Money doesn’t grow on trees, or so the saying goes. And for most people, getting a job is the simplest and most straightforward way to earn cash.

Fifty years ago, it would have been virtually impossible for anyone to make money without becoming an employee or putting up a business.

But let’s face it—given today’s cutthroat job market, gaining stable employment that covers all your living expenses is an ordeal that’s easier said than done.

In fact, while unemployment rates in the US went down from 9.5% in 2007 to just 4.2% in 2017, rising levels of household debt (consumer debt rose to $12.73 trillion in the first quarter of 2017) show that thousands of people are either underemployed or unemployed—many of them getting in debt just to make ends meet.

Fortunately, the internet has made it possible for folks to earn money without having to go neck-deep into debt, or committing to a traditional 9-5 office job.

The rise of the so-called gig and sharing economy allowed skilled freelancers to monetize their skills and use various digital platforms that help them reach clients, build their portfolios, work flexible hours, and earn money without having to join the corporate world.

So if you ever find yourself (by choice or by chance) unable to get an office-based job, don’t despair. There are lots of things you can do to earn cash—and we’ve listed 20 examples to help get you started. Key points to remember…

Before we begin, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:

Do what you know. Focus on tasks that you are already familiar with, or at least have a working knowledge of. Have a passion for visual art? Choose options that allow you to showcase and develop your skill—such as working as a freelance graphic artist or a designer. Years of sales or marketing experience under your belt? Open your own online shop or develop an online course for entrepreneurs. By sticking to what you know, you’re able to provide excellent results with less effort, since you already know the tricks of the trade.
Find the right fit. Echoing the first point, remember that not all of the options mentioned below will be suitable for you. It might be tempting to try all of them, but dipping your hand in too many pies can lead to burnout and frustration quicker than you can say “career development”. Choose the ones that you are genuinely interested in, and consider factors like length of time required, difficulty of the task, necessary equipment, compensation, as well as your own skill set and knowledge.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: While you need to be careful in choosing opportunities according to your needs and abilities, don’t hesitate to pursue multiple work options at a time—get out there, advertise your services and go after as many clients as you can, especially if you’re just starting out. Remember that a seemingly great opportunity may not work out in the future, so make sure to hedge your bets by having other sources of income.
Do your homework. The rise of online platforms and apps offering income generating opportunities has made it easy for crooks to take advantage of unsuspecting folks looking to earn money. Make it a point to research and double-check websites and apps before signing up to anything—look for credible industry sites and user reviews to confirm legitimacy. If all else fails, trust your instincts—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Make sure you have a financial safety net: Unlike a regular job, working as a free agent means that you have to deal with billing and payment issues yourself. And while lenders will always ask for payment on time, you may encounter clients who pay much later than you expect (or even worse, fail to pay for your services at all), leaving you financially unstable. Make sure that you have your finances in order before deciding to pursue a fulltime freelance career—a safety net that covers at least 3-6 months of your living expenses is a good idea.
Give it your best shot. No matter how trivial the tasks may seem, remember that online work is still work, you are getting paid to do it so you need to put in enough time and effort to produce good results. Be professional and courteous. Develop a consistent schedule and workflow to help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

That said, check out the following ideas on how to make money without being in the corporate world:

1. Open an online shop

There are a lot of e-commerce platforms that allow sellers to advertise and sell various products or services online. Don’t have the necessary capital to buy merchandise?

Try selling your old books, clothes, knickknacks, appliances or gadgets that you’re not using anymore—chances are there’s somebody who’s willing to buy these used items at a fair price.

If you’re particularly creative, you can also try making and selling your own handmade accessories or artwork—unique items often fetch a higher price and it can be a great way for you to get exposure and build your network as an artist.

Check out:

Shopify – comprehensive e-commerce platform
eBay –one of the biggest online shopping sites
SaleHoo – dropshipping platform (suppliers directory, online courses, and online store builder)
Craigslist and Gumtree – online classifieds and community websites

2. Write eBooks

This may sound intimidating but is actually a fairly easy task, especially if you already have in-depth knowledge about a particular subject. Topics can range from anything under the sun—the main thing is to write engaging content that resonates with the needs and preferences of a specific target audience.

You can either write eBooks for companies who use them as lead magnets (i.e. marketing materials designed to attract clients and convert prospects to leads) or self-publish your own and earn royalties for future downloads or sales.

Check out:

Kindle Direct Publishing—Self-publishing platform powered by Amazon.
Upwork –online workplace, where clients can request freelance writers to produce eBooks
NookPress and Smashwords –self-publishing platforms catering to Barnes and Noble readers and indie authors respectively

3. Create an online course or become a consultant

Like #2, this is a great idea for professionals who have the necessary expertise on a specific subject or industry. Online learning is all the rage these days, there are a lot of digital tools and platforms that can help you develop and advertise your own online courses.

If you have sufficient skills and qualifications, you may also choose to market yourself as an independent consultant and make money by providing expert advice on relevant industry issues and pain points.

Check out:

Udemy –online learning platform that allows experts to create their own free or paid online courses
Skillshare –online learning community that allows users to develop personalized, on-demand courses that students can access via a subscription

4. Monetize your blog/vlog/podcasts

This is one of the most common ways to earn money without having to slave away at a desk job. If you already have a significant online presence and can confidently attract a regular audience for your blog/Youtube channel/ podcasts, you can make a significant amount of money from sponsorships, brand partnerships and ads.

Check out industry best practices on blogging/vlogging/podcasting to ensure that your posts continue to be engaging and relevant, while also complying with possible regulations and industry standards.

Check out:

Wordpress –open-source CMS that allows users to develop their own websites and blogs (you can also check out this quick guide on how to start a blog)
Youtube –online video-sharing site that allows users to upload, share and view content
Content Marketing Institute – comprehensive hub of resource materials to help beginners develop relevant, engaging, and marketable content

5. Fill out online surveys

The work may be repetitive and the returns small, but taking part in paid surveys can add up to a substantial income if you are able to complete multiple surveys in a short period of time.

Take note that compensation can vary depending on the platform that you use, so think about whether you prefer to get paid in cash or in kind.

Check out:

6. Be a freelance handyman

If you have a lot of spare time and don’t mind doing other chores and odd jobs for other people, becoming a freelance handyman can be a great way to earn some extra cash. There are a lot of sites and online platforms that offer a wide array of opportunities—from picking up groceries, dog-walking, pet-sitting, doing minor house repairs, etc.

Compensation varies depending on the difficulty of the tasks involved but if you’re able to perform a lot of tasks for various clients, it could add up to a good income. Just make sure that you’re qualified and able to do a specific task well (For example, plumbers in Australia need to undergo extensive training and obtain specific qualifications, so a side-hustle doing plumbing work in this area isn’t a good idea unless you have the required experience).

To make things easier, consider using community platforms, which lets businesses and individuals outsource tasks like minor repairs or simple office work to freelancers.

Check out:

Airtasker –community marketplace that connects businesses and individuals who need work done to people willing to perform the said tasks.
TaskRabbit –online community marketplace that links freelance labourers and handymen with local demand
Fiverr –global marketplace offering tasks and services at affordable costs (minimum of $5 per task)

7. Refer businesses and apps

Many local businesses and tech start-ups rely on word-of-mouth and customer reviews to advertise their products and gain additional clients, and will be willing to shell out good money for reliable referrals.

Explore your area for companies that offer referral bonuses, especially services or products that you’re likely to use multiple times yourself—referral discounts and credits can add up and save you a significant amount of cash.

Check out:

Uber and Lyft –ride-sharing services that offer referral bonuses to users who persuade others to use the service
Amazon –one of the biggest e-commerce sites, it allows users to create unique referral links that can be posted in websites, blogs or social media pages.

8. Monetize your existing skills

If you have skills and talents, why not advertise and offer your services? The internet is teeming with opportunities for professional writers, graphic artists, SEO specialists, web developers, videographers and other skilled workers looking to earn some extra money.

If you’re good enough to get multiple clients and build your reputation and credibility as an outstanding worker, freelance gigs have the potential to generate some serious income that can surpass a regular salary. There are a lot of specialized websites and platforms that allow freelancers to connect with potential clients, so feel free to explore.

Check out:

Upwork –online workplace that connects skilled freelancers and professionals with clients from a wide range of industries
99Designs –online graphic design marketplace that specializes on connecting freelance graphic designers with potential clients
Outsourcely and Guru–global job marketplace that links freelancers to start-ups and businesses requiring their services

9. Rent out your stuff

Take part in the sharing economy and make an inventory of items and properties that you have and consider renting them out. Spare rooms, furniture, electronic gadgets, workman tools, personal vehicles, and costumes are just some items that you can rent out for a fair price.

Check out:

Loanables –online platform that allows users to list, find, and reserve various items that they can rent
Airbnb> –online marketplace that allows users to lease or rent lodging for specific periods of time
Park on my drive –allows homeowners to rent out their garage as a paid parking space

10. Be a beta-tester or reviewer

Companies often need beta-testers and reviewers to help them improve their products and services before it is released to the general public.

If you’re adventurous and willing to take the risks involved, signing up to be a beta-tester, product reviewer or even a human guinea pig for clinical trials can provide you with a steady source of income, and gives you the opportunity to try products, treatments, and services before they hit the market.

Check out:

Utest –online network of professional testers that allow users to rate products and tools, learn new skills and participate in paid usability research activities
Erli Bird –online platform that conducts beta-testing on various apps,programs, sites, and hardware
ClinicalTrials.gov –maintained by the US National Library of Medicine, it is a database of clinical studies conducted around the world.

11. Take part in mock trials

Similar to beta-testing and reviewing, lawyers often use mock trials to help them prepare and revise their strategies for a big case, or simply hone their skills in the courtroom.

There are websites offering online mock trials for lawyers that require this kind of service, and you can get paid to participate in an online jury.

Check out:

eJury and Online Verdict –sites that host online mock trials and focus groups to help lawyers prepare for upcoming cases.

12. Make your own app

Have you ever used your smartphone or tablet and looked for an app that turned out to be non-existent? If yes, why not develop an app for it yourself?

There are a lot of websites that can help you learn how to code and build an app without too much hassle so try checking those out. Apps that address common problems or niche-specific issues have a huge potential to make money—you can either charge per download or develop a free version with ads.

Check out:

CodeAcademy : Online freemium learning platform that offers tutorials and courses on coding and web development
Play Store and App Store –digital distribution platforms for mobile apps developed by Google and Apple, respectively

13. Post in forums

Forum posting is another lucrative activity that can help you make some extra money. A lot of companies (especially those in the B2B space) use public forums or industry-specific threads to attract prospects, generate leads and convert new clients for their businesses, so if you have experience in inbound marketing, sales, or lead generation, forum posting can be an awesome way to make money without having to invest or sell anything.

Check out:

Upwork: online workplace, where businesses can hire freelance writers and marketing specialists to post in forums.
Quora: Online knowledge-sharing platform similar to Yahoo Answers, it is one of the most common forums used for lead generation and brand awareness today.

14. Monetize virtual assets

When we say virtual assets, we’re referring to digital resources that you can trade or sell for extra income, like website domains.

Those who play video games are also familiar with this type of income-generating activity, where an established gamer can sell accumulated assets to newbies who wish to acquire additional powers or properties that can help them get ahead in the game.

Check out:

Planet Calypso and Second Life –virtual reality games where it is common for gamers to earn profits from selling or trading their acquired digital assets
Sedo –online domain name marketplace that allows users to buy, sell, and trade domain names. It also offers domain parking, appraisals, and brokerage services.

15. Take advantage of rebates

Rebates are an indirect way of generating income but that doesn’t mean that you should shun them completely. Many online stores have cash-back programs that return a portion of the money you spent on their site if you buy often enough.

Many credit card companies also have rebate promos and discounts for clients who reach a certain threshold of payments.

Check out:

Ebates – US-based online shopping portal featuring cashback promos and coupons from thousands of retailers
Topcashback –Good alternative for users who want to compare rebate and cashback rates

16. Make smart investments

For folks who have the capacity and aptitude to invest their money, there are a lot of options that can result to substantial returns over time.

Options include investing in crowdfunded real estate, high dividend stock portfolios, or index funds. There are a lot of websites that provide easy to follow guides for beginners, as well as apps that make it easy to start investing.

Check out:

Robinhood, Stash Invest and Acorns –apps that make it easy for users to invest in the stock market
Fundrise – US-based investment platform that allows users to invest in crowdfunded real estate

17. Turn your social media presence to profit

If you have a large following on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, there are a lot of ways to convert these followers to revenue.

For example, you can use social media sites as a platform to sell or advertise various products or services that you provide, or you can become an affiliate marketer or brand ambassador for another company.

Check out:

Facebook Marketplace –a buy and sell platform developed and maintained by Facebook, it allows users to list and find items posted by their local community
Step-by-step guide to making money on Instagram –a comprehensive blog post written by content marketing guru Neil Patel on how to earn cash on Instagram

18. Be a virtual assistant

Many businesses prefer to outsource specific tasks instead of hiring additional staff, so take advantage of this opportunity by offering your services as a virtual assistant.

Depending on your client and the industry where he operates, your tasks can include research, managing appointments, data entry and analysis, customer service, and more. Similar to other freelancers, diligent virtual assistants can build their portfolio, expand their network, and get bigger clients in the future.

Check out:

Craigslist –online classifieds that often have job posts and gigs for freelance virtual assistants
Upwork –online workplace that connects skilled freelancers and professionals with clients from a wide range of industries
Indeed –a global employment-related search engine

19. Turn your car into a money-making machine

If you travel all the time and have your own vehicle, you can make extra money by turning your regular trips to an on-demand delivery service. Offer to pick-up and deliver packages from one place to another and charge appropriate fees for the service.

You can use the usual freelancing platforms to advertise and grow your client base. You can also engage in vehicle advertising, where your car serves as a mobile billboard for different products and services.

Check out:

20. Explore Get-paid-to (GPT) sites for other opportunities

There are a lot of websites and digital platforms that offer cash in exchange for completing basic tasks, such as surfing the web, watching videos or playing games.

The payment for each task can be a bit small, but can accumulate into a substantial amount if done consistently over a period of time.

Check out:

Swagbucks –an online rewards website that enables users to earn gift cards, prizes and other items in exchange for doing various tasks
InboxDollars –online platform that provides cash rewards, gift cards, and other items for users who play games, shop, complete surveys, etc.

These are just a few examples of how you can make a decent amount of money without having a job—with enough creativity and resourcefulness, the possibilities for generating income are endless! Hopefully, this list will help you get started in the right direction.

Do you have other ideas for profitable side-hustles and income generating activities? Let us know in the comments!

About the Author: Jason Acidre is the Co-founder of Grit and the author of Kaiserthesage, a popular online marketing blog. He’s been a digital marketing consultant for several highly-valued startups and enterprise brands in the US, UK and Australia since 2010.