Earning
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Take a weekend shift at a coffee shop that ends by noon.
The short duration makes the work feel negligible.
one person who lived it
Visit a Sikh temple (Gurdwara) for free food; you do not need to be Sikh, but offer to help clean afterward.
- The food might be heavily seasoned.
3 people, independently
Ask diners if they need help cleaning for the day.
They often lack resources to hire cleaners and appreciate the help; you get to eat.
one person who lived it
Do not provide free goods or services when getting to know new people.
They may subconsciously think they do not need to put effort into knowing you or view you as 'easy'.
one person who lived it
Charge an hourly rate instead of a fixed bid to reduce strain and risk for all parties.
Fixed bids potentially result in far more strain.
one person who lived it
Make agreements with restaurant owners for one meal per week rather than begging daily.
Begging daily leads to rejection; limiting visits to once a week works better.
one person who lived it
Create premium packages for corporate clients to charge higher rates for bespoke services.
Large sums are negligible to companies but provide good income for you.
one person who lived it
Choose a side job with a very early schedule.
It leaves most of the day free, making the job feel less intrusive.
one person who lived it
If you are mute but can hear in a customer-facing role, pin a laminated card to your uniform stating this to reduce offense from your lack of reply.
Most people will be less offended when they understand why you do not reply.
one person who lived it
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Suggest that friends 'pay it forward' as a way to relieve them of the obligation to repay you directly.
It lets them off the hook.
one person who lived it
Charge for tutoring or training sessions, adjusting the amount based on the client's ability to pay.
Non-paying clients are more likely to cancel, quit, or think you are not an expert.
one person who lived it
Start a house cleaning side hustle by charging $30-$40 per hour and aiming for two clients per weekend day.
one person who lived it
Refuse to perform professional services for very low pay, even if you previously did them for free.
Doing so values yourself low.
one person who lived it
Overprice services for clients you wish to avoid rather than explicitly refusing them.
It offends people less than saying you do not want to do their job.
one person who lived it
Casually ask what is for dinner when agreeing to help someone at their home to test if they recognize the implicit cost of your time.
If they don't pick up on it, it indicates they may not be a solid friend
one person who lived it
Use traceable payment methods like checks or credit cards when paying independent contractors.
A money trail allows you to prove that something happened or possibly get a refund.
one person who lived it
Set cancellation policies that allow enough time to replace lost business, such as requiring notice well in advance for housesitting jobs.
Late cancellations may leave you unable to make up the lost income.
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Leave a positive review for professionals who help you, particularly small businesses.
Most people don't do this, and it is helpful to small businesses.
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If a landlord refuses partial payment, return the money in a labeled envelope (e.g., 'PET DEPOSIT') rather than keeping it, to nonverbally signal that the money belongs to them.
It sends the message that 'this is your money, not mine'.
one person who lived it
Create a written contract before hiring an independent contractor found through informal channels.
Without a contract, there may be no way to prove payment or services provided.
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Reevaluate your relationship with people who cannot value your work or become angry when you refuse to work for free.
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Consider working as a valet if you have a driver's license.
It involves less interaction with customers than serving while offering comparable pay.
one person who lived it
Use the phrase 'Yes, And' instead of 'but' when communicating with bosses or customers.
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Consider that some professionals genuinely enjoy helping family off the clock as a passion rather than just for a paycheck.
It can be flattering and fun to show off expertise.
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Sell baked goods like cookies, bread, or bean pies door-to-door or on streets.
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Charge higher rates for pet sitting by providing exceptional service, including frequent communication, photos, notes, and thorough cleaning.
Clients are willing to pay more for great customer service.
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Work catering jobs in December if you have restaurant or bartending experience, as there is high demand due to Christmas parties.
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