The Best At-Home Side Hustles, According to Frugal Redditors

Whereas side gigs once seemed like an easy way to earn extra spending money, they’ve become a necessity for many. In fact, of the 93% of Americans who have some kind of side hustle, 44% say they do so to make ends meet and cover their bills, according to a 2022 survey from Insuranks. But finding the perfect side hustle isn’t easy, especially if you need to work from home. Luckily, frugal Redditors recently shared a detailed list of the best side hustle ideas for earning an extra income at home. Most of these jobs are so straightforward that you won’t even have to worry about finding clients, starting an online business, or taking a course.

Given that the average babysitter makes around $20 an hour – well above the federal minimum wage — you can earn good money as a babysitter. That said, Redditors note that new babysitters should be cautious around parents. “It's not like the old days when trust was a thing and money was easier,” a Redditor writes. If you aren’t good with kids — or are just worried about getting sued — pet sitting is another short-term alternative.

Related: 15 Jobs That Are Most Vulnerable to a Recession

Online focus groups pay well and don’t require any experience. While there are a variety of platforms offering focus group gigs, User Interviews is one of the most popular websites that connects study participants with companies. One Redditor shares that they made $5,000 from focus groups alone last year.

Related: No Experience? No Problem With These Work-From-Home Jobs

If you’ve got an eye for vintage attire or just have piles of unwanted clothing, consider selling your secondhand pieces on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, eBay, or other online marketplaces. One commenter shares that it’s a great side hustle because it keeps their wardrobe “minimalist and organized.”

Related: Where to Sell Clothes for Quick Cash

It may not be fun, engaging, or long-term, but you can make money online simply by filling out surveys and sharing your data. According to one Redditor who uses SurveySavvy and YouGov, they bought their daughter’s Christmas gift thanks to their survey side gig.

Armed with a cheap USB transcription pedal and a keyboard that can withstand high-speed typing, you can become a freelance transcriptionist. In a separate Reddit thread, transcribers recommended Rev and 3Play Media as two top companies that pay fair rates.

If you enjoy working with your hands and have a knack for baking or crafts, you can share your talents with the world (or neighborhood) on platforms like Etsy and Facebook. On Etsy, crafty folks can sell jewelry, drawings, embroidery patterns, and other handmade items for a small fee. Similarly, multiple Redditors suggest selling baked goods locally through word-of-mouth and on Facebook.