3 side hustles for people who love to socialize—make as much as $50 an hour
More than a quarter, 27% of American adults have a side hustle — down from 36% last year. Nearly half, 41% of them say they use that income for discretionary spending, and 35% report using the money for everyday living expenses.
For anyone still considering picking up a side hustle, there are a multitude of options: dog-sitting, selling products and services on Etsy, rideshares like Lyft and Uber, house cleaning, social media work.
But if you're a people person and prefer a job with a little more human interaction, there are some side hustles that basically let you hang out and get paid.
If you know your hometown like the back of your hand or consider yourself an expert in a slice of local culture, you might be qualified to plan and lead tours for visitors.
Platforms like Withlocals, Tours by Locals and Airbnb let experts build unique experiences for tourists. For example, one Boston-based guide lists a tour of Salem, Massachusetts, on Withlocals, for about $290 per person. Another guide is offering a private tour of Cleveland, priced at $446 for up to six people on Tours by Locals.
"You should know the ins and outs of the topic you are talking about," says Jen Glantz, founder of Bridesmaid for Hire and creator of The Pick-Me-Up newsletter.
It's important to note that some localities might require a license to become a tour guide and that some platforms may include fees for guides who list on their service.
Summer is the time for many outdoor events like concerts and food festivals — and brands who want to let people know about their products take full advantage.
Being a brand ambassador could mean handing out samples of food and beverages, or passing out flyers and talking up the company. Whatever you're advertising, "it's never about the product," says Glantz. "It's always about socializing."
Look into big events happening in your area and get in touch with the organizers to see which businesses will be featured and if they need any help. You can also reach out directly to brands you love to see what kind of in-person ambassador opportunities they offer.
These kinds of gigs can pay in the "$25 to $50 an hour range," says Glantz.
Finally, if you love cooking and hosting, consider throwing an event on a website like Eatwith.
Eatwith allows people to create bespoke food experiences for people in their area — anything from authentic Cuban food to afternoon tea. The platform Cozymeal does much the same, "but can help you find a venue, if you don't want to have the event at your house," says Kathy Kristof, founder and editor of Sidehusl.com.
One Chicago-based chef is currently selling a paella and fideua cooking class on Eatwith for $143 per guest.
"If your gift is being able to socialize," says Glantz, "definitely find a way to monetize it."
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