Turn your Hobby into a Side Hustle

Find a job you enjoy doing and you’ll never work a day in your life – Mark Twain

Imagine making money doing something you already do in your free time. Turning your hobby into a profit project and creating a dream job, or at least a dream side-job.

When I realized I could make money outside of the traditional workplace, it seemed too good to be true. All the kids are side-hustlin’, so why not me?

Well, I was intimidated. I didn’t know where to start. And then it hit me. When my friend asked me to help her write her resume and my colleague asked me to tutor her son. I have skills that people would pay for!

The crazy thing is, I was already offering up a lot of these services for free (or a bottle of wine).

The simplest (and most enjoyable) way to start side hustling is to put your existing skills to work. You might not think you can make money from your hobby, but I think there is money to be made with all of them. Here are some profitable side hustles to get you brainstorming.

You can turn your hobby into a side hustle.

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1. Gardening

Believe it or not. If you have a green thumb, you are in luck! There are so many options in this arena. From helping someone start their own vegetable garden to selling young trees or bushes.

The people you know might be interested in simple landscaping work or purchasing terrariums from you. Seasonal wreaths are always a hit, and everything from unique arrangements to flower crowns could make for some awesome tutorials (or paid patterns).

The tangible products can be sold at your local farmer’s markets and the skills you have can be shared on your own blog or books. I am always in the market for seasonal flowers for container gardens.

2. Babysitting

If you like hanging out with kids and you’re stuck at home on Friday night anyway, then why not make some money doing it?

Letting your parent friends have a free night or even offering to help out strangers on Care.com is a great way to rake in some spare cash.

But keep in mind, there are some additional services that parents might be willing to pay extra for.

Related: The Babysitter moms REALLY need

3. Cleaning

The rare breed of clean freaks that actually ENJOY the dirty work. I understand those people exist. If you get a kick out of mopping or cleaning baseboards, then capitalize on it!

I have been hesitant to hire a professional service because I only need little jobs around the house. Plus, isn’t really in my budget to get into a full-service type gig like most professional agencies provide.

Cleaning doesn’t have to include scrubbing toilets either. With a side hustle, you can cherry pick your favorite services to offer. Keep in mind, Kim Kardashian used to organize closets.

4. Baking

Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, CAKE POPS – you name it. These are all so much fun to make, so sell ’em!

Baking can be tough for some. So if you know your way around a piping bag and a cake stand, your Pinterest-worthy kitchen creations are wanted. Everyone loves unique goodies for their baby’s birthday or any occasion fit for a party.

5. Exercising

Whether you love working out or just want a reason to stay committed to your fitness, there is room for you to make money sweating. You can teach weekly classes, become certified as a personal trainer, or anything in between!

I know a handful of moms that do this to lose the baby weight and keep it in check. You could also start coaching people at varying fitness levels. From flexibility to fitness competitions.

6. Crafting

This one can bring in money from all over the globe. Whether you make jewelry or draw pictures, you can create a shop on Etsy and become an international salesperson.

It’s that easy. Check out my friend Crystal’s advice on getting started and sharing your designs with the world. Her killer post is perfect for side hustlers and teaches you “how to rock etsy in under an hour a day”. You can check it out here!

7. Writing

This is an industry that can’t be replaced by robots, so it should be around for a good long time.

There are moms who make a decent living writing romance novels or Pinterest guides and sell them as ebooks on Amazon or through their blogs.

In addition to authoring your own books, writing for blogs or businesses is a practical transition into side hustling. Freelance copywriting was my first official side hustle, and I still do my fair share of dabbling in the writing world (see my very own blog, right now lol).

A lot of writing gigs can be found on Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, ProBlogger, and even Flexjobs. These are often contracted positions and entirely remote. Giving you the freedom to try it out and do it from your couch during free time!

8. Editing & Proofreading

The “cleanup” of writing. If you have an eye for details and a keen sense of grammar, this is another job that can be done from your couch. I love editing because it requires less “grunt work” than writing, and gives the writer that necessary fresh perspective.

I also edit and proofread in my spare time, but I have trouble editing my own work at time. This skill is in demand by every blog, business, or author. This is another job that won’t be going anywhere.

Grammarly is great and all, but it doesn’t quite catch on to the syntax a proper slang used in less formal writing styles, like novels and blogs.

9. Web Design

This skill is more attainable than ever, and with everyone starting a blog, it’s more in demand than ever. Not to mention, it can rake in some serious side money.

I don’t want you to think it’s best left to the professionals, either. You don’t need a degree in web design in order to become a web designer. And you don’t need to know the ins and outs of “code” either. Yes, that would be nice to know, but the real coders aren’t web designers.

They’re web developers.

Knowing some code is helpful (and you can check out a ton of free resources HERE), but there are platforms like Elegant Themes and Genesis that give you the tools to build your own web design business. It’s insane, but it’s true.

I purchased an Elegant Themes membership (as a Christmas gift to myself lol), and immediately fell in love. It’s so easy to create, export, and alter any and every thing about a website. It’s affordable, AND they offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you don’t enjoy it. No questions asked.

10. Photography

Everyone and their mom has a camera in their pocket. But if you have a real camera, and if you have a knack for getting the shot, then you could make some decent money.

The price of a full-time professional photographer is scary to a frugal mom like me, and I know I’m not alone. But we still need some great pictures taken.

They don’t have to come with all the bells and whistles like a thumb drive and giant prints. They don’t have to be award-worthy, but they do need to be better than what I can do with a selfie-stick…

Stock photos are another hot product you can sell. If you can curate some awesome shots and sell them at a reasonable price, bloggers will be lining up to get them. Bloggers are always in the market for fresh photos. Preferably photos by someone who knows what they’re doing!

BONUS – BLOGGING

Yes, blogging. It’s a hobby, and it combines a portion of each of the last 4 hobbies (with a heavy emphasis on writing). Most people don’t realize that it is also a potential side hustle, or maybe they do realize it but aren’t willing to put in the work.

I say “potential” because there are bloggers that don’t make the effort to profit make a profit. The money doesn’t just show up in your bank account, but making money blogging is easier than you might think. It requires more of a long-term time commitment, but there are people that make MORE blogging than any standard career.

Blogging is a very enjoyable activity for the social media era (because we love talking about ourselves and everything we do). If you’re constantly updating your twitter feed or Instagram, you’re basically a blogger. I don’t even do that much, and I’m able to turn a profit.

Check out my ongoing turorial on how to start a blog that makes money.

Creating a side hustle out of a hobby is the perfect storm. Since we’re expecting to work forever anyway, we should at least enjoy it, right? Of course, it might not pay the bills, but it is so refreshing to make a few extra bucks doing something you are already doing in your spare time.

Starting a side hustle is like a gateway drug. Once you realize that there is money to be made after (or during) regular work hours, you’re hooked. It’s the secret sauce to financial freedom and finding a career path you love.

What hobbies would you like to monetize? What’s holding you back from turning it into your side hustle? I want to hear about what’s stopping you from pursuing these dream jobs. Please share!