Moving to the US brings excitement and new opportunities, but it can also mean stretching every dollar a little further as you settle into your full-time job. If you’re balancing rent, daily expenses, and the costs of building a life here, finding ways to earn extra money can give you more breathing room. The good news is that there are plenty of flexible ways to make extra money that can fit around your existing schedule.
At Remitly, we understand the challenges immigrants face when managing finances in a new country. That’s why we’ve put together this guide full of practical tips on how to earn extra income while working a full-time job. We’ll cover side hustle ideas, passive income streams, and time-saving strategies to help you boost extra income without burning out.
Why Americans choose to earn extra income while working full-time
If you’re working a full-time job and thinking about starting a side hustle, you’re not alone. Nowadays, a lot of salaries don’t stretch to cover expensive extras or future savings. So it’s become common for people, including young workers, parents, and immigrants working hard to build a better future, to take on extra work to boost their income. In fact, over a third of Americans are working on building an additional source of income.
The key is to start small. Even setting aside a few hours a week can make a difference over time. Whether it’s freelancing, selling something you’re passionate about, or driving a few hours on weekends, every little bit counts.
To keep things manageable, it helps to stay organized. Try using a calendar app or a simple planner to schedule your job, side hustle, and – don’t forget – your rest time. Boundaries are important. A healthy routine will make it easier to stay consistent without burning out. With a good balance, both your regular job and your side hustle can support your financial goals.
Advantages of extra income streams
- More financial stability: Extra income can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re sending money home or saving for important goals.
- A safety net: Relying on just one paycheck can be risky. A side hustle helps you stay afloat during slow periods or if you get an unexpected bill.
- Room to grow: Side hustles let you explore passions or skills that could turn into something bigger in the future.
- New skills and experience: Juggling different types of work can help you build confidence and learn things that support your long-term goals.
- More control over your future: Having more than one source of income gives you options and helps you feel more in charge of your financial journey.
Common side hustle ideas
Building a successful side hustle often starts with leveraging skills you already have. Everyone is sure to have a skill they can monetise that feels manageable, enjoyable, and sustainable with their current routine. There are so many different routes to choose from, especially with more digital options popping up recently.
Freelancing
Freelancing is flexible and can be done on your own time. If you’re organized or have skills like writing, design, or translation, you can start offering services such as:
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Document translation or transcription
- Admin support, data entry, or social media scheduling
- SEO content writing
- Graphic design
Try platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour to find your first clients.
Selling on Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or eBay
You can earn money by selling things you no longer need. Some easy ways to get started include:
- Selling clothes, shoes, or accessories on Depop
- Using Facebook Marketplace to sell locally
- Flipping items like electronics, furniture, or tools on eBay
Cleaning, organizing, or handywork
These classic side hustles are always in demand. You could offer:
- House cleaning or office tidying
- Helping people move or pack
- Assembling furniture or minor home repairs
Advertise on TaskRabbit, Nextdoor, or local Facebook groups.
Tutoring
Tutoring is a great option if you’re fluent in English or strong in a subject area. You can offer:
- Homework help for school-aged kids
- English conversation or basic grammar tutoring
- Prep for tests like the GED, TOEFL, or citizenship exams
Teach online via Preply, Wyzant, Superprof, or locally in your neighborhood.
Online side hustles
The internet offers countless ways to earn money online. Some are quick, while others take time to build toward passive income streams.
Participate in online surveys and focus groups
If you have a phone or a laptop, you can make a little extra money just by sharing your thoughts. Sites like Survey Junkie, UserTesting, or Swagbucks pay you to answer surveys or test websites and apps.
These aren’t full-time jobs, but they’re a nice way to earn a few extra dollars during breaks, your commute, or while watching TV. If you’re interested in better-paying options, look into online focus groups. Sites like FocusGroup often pay more for in-depth feedback on new products or ads.
It’s easy to get started, and you don’t need special skills, just your opinion and a bit of time.
Start an online course or YouTube channel
Everyone has something they can teach. Whether it’s cooking traditional recipes, giving fashion advice, or explaining how to fix things around the house, your knowledge is valuable.
You can turn that knowledge into an online course using platforms like Teachable or Udemy. Record your lessons once, and they can keep earning money every time someone signs up. This is known as passive income.
Or you could start a YouTube channel or TikTok account. You don’t need fancy equipment to begin. With helpful, honest content, you can grow an audience and eventually earn money from ads, sponsors, or affiliate links. You can even reuse your videos as blog posts, e-books, or short guides.
Earn commissions through affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a simple way to make money by recommending products you actually like. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a small commission, without doing any selling yourself.
You can start with platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Rakuten Advertising. All you need is a basic blog, social media page, or YouTube channel where you share your reviews, tips, or tutorials.
It takes time to build up, but with consistency, affiliate income can become a steady stream that works in the background, even while you sleep.
Digital product side hustle ideas
Building passive income means upfront effort pays off later, which is ideal if you want earnings that don’t rely on continuous time investment.
Creating and selling digital products
This is a great side hustle if you enjoy working on your computer and want something that can earn income passively over time. Examples of digital products include:
- Printable planners, journals, or worksheets
- Resume or cover letter templates
- E-books, guides, or recipe collections
- Digital art or design assets, such as social media templates
You can sell digital products on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website. Once created, they require little maintenance and can continue earning money while you focus on other things.
Print-on-demand with platforms
Print-on-demand services such as Printful or Printify let you design T-shirts, mugs, and more. You upload artwork, and the platform handles production, shipping, and customer service.
This side hustle shines if you enjoy graphic design or have a niche audience in mind. By marketing your products on social media or via your personal website, you can earn extra money whenever an order comes in.
Creative side hustle ideas
Tap into your creative side and find ways to sell your art, photography, or expert services. Many of these can be done online without leaving your home, or in your local community.
Social media for small businesses
If you’re active on Instagram or TikTok and enjoy making content, offer to manage social media for local businesses. Many small business owners don’t have time or know-how and will happily pay for help with:
- Creating content calendars
- Ideas and content strategy
- Creating posts for different platforms
Start by helping someone you know and build up from there. It’s always a good idea to ask any existing clients to recommend you to their friends or colleagues.
Peer-to-peer services
Apps like Turo and Rover let you rent out your car or pet-sit for neighbors. This can give you control over your schedule and allow you to earn more than traditional odd jobs.
By setting clear rates and availability, you can rely on these income streams during weekends or evenings. Plus, these services often have built-in rating systems to help you attract repeat clients.
Home-cooked food or baked goods
Many communities love authentic home-cooked meals. If you’re comfortable in the kitchen, consider:
- Selling lunchboxes to workers or students
- Baking pastries or snacks for weekend markets
- Cooking for small events or special occasions
Start with friends or local groups, and always check local food safety rules if you’re selling publicly.
Photography or videography
If you enjoy taking photos or videos, even a decent phone camera is enough to get you started. Consider offering affordable services for:
- Birthdays, weddings, or family gatherings
- Product photos for online sellers
- Social media content for small businesses
It might be worth offering a few free or low-cost sessions at first to build your portfolio.
Tips for managing extra income with a full-time job
Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job isn’t always easy, but it is doable. Many immigrants take this path to earn extra income, send money home, or build something of their own. The key is to be realistic, stay organized, and take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
Set a routine that works for you
You don’t need to work 24/7 to make a side hustle work. What matters is consistency.
- Choose realistic hours: Maybe early mornings, evenings, or a few hours on weekends. Even just 5–10 focused hours a week can make a big difference.
- Stick to your schedule like it’s a real job: This helps you stay on track without letting your side hustle take over your life.
- Protect your rest: Burnout helps no one. Set boundaries so you still have time for family, friends, or just relaxing. You deserve that balance.
Focus on side hustles that fit your lifestyle
If your job is physically demanding, consider a side hustle that lets you work from home, like online tutoring, freelancing, or selling digital products. If your job is more sedentary, maybe a physical activity like weekend cleaning or deliveries could be a good change of pace.
Ask yourself:
- Does this fit around my full-time hours?
- Does it drain me or energize me?
- Can I do it without sacrificing my health or peace of mind?
Use your extra income wisely
Once you start earning extra money, it’s tempting to spend it quickly. But having a plan will help you make the most of it. You can:
- Save for long-term goals like starting your own business or moving into a better home
- Pay off debts or reduce financial pressure
- Reinvest in your side hustle (buy tools, take courses, upgrade your setup)
Managing both a job and a side hustle takes courage, energy, and commitment. It’s okay if things move slowly, what matters is that you’re moving forward. You’re building something valuable for yourself and your future.
FAQs
What’s the easiest side hustle to start while working full-time?
The easiest place to start is with something you already know, like tutoring, translation, or selling unused items online. These low-risk options help you ease into earning extra money without overwhelming your schedule.
How do I find time for a side hustle with a job and personal life?
Start small. Just a few focused hours a week in the early morning, evenings, or weekends. The key is setting a realistic routine and choosing a side hustle that fits your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Can I really make money online without special skills?
Yes. You can earn from surveys, selling items, customer service gigs, or even teaching your native language. Many platforms are beginner-friendly and don’t require advanced tech skills to get started.
What’s a smart way to use extra income from my side hustle?
Use it to reduce debt, build savings, or invest back into your side hustle to grow it over time. Even small amounts can create long-term security when managed with a clear goal in mind.