Being alive right now is expensive. From housing costs to healthcare, the price of living seems to keep rising. Many people find themselves looking for ways to save money and cut back on expenses. However, sometimes cutting back isn’t enough, and finding ways to make more money becomes necessary. This can involve getting a raise, switching jobs, or taking on a side gig. While ideally, everyone should be paid enough to live comfortably with just one job, the reality is that many people need to find additional sources of income to make ends meet.
Recently, Reddit user u/bigdope-smallgirl asked people to share the weirdest ways they’ve ever made money. The responses were surprising and showed just how creative people can be when it comes to earning extra cash. Here are some of the most interesting ways people have made money:
1. Hosting Trivia Nights: One person shared that they host trivia nights a few times a week, earning $50 each night plus perks like free meals and drinks. This side gig brings in around $500 a month, making it a fun and lucrative way to make extra money.
2. Baking Fruitcakes: Another individual bakes fruitcakes from scratch, using unique ingredients like pecans and cream sherry. By selling these cakes in small portions, they can make a few hundred dollars easily.
3. Hosting Parents’ Night Out: One person hosts a monthly parents’ night out, babysitting kids overnight and providing activities and meals. Charging around $50 per child, they can make up to $500 in one night.
4. Participating in Mock Juries: Another individual found a gig on Craigslist where they acted as a mock juror for a law firm, earning $200 for a few hours of work.
5. Being a Victim for Military Training: One person worked as a victim for a military training drill, earning $100 per day in cash.
6. Selling Feeder Roaches: An individual made $200k by selling feeder roaches to pet stores.
7. Selling Plant Cuttings and Seedlings: Another person sells plant cuttings and seedlings, turning their hobby into a profitable side business.
8. Running a Flea Market Booth: One person sells freeze-dried candy at a flea market booth, making a 100% markup on the products.
9. Joining Class Action Lawsuits: Some people make money by joining class action lawsuits and receiving random checks in the mail.
10. Growing Hemp and Selling CBD Products: One person legally grows hemp and sells CBD products at local farmers markets, turning a profit over time.
11. Teaching English Online: Another individual gets paid to chat with people online, including watching Pokémon and Godzilla with a kid.
12. Valet Parking at Events: One couple worked as valets at college football games, earning hourly pay plus tips.
13. Crocheting and Selling Dolls: Some people make money by crocheting and selling dolls.
14. Pet Sitting: One person pet sits for doctors in their building, providing care for their pets while they are away.
15. Selling Photos of Feet: Another individual makes money by selling photos of their feet.
16. Modeling for Art Classes: Some people model for art classes, earning cash for their time.
17. Selling Items Found in the Alley: One person sells items they find in the alley on platforms like Poshmark, turning a profit with zero overhead.
18. Restoring Vintage Cast Iron Cookware: Another individual restores vintage cast iron cookware and sells it online.
19. DJing Weddings and Events: Some people DJ weddings and provide light shows for bands, charging less than traditional DJs and bands.
20. Transcribing Audio: One person transcribes audio files for Rev, earning a couple hundred dollars a month.
21. Finding Odd Jobs on Facebook Groups: Some people find odd jobs on local Facebook groups, like clipping a cat’s toenails for $25.
22. Assembling Furniture: One person puts together furniture for older folks who can’t do it themselves, enjoying the puzzle of assembling flat-pack furniture.
23. Sharpening Knives and Tools: Another individual sharpens knives and tools at farmers markets, earning a decent income each month.
24. Selling Clothing on eBay: Some people source cheap clothing items and sell them on eBay for a profit.
25. Refereeing Soccer Games: One person referees soccer games on weekends, earning around $30 per hour.
26. Snaking Drains: One individual started a drain-snaking business after moving to a new city, making $400 per day by offering lower prices than competitors.
27. Teaching Fitness Classes: Some people teach fitness classes on the side, earning money while getting paid to exercise.
These examples show that there are countless ways to make money, even in unconventional or unexpected ways. Whether it’s hosting trivia nights, selling fruitcakes, or modeling for art classes, people have found creative ways to supplement their income and make ends meet. So, if you’re looking for ways to earn extra cash, consider thinking outside the box and exploring unique opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a surprisingly lucrative side gig that brings in some extra income and adds a bit of excitement to your life.