8 side jobs you can do to make extra money each month

With the increased cost of living, many of us are thinking of ways in which we can make extra money each month. Thankfully, there are a fair few options to pick from.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the ways you can boost your income by earning additional cash from a side job, many of which can be done from home or in your local area.

So whether you’re after a part-time income or side hustle, here are the best side jobs for making extra money each month.

Side income ideas to boost your earnings

1. Virtual assistant

If you’re handy with a computer, then being a virtual assistant is an excellent way to make extra money. Tons of business owners, freelancers and busy workers need assistance these days but can’t afford a full-time PA. Enter the virtual assistant, an extra pair of digital hands that can help with anything from invoicing clients and managing emails to doing adhoc admin. 

This side job is great for those who want to set their own hours and has the benefit of being able to work from home. And you don’t need a bunch of experience. Find opportunities on sites such as Upwork or Fiver, or set up your own website and advertise on local social media groups.

2. Become a companion

Get paid to provide help and everyday assistance to those who need it from elderly relatives to busy families in your local area. It might be trips to the pharmacy, house tasks, helping with shopping or simply being a friend to an elderly person. All you need to do is sign up for free by downloading the companiions mobile app and you can start earning up to £25 an hour today.

Work as much or as little as you like, be it full-time, part-time or as a side hustle. You’ll be able to set your own hours and get paid weekly whilst making a difference in your local community. Sign up to become a companion today!

3. Pet sitting

We all know someone that’s got a pet since Covid-19. In fact it’s estimated that over half the UK population now have at least one pet in their home. As people start going back to the office or heading off on holiday, that leaves a lot of fur babies that need looking after.

Being a pet sitter is an easy side job to make money - and it can be pretty fun too. Sign up to websites such as Cat In A Flat or Trusted Housesitters, or advertise your services locally. Who doesn’t want to get paid to hang out with a furry?

4. Freelance services

Can you design a great logo? Write a compelling blog? Help with a CV or help design a website? Whatever your specialist skills, there’s plenty of people looking for experts  to help them. 

Freelancing is one of the best side jobs for making extra money whilst doing what you already know. And the best thing is you can set your own rates depending on your experience. A great place to start is by advertising on online marketplaces such as Upwork but don’t be shy - many freelancers start out by getting word of mouth recommendations from friends, family and connections on LinkedIn - so make sure to promote yourself!

5. Delivery driver

If you have a car and don’t mind driving around, then becoming a delivery driver could be a great way to boost your income each month. Companies such as DPD and Deliveroo and supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s continue to experience a surge in online orders - therefore the need for more delivery drivers increases too.

All you need is a car, driving licence and smartphone. You can either apply for a part-time role with a local supermarket or organisation, or supplement your monthly income with a flexible role such as Amazon Flex where you can fit your hours around your schedule.

6. Social media management

Every company has at least one social media profile and more often than not, they don’t have the time to manage it - particularly smaller businesses without specific marketing support. 

If you’re familiar with the social media world, then why not offer to help? It could be replying to DMs, posting Instagram Stories or scheduling content to post at a later date. Like most digital services, your best bet is to advertise online or talking to friends and family - they’re bound to know someone who needs a helping hand.

7. Transcription

Pretty speedy on the keyboard? If you can type fast and have a few hours to spare, then you might find transcribing an easy way to earn extra money. From doctors surgeries to law firms, many companies need people who can quickly (and accurately) type up audio recordings of meetings and conferences.

Search for transcription jobs or sign up to sites such as Happy Scribe to take an assessment test and start earning.

8. Work at local events

Whether you live in a big city or small town, there’s bound to be a bunch of local events that take place on a regular basis. From markets to festivals, events need plenty of staff to ensure they go smoothly whether it be checking tickets upon entry or assisting with the clean up. 

Check out your local council’s website for opportunities and keep an eye on notice boards, local social media groups and event websites.

We hope these ideas have given you some inspiration for how you can boost your monthly income with a side job you enjoy.

Want to earn more money quickly whilst helping your local community? Find out more about becoming a paid companion and start earning up to £25 an hour today.