She Strengthens

From Zero to Hero: How I Turned Side Hustles into a $5,700 Profit

A Rocky Start

In 2015, I faced a tumultuous employment situation that lasted for a couple of months. After quitting my full-time job, I struggled to find steady freelance work. It took me two months, but by April, I was back on my feet, supporting myself entirely through freelance writing.

Defining Side Hustles

When I say “side hustles,” I’m not referring to my writing income. Instead, I’m talking about the extra money I made outside of my primary freelance work. My goal was to supplement my income and achieve financial stability.

Airbnb: My Top-Earning Side Hustle

My first foray into side hustles was Airbnb. I made a whopping $3,600 by renting out my apartment to travelers. When I lived alone, I kept the profits to myself, but I’d treat my friends who let me stay with them. Later, when I moved into a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate, we split the Airbnb earnings. This venture proved incredibly lucrative, especially during a time when my freelance income was inconsistent.

Babysitting: A Lucrative Opportunity

My next side hustle was babysitting. I got lucky when a friend introduced me to a family in LA who needed a sitter. I made $20 an hour, working four hours a week, and occasionally taking on extra nights. Over six months, I earned $1,600. Although I eventually gave up this gig due to increased freelance rates, it was a valuable experience.

Social Media Clients: A Brief but Profitable Venture

I also made a few hundred dollars by taking on social media clients. With my experience in social strategy, I helped individuals curate their content and develop a social media presence. Although I enjoyed this work, I eventually had to let it go due to time constraints. If you have social media skills, consider offering your services on freelance platforms like Upwork.

The Power of Side Hustles

In total, I made $5,700 through my side hustles in 2015. The key to my success was being proactive and open to opportunities. I didn’t plan these side hustles months in advance, but I was willing to take calculated risks and put in the effort. If you’re looking to start a side hustle, remember that it’s never too late to begin. Keep your ears open, research, and approach people when appropriate.