Being new to the area and paying rent for the first time, I need the money more than ever before. I’ve been applying for local jobs, but haven’t locked one down. Here are ways that I have been continuing to earn money as an unemployed college student.
Become an Instacart Shopper
Instacart allows you to earn money by grocery shopping for other people! All you need is a car and a smartphone. The Instacart app will send you notifications when an order, or “batch,” is placed, also telling you how much you will earn and travel if you choose to accept it. After accepting a batch, the app will guide you through the store to make sure you get the exact items requested. Then, you checkout and make a doorstep delivery! I personally love going to the grocery store, so Instacart is my favorite side hustle.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
If you are a skilled driver, get paid to give people rides! Both Uber and Lyft are platforms where you can be a transporter, bringing people to their requested destinations. Since Uber and Lyft make the safety of others your responsibility, there are a few documentation requirements in order to become a driver. Living in a college town, Uber and Lyft drivers are always in high demand.
Sell Your Old Clothes
I am a huge supporter of donating unused clothing, but if you are low on money and have items of value, post them on social media, Poshmark, or Depop. If you post frequently, you are bound to make some consistent sales. Online shoppers are always looking for a good deal, so selling your accessories, clothing, and shoes at discounted prices is a great way to earn extra income from the comfort of your own home.
Join Care.com
If you enjoy working with children and have experience babysitting, make an account with Care.com. This site makes it easy to connect to local families that are seeking childcare. Some parents may offer a full-time position, or are just looking for someone to call when they need a date night!
Create a Rover Profile
If you’re an animal lover, you can make money watching people’s pets! Rover is a platform that allows you to pick and choose the services you offer: Dog walking, housesitting, boarding, or drop-in visits. You can even set your own rate and availability. Depending on what services you offer, it is easy to make hundreds of dollars in just a few days with Rover.
Online tutoring
Tutors for local children and high school students are always in demand, especially now with remote learning. Look online for ads, or post about your tutoring services on social media. Helping others with their schoolwork is a great way to engage with the community while earning money.
Online surveys
Companies are always seeking public opinion and they are willing to pay for it. There are countless online platforms where businesses and corporations post surveys to get feedback. While it’s hard to earn a good income from this, many will offer real cash rewards, gift cards, and other prizes for your time and effort. Some well-known websites that provide paid surveys are Swagbucks, Google Opinion Rewards, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars.
If you choose to use an online platform, just be careful with what information you give online, as there are many websites so some may take your information for spam. All of these side hustles are simple and effective ways to earn money.