Let’s be real, you want to make more money, but the idea of getting a second job sounds exhausting. Your full-time paycheck isn’t cutting it, and you’re already running on empty. You’re not trying to take on more stress—you just want an easy way to bring in extra cash, ideally without leaving the couch.
Good news: that kind of thing actually exists. There are plenty of side gigs out there that don’t care about your resume, don’t need a boss breathing down your neck, and don’t even require you to change out of your pajamas.
These are perfect for anyone low on time (and energy) but still wants to earn more. Whether it’s sharing your opinion, noticing small details, or renting out space, you’ve got something that can make money.
This guide is all about flexible, beginner-friendly side gigs that anyone can try. No experience needed!
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Super Easy Gigs You Can Do From the Couch
If you’ve got Wi-Fi and a heartbeat, you’re good to go. These are the ultimate low-effort side hustles. No resume, no dress code, no stress. They won’t replace your 9-to-5, but they can help pay for that weekend takeout or your next impulse buy.
Yep, companies actually want to know what you think, and they’ll pay you for it. Online surveys are one of the easiest ways to make some extra cash. You can knock them out during your lunch break or while binge-watching Netflix.
How much can you make?
Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $5 and take just a few minutes. If you’re consistent, you could pull in an extra $100-$250 a month. Some high-paying research studies can offer $100 or even more per project.
Where to start:
Try legit sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or InboxDollars. For bigger payouts, check out Respondent, where studies can pay $50–$200+ depending on the topic.
2. Test Websites & Apps for Cash
Before a website or app launches, developers need regular people (like you) to test things out. You’ll click around, follow some simple tasks, talk through your experience, and let them know what’s working and what’s broken.
How much can you make?
Some tests pay up to $100 for an hour of your time. Even quick ones can earn you $10–$30. If you spot a bug, that could mean an extra $50 bonus.
Where to start:
Sign up on UserTesting, uTest, or Userfeel. You’ll usually take a quick sample test first. Once approved, they’ll send you gigs that match your profile.
3. Transcribe Audio Into Text
If you’ve got decent typing skills and can listen carefully, transcription might be your thing. You’ll listen to recordings, like interviews or videos, and type out what you hear. It’s repetitive but super flexible.
How much can you make?
Beginners usually earn around $20/hour. Some platforms pay $0.30–$1.10 per audio minute. Specialized transcription (like legal or medical) can pay more once you get the hang of it.
Where to start:
Check out beginner-friendly sites like Rev or TranscribeMe. You’ll need to take a short test, but no experience is required to begin.
Creative (and Chill) Ways to Make Money with Your Taste
Got an eye for design or a knack for taking nice photos? These low-stress side gigs let you turn your creative spark into cash. No fancy equipment or business experience needed. Just a little creativity and a laptop (or even your phone).
4. Design and Sell T-Shirts Without Handling Inventory
Got a funny saying or a cool idea for a shirt? You don’t need to open a store or buy boxes of inventory. With print-on-demand, you just upload your design and let a third-party company print and ship it when someone orders.
How much can you make?
It depends on your pricing, but you can usually make $2 to $10 per sale. A rough estimate? Around $1/month per design, so if you have 100 designs, that could be $100/month, even passively.
Where to start:
Use a free tool like Canva to create your designs. Then sign up with platforms like Printful or Printify and connect them to Etsy, Shopify, or even Sellfy, which has free plans to get going.
5. Sell Your Photos Online
You don’t need a professional camera to start making money with your photos. If you’ve got a decent phone camera and a good eye, you can upload your pictures to stock photo websites and get paid when people download them.
How much can you make?
It’s usually small per photo, think a few cents each month. But if you upload a bunch, it can add up to a nice little passive income stream over time.
Where to start:
Sign up as a contributor on big sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. They have huge customer bases and make it easy to get started.
6. Create and Sell Digital Products
Digital products are one of the easiest ways to make money online. And the best part? You make them once and sell them over and over. Think planners, templates, checklists, or printable guides.
How much can you make?
Totally depends on what you sell and how you price it. But since there’s no shipping or inventory, profit margins are super high. Sell 100 templates at $10 each? That’s $1,000. Many creators start small and grow from there.
Where to start:
Design your products in Canva, then sell them on Etsy (great for beginners) or through your own store using platforms like Gumroad or Payhip.
Need to Get Out of the House? These Gigs Let You Earn on Your Own Terms
If cabin fever is hitting hard but you’re not about that full-time grind, these flexible, local side gigs are a great way to get moving and make some solid extra cash.
7. Get Paid to Hang Out with Pets
If you love animals, this one’s a no-brainer. With apps like Rover or Wag!, you can get paid to walk dogs, check in on cats, or even pet-sit overnight. It’s basically getting paid to hang out with furry friends.
How much can you make?
On average, pet sitters earn around $22 an hour on Rover, and top earners can hit $30+ per hour. How much you make really depends on how often you’re available and where you live.
How to start:
Download Rover or Wag! and create a profile. You can also spread the word locally. Post flyers at dog parks or team up with local vets or pet shops.
Also Read: The Airbnb Breakup: Why Savvy Travelers Are Ditching Airbnb in 2025 (And Where They’re Staying Now)
8. Make Money from Your Spare Room
Got a guest room that’s just sitting there? Turn it into extra income by listing it on Airbnb. You stay in control: set your price, availability, and house rules, and earn whenever it’s convenient for you.
How much can you make?
The average U.S. host earned about $14,000/year in extra income. Renting out just a private room could bring in around $5,000+ per year, depending on your area and how often you rent it.
How to start:
List your space on Airbnb. Take a few nice photos, write a clear (and honest) description, and check out what others in your area are charging to help set your rate.
The “Build an Empire” Gigs (That Start Small)
These side gigs have tons of potential for growth, but they do require a little more strategy and planning. You don’t need experience or a lot of cash to get started, just a bit of hustle and creativity.
9. Start a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping lets you run an online store without having to keep any inventory. You create an online shop, market products, and when a customer buys, the supplier ships it straight to them. Your job? Marketing and customer service.
How much can you make?
Profit margins are usually between 10% and 30%. Beginners can expect to make anywhere from $100 to $2,000 a month in revenue. But with experience and scaling, some dropshippers make $10,000+ a month.
How to start:
Find a profitable niche using tools like Google Trends. Then, find suppliers on directories like AliExpress. Create your online store on Shopify (they offer a free trial and super affordable pricing).
10. Become an Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing means promoting other people’s products and earning a commission when someone buys through your link. It’s a great way to monetize a blog or social media following, and you don’t need a huge audience to get started.
How much can you make?
It’s a slow build. Most beginners earn under $10,000 a year, but with time and dedication, you can scale. Some intermediate marketers pull in $1,000 to $10,000 a month.
How to start:
Pick a niche you’re passionate about. Join an affiliate program (like Amazon Associates or ShareASale), then start creating content that naturally includes your affiliate links. You can do this on a blog or social media channels like TikTok or Instagram.
11. Offer Your Services as a Virtual Assistant
If you’re organized and can handle basic tasks like managing emails or scheduling, being a virtual assistant (VA) is a great way to earn extra cash. You can work from anywhere and offer all kinds of support—administrative, creative, or technical.
How much can you make?
As a beginner, expect to make around $16–$17 per hour. Experienced VAs can earn over $19 per hour.
How to start:
Look for gigs on platforms like Upwork or Fancy Hands. You can also use tools like Asana or Connecteam to manage your tasks and communicate with clients.
12. Manage Social Media for Small Businesses
Small businesses often struggle to keep up with their social media, and that’s where you come in. If you know your way around platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can help businesses grow their online presence.
How much can you make?
Freelancers charge anywhere from $20 to $200 per hour. You can also offer monthly packages, with entry-level rates starting at $500/month for basic social media management.
How to start:
Find clients on sites like Upwork or Fiverr, or reach out directly to local businesses. Networking on LinkedIn is also a great way to land clients.
13. Become a User-Generated Content (UGC) Creator
UGC creators make content for brands to use in their marketing. Think product videos, photos, or social media posts. The best part? You don’t need a huge following to get started. Brands just want authentic, relatable content.
How much can you make?
New UGC creators typically charge $100 to $250 per video. Part-time creators can earn anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000 a month.
How to start:
Create a simple portfolio with some sample content, then pitch brands you love via email or DMs on social media.
14. Participate in Online Focus Groups
If you’ve got an opinion (and who doesn’t?), online focus groups can pay well for your thoughts. You’ll join virtual discussions about products, services, or ideas and share your honest feedback.
How much can you make?
These gigs pay well, usually between $50 and $150 per hour. Some specialized studies can pay up to $750 per hour, depending on the subject.
How to start:
Sign up for platforms like User Interviews or Respondent. You’ll fill out a screener questionnaire to qualify for specific groups that match your profile.
15. Resell Thrift Store Finds
Got a knack for spotting cool stuff at thrift stores, garage sales, or flea markets? You can flip those items for a profit. This is a fun side hustle that combines your love for thrifting with the potential to earn serious cash.
How much can you make?
Your income depends on how well you source and price your items, but successful resellers can make thousands per month.
How to start:
Start small by selling items you already own on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Once you get the hang of it, start sourcing thrift finds to resell on eBay, Etsy (for vintage items), or Poshmark (for fashion).
Your Path to Extra Income Starts Here
There you have it, 15 flexible, low-stress side gigs that can boost your income, whether you’re looking for a way to make a little extra cash or start building a bigger empire.
The best part is that you don’t need a ton of experience or money to get started, just a bit of time, creativity, and hustle.
So, pick one (or a few!) and start turning your spare time into extra cash today!