In a world where people are constantly seeking ways to make extra money, finding a side hustle that doesn’t require a ton of effort sounds like a dream come true. If you’re someone who loves to keep things low-effort but still wants to earn extra cash, I’ve got good news for you: I’ve found 11 side hustles that not only pay but also allow you to do things you probably already enjoy! These side hustles don’t need much startup capital or experience, and the best part is, that many of them are still under the radar.
So, if you appreciate the research and effort that went into finding these side hustles, go ahead and tap that like button, and let’s dive into it!
1. Selling Game Mods
What It Is: Game mods involve creating or modifying in-game content to enhance the player’s experience. This could mean anything from adding new levels, characters, or features to a game. With the rise of user-generated content in the gaming industry, selling game mods has become a lucrative business.
How It Works: Games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite allow users to modify or add to the gameplay. Companies like Epic Games, Meta, and Microsoft are even encouraging players to create their own content within games. For example, in Minecraft, modders design custom servers and then sell access to them, making millions in the process. Platforms like Overwolf have paid out over $29 million to game mod and app creators in a single year.
Earning Potential: Successful modders, particularly in Minecraft, have made over $350 million collectively. With game companies embracing user-generated content, the opportunities are endless. If you love video games, why not make money creating mods that other players want?
Why It’s Ideal: If gaming is already your hobby, turning it into a source of income makes sense. You can start small by creating custom mods and gradually scale up as you get more experience.
Opportunity Score: 8/10 – This hustle is perfect for gamers looking to get creative and earn money without heavy lifting.
2. Creating and Selling Clothing in Roblox
What It Is: Roblox is more than just a game; it’s a platform where players can create their own worlds, games, and virtual items, including clothing. If you have an eye for design, creating and selling clothing within Roblox could be a fun and profitable side hustle.
How It Works: You can design virtual outfits, weapons, and accessories within the game and sell them for real money. For instance, Jordan, a Roblox player, made over $900,000 in one year by selling virtual clothing. One single Roblox item sold for 69 million Robux, which was equivalent to $241,000 at the time!
Earning Potential: High. Some creators earn upwards of $90,000 per month just from selling in-game virtual items. The market is only growing as more people flock to platforms like Roblox for entertainment and social interaction.
Why It’s Ideal: If you enjoy design and creativity, Roblox offers a platform where you can easily monetize your skills. Plus, you don’t need much upfront investment—just creativity and time.
Opportunity Score: 8/10 – With the continued rise of gaming platforms like Roblox, there’s huge potential here.
3. Astrology Reading and Guidance
What It Is: Astrology involves reading birth charts, planetary positions, and astrological signs to offer insights into people’s personalities, futures, and life decisions. Many people turn to astrologers for guidance on love, career, and personal development.
How It Works: You can offer astrology readings, birth chart interpretations, and daily horoscope services as a freelancer or through your own online business. Astrologers use their knowledge of zodiac signs and planetary alignments to help people discover more about themselves.
Earning Potential: While Glassdoor estimates the average annual salary for astrologers at $49,000, freelancers or business owners in this niche can make significantly more. Some astrologers charge for personalized readings, while others create subscription services or courses for extra income.
Why It’s Ideal: If you’re passionate about astrology and enjoy helping others, this could be a perfect side hustle. It’s relatively easy to get started, and you can build a loyal customer base over time.
Opportunity Score: 7/10 – Although it’s not for everyone, astrology is growing in popularity and offers solid income potential for the right person.
4. Dungeon Master for Dungeons & Dragons
What It Is: A Dungeon Master (DM) in Dungeons & Dragons is responsible for leading and guiding the gameplay experience, essentially acting as the storyteller and referee of the game.
How It Works: As a professional DM, you would host and run games for groups of players, creating immersive and engaging experiences. Skilled Dungeon Masters can charge for their services, and players are willing to pay good money for a well-run game.
Earning Potential: According to Bloomberg, good Dungeon Masters can charge up to $500 per game. With Glassdoor reporting an average salary of $62,000 a year, the income potential is significant, especially if you run multiple games per week.
Why It’s Ideal: If you love tabletop role-playing games, being a Dungeon Master can turn your passion into a side hustle. Plus, you’ll get to tap into your creativity and storytelling skills.
Opportunity Score: 7.5/10 – This is a niche side hustle, but for the right person, it’s both fun and lucrative.
5. Selling Bonsai Trees
What It Is: Bonsai trees are meticulously cultivated miniature trees, and caring for them has become a popular hobby. Bonsai enthusiasts enjoy pruning, shaping, and nurturing these trees, which can be sold for significant profits.
How It Works: You can buy bonsai trees at low prices, nurture and style them, and then resell them at a higher price. Some bonsai hobbyists specialize in rescuing neglected trees, turning them into valuable, healthy specimens.
Earning Potential: Depending on the species and care, bonsai trees can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For instance, one bonsai enthusiast bought a tree for $3,000 and sold it for over $20,000 after nurturing it back to health.
Why It’s Ideal: If you love plants and gardening, bonsai tree cultivation is a low-stress way to make money while enjoying a meditative hobby.
Opportunity Score: 8.5/10 – Perfect for plant lovers, and the potential for high profits makes it even better.
6. Insect Taxidermy
What It Is: Insect taxidermy involves preserving insects, such as butterflies or beetles, and mounting them in frames or cases for decoration or scientific purposes. This hobby, while niche, has a growing following in certain decor and art circles.
How It Works: You can start by learning how to preserve and display insects, then sell your framed creations online or at craft fairs. Taxidermy enthusiasts and collectors often look for well-preserved specimens, especially if they’re displayed creatively.
Earning Potential: Depending on the size, species, and presentation, preserved insects can sell for $30 to $300 each. More rare or intricately framed pieces can fetch higher prices.
Why It’s Ideal: This side hustle is ideal for anyone with an interest in entomology, art, or nature. It’s a relatively low-cost business to start, and the demand for unique, hand-crafted items continues to grow.
Opportunity Score: 7/10 – While it’s niche, insect taxidermy can be profitable with the right audience.
7. Feng Shui Consultation
What It Is: Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of arranging living spaces to optimize the flow of energy, or chi, for harmony and balance. Feng Shui consultants help clients redesign their homes and offices to improve health, wealth, and overall well-being.
How It Works: Consultants assess a space and offer advice on how to rearrange furniture, colors, and decor to improve the flow of energy. Sessions are often paid for by the hour or per project.
Earning Potential: Professional Feng Shui consultants charge between $100 to $500 per session, with top-tier consultants making between $20,000 and $60,000 per year.
Why It’s Ideal: If you’re passionate about interior design and energy work, this side hustle could be a great fit. Feng Shui consultations are in demand in both residential and corporate settings.
Opportunity Score: 8/10 – A great option for those interested in interior design and wellness.
8. Game Coaching
What It Is: Game coaching involves teaching others how to improve their skills in a specific game, whether it’s a traditional game like chess or a popular video game like Apex Legends.
How It Works: Game coaches can offer lessons on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Discord, or they can work one-on-one with players. Coaches can charge per session or offer long-term coaching packages.
Earning Potential: Game coaches typically charge between $20 and $50 an hour, but top coaches like Apex Legends coach Natesha Amber earn up to $3,000 a month. Gotham Chess, a popular YouTuber, makes millions teaching chess.
Why It’s Ideal: If you’re a skilled player, coaching is a fun and profitable way to share your expertise while making money. Plus, the gaming industry continues to grow, so there’s no shortage of demand.
Opportunity Score: 8.5/10 – A high-potential side hustle for those who excel at specific games.
9. Hand-Lettered Wedding Invitations
What It Is: Hand-lettering or calligraphy involves creating beautifully handwritten wedding invitations, place cards, and other stationery for weddings. This traditional skill has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially for high-end or vintage-inspired weddings.
How It Works: Calligraphers create custom wedding invitations and charge by the piece or offer wedding stationery packages. Many calligraphers also offer additional services such as designing menus, seating charts, or thank-you cards.
Earning Potential: Calligraphers typically earn between $2 to $10 per invitation or $100 to $300 for full wedding packages, depending on the level of customization and skill.
Why It’s Ideal: If you have neat handwriting and enjoy artistic work, calligraphy can be a relaxing and rewarding way to make extra cash.
Opportunity Score: 7.5/10 – Perfect for creative people who love weddings and personalized art.
10. Boosting Services for Video Games
What It Is: Boosting services involve helping less-skilled players reach certain levels, rankings, or achievements in competitive video games. Boosters are often hired by players looking to improve quickly or show off high-level achievements.
How It Works: Skilled players log into someone else’s account or play with them to help boost their rank or complete difficult tasks. This is common in games like League of Legends and Fortnite.
Earning Potential: Boosters can charge anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour, with top players like Rez from League of Legends making $200 per hour. High-demand players can make up to $1,000 a day.
Why It’s Ideal: If you’re highly skilled at a competitive game, boosting is an easy way to monetize your talents.
Opportunity Score: 7.5/10 – A great fit for competitive gamers looking for a flexible side hustle.
11. Game Item Farming
What It Is: Game item farming involves collecting valuable in-game resources or items and selling them to other players for real money. This practice is popular in games like RuneScape, World of Warcraft, and Diablo.
How It Works: Players spend time farming (collecting) rare items, currency, or resources in a game and then sell these items to other players. While some methods involve using bots, manual farming can also be profitable.
Earning Potential: Depending on the game, farmers can make a few hundred dollars a month or scale up to much larger profits. However, some games may have rules against selling in-game items for real money, so it’s important to understand the game’s policies.
Why It’s Ideal: If you love grinding in games and don’t mind repetitive tasks, item farming can be an easy way to earn extra cash.
Opportunity Score: 7/10 – It’s a bit more niche, but still a viable side hustle for dedicated gamers.
Conclusion
While these side hustles may be considered low-effort, they still require some dedication and skill to succeed. From modding video games and selling bonsai trees to providing astrology readings and game coaching, there’s something for everyone on this list. If you’re looking to make money while having fun or doing something you already enjoy, why not give one of these side hustles a try?
Just remember, even the easiest side hustle takes some time and effort to build. But with the right mindset, you can turn a hobby or interest into a profitable venture.
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