Almost everyone and their uncle has heard the phrase ‘side hustle’ tossed around on social media these days. But what is a side hustle? And how could one benefit you? Also referred to as a ‘side gig’ or a ‘side job’, a side hustle is an additional job that individuals take on in addition to their primary profession to increase their monthly take home.
Especially with the cost of living continuing to rise for the wealthy and poor alike, many South Africans are turning to side hustles to try and make ends meet hence why the term has gained infamy on social media. Since a side hustle generally involves selling something of some description, you may wonder what product or service you could sell.
You might be surprised to learn that you can turn just about any service or hobby into a side hustle – no matter how niche it might be. Nowadays, some of the most popular side hustles include dog walking, online tutoring, filling out online surveys, holiday rentals, testing applications, and even playing online games. So, if you’re looking to make a little extra income this year, here are several ways you can do so:
Play Online Video Games
In South Africa alone, there are an estimated twenty-four million gamers, which isn’t surprising since gaming has become one of the most popular pastimes for the young and old alike. But what if we told you that your favourite pastime could put a little extra cash in your wallet each month? It sounds too good to be true, but playing online video games can be a lucrative endeavour with a bit of dedication and patience.
Sadly, we doubt it will make you enough that you’ll be able to rely on it as a primary source of income, so don’t quit your day job just yet. Instead, it’ll reward you with just enough money to tide you over when you’re in a tight spot, like during the holidays and birthday months. If you feel up to the task, various online games offer players monetary rewards, from strategy games, puzzle games, quiz games and much more.
One of the most popular ways to monetize your gaming hobby is by playing online casino games, which combine the thrill of gaming with the chance of winning big. Whether you enjoy the fast-paced action that slot machines bring or prefer a chill game of poker tableside, you can find just about any traditional casino game online using providers like PlayLive.
Using Play Live, you can find a range of online casino games to play that grant you the chance to earn some extra cash. With hundreds of unique games, stunning animations, and crystal-clear displays, you’ll be immersed in gaming action like none you’ve ever seen. Consider learning more by visiting the Play Live website and seeing how their games could give you the chance to earn a little extra money.
Rent Out Your Car
One-third of South African households own cars, and chances are not all of them are used regularly. Especially with the rise of remote working, many South Africans probably have a vehicle just resting on their driveway, which is only used now and again. If you can relate to this, you could consider renting your car using mobile applications like Hyre Car and Turo.
Applications like the above allow you to list your car for rent when it’s not used in different cities. It is more cost-effective than approaching a vehicle hire agency and will enable consumers to pick which car they want instead of getting one randomly from a rental agency. So, if you’re in a situation where you work from home or don’t use your car very much, this side hustle might be the perfect option for you.
Walk Other People’s Dogs
Do you have a love for animals? Would you like to get out of the house more often? Or find a way to incorporate more physical activity in your life? Would you like to combine all three? If so, becoming a dog walker might be your perfect side hustle. South Africa is home to 9.1 million dogs, and chances are that not all of them are receiving the proper amount of exercise per day due to their owner having other commitments.
Getting business is as simple as putting up flyers in your local neighborhood, asking family, friends, or neighbors if they need a hand, or you could download mobile applications like Rover or Tailster, which enables you to connect with dog owners in your area online. Doing so will allow you to get out of the house each day, get more exercise, and make new furry friends while getting paid for it – what’s not to love about that?