12 Best Side Hustles With Flexible Hours [$34+/hr]
Last Updated on June 15, 2023 by John Cirelly
Looking to earn some extra cash on your own time? Check out these 12 side hustles with flexible hours. Whether you’re house sitting or freelancing from home, you can ditch the 9-5 with a little planning!
Best Side Hustles With Flexible Hours
1. Focus Groups
Did you realize you could earn money by participating in online focus studies? Yes, that’s right!
While focus groups used to operate solely in-person, we’re seeing an increasing shift towards online platforms, particularly via video. This is one of the best side hustles with flexible hours that I’ve come across, and I know people who absolutely adore it!
Of course, it might require a bit of an adjustment period. A few acquaintances of mine admitted feeling slightly self-conscious during their initial video focus groups. Yet, with time, they became more comfortable and discovered that the compensation for their time could be quite rewarding.
So, if earning money through online focus groups piques your interest, I suggest following this subreddit. They consistently post current paid studies you can join.
Just recently, I noticed a focus study offering $150 for individuals who aren’t suffering from any chronic illnesses or diseases. Another study was paying $75 to speak with people burdened with medical debt. For the gaming enthusiasts among you, a $200 web interview discussing gaming processors and computers could be right up your alley.
So, you see, it’s an incredibly diverse mix! If you’re looking for one of the best side hustles with flexible hours, there’s a high probability you’ll find a suitable focus group in this interesting and adaptable side job.
2. Surveys
Surveys can be a great way to earn some cash on your own time, but let’s be honest, there are a ton of scams out there.
The best survey sites I’ve discovered are Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. Both platforms make it easy to earn quick cash by answering simple questions, and have a trusted track record for paying survey takers.
You can cash out on both platforms with popular gift cards like Amazon and Starbucks, or opt for cold hard cash straight to your bank account or Venmo.
Let’s be realistic, completing surveys won’t land you on the Forbes’ billionaires list, but it is one of the best side hustles with flexible hours. Imagine earning extra cash while you’re lounging on the couch, enjoying your favorite Netflix show. That sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me!
3. Teach English Online
A lot of the companies hire English speakers from North America to teach children English in China and other countries. Because of the time difference between North America and China, the hours for this side gig are often early-ish in the morning or in the evening after dinner. There is a wider range of teaching hours available on the weekends. Some companies require a bachelor’s degree and/or teaching experience, but not all do. The rate of pay for online English teachers is great – higher than many other of the flexible side jobs. For example, VIPKid pays up to $22USD an hour and you get to set your own hours. Here are some popular places to find virtual English teaching jobs: VIPKid EF Kids Protostar ESL Qkids ChatGPT
If you’re fond of children and excel in communication, teaching English to kids remotely could be one of the best side hustles with flexible hours that you should consider. Numerous companies are continually on the lookout for English speakers from North America to teach English to children residing in China and other countries.
Given the time difference between North America and China, the hours for this side job tend to fall in the early morning or after-dinner time slots. However, on the weekends, the teaching schedule is much more expansive.
While some companies might ask for a bachelor’s degree or prior teaching experience, don’t be discouraged; many don’t require these qualifications.
The pay rate for online English teachers is quite appealing, often surpassing many other flexible side jobs. For instance, VIPKid offers up to $22 USD per hour, and you have the freedom to determine your own schedule.
4. Pet Sitting
Your love for these four-legged friends can be one of your best side hustles with flexible hours. How? By joining Rover, a platform that bridges pet owners with pet care providers for services like dog walking, pet sitting, or simply dropping in for a little playtime with our furry pals.
To provide services through Rover, you need to be an adult and clear a standard background check. Signing up is free, but Rover retains a 20% fee for facilitating the connection with clients. The beauty of this side job is the control it offers – you determine your schedule and set your own rates. This means you can work whenever and wherever you prefer.
So, if you’re an animal lover, turn your fondness into a fruitful side gig and bring joy not only to yourself but also to our canine companions.
5. Complete Tasks on Inbox Dollars
InboxDollars is very similar to Survey Junkie, as it provides an opportunity to earn money not just through taking surveys, but also by making use of its cashback offers during shopping and playing games. The earning potential for each task varies, but as per the company, most surveys offer a payment in the range of $0.10 to $5. However, there are some exceptions that pay even more.
To get started with InboxDollars, all you need to do is create a free account on their website. To withdraw your earnings, you need a minimum of $30 accumulated in your InboxDollars account. They offer various payout options, such as PayPal, check, gift card, or prepaid Visa card. But keep in mind, if you opt for a gift card or a prepaid Visa card, there’s a $3 fee involved.
InboxDollars stands out as one of the best side hustles with flexible hours, allowing you to generate income at your convenience.
6. Food Delivery
While chauffeuring people around might not be everyone’s cup of tea, dropping off food and groceries can be pretty simple. This could entail delivering anything from groceries, take-out meals, or even just a cup of morning coffee.
Uber Eats offers a platform where you can make food deliveries throughout your city at your own pace and in the comfort of your own vehicle (a bicycle can work too). Instacart is a similar service, though it mainly involves delivering groceries or other items purchased from stores.
Both of these platforms allow you to pocket 100% of the tips you receive. However, bear in mind that the cost of fuel and vehicle depreciation can dent your earnings. Your pay will depend on various factors like per-mile and per-minute rates, meaning the more you work, the more income you’ll generate.
These delivery services can be one of the best side hustles with flexible hours, allowing you to maximize your earnings while maintaining control over your schedule.
7. Housesitting
House sitting tasks can greatly differ based on the requirements of the homeowner, but generally include responsibilities such as living in the house, taking care of pets, watering plants, performing basic housekeeping duties, sorting out mail, and more.
If you’re open to unpaid house sitting gigs, they often provide free accommodation in exchange for taking care of the property. This could be an exciting and budget-friendly way to travel the world. Not only could you travel, but you could work a remote side hustle or job without even having to pay rent!
However, if paid house sitting gigs are what you’re seeking as one of your best side hustles with flexible hours, then you can find plenty of opportunities through websites like MindMyHouse or TrustedHousesitters.
These platforms serve as a bridge connecting homeowners and pet owners with potential house sitters. As per PayScale, house sitters typically earn an average hourly pay of just over $11. It’s an interesting way to earn some extra income while enjoying a change of scenery.
8. Mystery Shopping
If the thrill of undercover shopping excites you, then a side gig as a mystery shopper could be one of your best side hustles with flexible hours. As a mystery shopper, you get the chance to shop and get reimbursed for your expenses, all while remaining anonymous to the store’s staff. While pay rates can differ depending on the company you collaborate with, average earnings according to ZipRecruiter tend to be around $20 per hour.
However, this job involves more than just shopping. You’ll often be expected to provide feedback about various aspects of the store, such as cleanliness, customer service, and any other elements that could impact a regular customer’s experience.
Before you dive in, make sure to do thorough research to ensure the company you’re signing up with is legitimate, as there are quite a few scams in this industry. So, if you have a keen eye for detail and love shopping, mystery shopping might be the perfect flexible side hustle for you.
9. Freelance Writing
If you’re blessed with a knack for writing, freelance writing could be one of the best side hustles with flexible hours that you can do from the comfort of your own home. You can find writing gigs directly with companies looking to generate content, or through online platforms such as Upwork, which connects freelancers with businesses seeking specific skills.
To succeed as a freelance writer, you need more than just a gift for crafting compelling narratives. Discipline is essential to meet your deadlines, ensuring you get paid on time and keep your clients satisfied. Compensation can vary widely based on your experience, skill level, the nature of the subject, and the client’s budget. However, according to PayScale, an established freelance writer’s average hourly pay exceeds $20.
Being a freelance writer offers the flexibility to work on your terms, choose the projects you’re interested in, and work as much or as little as your schedule allows. Who knows, this part-time freelancing gig could even evolve into a full-time work-from-home career! So, if you have the passion and the talent for writing, freelance writing could be an excellent side hustle to consider.
10. Odd Jobs on TaskRabbit
Task Rabbit is an excellent platform for anyone looking for the best side hustles with flexible hours. This service connects people who need various odd jobs done, typically around the house, with “taskers” ready and able to complete those tasks. From assembling furniture and cleaning houses to yard work and minor home repairs, the variety of tasks you can undertake is broad.
The beauty of Task Rabbit is that it allows you to choose your working hours, offering a great deal of flexibility. You can also select the tasks that most interest you or align with your skills, enabling you to earn extra cash on your terms.
While it’s unlikely that the income from Task Rabbit would replace a full-time salary, it can be an awesome side hustle. The amount you can earn will largely depend on your skills, your location, and the types of jobs available in your area. But if you’re handy and enjoy helping others with their home projects, Task Rabbit could be an excellent way to boost your income in your spare time.
11. Starting a YouTube Channel
Turning your creativity into a rewarding side hustle is achievable through platforms like YouTube. This platform presents a unique opportunity to produce engaging videos on topics that you’re passionate about, from tutorials and lifestyle vlogs to video game streaming and product reviews. The best part about this side hustle is that it provides flexible hours, allowing you to work on your content whenever it suits you.
Once you’ve created and uploaded your videos, they can become a source of passive income. This is achievable through Google AdSense, a program that allows you to monetize your YouTube channel. When viewers interact with ads shown on your videos—either by viewing them or clicking on them—you earn revenue. This means that the more compelling and engaging videos you produce, the more opportunities you have to generate income.
However, it’s essential to remember that creating a successful YouTube channel requires a significant investment of time and effort, particularly at the beginning. Growing your audience and reaching the requirements to monetize your channel can take time. But once you’ve established a strong following, YouTube can indeed become one of the best side hustles with flexible hours, allowing you to capitalize on your creativity.
12. Start a Blog
Starting a blog can be an excellent way to earn income on the side, since you can pick and choose when you want to write for it. Starting a blog can bring in some great side income, but can take several months, if not years to get off the ground.
However, if you love writing, and are passionate about your topic, putting in the work to write for your site won’t feel like such an uphill battle.
