How to Make Money Without a Job: 6 Top Ways to Bring in Cash
Unemployment in the U.S. is about 3.6%, which is pretty low. But that still means that there are about 11.8 million people without a job.
Fortunately, in today’s gig economy, it’s not hard to bring in income with a little bit of side hustle. A lot of it will depend on how long you can wait for the money to start rolling in, and how much you can invest upfront.
And after reading this list, I bet you’ll be able to come up with plenty more ideas of your own! So here’s exactly how to get money without a job.
Table of Contents
1. Monetize Online
Posts like these usually mention starting a blog. But honestly, that’s a very narrow focus in a massive world of online influence. Yes, you can start a blog and learn to monetize it.
But you could also start a YouTube channel or become an Instagram influencer. There are a lot of ways you can monetize yourself online, and it doesn’t take a massive investment to get started.
Initial Starting Costs: $100-$300 for website hosting/cameras/video recording and supplies.
How Long to Pay Out: Okay, this is a long-range project. You won’t likely make any real money for at least a year or two, sometimes as long as five years. But if you keep at it, you can bring in some serious money, almost completely passively down the line.
How Much Can You Make: Some bloggers and YouTubers make six figures by monetizing online! But it can take a long time to get there.
2. Drive for Uber or Lyft
If your car is four-door and newer than 2003 (or less than 10 years old), you can drive for Uber or Lyft. This is a great project for you, on your time only when you want to be on the road.
And there’s a lot you can do to bring in extra tips, like keeping a clean car, being friendly, or supplying riders with water, mints, or other needed supplies.
Initial Starting Costs: $0, you just need a qualifying vehicle.
How Long to Pay Out: Uber and Lyft both payout weekly. So if you give a ride today, you can see money in about a week.
How Much Can You Make: Rideshare drivers report they make about $17.50 per hour. But then you also have to save for gas, car repairs, and taxes.
3. Upcycle
If you have some space and tools to work, you may want to consider upcycling. You can often find things for free on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even next to dumpsters in apartment complexes.
Then with a fresh coat of paint, some new knobs, and maybe some sanding, you can resell this trash furniture for some big bucks!
To make money, pay attention to trends, and make sure the piece is a quality item in the first place. But once it’s done, you can typically sell it for hundreds of dollars
Initial Starting Costs: $0 to $200 (depending on supplies, and how much you pay for the piece.)
How Long to Pay Out: A few weeks to a month. This will vary on how long it takes for you to finish the upcycle process, and how quickly it sells once it’s back on the marketplace.
How Much Can You Make: This will depend a lot on your prices. This upcycler reports she maintains 70% profit margins and can sell a piece for $400 or more!
4. Sell Plasma (and Save a Life!)
If you’re not afraid of needles, this is a good one for you. You can sell your plasma with a company like BioLife. The process is long to get started – about four hours before you can even donate! But once you do, it usually only takes an hour at a time two times a week.
Initial Starting Costs: $0
How Long to Pay Out: After donation.
How Much Can You Make: You can typically make $20 to $50 per visit, or about $160 to $400 a month. Keep an eye out for sign-up bonuses.
5. Sell Your Car
Maybe you have a second car you don’t need and can’t use. You can sell it even for scrap and bring in some extra money. You can sell your car to get a one-time quick burst big payment when you need it.
Overall, in the long run, this isn’t a sustainable money maker. But in a bind, it can pull through.
Initial Starting Costs: $0
How Long to Pay Out: Upon selling
How Much Can You Make: This will depend on your car and where you sell it. Even at a junkyard, you can usually make $100 to $300. If your car is still in working condition, you can make more than that.
6. Treasure Hunt at Thrift Stores
Sometimes people give away real treasure they don’t realize the value of. That’s where treasures come in. If you have an eye for quality, good brands, and value, you can make decent money flipping thrift store finds online for good money.
Initial Starting Costs: Cost of flipped item. This can be a few bucks for a book, or a hundred or more for antique furniture.
How Long to Pay Out: Depends on when an item sells.
How Much Can You Make: It’ll vary depending on how much time and effort you put into it. It matters how good you are at spotting treasures, and how often you find quality items. But some people can make a full time living reselling thrift store treasures.
You Can Figure Out How to Get Money Without a Job With a Bit of Creativity
Want to know how to get money without a job? These ideas will get you started, but the list is nearly endless. We’ve hardly scratched the surface.
Figure out how quickly you need money, and what you can do to keep bringing cash in over the long term. Honestly, with a bit of creativity and a good hustle attitude, you don’t need a job at all.
Keep checking back for more great tips to help you define your lifestyle.