4 Side Jobs to Help Fund Your New Business

To launch a business, you need one important thing: cash. Lack of cash is a common problem for new businesses, but a side hustle can help you earn the extra money you need to keep your doors open. These four side jobs offer schedule flexibility and the opportunity to earn as much as you want.

1. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants carry out tasks for their clients, like transcribing documents, sending emails, organizing files, preparing letters and statements, coordinating schedules and making travel arrangements.

Because this is remote work, you can earn money from anywhere. Schedules are usually flexible, so you can work before or after your business hours.

To succeed as a virtual assistant, you need excellent communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

According to PayScale, virtual assistants make about $15.65 an hour, on average. If you work 40 hours, you can earn about $626 per week.

2. Freelancing

Freelancing allows for complete flexibility when it comes to your schedule and daily tasks. From web design to writing, translating, consulting, photography, graphics and everything in between, anyone with a valuable skill can work as a freelancer.

Getting started as a freelancer can be a challenge, as you need to market and promote your services. Freelance platforms, like Fiverr, can help you get started.

Freelancers essentially run their own businesses, so if you don’t already have a network to tap into, you may find that it’s a lot of work to get your business of the ground. Still, freelancing may be worth the effort. The average freelancer in the U.S. makes $31 an hour.

3. Rideshare Driving

If you have a newer car and a smartphone, you can work as a rideshare driver. It’s easy to get started, and you can work whenever you want.

Lyft offers sign up bonuses of $400, $750 or $1,000 to new drivers, so you can make some quick cash just by driving people around.

Just make sure that you understand the expenses that come with being a rideshare driver: gas, vehicle wear and tear, taxes and rideshare insurance.

If you live in a bigger city or metro area, you can earn a decent side income from driving. In Atlanta, for example, Uber drivers make about $15.52 an hour before expenses.

4. Care.com

Put your caregiver skills to work. With Care.com, you can earn money looking after children, seniors, pets and homes. From full-time nannies to part-time housekeepers and overnight pet sitters, you’ll find a wide range of opportunities that will work with your schedule.

The nice thing about working with Care.com is that you can set your rate. You’ll need to create an attractive profile to win over clients, but you can work on your own schedule and earn a decent income while doing so.

These four side jobs can help you earn some extra cash while getting your business off the ground. They all offer schedule flexibility, so you can work whenever you have time. Some jobs will require more effort than others to succeed, but the earning potential is nearly limitless.