Lifestyle | MSN Slideshow

12 side hustles that may require zero experience

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for details.

If your paycheck feels stretched thinner than ever, there are plenty of easy ways to make extra cash without needing decades of experience.

Feeling like your main gig just isn’t cutting it? Maybe you have some bills piling up, or maybe you are saving for that dream vacation to Italy. Whatever your motivation, finding a way to make extra money on the side can be a game-changer. The good news is, you don’t need to go back to school or spend a fortune on certifications to get started. There are plenty of opportunities out there where your willingness to work and a good attitude are all the credentials you need.

Sometimes, the idea of starting a new hustle can feel like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops. You might think you need a special skill or years of experience. But the truth is, many side jobs just require basic reliability and a can-do spirit. Think of these as entry points into the side hustle universe, where you can learn as you go and build confidence with every dollar earned. Let’s explore some easy ways to start earning extra cash today, no special resume required.

Pet Sitting And Dog Walking

Photo Credit: Lucigerma/Shutterstock

Have a soft spot for furry friends? Turning that passion into a side hustle is a snap. People are busy, and they need reliable folks to look after their pets when they are at work or out of town. This is a low-barrier way to earn money and get some fresh air. Additionally, a study by IBISWorld revealed that the pet-sitting and dog-walking industry has experienced a surge in demand, with a projected market size of $1.3 billion in the U.S. alone.

You can start by telling your friends, family, and neighbors that you are available. Consider creating a simple flyer or even just posting on local social media groups. You can set your own hours and rates, and the startup costs are basically zero. All you need is a love for animals and a reliable means of transportation to your clients’ homes.

Grocery Shopping And Delivery

Things You’re Now Expected to Tip For in America
Photo Credit: ake1150/123rf

If you enjoy a trip to the supermarket, why not get paid for it? Services like Instacart and Shipt hire people to do the shopping and delivery for their customers. The platforms guide you every step of the way, so you don’t need any prior experience. You just follow the list on your phone, bag the items, and drop them off at the customer’s doorstep. It is a simple gig that can fit around your schedule, whether you have a few hours to spare on a Saturday or want to pick up a few orders after work.

This hustle is excellent because the demand is constant, and you get to see a new neighborhood with every delivery. You are not only helping someone out but also getting paid to drive around and listen to your favorite podcasts.

House Sitting

Having free time without screens
Image Credit: silverkblack via 123RF

This is one of the most low-key side hustles imaginable. People often need someone to keep an eye on their home while they are away. Your job might involve things like bringing in the mail, watering plants, or just giving the appearance that someone is home to deter burglars. It’s essentially getting paid to hang out in a different location. The most important thing here is being trustworthy and dependable.

This is a perfect gig for a student or someone who works from home and wants a change of scenery. You get to enjoy a different environment, and you can still work on your regular projects or just binge-watch a new series on Netflix. According to UrbanSitter, the average rate for house-sitting in the US is around $30 to $80 per day. You can make a decent chunk of change for what feels like a paid vacation.

Yard Work And Landscaping

Photo Credit: nieriss/Shutterstock

Getting your hands a little dirty can be a great way to earn money. Many people, especially those who are older or just super busy, need help with basic yard maintenance. Think mowing lawns, raking leaves, or pulling weeds. You do not need a degree in horticulture; just the right tools and a willingness to work hard. You can start by knocking on doors in your neighborhood or putting up a simple sign at the local community center.

The startup costs can be minimal if you already have a lawnmower or can borrow one from a family member. The physical activity is a bonus, and there is a lot of satisfaction in seeing a well-manicured lawn at the end of the day. A report from IBISWorld stated that the landscaping industry had a revenue $184.1 billion over the last five years in the U.S., showing the huge demand for these services.

Cleaning Services

jobs most likely to leave you feeling depressed
Photo Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

This one is as old as time, and for good reason. Everyone needs their home cleaned, but few people have the time or energy to do it themselves. You don’t need any fancy qualifications, just a good eye for detail and some cleaning supplies. You can offer basic services like dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. You’ll be surprised how quickly word spreads once you do a great job for a couple of clients.

This side hustle offers flexible hours and the chance to listen to music or podcasts while you work. Plus, the money is often immediate. You can charge per hour or per project, and many clients will pay you cash on the spot. A study by Fortune Business Insights reveals that the global household cleaning services market is worth billions and is a rapidly growing sector.

Tutoring For Students

Image Credit: Mikhail Nilov/ Pexels

If you excelled in a particular subject in school, such as algebra or history, you can easily offer tutoring services. You don’t have to be a certified teacher; you just need to have a solid grasp of the material. Many parents are desperate for help for their kids, and they are willing to pay for one-on-one attention. You can work with students in person or even online, making this a super flexible option.

This is a great way to put your knowledge to use and make a genuine difference in someone’s life. The sessions are usually an hour long, and you can schedule them around your job.

Rideshare Driver

Photo Credit: Tero Vesalaine/Shutterstock

If you have a clean driving record and a four-door car, you can get started as a rideshare driver with services like Uber or Lyft. The application process is straightforward, and once approved, you can begin driving almost immediately. You get to set your own hours and pick up passengers whenever you have some free time. It’s a fantastic way to earn money on your own schedule.

This side hustle can be particularly lucrative during peak times like Friday nights or major events. You can also get to know your city better, and you’ll meet all sorts of different people. According to DemandSage, there are over 180 million active users of Uber monthly, showing the massive popularity and accessibility of this side hustle.

Personal Assistant

Photo Credit: Jep Gambardella/Pexels

Many busy professionals and small business owners need assistance with administrative tasks. This could be anything from scheduling appointments and managing emails to making phone calls and doing online research. You don’t need to be a corporate guru; you just need to be organized and reliable. Many people are willing to hire a freelance personal assistant to help them stay on top of their day-to-day tasks.

You can find these opportunities on freelance websites or by contacting local business owners directly. The work can be done from anywhere and on a flexible schedule, which is a major plus. The job requires basic computer literacy and good communication skills, with no formal experience required. A survey by Upwork revealed that over 64 million Americans are freelancing, with administrative and personal assistant roles comprising a significant portion of the gig economy.

Handyman Services

Photo Credit: Hugo Castillo/Shutterstock

If you are the type of person who can put together IKEA furniture without crying or hang a picture frame straight on the first try, you have a valuable skill. Many people lack the time or know-how to handle minor household repairs. You can offer services for tasks such as fixing a leaky faucet, assembling furniture, or mounting a television. It is a practical way to earn money by helping people with their to-do lists.

You can start small and only take on jobs you are comfortable with. Word of mouth will be your best friend. Once you fix a few things for your friends and neighbors, they will tell everyone they know.

Reselling Items

Photo Credit: Kampus Production/Pexels

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You can make money by finding items at garage sales, thrift stores, or flea markets and then reselling them for a profit online. You might come across a vintage piece of furniture, a rare book, or a retro video game that someone else would love to get their hands on. You can use platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark to list your finds and reach a large audience.

This hustle is a bit like a treasure hunt, and it can be a lot of fun. You get to spend your weekends browsing for hidden gems and then see your hard work pay off when an item sells. There is no experience required, just a keen eye and a little bit of patience. The startup cost is minimal; you just buy the item and then list it online.

Social Media Management

Photo Credit: RoBird/Shutterstock

If you spend a lot of time on social media and understand how different platforms work, you can offer your services to small businesses. Many businesses, such as restaurants or boutiques, lack the time or expertise to manage their online presence effectively. Your job would be to create content, post regularly, and interact with customers in the comments. It is a gig that plays to your strengths if you are already tech-savvy.

This is a perfect side hustle for someone who is creative and understands how to engage an audience. You can start by offering your services to a single business and then build up a portfolio from there. The beauty of this is that it can be done from anywhere and on a flexible schedule. You can create content on your own time and then schedule it to post later.

Event Staffing

12 Jobs That Quietly Push You Out After 60—Even With Decades of Experience
Photo Credit: Pixabay

When a big concert, trade show, or sporting event is in town, a large number of temporary staff is needed. You can sign up to work as an usher, a ticket-taker, or even a concession stand worker. These jobs are often posted on event staffing websites or by the venues themselves. The work is temporary and usually only for a day or a weekend, which is perfect if you only have a few hours to spare.

This side hustle is a fun way to earn money and be a part of the action. You get to see the behind-the-scenes of significant events and meet new people. Plus, you often get a free pass to the event you are working at.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

Like our content? Be sure to follow us.

How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed

Image Credit: dexteris via 123RF

How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025

I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.

But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.

Click here and let’s break down how.

5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit

Habits.
Andrzej Rostek via Shutterstock.

5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit

We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.