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Exploring Side Hustles for Extra Earnings This Summer
Summer is an ideal time to explore ways to earn additional income. Whether you’re looking to pet sit during a family vacation, tutor students, or deliver food, there are numerous opportunities available for those seeking a side hustle. These extra jobs can provide flexibility and help supplement your regular income.
Key Takeaways
Side hustles offer a great way to make some extra cash during the summer months. However, it’s important to consider various factors before jumping into any opportunity. For instance, if you’re using online platforms to find work, be sure to account for any fees that may be charged. Additionally, think about any upfront costs associated with your chosen side hustle. Understanding these expenses can help you determine whether the job is financially viable.
Popular Side Hustles for Summer 2025
There are many options available for individuals looking to earn money this summer. Here are some of the most popular side hustles:
Freelance Writing and Editing: If you have strong writing or editing skills, you can find opportunities on platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Networking can also help you land more gigs.
Tutoring Students: If you enjoy working with children and teaching, tutoring could be a great option. Many students look for academic support during the summer. You can find tutoring jobs on sites like Wyzant and Preply.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Animal lovers can take advantage of opportunities to care for pets while their owners are away. Platforms such as Rover allow you to set your own schedule and pricing.
House Sitting: With many families traveling during the summer, house sitting can be a rewarding side hustle. Websites like TrustedHousesitters and MindMyHouse can help you find opportunities.
Lawn Care: If you enjoy gardening or yard work, offering lawn care services could be a good fit. Sites like LawnLove and LandscapeIndustryCareers.org can connect you with potential clients.
Moving Help: If you’re comfortable with physical labor, helping with moving tasks could be an option. TaskRabbit and Dolly are two platforms where you can find moving-related jobs.
Food Delivery: Having a car makes you eligible for food delivery work. Companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart offer flexible opportunities for drivers.
Paid Surveys or Focus Groups: Participating in paid surveys or focus groups is another way to earn money. Sites like FocusGroups.org, User Interviews, and Side Hustle Nation offer such opportunities.
Flipping Items: You can buy items, fix them up, and sell them for a profit on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or Poshmark.
Babysitting or Nanny Work: Parents often need extra help during the summer. You can find babysitting or nanny jobs on sites like Care.com, Sittercity, UrbanSitter, and Nanny Lane.
Selling Handmade Goods: Artists and crafters can sell their creations at local fairs and markets. Items like crocheted goods, handcrafted jewelry, and other crafts can be sold for a profit.
Transcription Work: Fast typists can try transcription jobs. Sites like Rev and TranscribeMe offer opportunities for those interested in this type of work.
Renting Out Space: If you have extra space, such as a garage, driveway, or side yard, you can rent it out for storage. This can generate passive income with minimal effort.
Financial Considerations
It’s essential to understand the financial implications of starting a side hustle. If you earn $400 or more from self-employment, you must file self-employment taxes. As a freelancer, you’ll pay regular income tax plus a self-employment tax of 15.3%, which covers Social Security and Medicare.
Additionally, consider any start-up costs. For example, freelance writers may need a laptop and internet connection, while food delivery workers require a vehicle and gas. Insurance and maintenance costs should also be factored in.
Using online platforms can be convenient, but be aware of service fees. For example, Upwork charges a 10% fee, and Wyzant takes 25%. Some expenses, such as computer costs, platform fees, and car repairs, may be deductible at tax time. The IRS provides resources to help gig economy workers manage their taxes.
Final Thoughts
There are side hustles available for almost every interest and skill set. From writing and tutoring to dog walking and house sitting, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the financial aspects before starting. Be mindful of platform fees and start-up costs, and remember that some expenses can be deducted from your taxes. Always keep some cash aside for tax obligations.
