10 Side Hustles For Women — Rack Up Extra Cash Doing Something You Like
Whether you're working full-time, part-time, or retired, it’s nice to have extra money coming in when you want or need it. A side hustle can help pay the bills, fund vacations, or add extra padding for retirement. The key to a good side hustle, especially for women is flexibility.
One of the easiest ways to find flexible work? The gig economy, simple jobs or tasks you can do morning, noon, or night, usually requiring no special training. All you need is a phone or computer. You decide when and where you want to work, and you get paid.
💡 What is a “Gig Job”?
Gig jobs are perfect for supplementing your income, bridging gaps between jobs, or working around caregiving responsibilities. With opportunities ranging from ridesharing to grocery delivery plus quick money-makers like selling clutter on eBay or joining paid focus groups, there’s something to fit nearly every lifestyle.
Benefits: Many gig companies handle the marketing for you, so you just focus on the work. Payment can come as quickly as within a week, sometimes sooner.
Financials: Most gigs are free to start. Some platforms take a 5–25% fee from your earnings. If the job requires a car or tools, you’ll provide your own.
Earnings: Expect $7–$25/hour, with potential to earn more during peak times or by snagging bonuses.
Taxes: You’re an independent contractor. Earn $400+ in a year, and you’ll need to file Schedule C and Schedule SE with your 1040.
✨ 10 Flexible Side Hustles for Women
1. Teach a class in your community
Share your expertise or hobby at local rec centers, libraries, or community colleges. Pitch your own course ideas from knitting to bookkeeping and you might discover a love for teaching.
2. Become a consultant
Leverage your professional background by consulting for companies in your field. Use LinkedIn to reconnect with old colleagues and find opportunities.
3. Walk dogs or pet sit
Apps like Rover and Wag! make it easy to get started. Offer in-home pet sitting or walks, all on your schedule.
4. Work special events
Take short-term gigs at concerts, theaters, sporting events, or local fairs. Flexible, fun, and often seasonal.
5. Rent out your space
Through Airbnb, rent a room or your whole home. Platforms like Peerspace and Swimply even let you rent your backyard, garage, or pool.
6. Sell your crafts or baked goods
Make and sell quilts, jewelry, or cookies at craft fairs, Etsy, or local farmers markets.
7. Become a ref, umpire, or sports official
Schools and leagues are always looking for officials. Training is affordable, and games are usually evenings or weekends.
8. Give rides in your community
Drive for Uber, Lyft, Kango (kids), or CitizenShipper (pets). Choose your hours and area.
9. Run errands or shop for others
Join Shipt, Instacart, or DoorDash to shop or deliver food on your own time.
10. Teach English online
Work from home with companies like VIPKid to teach kids English. Flexible hours make it a great fit for caregivers.
📚 Tailored Resources for Women
1. Online Job & Gig Platforms
Fiverr – Freelance marketplace for creative, administrative, and technical services.
Upwork – Professional freelance platform for consultants, writers, and virtual assistants.
TaskRabbit – Local gigs like furniture assembly, home organization, and errands.
Rover – Pet sitting and dog walking.
Airbnb / Peerspace / Swimply – Rent rooms, event spaces, or pools.
2. Skills Training & Learning
Coursera – University-level courses (many free to audit).
Skillshare – Creative and business classes.
AARP Work & Jobs – Career and income resources for older adults.
Local Community Colleges – Short-term certifications.
3. Networking & Support Communities
The Transition Network (TTN) – For women 50+ making career/life changes.
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) – SBA-backed mentorship and funding support.
Facebook Groups – Try “Women Over 50 Entrepreneurs” or “Women in the Gig Economy.”
Meetup.com – Find local and online entrepreneur groups.
4. Financial Tools
QuickBooks Self-Employed – Track gig income and expenses.
Mint – Budgeting for multiple income streams.
IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center – Free tax guidance for side hustlers.
✍️ Final Word
The best side hustle is one that fits your lifestyle and energizes you, not one that drains you. Start with what you enjoy and build from there — you might just discover your next passion project and a steady stream of extra income along the way.
Thanks to Womens World for some great insights
