One of the big benefits of the digital age, with its many online resources for making connections with potential customers and clients around the world, is that it’s easier than ever to generate money outside the context of a traditional job.
Some opportunities may require picking up new skills, while others are simple to dive into right away. The key is finding what works for your goals, skills, and schedule.
In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to make money outside of a regular job, from cashing in on assets you already own to trying more creative ways to make money.
No matter where you are in life – whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, student, retiree, or are interested in how to make money when unemployed – these options can easily fit into your day-to-day routine. And who knows? One of these ideas could go beyond how to make extra money and turn into a bigger enterprisedown the road.
One of the perks of making money without a job is the freedom to set your own hours and choose projects that match your interests. You can work at your own pace and explore multiple income streams, rather than relying on just one source.
Ways to make money without a job
Before jumping into the first gig you come across, it’s worth exploring what’s out there. We’ll cover important things to consider before you start later on, but right now let’s check out some alternative ways to earn money.
Sell second-hand items
Selling what you no longer need is one of the easiest ways to make money without a job. Platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace help you connect with buyers quickly, and it doesn’t take much effort to get started.
Most people start by offloading their own unwanted items – anything from clothes to collectibles – but as you get the hang of it, turning a profit can become second nature.
If you’re ready to keep going, you could source new stock at car boot sales, charity shops, or retail clearance events, flipping bargains for extra cash.
Tips for success
Pick the right platform – Fashion sells well on Vinted or Depop, while furniture tends to do best on Facebook Marketplace.
Price items competitively – Check similar listings, and encourage quicker sales by offering free postage or bundling items like kids’ clothes or books.
Use seasonal trends – Listing items when they’re in demand, like winter coats in autumn, will improve your chances of a fast sale.
Rent out assets
Renting out a spare room, driveway, or storage space is a good option for generating income from what you already own.
Platforms like Airbnb and SpareRoom connect you with people needing short or long-term rentals, while JustPark is ideal for renting out your driveway, and Stashbee works well for extra storage.
It’s not just limited to space. You can also rent cameras, drones, or sound systems on Fat Llama, or even designer clothes on platforms like Hurr and By Rotation. Whatever item you aren’t using regularly, you have a good chance of making money from it.
Tips for success
Maintain your items – Keep everything clean and presentable. Professional cleaning for clothes or a quick check of equipment after each use can help ensure repeat rentals.
Be flexible – Offering convenient usage times makes your listing more appealing, especially for driveways or shared spaces.
Showcase unique features – Highlight what makes your item or space stand out, like a great view from your spare room or extra gear included in a camera rental.
Sell handmade creations
If you’re into crafting, selling handmade goods might be one of the most convenient business ideas from home to explore. From hand-poured candles to hand-stitched quilts, there are plenty of things to consider making and selling.
Platforms like Etsy and Not On The High Street can provide a great way to establish yourself with customers searching for unique, handcrafted items, and you can then choose to take another step by setting up your own website.
Baked goods can also be a lucrative category to explore, especially if you live in a busy area. Whether it’s fairy cakes or freshly baked focaccia, your neighbours might love a regular delivery. Plus, you could learn how to use social media for small business to spread the word about your goodies and get even more orders.
Tips for success
Perfect your packaging – Presentation matters with these kinds of lifestyle items, so investing in high-quality, quirky, unique branding and packaging will help with customer retention.
Test your pricing – Research what similar items sell for and adjust your pricing strategies as needed to cover costs while attracting buyers.
Offer custom orders – Personalisation, like custom candles or made-to-order cakes, can boost sales by offering something unique.
Design colouring books
When it comes to how to make money without having a job, designing colouring books is a creative, low cost business idea you can do from home. With Amazon KDP, you can self-publish and sell print-on-demand copies with minimal upfront investment.
Amazon handles printing and shipping, and you don’t even need to be an artist as tools like Canva and Creative Fabrica give you access to ready-made templates, fonts, and graphics, making it easy to put together professional-looking books.
And remember, colouring books are just one option. You can branch out into activity books, cookbooks, or even use public domain art to design stylish covers for blank notebooks.
Tips for success
Pick a niche – Targeting a specific audience, whether it’s adults who love intricate mandala designs or toddlers who enjoy animal-themed books, will help your creations stand out.
Think about advertising – Learning how to advertise your business, whether it’s through paid ads or social media, will help land those first sales and all-important reviews.
Open an online store – While Amazon KDP is great, having your own storefront gives you more control, and you can take advantage of an Amazon Prime membership to order books as they sell or keep a small stock at home for faster shipping.
Do micro-jobs
Micro-jobs offer a quick and easy way to make money online by completing simple tasks like data entry, categorising photos, or filling out surveys. Platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, and Appen have plenty of short tasks that fit around your day, whether you have 10 minutes or an hour.
While micro-jobs won’t make you rich, their accessibility is the main appeal. You can take on as many tasks as you like, whenever you have time. The more you do, the more you’ll earn – without needing a traditional job.
Tips for success
Choose tasks wisely – Focus on tasks that are quick to complete but still offer fair pay, avoiding wasting time on low-reward jobs.
Manage your time – Micro-jobs can be addictive, so set clear time limits to stay productive without losing track of your day.
Use multiple platforms – Working across several platforms increases your chances of finding tasks when you’re ready to work.
Complete sign-up offers and referrals
Sign-up offers and referral programs can be a good way to make some extra cash or save on everyday expenses.
Many banks offer cash bonuses for switching accounts. Then there’s stoozing – using 0% interest credit cards to earn money. If that sounds tricky, you can find a detailed guide on MoneySavingExpert.
For easier options, utility companies, mobile networks, and TV subscriptions often offer discounts or rewards for referring a friend. Money saved can sometimes be just as good as money earned, helping to improve your overall finances and avoiding the need for a nine-to-five job.
Tips for success
Cancel unused subscriptions – If you sign up for a service just for the reward, be sure to cancel it before any fees kick in.
Look beyond the obvious – Don’t just focus on banks and utilities, as apps, food delivery services, and online retailers often offer referral rewards too.
Try network marketing – If you’re good at referring, companies like Avon or Utility Warehouse offer opportunities to build your small business networking skills and earn ongoing income.
Get paid to walk or exercise
Getting paid to improve your health is a win-win. Apps like Sweatcoin and BetterPoints reward you for walking, cycling, and other activities. For example, Sweatcoin converts your steps into digital currency, while BetterPoints gives you points for exercising.
These apps may not always pay out in cash, but they offer freebies, vouchers, or discounts – saving you money on things you’d buy anyway. Everyday activities like running errands or opting to walk instead of drive can help you rack up rewards without much extra effort.
Tips for success
Start with manageable goals – Set realistic daily or weekly step targets you can stick to. As you get fitter, gradually increase them to earn more rewards.
Track your progress – Monitoring your steps or exercise keeps you motivated and ensures you’re getting the most out of these apps.
Combine activities – Increase your earnings by pairing exercise with other side hustle ideas like dog walking or delivering items locally.
Host local meetups
Hosting local meetups lets you share your skills and make money at the same time. Whether it’s a craft workshop, photography group, or book club, these events bring like-minded people together. Charge a small fee, and you’re earning while doing something you love.
You could also sell products at your meetups to make a bit more. For example, you could offer craft kits and home-made foodie treats at workshops and other gatherings. People love the convenience, and it adds value to your event.
As your meetups grow, you might even start thinking about how to scale your business. Think regular memberships, sponsorships from local businesses, or even bigger events like weekend workshops or retreats.
Tips for success
Pick a theme people love – Craft classes, cooking workshops, and fitness meetups are usually popular.
Find affordable venues – Community centres, parks, or local cafes can offer low-cost or even free spaces, especially if you help promote them.
Spread the word online – Use Facebook Events or Meetup.com to reach more people and fill your spots.
Share your opinions
Focus groups, where companies pay for your insights, can be a good option for earning money outside of a job. Sites like Saros Research and Angelfish Opinions connect you with these opportunities, and the payout varies based on the topic, session length, and whether groups are in-person or online.
Sessions typically last from 30 minutes to a few hours, offering a simple way to earn by contributing your opinions on a variety of subjects, from product testing to marketing strategies.
Tips for success
Stick with trusted platforms – Use reputable sites to make sure you’re getting fair compensation for your time; the more you join, the better the chances of getting study invites.
Be real in your feedback – Companies are looking for honest, detailed opinions, so being forthright can improve your chances of getting picked for more studies down the line.
Prepare for specific topics – For higher-paying groups, doing a little research beforehand can help you give better feedback and stand out for future well-paid opportunities.
Flip domain names
When you’re looking for ways to make money without a job, flipping domain names can be a smart option – and a great solution to the question of how to start an online business which you can run in your spare time.
It works much like reselling any other product – you buy domain names at a low price and sell them for a profit, often using platforms like GoDaddy Auctions and Flippa.
With a bit of practice, this can turn into a profitable opportunity, especially if you focus on domains linked to growing industries or trending keywords.
Tips for success
Do your research – Look for domains in industries or niches that are on the rise, researching trends to pick names that might increase in value.
Start small – Begin with a few low-cost domains to get a feel for how the process works without too much risk.
Be patient – Domain flipping can take time, so be prepared to hold onto some domains while waiting for the right buyer to come along.
Start a niche website
Blogging is a popular way to earn, but sharing personal stories isn’t for everyone. That’s where niche websites come in. These sites focus on one specific subject or audience, building authority in that space.
Instead of regular personal posts, niche sites go deep into a single topic – whether it’s product reviews or hobby-related guides.
Monetisation comes through affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or placing ads. Unlike blogs, which often need fresh content all the time, niche sites require far less upkeep. Once they’re set up and optimised, they can bring in a decent ongoing income.
Tips for success
Pick an appropriate niche – You’ll need to select a subject which people are interested in, and which you will genuinely enjoy writing about.
Monetise wisely – Whether it’s affiliate links or digital products like eBooks or courses, choose ways to make money that fit naturally with your niche.
Stay on-topic – The more defined your site is, the more likely it is to attract a loyal audience and rank better in search results.
Create digital products
Selling digital products is a fun way to make money from home if you don’t have a job. Better still, once you’ve created them, they can generate passive income without much ongoing effort.
This is one of those online business ideas with low upfront costs and plenty of earning potential on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Teachable. Whether it’s eBooks, printable planners, templates, or online courses, digital products allow people to buy and download instantly, so you won’t need to worry about inventory or shipping.
Tips for success
Solve a problem – Think about what your audience needs, whether it’s templates, guides, or digital artwork, so you can create something genuinely useful.
Start small and test the waters – Launch with a smaller product first to see how your target market responds before investing time in a bigger project.
Get the word out – Learn about email marketing for small business to promote your digital products and drive sales.
Offer private tutoring
If you’ve got a skill or talent, whether it’s in maths, music, or fitness, tutoring or offering lessons can bring in money without the obligations that come with traditional jobs.
Through online private tutor sites, you could help students prepare for exams, teach guitar to beginners, or even guide people through personal fitness plans.
It’s not just about earning, either. Watching someone get to grips with a new concept, improve their technique, or hit a personal goal can be pretty satisfying. Plus, if you build a reputation for delivering top-notch lessons, word-of-mouth referrals can lead to steady, ongoing work.
Tips for success
Personalise your lessons – Every student is different, so tailor your sessions to suit their specific needs and goals.
Use local resources – While online sites can connect you with customers across the country, you can also offer your services in the old fashioned way via community centres, clubs and local Facebook groups.
Encourage referrals – A bit of social proof can go a long way, so encourage satisfied students to leave reviews or recommend you to others.
Get paid on the spot
Tutoring in person? Let your clients (or their mums and dads) pay quickly and easily through SumUp’s Tap to Pay on iPhone or Tap to Pay on Android. With no extra hardware needed, you can accept contactless payments directly on your phone, making it simple to get paid right after each session.
Dropship on eBay
Dropshipping on eBay is a fairly straightforward way to make money without worrying about stock or shipping, never mind a job.
With this option, you simply list products for sale, and when someone buys, the manufacturer or supplier sends it directly to your buyer.
All you need is an eBay account, a trusted supplier, and products to sell. It’s an easy setup where you can focus on selecting items and optimising your listings, while your supplier handles the fulfilment side of things.
Tips for success
Use UK-based suppliers – Quick shipping times from local suppliers can help improve customer loyalty, and platforms like Avasam or eSources are great options for making this happen.
Find in-demand products – Browse sites like X, Reddit and Facebook to see what kinds of items people are searching, and cash in on the latest trends.
Consider automation – Some suppliers offer integration and automation tools, which can make the process even more hands-off once you’ve set it up.
Consider seasonal opportunities
Seasonal gigs can be a good option for making money if you don’t mind doing a short-term job. Whether it’s working at a summer music festival or picking up hospitality shifts for corporate parties, these jobs are ideal for quick income without a long-term commitment.
Plus, they can be more than just a paycheque – you’ll meet new people, work in lively settings, and probably pick up some useful experience.
Sites like Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs list seasonal roles regularly, and if you make a good impression, some of these jobs could even turn into something more permanent.
Tips for success
Start looking early – Seasonal opportunities fill up fast, so set up alerts on job platforms to stay ahead of the competition.
Make yourself available – Being open to weekends, holidays, or evening shifts can give you a better chance of landing a role.
Check local opportunities – Fairs, festivals, and markets often have short-term gigs. Keep an eye on local boards and your council’s website for nearby roles.
What to consider before you start
When brainstorming how to earn money without a job, it’s important to think about your skills and interests. Whether it’s writing, crafting, or fixing things, pick something you actually enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
When your skills line up with the right business opportunities, it’s easier to stay motivated and improve your chances of success.
But what are the other main things to consider? Let’s run through them.
Notifying HMRC
If you’re making regular money from a side gig, you’ll probably need to notify HMRC of your status as a sole trader for tax purposes. You can earn up to £1,000 tax-free under the annual trading allowance, but after that you’ll need to submit a self-assessment tax return and keep track of your income and small business expenses.
Other tax considerations
Depending on the kind of work you start doing, there may be tax schemes you can take advantage of. For example, the Rent a Room Scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free from renting out a spare room.
Chatting with a small business accountant can help you stay on top of things and make sure you’re making the most of tax deductions.
Impact on benefits
If you’re exploring how to make money when unemployed, extra income could affect any benefits you’re receiving. It’s a good idea to talk to your Universal Credit work coach first, so you know how additional earnings could impact your payments.
Legal requirements
Bear in mind there can be specific legal requirements for starting a small business. For example, if you’re getting into food and drink, you’ll need to register with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) 28 days before you begin. Make sure you’re aware of any legal steps you need to take for the particular area you’re entering.
Getting paid
Once you’re up and running, you’ll want easy payment options at your disposal. For in-person work, a card reader or a simple smartphone-based solution, like SumUp’s free POS app, will be great.
For remote gigs, sending digital invoices or payment links can make things easier for both you and your customers.
Mapping things out
Once you’ve figured out how you’ll make money without a job and checked out the fine print regarding HMRC or benefits, it’s a good idea to put together a plan. Even for small side hustles, knowing how to write a business plan will help ensure you not only know where you’re headed but that you get there too.
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