Many young people are told that a university degree guarantees a high-paying job, but the reality has shifted. In today’s world, having a side hustle can be just as important as having a degree. Here are seven side hustles that students can start this year, along with real-life examples and ratings on how much time, money, and effort they require.
1. Faceless Short Form Content
Example: Daniel Bitton Daniel started using social media for fun at 13 and now earns half a million dollars a month creating short-form content on Snapchat without showing his face. Social media platforms are currently in a battle for attention, making this a golden opportunity for content creators.
Ratings:
- Learning Time: 4/5 – It requires understanding human psychology and creating engaging hooks.
- Money Needed: 1/5 – You only need a phone and an internet connection.
- Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – Platforms are paying well for original content.
2. Investing
Example: Author Investing might not be a traditional side hustle, but it can generate significant returns. By consistently investing in the stock market, even small amounts can grow substantially over time.
Ratings:
- Learning Time: 1/5 – Basics are simple to learn.
- Money Needed: 1/5 – Start with as little as $1.
- Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – Requires consistent investment over time.
3. Discord Building
Example: Chris Peters Chris started building and managing Discord servers at 17 and now makes $15,000 a month. Discord is a versatile communication hub, and there’s a growing demand for skilled server managers.
Ratings:
- Learning Time: 2.5/5 – Basics are easy, but advanced skills take longer.
- Money Needed: 1/5 – Just need a computer.
- Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – Managing multiple clients can generate significant income.
4. Online Coaching
Example: Jack Jefferson Jack quit his $70,000 job to pursue online fitness coaching full-time, now earning $7,000 a month. Online coaching can apply to various skills and industries, making it a flexible and lucrative option.
Ratings:
- Learning Time: 2/5 – Requires packaging and selling your skills.
- Money Needed: 1/5 – Just need a laptop.
- Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – Personalization helps in attracting clients.
5. AI Animation
Example: Mercy Mercy makes $8,000 to $10,000 a month creating animations using AI tools. AI is a rapidly growing field, and early adopters can leverage this technology to stand out.
Ratings:
- Learning Time: 4/5 – Mastering animation skills takes time.
- Money Needed: 1/5 – Early stage, so tools are affordable.
- Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 2/5 – Growing demand for unique content.
6. Reselling Luxury Items
Example: Ben Gallagher Ben generated £7.2 million in 2023 reselling luxury items through his business, Luxe Collective. The luxury resale market is booming, driven by social media culture.
Ratings:
- Learning Time: 4/5 – Requires knowledge of luxury items.
- Money Needed: 3.5/5 – High initial investment.
- Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – High profit margins.
7. Online Writing
Example: Adam Adam earns over $10,000 a month writing online content. Instead of writing novels, he focuses on in-demand content like blog posts and copywriting for influencers.
Ratings:
- Learning Time: 1/5 – Basics are easy to learn.
- Money Needed: 1/5 – Just need a computer.
- Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – High demand for quality content.
Conclusion:
Starting a side hustle while still in school can set you on the path to financial independence. These seven side hustles offer various opportunities to leverage your skills and interests into significant income.
FAQs
Q1: Why is it important for students to have a side hustle?
A side hustle provides financial security and practical experience that can complement formal education and increase earning potential.
Q2: How can I get started with faceless short-form content creation?
Start by studying popular short-form content, understand what makes them engaging, and then create your own original content using those insights.
Q3: What are the benefits of investing as a side hustle?
Investing provides long-term financial growth and can create a passive income stream, enhancing financial stability.
Q4: How do I find clients for Discord building services?
Join multiple Discord communities to learn what makes a successful server, and offer your services to those who need help managing their servers.
Q5: What skills are needed for online coaching?
Identify a skill you excel at and package it into a coaching service. Personalized coaching is highly valued and can attract many clients.