Trying to make money on the side can feel like a jungle.
So many options. So many promises.
But what actually works? That’s what I wanted to find out.
I took 30 days and tested five popular side hustles.
Here’s what happened — the good, the bad, and the surprising.
1. Freelance Writing
I found gigs on DamnJobs and pitched a few clients.
Result:
Made $400 in 2 weeks.
The work was straightforward and I enjoyed the challenge.
The catch? You need to be able to write well and meet deadlines.
2. Selling Printables
I designed a few simple planners on Canva and listed them on Etsy.
Result:
$100 in sales by the end of the month.
Easy to create but marketing is key — I didn’t push it enough.
3. Dropshipping
Set up a basic Shopify store and tried selling trending products.
Result:
No sales.
It takes a lot of time and money to advertise.
Not beginner-friendly without a budget.
4. User Testing
Signed up on UserTesting and did a few tests.
Result:
$150 for about 15 hours of testing.
Easy to start and flexible, but the pay isn’t huge.
5. Virtual Assistant Work
Offered help on Facebook groups for small business owners.
Result:
Landed a client who paid $200 for 10 hours of work.
Loved the variety and flexibility.
Final Thoughts:
Out of five, freelance writing and virtual assistant work were the clear winners for me.
Selling printables showed promise but needs more hustle.
Dropshipping? Not for me — at least not without serious ad skills or cash.
User testing is great if you want easy money but don’t expect to get rich.
The takeaway?
Try different gigs, track your time and money, and stick with what feels good and pays well.