How To Make Money Without a Job [Full Updated Guide]

How To Make Money Without a Job – 60 Legit Ways to Earn

How To Make Money Without a Job – A job can be an awesome thing, especially when it’s your dream job and you love what you do every day. On the other hand, it can be really hard to find the right job and even harder to hang onto it through times of uncertainty. When you have bills to pay and mouths to feed, sometimes finding money without a job is the only option that makes sense. If that sounds like something you might want to consider, these fully updated ways to make money without a job will provide some good ideas on how to do so.

1) Passive Income

Working from home can be one of life’s greatest joys, but figuring out how to make money without a job isn’t always easy. The trick is setting up passive income streams that work for you—so that your time and effort are rewarded even when you aren’t working (which should be most of the time!). Fortunately, there are lots of ways for regular people with regular jobs and interests to bring in some extra cash without too much additional effort. We’ve rounded up eight legit ways below—how many do you already do?

2) Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing can be one of your best ways to make money without a job. This is an especially great option if you have excellent communication skills and can develop engaging content. The same qualities it takes to create awesome content for your site will translate well into creating great affiliate marketing copy. You’ll drive traffic through links placed on your website or social media accounts. When visitors click on those links and purchase products or services, you’ll earn a commission from that click and any subsequent purchases they make within a specified period. Selling other people’s products provides you with another opportunity to use what you already know about digital marketing as well as expand your skillset by creating landing pages for promotional offers and e-mail campaigns that help move prospective customers along in their buying process.

3) Sell your photos online

You can sell your photos online through sites like Shutterstock and iStockPhoto, or you can try your hand at something bigger by connecting with National Geographic and Alamy, which specialize in partnering with experienced amateur photographers. No matter where you go, it’s worth researching pricing beforehand so that you don’t get roped into an agreement that leaves you short-changed. And keep in mind that some of these companies may ask for exclusive rights to your images.

4) Become an Uber Driver

Freelance writing is one of those go-to money-making jobs that pretty much anyone can do from anywhere with a good Internet connection. No boss to please, no bills, and you decide how much you make. While it does take some work and skill, it’s also something that anyone can learn as long as they have an Internet connection and solid writing skills. Most freelance writers make at least $10 per hour but many can earn well over $100 per hour if they’re working on higher-paying projects.

5) Teach Online Courses

Have something you’re an expert in? Can you translate that expertise into an online course? If so, start teaching. Sites like Udemy have made it easier than ever to create a course, market it and sell it. Better yet, you can even earn money from your courses if you put them up for sale on your site first. So what are you waiting for? There are hundreds of free tutorials available on YouTube—start there! And don’t worry about hosting any video content yourself; platforms like Udemy allow you to upload videos directly to their site. Start with a free account, post some courses and see how much traffic you get. Most online learners take about two weeks to complete a course; give yours enough time before launching it live. When I started selling my first few courses, I made $2 per student who bought one of my classes through PayPal (that was only five students total). In just four months after launching that initial business, I was able to quit my full-time job as a marketing manager at Harvard Business School Publishing Company!

6) Share Photos on Instagram

Want to earn some cash from your Instagram photos? Or do you just want more people to see your feed? There are plenty of sites that allow you to sell your photos for profit. It’s free and easy (and we’ll show you how). Here are five places where you can make money off your Instagram pictures: 1. 500px 2. SmugMug 3. Viewbug 4. WeHeartIt 5. DontPayFull 6. (Optional) Upload your pics to any one of these sites, then share them on social media using hashtags like #instagood #iphoneonly #followme 7. (Optional) Follow other users and interact with their content, so they follow you back! You might be surprised at how many followers you can accumulate in such a short time frame if they see value in what you’re posting!

7) Sell used items online

If you’re tight on cash and you want to start making money fast, we’d recommend starting with our guide on selling unwanted items online. It can take a bit of work to set up your store and get it running, but once it is, you could make as much as several hundred dollars each week. You could easily make that just by listing some items on eBay or Amazon! If you have some more time and don’t need extra money quite yet, check out our free course on how to make money from home. Learn More about Making Money From Home Here.
Selling used goods like books and DVDs may seem old-fashioned, but there are plenty of great places to sell these days. Even something like a rare book collection can be worth big bucks if sold right! You can earn big bucks by taking things around your house that might be considered trash and turning them into treasures in someone else’s eyes. Websites like Craigslist allow users to post ads for all kinds of products they want, as well as what they’re willing to pay for them.

8) Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is one of those avenues for making money without a job that can be lucrative for those with writing skills and contacts. Have you considered freelance writing? As an online freelancer, you may be able to contribute articles, guest posts, and even books in your area of expertise on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. You’ll also need to build your portfolio with personal projects such as blogs and books as well. If you’re into teaching online classes through platforms like Udemy or Teachable, then investing in course development can make good business sense too. Finally, don’t forget about copywriting (writing SEO-optimized content) as another possible way to generate income without a traditional job title.

9) Start a blog

Your writing skills are a valuable resource! If you’re starting your own business and looking for ways to make money, start a freelance writing side hustle. There are so many things that people need to be written—from long-form content articles to short social media posts. With so many businesses counting on bloggers and influencers as part of their marketing team, you have no shortage of opportunities. And if you can write, there’s never been an easier time to monetize your passion! All it takes is some effort and dedication: go here for more information.

10) Earn Money From cashback

Cashback is one of my favorite rewards credit cards. The idea is simple: you shop, and you earn cashback on your purchases. It’s that easy. Some people prefer travel rewards cards because they get points for their spending, but cashback has its perks as well. Depending on your card and how much you spend, you could save hundreds in rewards every year by using your cash-back card instead of a regular credit card. But when it comes to saving money, there’s something else I like about cashback: it makes me work harder for my money!

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11) Be a virtual assistant

So many people dream of becoming their boss, working from home, and living life on their terms. And many people I’ve worked with over my years as a financial advisor told me they could never afford to work for themselves. I had one friend who told me, I can’t do that because I have kids, and I need health insurance. But there are plenty of opportunities out there for you if you just take the time to look into them and make yourself available for assignments. Some ideas include: being a virtual assistant (VA), starting your child-care service, doing personal errands, or pet-sitting. The list goes on and on!

12) dog walker or pet sitter

If you live in an area with lots of older residents who aren’t able to take care of their pets, start a dog walking or pet sitting business. You can advertise your services online or put up flyers in local businesses. If you already own a pet, there are some things you can do with it while you’re at work, like visiting someone else’s home to walk their dog or filling in for them at doggy daycare. Also think about hosting small group events, such as puppy play dates or basic training lessons for dogs and their owners.

13) Be a Housesitter

Housesitting is one of our favorite ways to make money without a job. It’s flexible, fun, and easy. That said, it’s not for everyone. If you enjoy living in homes of strangers, have no issues with strangers potentially coming into your home while you are housesitting, and can happily care for another person’s pets and property, then housesitting may be perfect for you! But if any of that sounds like something that would freak you out or ruin your vacation plans (for example), then maybe consider another way to make money without a job instead. After all…this is supposed to be fun!

14) Get Paid Searching

If you’re okay with receiving compensation in exchange for your opinion, sign up with Opinion Outpost and take online surveys. They also do product testing, so if you have time, that could be another avenue of research. Be sure to check their hours though because they aren’t always available at convenient times. You can receive $5 just for signing up. That is probably one of my favorite survey sites because it is reputable and easy to use. It has gotten quite good reviews from other users on Trustpilot, and I find it pretty easy myself. Sign up here. If you want more information on survey companies before diving in, check out some sites below! Survey Junkie: Get paid by taking surveys online via your phone or computer wherever you are!

15) Join Clinical Trials

Many clinical trials—studies in which people volunteer to test out new drugs, procedures, etc.—are looking for people willing to test medications or procedures that are still being developed. Clinical trials are not only an excellent way of making money, but they’re also pretty rewarding. Clinical trial volunteers may get compensation; food and housing allowances; access to health insurance (some clinical trials will provide full coverage); and/or travel reimbursement. Plus, if you’re interested in learning more about medicine and helping others at the same time, medical trials might be for you!

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16) Join Contests

People often enter contests with money or products as prizes. If you’re interested in winning and don’t care about using your product or service, go for it! You might find some great opportunities that can help supplement your income. If you can spare an hour here and there, try running errands for elderly neighbors who need assistance with things like cleaning their homes, taking out their trash, walking their pets, or picking up groceries. It’s usually only $10 per hour for very little work on your part. But be sure to look into whether it is legal in your state before you sign up—you don’t want to risk getting scammed!

17) Join Competitions

There are hundreds of money-making competitions available today and they’re not difficult to find. A quick Google search reveals dozens of websites offering everything from photo contests, movie contests, writing competitions, design competitions, and more. Even though some of these opportunities are dubious at best, there are real opportunities worth pursuing. But don’t just enter for fun—make sure you read all fine print and enter only if you truly believe you have something valuable or unique to offer. You may be surprised by what can earn you some cash!

18) Make Money Watching Videos

If you love watching videos and would like to turn it into something that pays, you can work at home as a virtual assistant and make money while doing something you enjoy. Companies may need help with social media promotion, blogging, email marketing, or completing different tasks. This is a good way for beginners to start making money online. If your skills are in high demand, companies may pay up to $20 an hour or even more. Working from home may be exactly what you want if you’re busy but still want some extra cash. It also gives your more time for family and friends too!

19) Put Your Belongings Out For Rent

Put your stuff out for rent and make money while you’re not using it. This includes household appliances, toys, clothing, furniture, and more. You can also start in-home daycare if you have small children in your home. Put their toys out for rent too! There’s even an app called Copay that will pay users at least $3 per hour to use their extra space as a cash closet. If they don’t need it, they can just leave it empty until they do (and earn some money)! For selling your stuff or renting out your place when you’re away from home, consider Airbnb. Plus with AirBnB you’ll get $45 in free travel credit!

20) Be a Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists use headsets or software to listen to audio recordings. They type out what they hear into a computer in real-time. In addition, you can set your hours and work around other obligations, such as school or family. Some transcriptionists even do their work from home. If you’re serious about making money without holding down a traditional job, give transcriptionists a try. Here are some resources you should check out

21) Be an Election Officer

Election officers are vital for local, state, and national elections. These positions make sure everything goes smoothly on election day and that each citizen can vote. There’s usually no formal training required as these positions require general knowledge of political processes and procedures. Usually, an election officer works part-time or full-time on election days, and other times they’re expected to help out with paperwork or administrative tasks when they’re not working on voting day.

22) Rent your Extra Room out

Renting out your extra room can be a great way to make money on nights or weekends, depending on your schedule. Just be sure you have a comfortable bed and enough clean towels for guests. Then you’re all set! And if it is ever short-term, like when you’re just moving back in, rent them out as Airbnb rentals and expand your income potential by having more than one location available. You might also enjoy our post: How Airbnb Changed My Life: Real Stories From Airbnb Hosts Who Are Earning Big By Sharing Their Homes.

23) Be a Mystery Shopper

You’ve probably heard of secret shoppers (or mystery shoppers), but you may not know what they are or how they work. Mystery shopping is when you act as a customer and provide feedback on your experience with a company. Most mystery shopping involves checking in on customer service, but sometimes it also involves giving opinions on product quality and things like display placement. You can sign up with an agency that sends you jobs, or if you have an entrepreneurial streak, create your own business as a freelance shopper.

24. Sell Lesson Plans

If you’re a current or former teacher, you can pay it forward while getting paid yourself. Teachers, especially new ones, are often in the market for lesson plans. You can make their jobs easier by selling your plans for a profit.

Selling lesson plans online has become a lucrative industry, according to the Associated Press. Websites such as Teachers Pay Teachers provide a market for educators to sell and share their valuable resources.

25. Rent Out Your Boat

Don’t stop at renting out your car or bike. If you have a boat that is sitting idle, there’s an easy way to rent it out and help cover the costs of boat ownership. With the website Sailo, you can conveniently list your boat for rent; as a bonus, the site provides captains.

26. Start Micro Freelancing

The boom in America’s gig economy has resulted in a similar increase in micro freelancing. As the name suggests, micro freelancing involves performing tasks with comparably low pay. But when combined with other side jobs and alternate forms of income, micro freelancing can be lucrative.

There are multiple micro freelance sites to choose from, including Microworkers.

27. Work as a Virtual Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping can be a potentially lucrative work-from-home business, and it doesn’t require an accounting degree. To get started in this field, you can check out sites like AccountingWEB for guidance.

28. Sell Your Clothes

One of the easiest ways to make money while decluttering is by selling your unwanted clothes. Consignment sites such as thredUP enable you to get rid of old clothes and earn cash through the process. The site even provides kits to assist you in cutting down your wardrobe.

29. Earn Money Posting On Forums

A key ingredient for creating a successful website is a strong engagement with the online community. Online forums provide a conducive space for doing just that. Companies will pay people to post quality content on forums to promote increased interaction and web traffic.

If you want to get your side job up and running, check out sites like Paid Forum Posting and myLot for paid forum writing opportunities. Posting doesn’t pay a lot, but combining this side income with other revenue streams makes it a viable option. Plus, if you develop your writing skills, perhaps you can turn this side hustle into a career.

30. Be a Tutor

If you have a strong academic background and feel an unfulfilled urge to teach, tutoring could be an excellent pursuit.

One of the easiest ways to get into tutoring is to use a website like Wyzant. You can tutor online or in-person this way. You can also set your rates.

31. Sell Old Books

If you’re a devoted bibliophile, selling books can be a solid stream of extra income. You could even hit up your local thrift shop, buy used books for pennies and sell them for a profit.

However, these days, you don’t have to leave the house to profit off selling books. Apps like BookScouter and Cash4books.net make earning money online easy. Simply install the app, scan the book’s ISBN and discover the highest price you can sell it for online.

32. Sell Your CDs, DVDs, and Video Games

They might be outdated, but you can still turn a profit selling CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and old video games. Using an app like Decluttr, you can get a valuation for old media items, box and ship them to the site for free, and get paid by PayPal or direct deposit.

33. Get Paid For Giving Advice

If you love giving your two cents, consider putting your hobby to good use and getting paid to provide advice. Sites like JustAnswer pay expert users to answer questions online after askers approve the responses. JustAnswer claims that its top experts earn thousands of dollars each month.

34. Sell Your Furniture

There’s nothing revolutionary about selling furniture for money. But with the internet, doing so is easier than ever. Along with selling directly to customers via Craigslist, you can sell furniture through online consignment stores, such as Chairish for vintage furniture.

35. Sell Stock Photos

If you’ve ever tried to buy stock photos online, then you know they don’t come cheap. Because demand for stock photos, videos, and vector graphics remains high, skilled photographers can easily earn a profit. Sign up on stock photo sites like iStock, Shutterstock, and Dreamstime to start cashing in.

36. Telecommute

Telecommuters perform typical office jobs but from the comfort of their own homes. And these days, many jobs can be done over the internet.

Use sites like FlexJobs to get connected with telecommuting jobs based on your skills and areas of interest.

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37. Sell Handmade Crafts

Want to profit from your creativity? It’s easier than ever thanks to sites like Craigslist and Etsy. One of the top sites for handmade crafts, Etsy lets you create a store for free and stock it for 20 cents per product. Just beware that the site takes a 5% cut of anything you sell as a transaction fee in addition to payment processing fees.

38. Sell Photos From Your Phone

If friends and relatives praise your skill with an iPhone, you might be able to sell shots right from your photo library. Foap is a free app that enables you to upload photos you take on your smartphone and sell them. You earn 50% of the revenue for each photo you sell.

39. Become a Ghost Shopper

There’s a fair chance you’ve never heard of ghost shopping. Like personal shopping, ghost shopping is a service that people seek out when they’re low on time but have the cash to spare. If you have good taste and love hitting the mall, consider performing this task as a side gig.

40. Sell Virtual Property

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games like World of Warcraft and Second Life can eat up a lot of your time. But you can make this time more productive — and even profitable — by getting into virtual real estate.

Skilled gamers make money selling virtual property and high-level characters because these things have real-life value. One of the most notable pioneers in the field, Anshe Chung, became a millionaire playing video games by selling property on Second Life.

41. Design and Sell Shirts

Design By Humans and Teespring all allow users to design T-shirts for free and sell them. The sales processes vary by site.

For example, on Teespring, you set a sales goal and price for each item. This aspect is crucial because it affects how much the company will pay you per shirt sold. If you reach your sales goal, the shirts will be printed and distributed, and you will be paid for your work.

42. Earn Money Writing

Freelance writing is an ideal job for many, as it can be done from nearly anywhere. All you need is a laptop and internet access.

Sites like WritersDomain provide freelancers with article topics, word counts, and other requirements, as well as the prices being offered. All you have to do is submit writing samples and pass a grammar test to start accepting jobs.

43. Work as a Translator

In our increasingly globalized world, translation and interpretation are some of the fastest-growing industries you can invest in. If you are bilingual, you stand to profit from this development.

The demand for translating documents, as well as audio, video, and other media, is greater than ever. Fortunately, many websites have sprung up to meet this demand. You can use sites like TRADUguide to find freelance translating jobs and even register with an agency.

44. Apply To Be On a Game Show

Only certain types of people apply to be on a game show. And the chances of getting selected are higher than you might think. If you’re good at trivia, apply to be on “Jeopardy!” Those who excel at educated guessing might do better on “The Price Is Right” or “Family Feud.”

If you’re starting your own walking tour business, make sure you understand your city’s business and safety laws. Whether you’re visiting famous spots or local hideaways, you need to know which areas are publicly accessible so that you don’t accidentally trespass.

You could also get a job with a local business that offers guided tours. Depending on the organization, you might be able to share your knowledge with school kids on class trips or other groups on private tour events, in addition to tourists.