It is clearly a 21st-century term: part-time job, secondary job, extra job or as it is commonly known (and famous) in English: the side hustle. At AbbotCrafts, we call it “part-time work” since it is the term that best fits the translation.
Part-time jobs have gone from being something a few people did to bringing in some extra money to a significant part of the American economy. The rise of remote work and changes in the economy has made part-time jobs more prevalent than ever, and the jobs are there for the taking.
In this article, we’ll take a look at part-time jobs and offer some tips for finding the perfect one for you. We’ll also help you get started by giving you 13 tips for part-time jobs and answering some frequently asked questions.
What is a part-time job?
A part-time job is a side job, usually part-time, done in addition to a regular job for nine to five days. In the modern sharing economy, more and more people are finding that they can make extra money and supplement their income by taking up a part-time job or starting a side business in their spare time.
This isn’t just a small trend, either: A significant portion of the American workforce is engaged in sideline activities.
A 2018 Gallup Poll estimated that “29% of all workers in the US have an alternate work arrangement as their primary job. This includes a quarter of all full-time workers (24%) and half of all part-time workers (49%). If multiple job holders are included, 36% have a part-time work arrangement in some capacity.”
More than a third of the American workforce has a work arrangement. Side jobs aren’t just a small trend led by a few people: part-time jobs are a huge part of work in America and around the world.
What should you look for in a part-time job?
The perfect part-time job combines what you’re good at with something you’re passionate about.
The work is hard enough already, so in order to thrive with a second job, you’ll want something that takes advantage of your skills and knowledge. If you can combine that with something you love to do or are interested in or something that gives you satisfaction by giving you the opportunity to be creative or help others, you’re on your way to finding a great job.
Whether you’re interested in writing, photography, real estate, art, finance, or even spending time with animals, you can find a part-time job that will keep you excited and motivated.
Part-time jobs as entry points
Another way people take advantage of side work is to use it to try to transition into a new career.
Will a part-time job bring in a lot of money? Probably not as much money as a full-time job would . But if you can purposefully engage in a side job that will teach you new skills and allow you to hone those skills, whether it’s selling real estate, coding, graphic design , or more, you can build a portfolio that may one day help you transition. . in a new and lucrative career.
Avoid Burnout
Lastly, you’ll want to make sure you don’t burn yourself out with part-time work. The extra workload should be less than the amount of work you take on with your full-time job. A job like this isn’t very good if you hit the ground trying to do it.
12 ideas for part-time work
The best part-time jobs don’t take a lot of time and have the potential to make a lot of money. That said, there is no magic job that can make you rich instantly; all of this requires a certain investment of time, energy, capital or creativity.
1. Rent a room on Airbnb
Generating rental income is no longer just for homeowners or those who can afford a vacation home. If you have a spare room in your house or travel frequently for work, a great way to earn more money is to rent your room on Airbnb. Setting up as a host is easy and you can start earning money that can help offset your rent or mortgage. Our guide to being an Airbnb host will tell you everything you need to know.
2. Become a virtual assistant
High-speed internet has made it possible for assistants’ work to go fully digital, and virtual assistants (or VAs) are becoming more popular for hire. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are often looking for organized and focused assistants who can help keep their businesses (or personal lives) running smoothly. Read our guide to VA work to learn how you can start earning extra money online.
3. Sell items on Etsy
Etsy is an online platform for selling handmade products, vintage items, and craft supplies. Think of it like a big online farmers market, only without the vegetables. You can sell jewelry, second-hand items, and even personalized and handmade t-shirts. If you have a crafty side and want to channel that passion into income, Etsy can be a great way to do it.
4. Become an Uber or Lyft driver
One of the most popular side activities is becoming a driver for an on-demand ride app like Uber or Lyft. Signing up requires a background check, and you’ll need to have a car that’s less than ten years old, but these services are always looking for new drivers. Read our guide to driving with Uber and Lyft to learn more.
5. Consulting in social networks
If you have a large online presence and are comfortable on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can make money by helping businesses manage their social media. Part marketing, part customer relations, and social media work are becoming very important for businesses large and small. You can start with local businesses, but once you build a client base and portfolio of work, you can branch out and try to work with clients from all over the world.
6. Freelance writing or graphic design
Businesses are always looking for creative people to help them present a powerful message to customers with both images and written words. Both writers and artists can use sites like Fiverr and Upwork to connect with clients and generate additional income through freelancing.
7. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the practice of providing personalized links to products online, which can earn you a commission if someone follows that link and completes a purchase. For people with a large following online, affiliate marketing can be a great source of side income without a lot of active work. Want to learn more about this practice? Read our article on creating passive income streams.
8. Sell real estate
While there is an initial job, getting a real estate license, selling houses can be done as a part-time job. Most houses are shown in the evenings and on weekends, and if you have some flexibility with your nine-to-five job, you can be there for the closings. Real estate is also good because in the short term it can be done in your spare time, but it can also eventually turn into a full-fledged career.
9. Mystery shopping
A mystery shopper or mystery shopper is someone who goes into stores, in person or online, and then provides feedback to the company about its service, product selection, and more. It can be a confusing industry to get into, so read our guide to finding reputable mystery shopping companies.
10. Teach online courses
Worldwide high-speed internet, combined with great video conferencing software like Skype, Zoom or Google Hangouts, means teachers and students can connect, no matter where they are. Companies like Udemy allow you to design and publish courses that anyone can take, while apps like Cambly match teachers with students willing to learn English. Interested? Learn more by reading our guide to teaching online courses.
11. Online surveys
Online surveys allow companies to quickly get the opinions of tons of people, and they will pay for people to participate in these digital focus groups. Paid survey sites allow you to collect points that can be redeemed for gift cards or cash sent to your PayPal.
12. Rent your car
Turó is a company that allows you to rent your car to people in your area for an hour, a day, a week or more. They provide insurance and protect you in case of any damage. If you don’t use your car often, Turo can provide you with a steady cash flow. And help you save or pay off debt more easily.
Frequent questions
We’ve looked at the best way to find the perfect part-time job for you. And give you some suggestions for side jobs you can use to bring in some extra cash. Now let’s look at some frequently asked questions about this type of activity.
1. Can part-time jobs replace my full-time job?
Part-time jobs are, by definition, part-time jobs. While some of the jobs above can absolutely work as full-time jobs (real estate, driving for Uber, freelance writing, etc.). That said, many people are combining multiple part-time jobs and making a decent living doing it. It depends on how committed you are.
2. What is the best way to save with my part-time job?
The Financial Diet website recommends putting your earnings directly into a savings account. And then only putting what you need into the account that’s linked to your debit card. This extra step can make you more careful about what you spend.
3. What if none of the previous jobs speak to my interests?
Do not be afraid. There are many online resources for side jobs to consider, including several here on our AbbotCrafts site.
Also: try to be more expansive about something that “interests” you. Let’s say you have a passion for making puzzles. There may not be a job for the “jigsaw puzzle person,” but the skills that are used in puzzles (problem-solving, finding creative solutions, concentration, determination) are skills that can be applied in many secondary activities, especially at work as a virtual assistant.
Finding the right part-time job
Finding the right part-time job is about harnessing your passion, skills, and free time and channeling it into additional income. This article will give you a good starting point to find it. So go out there and win.
