about public speaking and appearing on camera? Are you good at researching various topics and have extensive knowledge about an exciting subject? If so, try creating YouTube videos.
The site brings in almost 2.5 billion active users every month. With such a large audience, the income potential is sky-high.
On average, a YouTuber makes around $0.018 for each view, amounting to $18 for every 1,000 views. As you generate more views over time, the money adds up fast, making it a great way to earn passive income.
12. Make Money on Twitch
If you’re asking yourself, how can I make money without a job while doing what I love? Twitch is one of the best answers. This free app and platform lets you play games, interact with your followers, and earn money.
In the US, the country with the highest share of the platform’s traffic, there were around 34.6 million users in 2023.
Use Twitch to stream gameplay footage from your PC or console. As you grow a following, you can earn money through donations, brand partnerships, and selling merchandise to your fans.
If you become a Twitch Affiliate, you can offer monthly subscriptions and earn extra cash from people buying games directly from your channel.
13. Transcribe Audio or Video
Transcribing audio and video into text might be the perfect way to earn extra money as a student. Give it a go if you can type fast and accurately, have good grammar and spelling, and can maintain concentration for extended periods.
A site like Rev can serve as a good starting point. It brings in clients needing transcription services and pays $0.30-$1.10 per audio/video minute. Or, with a quick Google search, finding an alternative platform that fits your needs is easy.
14. Start a Blog
Blogging is one of the most popular ways to make money without a job.
Wix, WordPress, and Squarespace are some of the best blogging platforms. They offer plenty of customization options and have various pricing fees, so everyone can find a plan that fits their budget.
When you’re creating your own blog, it can cover any topic. Whatever you decide to write, provide value to your readers and create content consistently.
Once your blog gains traction, you can earn money from ads, affiliate marketing, and subscriptions.
Discover more.
- After writing your first articles, learn how to monetize a blog to start earning money.
15. Grow Your Social Media Audience
Since we spend a lot of time on social media, why not make some money from it?
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide the perfect opportunity to earn cash without having a traditional job.
These quick tips can help grow your social media following.
- Consistently produce high-quality content.
- Identify times when users engage with your content the most.
- Use tags and hashtags to reach more users and new followers.
- Engage with your audience and hold contests.
As your account grows, try partnering with brands, doing affiliate marketing, and selling merchandise to earn more money.
Discover more.
- If you have a soft spot for short-form videos, learn how to make money on TikTok from our easy-to-follow article.
- While Instagram success isn’t instant, the right mindset and approach can help you achieve your goals. Take a look at our article on how to monetize Instagram to begin.
- Also, check out how to monetize a Facebook page.
Create Merchandise for Your Followers Today
16. Monetize Your Hobbies
Into photography? Are you good at graphic design or video editing? Or perhaps you’re a fantastic amateur chef? Whatever your hobby, you can earn money from it.
If you want to start slow, try offering your services to family, friends, neighbors, and students from your school. Then, spread the word even further. For example, if you love taking photos, upload them to stock photo sites or online photography communities.
As you gain confidence and improve your skills, create an account on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. They’re perfect for connecting clients with providers of various services.
Create social media accounts dedicated to your hobby and make the most of them – grow a solid follower base and monetize your creativity.
17. Participate in Contests
Put your hobbies and interests to use by entering contests that offer cash rewards.
Those can be creative writing contests, photography competitions, or music production challenges. Be on the lookout for announcements at your local community center and town, or search for competitions online. There’s always something going on.
In addition to the opportunity of winning a cash prize, you’ll gain more eyes on your work, setting you up for paid gigs in the future.
18. Become a Session Musician
Are you good at playing a musical instrument? If so, becoming a session musician can be a great way to earn some money without a job.
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.
Search for opportunities via Fiverr or Upwork. Create a YouTube channel or a TikTok account to share your musical skills and develop an audience.
19. Run Errands
Everyone seems super busy these days, and many don’t have enough time for simple errands. But people are willing to pay others to do everyday tasks for them.
Whether going grocery shopping, babysitting, walking dogs, or delivering food – you can make money for seemingly simple tasks in many ways.
Numerous online platforms like TaskRabbit, Rover, and Grubhub provide great opportunities to make money. Note that many of these services require you to be 18 or older to sign up.
Also, try running errands for your family and neighbors. They might tip better than people you don’t know.
20. Tutor Other Students
Whether it’s maths, chemistry, or physics, try tutoring and sharing your expertise with others if you’re good at a specific subject.
Tutoring is a great way to earn extra cash without much investment since you can use the books and handouts from your school. It’s important to have patience and explain the subject as clearly as possible.
Parents always want what’s best for their children and, if possible, will spend money on their future success. To build your experience and reputation, begin by offering free sessions.
Find new students by asking around your network of friends and family. Or create online courses on platforms like Teachable and Udemy to bring in a wide audience from all over the world.
How to Make Money Fast Without a Job
While you won’t be able to become wealthy in a matter of days, there are plenty of ways to make money fast. The best part? Many of them are available from the comfort of your home.
21. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need
Do you really need that stainless steel barbecue grill you use once every three years? What about that set of porcelain dinnerware collecting dust in the attic?
Selling items you don’t use is a great way to get extra money. People love garage sales and thrift stores, so there will be a demand for the items you don’t need.
List your items on sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist to increase the chances of selling your unwanted items.
22. Rent Out Your Home, Car, or Equipment
If you’re still thinking about how to get money without a job, consider renting your home, car, spare room, or equipment that might be useful to others.
Not everyone owns a car, and certainly not property, so this is a great opportunity to earn some extra money. Use these earnings to pay off your car and mortgage or save money for a bigger purchase.
Use sites like Turo to rent your vehicle and platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to rent out a property.
23. Take Online Surveys
Taking online surveys can be a relatively easy and quick way to make money. There are several survey sites, such as Swagbucks and LifePoints. They’re always looking for new members, and you can take the surveys whenever you want.
You won’t become rich with online surveys, but it’s a great way to earn cash or get free gift cards without putting in much effort. Complete the surveys from your laptop or on your phone.
Carefully research the survey sites and read third-party reviews to avoid illegitimate platforms.
24. Make Money on TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a platform that matches freelance laborers with paying gigs. The tasks include running errands, painting, assembling furniture, and doing yard work.
You must be 18 or older and have a checking account, credit card, and smartphone. While some platforms have annual membership fees, TaskRabbit only requires a one-time payment of $25. Often, you’ll need your own tools, which can reduce your net profit.
Start by creating a professional user profile. Write a clear description of your services and provide any qualifications that might be helpful for potential clients.
Once you get going, strive to provide the best service possible and gain great reviews. The better your customer feedback, the more gigs will come your way.
25. Take Part in Market Research
Market research companies are always on the lookout for new people to provide valuable information. Your opinion can help organizations and companies improve their products and services.
Join focus groups to discuss goods or services with others or participate in product testing from the comfort of your home.
Try SIS International Research, Experience Dynamics, or do a quick online search to find other market research agencies.
All you need is to provide some information about yourself, then start earning money right away.
26. Respond to Questions on JustAnswer
If you’re an expert in any field, you might want to try making money with JustAnswer. It’s an online platform that lets people get instant and professional answers to any question they post.
You can earn anywhere between $5-$90 for answering a question. More difficult questions, requiring very specific expertise, cost more to answer.
Apply on their website and provide all of the required information. The company will then check and verify your credentials. Once you’re all set, answer as many questions as you’d like.
27. Cash In Your Unused Gift Cards
Instead of receiving cash as a present, we usually end up with gift cards instead. Sometimes, they gather dust on our shelves until we forget they’re even there.
Don’t let them go to waste – cash them in and buy something you truly want. With a platform like CardCash, it’s never been easier. Although you won’t receive the total value of the card, it still feels like free money.
28. Offer Language Courses
Do you know a language that’s in demand? You can earn some good money by providing online or offline language courses.
Sites like Preply and Italki let you tutor online and start earning money as soon as you get students. You can choose your own service fee, but you might want to keep it on the lower end at first to draw in clients and receive positive feedback.
If you’re good at a specific language and live in a country with a high demand for it, you can also offer face-to-face tutoring. Language classes are more in demand than ever, providing a great chance to make money.
29. Buy and Sell Domain Names
Selling domain names can be a great way to earn money without a job, but you need to have a domain that others want to buy.
Purchase one from popular sites like Namecheap or Hostinger. They can go for as low as $1, but predicting their future worth is tricky. You can also join an online auction where domain names are offered with the potential to sell at a hefty sum.
Research different industries and businesses and gain insight into which domain names could soon be in demand.
30. Proofread Texts
Try proofreading if you’re a grammar enthusiast searching for ways to get money fast without a job.
List your services on sites like Upwork and Fiverr, and earn by editing. Try to get more eyes on your account by offering to proofread specific content, for example, academic writing, essays, marketing materials, or resumes.
All you need is a laptop, and you can proofread from anywhere. After you get great online reviews, set your own price, reflecting the value you provide.
Whether it’s companies looking for freelancers or individuals needing someone to edit their writing, there’s a high demand for proofreaders.
Additional Ways to Make Money Without Working
With the rise of innovative ideas, the opportunities to make money have expanded beyond the ordinary. We’ve included a few more ways to earn without signing your life away to a 9-to-5 job.
31. Earn With Exercise
If you want to learn how to make money without a job while getting healthier, there are plenty of apps that pay you to exercise or lose weight.
Apps like StepBet and HealthyWage pay people who achieve their fitness goals. In these, you bet against yourself – both individual and group challenges are welcome. If you meet the challenge, you receive money back and a piece of the prize pool.
32. Become a Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant, you need sharp administrative skills. You’ll coordinate various tasks such as travel arrangements, manage schedules, write emails, and answer phone calls.
In this position, the ability to multitask effectively is a must. The benefits are worth the effort, with an additional income, practical experience, and an opportunity to expand your professional network.
Start by carefully choosing an industry you’d like to enter and use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to offer your services.
33. Restore and Sell Furniture
In crafty hands, old furniture can transform into stylish decor, which people will gladly pay decent money for.
Visit your local flea markets or garage sales – they’re a treasure trove of hidden gems that need a little love for them to shine again.
Try different techniques like reupholstering or adding decorative accents to give the piece a fresh look, and sell them with a generous profit margin.
34. Invest in Real Estate
If you have the financial means, investing in real estate is a major endeavor.
Consider buying, renovating, renting out, or reselling a small property. With the potential for high returns, it’s an effective way to make money without a traditional job.
When investing, thoroughly research the market conditions, carefully weigh the risks, and seek professional advice to avoid financial pitfalls.
35. Open a High-Yield Savings Account
High-yield savings accounts are deposit accounts that earn above-average yields. In short, you can earn on top of the money you already have.
Start by contacting your local financial institutions to learn about earning interest through different savings options.
With a high-yield savings account, you can make money without doing anything at all, given you have enough for the initial investment.
Join Printify: Become Part of the Success
When working out how to make money everyday without a job, don’t overlook the idea of starting a POD business.
There are no upfront costs, no need to keep inventory, and we shoulder all the heavy lifting, such as printing, packaging, and shipping.
Printify is a POD platform with more than 900 products you can design and sell to customers. With access to Print Providers worldwide, you can sell high-quality products to customers far and wide from the comfort of your home.
Step 1
Sign up for a free account and select a product from our Printify Catalog. We have t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, decor, and stylish accessories.
Step 2
Customize your product. With our beginner-friendly Mockup Generator, designing has never been easier.
Step 3
Order a sample to check whether you’re happy with the design and final result. If changes are needed, adjust the product to meet your expectations.
Step 4
Publish online. Printify provides seamless integrations with all major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, helping you reach a wide audience.
Step 5
Spread the word about your online store and continue designing new products. We’ll handle printing, packaging, and shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make $1,000 a week without a job?
POD is the easiest way to make money without a job and earn $1,000 a week.
Sign up for a Printify account, design your next bestseller with our intuitive Mockup Generator, and start selling online with easy integrations.
To learn more, our article on how to start a print-on-demand business will guide you through the entire process.
How can I make money without working a 9-to-5 job?
Carefully consider your strengths, weaknesses, and passions to find the best fit. Read through our 35 suggestions and take note of which ones appeal to you the most.
Thoroughly research the options you’re about to explore and increase the likelihood of success by choosing one that requires minimal investment.
How can I earn money from home?
Earning money from home is easier than ever before. There are plenty of options – to find one that’s right for you, check out how to make money from home with our easy-to-follow article.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re ready to dip your toes into a more adventurous approach and learn how to make money without a job, all of these opportunities are a great place to start.
While they require patience, escaping the restrictions of 9-to-5 employment could make it worthwhile.
Whichever you choose, carefully consider several options and let your passion guide you toward the right opportunity.
Create Your Online Business With Printify Today
Written by
Leon Walker
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