It’s not always easy to make ends meet, and when the cost of goods and services goes up you might find that your main source of income isn’t quite enough. Even good careers can mean stretched budgets sometimes. Fortunately, there are some good options to make extra money on the weekends.
Whether you’re looking to save for something you want, just need a few extra dollars here and there, or trying to pay some debt off faster, a weekend gig (or two) could be exactly what you need. Here are a few of the best options, and some things to consider, to make some extra weekend money.
First, Consider What’s Realistic
It can be tempting to jump right into any of the careers you’re offered, or take on several extra side gigs, but you need to choose options that are sustainable. Consider how you feel about staring at a computer screen for hours, or whether manual labor is safe for you.
Knowing your limitations is the first step to doing more. That might sound contradictory, but you don’t want to take on gigs or careers that just aren’t going to work out for you. Sure, sometimes an idea seems great but isn’t what you need. That can happen to anyone. Reducing the chances of that is important, though, and understanding what you’re comfortable with is very valuable.
One Way to Make Money is Through One-Time Events
If you’re not looking to change careers, or you don’t want to work every weekend, there may be one-time events or gigs to consider. For example, if you’re a good singer, a photographer, or a DJ you could potentially get hired for weddings and other kinds of events.
You don’t have to take this kind of work all the time and can just accept what fits in your schedule. Being able to do that means you can get extra income when needed and relax on weekends when you don’t have anything scheduled. One-time options can be great if your need for extra cash is short-lived or for something very specific.
Another Weekend Money-Maker is Housecleaning
Cleaning houses on the weekends is a good way to make some additional cash. If you’re good at cleaning, and you can keep your clients happy, you can also get referred to more people who need their homes cleaned, too. Building up a little side business can be just the thing when you need some additional money from weekend work.
Keep in mind, though, that most house cleaners have their own supplies. You may have to spend a little money right at the beginning in order to have what you need. That can include things like gloves, mops, brooms, chemicals, and a vacuum cleaner. While these are business expenses and might be deductible in some cases, it’s still important to plan for them.
You Could Start Up Your Own Business
If you have a specific talent and want to get established with it, you could end up with multiple careers and a lucrative income from your weekend work. Starting your own business is a great way to advance your goals. You don’t have to give up your Monday through Friday job, and could spend your weekends growing your new company.
It’s completely up to you how much time and work you want to put into your business, and eventually it might even take the place of your current job. Whether that’s your goal, or you just want to keep it as a side business that can bring in some weekend money, starting up a business is easier than ever due to all the technology available.
Maybe a Part-Time Job is the Right Choice
Not everyone wants to establish a new business or work at several side gigs in order to have weekend money. If you’re in that group you might prefer to get a part-time job instead. There are plenty of companies looking for workers, and it’s often harder to get people to work on the weekends. That could make it easier for you to find a schedule that meets your needs.
The biggest downside to a part-time job can be the requirement that you work based on the scheduling requirements of someone else, which isn’t something you need to worry about as much with gigs or your own business. Still, working part-time on the weekends can be a great way to get more money, especially if you like the job, or it pays really well.
Consider Looking for Online Careers
Working online is becoming extremely popular. There are all kinds of opportunities, from freelance writing and editing to graphic design, virtual assisting, and more. You could teach English to non-native speakers or work customer service from the comfort of your couch. All you need is a good internet connection.
With the high number of online careers available you can find a weekend job that works for your needs and start bringing in the extra amount of money you need for your plans and goals. A lot of people also like online work because it doesn’t require them to leave the house, so you could still get some rest on the weekend instead of dealing with a commute.
You Have Many Options to Consider for Extra Income
Since there are so many different ways to make money on the weekends, the choice is really up to you. Working online might be exactly what you want to do, or you might prefer to get your camera and take wedding and engagement pictures. Consider the things you’re good at, and the kinds of talents and gifts you have.
Then, overlap those considerations with the types of work available in your area or the needs of your local community. That can really help you find everything you need for reliable and valuable weekend work. Sure, it can be more tiring to work on the weekends when you also work during the week. But it can also be worth it to pay down bills or save up for something important.
There’s no reason to shy away from work that interests you, and that will help you have a more secure financial future. Just focus on the end result and think about what you can do with the money you’re making on the weekend. Seeing savings go up or debt come down can be very rewarding.
That rewarding feeling can keep you going back to your part-time job or taking on one more virtual assistant task, so you can meet your goals. Remember, weekend work doesn’t have to be forever. It’s a means to an end, and can absolutely be worth it.
