In today’s economy, many people are looking for ways to make extra money on the side. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply build up your savings, there are a variety of ways to earn extra income. In this article, we’ll explore some real-life case studies of people who have successfully made extra money in their spare time after their day job.

Case Study #1: Freelance Writing

Sarah is a full-time marketing coordinator for a tech company, but she’s always loved writing. She decided to start freelancing on the side and found that it was a great way to make extra money. She started by writing for local publications and blogs and eventually landed a few clients through Upwork. She now makes an extra $1,500 a month writing in her spare time.

Key Takeaways:

• Freelancing is a great way to make extra money if you have a skill that people are willing to pay for.
• You can start small by reaching out to local publications and blogs to get your foot in the door.
• Online platforms like Upwork can help you find clients and grow your business.
  

Case Study #2: Social Media Management

Maggie works as a receptionist for a law firm during the day, but she’s always been passionate about social media. She decided to start managing social media accounts for small businesses in her spare time. She started by reaching out to local businesses and offering her services at a discounted rate. She quickly gained a few clients and now makes an extra $800 a month managing social media accounts.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media management is a skill that many small businesses need but don’t have the time or expertise to handle themselves.
• Starting small by offering your services at a discounted rate can help you build a client base and establish yourself as a reliable social media manager.
• Word of mouth is key when it comes to finding new clients. Make sure to do a great job for your existing clients and ask them to refer you to their friends and colleagues.
  

Case Study #3: Airbnb Hosting

Jared works as a software engineer for a tech company, but he owns a two-bedroom apartment in a popular tourist destination. He decided to list his spare room on Airbnb and quickly found that he could make a lot of extra money. He now rents out his spare room regularly and makes an extra $1,000 a month.

Key Takeaways:

• If you have a spare room or property in a popular tourist destination, listing it on Airbnb can be a great way to make extra money.
• Make sure to provide a great experience for your guests so that they leave positive reviews and recommend your listing to others.
• Managing an Airbnb listing can be time-consuming, so make sure to factor in the additional work when deciding if this is the right side hustle for you.

Case Study #4: Personal Shopping

Carla works as a nurse during the day, but she’s always had an eye for fashion. She decided to start offering her services as a personal shopper to friends and family. She quickly gained a few clients and now makes an extra $500 a month helping people find the perfect outfit for special occasions.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal shopping is a great side hustle if you have a passion for fashion and an eye for style.
• Starting small by offering your services to friends and family can help you build a client base and gain experience.
• Social media can be a great way to advertise your services and attract new clients.
  

Case Study #5: Online Surveys

Mark works as a teacher during the day, but he spends a few hours each week taking online surveys. While he doesn’t make a lot of money, he’s able to earn an extra $50-$100 a month by taking surveys in his spare

time.

Key Takeaways:

• While online surveys won’t make you rich, they can be a simple and easy way to earn extra money in your spare time.
• Make sure to sign up for reputable survey sites and read reviews before investing your time.
• Consider taking surveys during downtime, like while watching TV or commuting on public transportation.
  

Case Study #6: Tutoring

Maria works as a software developer during the day, but she’s also fluent in Spanish. She decided to start offering her services as a Spanish tutor in her spare time. She started by advertising her services on social media and eventually gained a few clients through word of mouth. She now makes an extra $600 a month tutoring.

Key Takeaways:

• Tutoring is a great side hustle if you have expertise in a particular subject.
• Social media and word of mouth can be effective ways to advertise your services and attract new clients.
• Make sure to set a competitive price for your services, but also factor in the time and effort required for tutoring.
  

Case Study #7: Pet Sitting

John works as a sales manager during the day, but he’s always been an animal lover. He decided to start offering his services as a pet sitter in his spare time. He started by advertising his services on Craigslist and eventually gained a few regular clients. He now makes an extra $400 a month pet sitting.

Key Takeaways:

• If you love animals, pet sitting can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra money.
• Make sure to advertise your services on reputable sites and vet potential clients before agreeing to pet sit.
• Consider getting pet-sitting insurance to protect yourself in case of any accidents or injuries.
  

Case Study #8: Photography

Jessica works as a marketing coordinator during the day, but she’s always had a passion for photography. She decided to start offering her services as a freelance photographer in her spare time. She started by taking photos for friends and family and eventually gained a few clients through word of mouth. She now makes an extra $700 a month photographing weddings and events.

Key Takeaways:

• Freelance photography is a great side hustle if you have a passion for photography and a good eye for composition.
• Social media and word of mouth can be effective ways to advertise your services and attract new clients.
• Make sure to invest in good equipment and continue to improve your skills through practice and education.
  

Case Study #9: Delivery Driver

Tim works as a project manager during the day, but he also drives for a food delivery service in his spare time. He’s able to work flexible hours and makes an extra $600 a month delivering food.

Key Takeaways:

• Delivery driving can be a good side hustle if you have a reliable vehicle and enjoy driving.
• Make sure to factor in the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance when deciding if this is the right side hustle for you.
• Some delivery services require drivers to have a clean driving record and pass a background check.
  

Case Study #10: Event Planning

Rachel works as a nurse during the day, but she’s always been organized and detail-oriented. She decided to start offering her services as an event planner in her spare time. She started by planning events for friends and family and eventually gained a few clients through word of mouth. She now makes an extra $1,000 a month planning weddings and corporate events.

Key Takeaways:

• Event planning can be a lucrative side hustle if you have a knack for organization and a creative eye.
• Social media and word of mouth can be effective ways to advertise your services and attract new clients.
• Make sure to factor in the time and effort required for event planning and have a clear contract in place with your clients.

You may think that making a living comes mainly from your day-job, but finding a secondary source of income could become a much more effective financial resource, that may become your main job over time. It’s worth testing and trying to see what works for you, what fits your skills and what helps you make the most out of your time.