APPENDIX

A

The Top Fifty Side-Gigs

THESE SIDE-GIGS WERE SELECTED AND RANKED BASED ON A MIXTURE of objective and subjective measures. I started by gathering all of the publicly available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on people who hold more than one job. The BLS puts out useful (and voluminous) information on hundreds of occupations and industries, including how much job holders work and, to some extent, their motivation for doing so. The Bureau's Occupational Outlook Handbook similarly contains details on job growth, descriptions, and training requirements across many fields.

Then, I examined reports from other sources, including Freelancer.com, Elance.com, and Payscale.com, all of which have access to the working habits of tens of thousands of people. After creating a raw list of the side-gigs that are the most popular, well-paid, and easiest to launch based on those sources, I used my own interviews with side-giggers and career experts to flesh out the rest.

While the list cuts across many different fields, from agriculture to technology, the focus, as with the rest of this book, is on side-gigs that most appeal to educated, web-savvy professionals looking for additional financial security. The side-gigs featured here tend to have low barriers to entry and high potential for pay. That's why you won't find many minimum-wage paying gigs on this list, but you'll see a preponderance of jobs that can be scaled up and branded with a side-gigger's own unique twist. After all, as this book shows, that's one of the secrets to side-gig success.

Web designers straddle two worlds: the technical and artistic sides of web development. That means they create sites that are both functional and good-looking. Since everyone from large corporations to small-time freelancers need websites these days, their services are in hot demand. That's why website design was listed as one of the fastest growing jobs of 2012 by Freelancer.com, with over 10,000 job listings posted on its site in the first quarter of the year alone. It pays the equivalent of around $60,000 a year, with part-time, freelance graphic web designers pulling in a median rate of almost $30 an hour, according to PayScale.com. For anyone who's already mastered technical and design skills through work experience and experimentation, the start-up costs are minimal—no advanced degrees, formal training, or licenses are required.

BEST FOR: Web and html-savvy designers with free weekend time.

RESOURCES: Freelancer.com, Meetup.com, WebProfessionals.org

Why did you launch your side-business?

JOE D: I have a wife and mortgage and I paid for school myself at Savannah College of Art and Design, which is extremely expensive. That put me in a mountain of debt. With freelancing, I can increase my income by 50 percent. It's not just for the money; I know that eventually, I want to own my own company full time.

How do you avoid conflicts of interest with your full-time job?

JOE D: I don't countermarket against my day job. I don't even have a website that's live right now. All my business is referral-based. There's going to be a conflict of interest if I'm marketing myself against my day job.

How do you find time to do both?

JOE D: I do my freelance work on weekends and evenings. I usually start working again around 8 p.m. and on busy nights I can go until midnight, and then Saturday mornings and Sundays are my busiest times. During the week, I don't always have the energy, especially after cranking it out all day…I run out of steam creatively.

What's the hardest part about juggling both your freelance and full-time work?

JOE D: There's only so much time in the day. My day job workweek can be 70 or 80 hours sometimes, and it's draining. Then I go home and I want to spend time with my wife and friends, but it's hard to balance all that out, time-wise and physically.

What's your favorite part about it?

JOE D: I like doing web design, but it's not so much the design part as the service—you're selling your talent and ideas. You take somebody's business and give it structure from a user standpoint. At the end, clients are satisfied and happy because it looks great and functions and they can grow their business because of it.

Marketing consultants help people promote themselves or their products and services. The job includes reaching out to bloggers, social media networks, media contacts, and anyone else who might help get word out about their clients. In addition to working for companies and small businesses, they're often hired by individuals looking for publicity. The median hourly pay for part-time, self-employed marketing consultants is almost $50 an hour, according to PayScale.com, and $59 an hour for the closely related gig of public relations consulting. Start-up costs are low; marketing consultants need the confidence and energy to reach out to new connections, familiarity with social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, and the contacts that come with experience, but no advanced training or degrees are necessary. Still, the time commitment is significant and involves a lot of phone calls, emails, research, and networking.

BEST FOR: Outgoing social media savants who love working with (and helping) other people.

RESOURCES: Elance.com, Meetup.com, American Marketing Association, Internet Marketing Association, copyblogger.com

 

Side-giggers providing financial services include tax accountants, corporate finance experts, certified financial planners, and a variety of other specialties. Almost all of them require advanced training and licenses, which is why many of them work full time in their field and provide extra services to clients on the side. Pay varies by specialty but tends to be high across the board; PayScale.com reports that the median hourly rate for part-time, self-employed certified financial planners is just over $60 an hour while certified public accountants earn $40 an hour and bookkeepers $19 an hour. Financial services providers tend to take on client-based work, which often means they can set their own schedule and decide how many projects to accept. Start-up costs are medium to high; many financial service providers, including certified financial planners and public accountants, need to be licensed.

BEST FOR: Certified financial professionals with the time, energy, and freedom to take on additional clients.

RESOURCES: National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, Financial Services Institute

How did you get started?

JOE C: As a foot cop in the Bronx, I knew I needed to buy mutual funds, but I got crushed. I started looking into it and taking tax and finance classes, then started making it a side-gig. I've been preparing taxes for fellow cops since 1989.

What do you like about it?

JOE C: It let me retire. I knew I was leaving, but the side-gig made the decision a no-brainer for me. I loved being a cop, but I was working nonstop. I like numbers and figuring out the tax code and helping people, so decided, this is what I'm going to do.

How do you find clients?

JOE C: They find me through my website, finestfinancialgroup.com. I know pensions, I know what they need—80 percent of my clients are cops.

(You can read more about Joe in Chapter 1.)

Lawyers don't just work in corporate offices; they also take on freelance projects, which can range from reviewing contracts for fellow side-giggers to consulting work for businesses. Thanks to their high-level training, they command one of the highest hourly rates in side-gig land: PayScale.com reports that part-time, self-employed lawyers earn a median rate of $147 an hour, higher than any other profession. Because most freelance work is project-dependent, side-gig lawyers can often determine their own hours. Start-up costs can be relatively high; in addition to a law degree, many lawyers pick up additional experience by working in specialties in their field and most states require lawyers to update their legal education at least every three years.

BEST FOR: Lawyers with legal interests that extend beyond their day jobs and the time to take on extra work.

RESOURCES: American Bar Association, FreelanceLaw.com, National Association of Freelance Legal Professionals

Social media consultants know Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and other social networking sites better than anyone else, which is why corporations, small businesses, and even freelancers hire them to help them boost their own outreach efforts. Part-marketing consultant (side-gig #2), part-entrepreneur, and part-digital tech guru, social media consulting is growing as fast as the audiences for those networking sites: Twitter- and Facebook-related job postings were among the most popular and fastest growing on Freelancer.com in 2012. According to PayScale.com, part-time, self-employed social media managers earn a median hourly rate of $20 an hour, or the equivalent of around $40,000 a year. The work tends to be client- and project-based, which means it can be scaled up or down as needed. Social media is also a new field; the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't yet list it as a distinct profession. Start-up costs are low; social media gurus just need an Internet connection and comfort with social media networks—something many twenty-somethings already have.

BEST FOR: Heavy Twitter and Facebook users who want to put their insider knowledge to good use.

RESOURCES: Mashable.com, ProBlogger.net, AlexisGrant.com, lkrsocialmedia.com, SocialMediaToday.com

Fitness trainers, who teach everything from weight lifting to aerobics to boxing, tend to be super-fit themselves—after all, their own bodies often serve as their best marketing tool. Many side-gig fitness trainers maintain full-time jobs that are totally unrelated to fitness, which means their side-gig is their chance to embrace their athletic side. Another benefit is that clients often want to meet or take classes after (or before) their own work days or on the weekends, which makes it easier to blend with a typical nine-to-five office job. PayScale.com reports that the median rate for part-time, self-employed fitness trainers, who often lead classes or group sessions, is around $25 an hour. Personal trainers, who usually work one on one with clients, make more; the median hourly rate is $38. Start-up costs are low, although clients and gyms often look for trainers with specialty certifications.

BEST FOR: Outgoing, athletic office workers who want to spend more time at the gym helping other people get fit.

RESOURCES: National Federation of Personal Trainers, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

The term “writer” refers to all kinds of ways to use words to make a living, including ghostwriting for another person or corporation, penning technical guides or reports, authoring e-books, and writing freelance magazine articles. In general, the more glamorous it sounds, the less it pays, which is why technical writers are often the best paid of the bunch. (The closely related field of copywriting, side-gig #44, is one of the fastest growing online jobs, but it specifically refers to writing words with the goal of selling products or services.) Part-time, self-employed technical writers earn a median hourly rate of $36, while other types of writers and authors earn around $27 an hour, according to PayScale.com. Related professions include copyediting and proofreading, which generates around $24 an hour. Start-up costs are low to none; writers just need a laptop and Internet connection to get started, and they can often set their own schedules.

BEST FOR: People who love writing as well as promoting their work and marketing themselves online.

RESOURCES: Mediabistro.com, Elance.com, American Society of Journalists and Authors, prowriters.org, Editorial Freelancers Association

As Food Network watchers know, chefs prepare meals and menus for clients, who can range from restaurant guests to busy families. While anyone can pick up basic cooking skills from watching hours of Barefoot Contessa or Giada at Home, chefs often undergo extensive training at culinary schools and apprenticeship programs. Two different types of chefs appear on PayScale.com's ranking of the highest paid part-time, freelance workers: executive chefs, who typically work in restaurants or other large-scale kitchens and bring in a median hourly rate of $24.60; and personal chefs, who usually work directly for individual clients and earn $20.10 an hour. The time required is significant; cooking is labor intensive and chefs often work around clients’ schedule.

BEST FOR: Advanced home cooks who dream of sharing their talents with the world.

RESOURCES: American Culinary Federation, American Personal and Private Chef Association

Closely related to both web designers (#1) and illustrators (#16), graphic designers are charged with organizing and presenting concepts on websites or printed material, what colors and styles to use to represent a brand, and communicating complicated ideas in a way that makes sense to readers or viewers. In addition to technical and artistic skills, they also have to know how to work with people, since work tends to be client-based and understanding what a client wants is step number one. Freelance, part-time graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of around $30 an hour, according to PayScale.com. Work tends to be project-based, which means it can be scaled up or down relatively easily. Graphic designers often study art and design in high school or college, but many also teach themselves other aspects of the job, such as how to use the latest design software.

BEST FOR: Artistically gifted and trained designers who enjoy working with others.

RESOURCES: AIGA.org, GraphicArtistsGuild.com

Wherever you're sitting right now, chances are it's in a space that was designed by an architect. Architects design everything from coffee shops to basement renovations to office buildings. Not surprisingly, they need significant skills and education, including a degree in architecture and state licenses, since they're charged with the safety and soundness of buildings along with aesthetic appeal. That's why many side-gig architects also work in the field full time, supplementing their income with freelance jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field to grow 24 percent between 2010 and 2020, suggesting there is plenty of work available for those with the right credentials. The median hourly pay, according to BLS numbers, is around $36.

BEST FOR: Trained architects who feel underutilized (or underemployed) in their day jobs.

RESOURCES: Elance.com, Guru.com, American Institute of Architects (aia.org).

How did you get started?

JEFF: I'm an architect, and the way the economy was going, especially in Michigan, that meant that a number of the firms I worked with were going through layoffs. My wife is a freelance writer on Elance.com, so when I got laid off, I bid on some jobs there, too, and started getting projects. It helped sustain us through the downtime.

What's your favorite part?

JEFF: The flexibility. I don't have to work from an office, so I can work on it whenever I have time.

Does it help you feel more financially secure?

JEFF: I still needed a full-time job with benefits, but it made a big difference. I'm now back to working full time but I still do Elance projects, because down the road I want to run my own business and choose my own projects.

Does your side-gig work ever conflict with your full-time job?

JEFF: I'm currently an architect for a modular home builder, so there are no conflicts.

(You can read more about Jeff in Chapter 9.)

This job might not have existed a decade ago, but it's a rapidly growing online field today. Freelancer.com ranked it as one of the fastest growing online jobs in 2012. The iPhone app market alone created 4,318 job postings on the site in the first quarter of the year. According to Payscale.com, part-time, self-employed software developers earn a median hourly pay of $40 an hour, which puts them in the top thirty highest-paying part-time, self-employed jobs. App developers can also take a more entrepreneurial route and create apps based on their own ideas, in which case pay depends on the success of those ideas in the marketplace. App development requires significant ease with the ins and outs of programming and technology. That's why many app developers already work in the field of information technology. Because there's so much interest in the growing field, there's also a lot of free information online; Stanford even offers tutorials on app-building through iTunes U.

BEST FOR: Tech gurus who enjoy playing with code in their spare time.

RESOURCES: Freelancer.com, iTunes U

Why did you decide to create your own app?

BEENA AND SADHANSU: We didn't see any apps available in the market for what we had in mind (a budgeting app), so we decided to create our own.

What is the hardest part?

BEENA AND SADHANSU: Finding time to discuss concepts with each other and develop them, along with our full-time jobs and two kids.

What's your favorite part of app creation?

BEENA AND SADHANSU: Talking about concepts and getting excited about how each feature of the app will be used, as well as testing the app.

How did you get word out about it?

BEENA AND SADHANSU: We didn't do any marketing whatsoever; sales came from people who were looking for an app and found ours.

(You can read more about Beena and Sadhansu in Chapter 2.)

Thanks to shows like the Food Network's Cupcake Wars and TLC's DC Cupcakes, baking has become a side-gig fantasy for many full-time workers. It's also the reality for an increasing number of people, although its popularity exceeds its pay potential. PayScale.com reports that the median hourly pay rate for part-time, self-employed pastry chefs is around $15, which puts it on par with other relatively low-paid fields such as babysitting and house-cleaning. But that doesn't mean it's a bad idea, especially for entrepreneurs who can make their creations stand out against the competition (and therefore can get away with charging customers more). Bakers who create unique brands or focus on specific niches tend to do best. Some bakers also combine their craft with other services or products, such as books, blogging, and workshops. For inspiration, consider the story of Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne in Chapter 3, who turned their cupcake business into a reality show (DC Cupcakes), two cookbooks (so far), and a thriving online retail shop. Start-up costs can be significant; side-gig bakers can usually work out of their own kitchens (specific license requirements vary by state), but they need ingredients, pans, bowls, and other baking supplies.

BEST FOR: Cupcake-lovers who enjoy dreaming up new concoctions—and who never tire of baking.

RESOURCES: American Pie Council, American Bakers Association, Retail Bakers of America

The demand for voice talent is growing, thanks to the increasing importance of multimedia websites. The freelance website Elance.com singled out voice acting as one of the fastest growing fields in 2012, with a threefold increase in job postings. For those who have the required acting skills, it can be an enjoyable and flexible pursuit, especially with the ease of selling and packaging your voice for online clients through digital technology. For those just getting started, some technical investments might be necessary, including software, microphones, and headsets. Voice acting pay is typically on par with other types of acting, which generates a median hourly rate of around $17.50, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

BEST FOR: Anyone who has ever entertained party guests with impersonations of cartoon characters and celebrities.

RESOURCES: Fiverr.com, Elance.com, VoiceActingAlliance.com, VoiceActingClub.com

When did you start voice acting?

CHRIS: I watched a lot of cartoons as a kid and was a middle child, and never got the attention that my older and younger siblings got. So I started talking like cartoon characters around the house. Then, when I was twenty-two and ready to get out of the Army, my commander hooked me up with a radio station, and next thing I know, I'm part of a morning show.

What are your most popular orders on Fiverr?

CHRIS: People mostly ask me to speak in a cartoon voice of their choosing, like Homer Simpson's voice.

What's the hardest aspect of it?

CHRIS: When someone orders a big project, like a 3,700-word voiceover. Now I shy away from big projects; I have enough of the small ones.

Do you have advice for other aspiring voice actors?

CHRIS: Treat customers like they're humans. I always try to make it personal and say, “Thanks, Mel, for ordering.” Otherwise, I just let the work speak for itself.

Education and training consultants typically serve companies and small businesses that need help teaching their employees about everything from how to use new software to how to avoid sexual harassment complaints. The field requires a significant amount of experience and specialization, but it also spans a wide array of fields, from mental health to personal finance, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that almost every industry relies on these types of consultants to some degree. The Bureau reports an increasing demand for this kind of work, too, with the broader category of human resource specialists expected to grow at a brisk 21 percent between 2010 and 2020. For those who already have the skill set, finding gigs is a matter of marketing yourself to potential clients. The potential payoff is high, with PayScale.com reporting that the median hourly rate for self-employed, part-time education and training consultants is just over $56 an hour. Work is intense but project-based, which makes it easy to scale up or down as needed.

BEST FOR: Outgoing types who love public speaking and have valuable skills or expertise to share.

RESOURCES: Society for Human Resource Management

The fact that an entire cable channel (HGTV) is dedicated to making homes beautiful helps explain the uptick in demand for interior designers and decorators. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates close to 20 percent growth for the interior design field alone between 2010 and 2020. States often require interior designers to hold licenses, which makes it the ideal side-gig for designers who are already working in the field but want to take on extra, or slightly different, types of work. PayScale.com reports that the median hourly rate for part-time, self-employed interior designers is around $58; for the less technical field of interior decorating, it's $31. Designers with in-demand specialties, such as environmentally friendly design, can often charge more. For those who already hold the necessary degrees and licenses, getting started is just a matter of finding clients.

BEST FOR: Trained designers and decorators who want to explore new projects outside their full-time job.

RESOURCES: HGTV, apartmenttherapy.com, American Society of Interior Designers, DesignSponge.com

Illustrators are artists who create everything from blog logos to e-book covers to website banners, either by hand or with the assistance of a computer program. Freelancer.com ranked the gig as one of the fastest growing in 2012, with roughly 2,000 new job postings per quarter. Clients range from large companies to freelancers who want to make their blog or website look professional. According to PayScale.com, part-time, self-employed illustrators earn a median hourly rate of $28.40, similar to side-giggers in other creative fields such as graphic design and writing.

BEST FOR: Gifted artists who enjoy working on their own and with clients and who are willing to market themselves and their talents.

RESOURCES: Society of Illustrators, kerismith.com, Etsy.com, dribbble.com (note the three b's), minted.com, cgtextures.com

How did you get started?

LISA: I was at a job that had all of the Adobe software. I started tinkering around on my breaks, and fell in love. I can't stop doodling flowers now.

Is it hard to find clients?

LISA: Yes and no. It's feast or famine with me. Some weeks I sit there thinking maybe I need to wear a T-shirt that says, “Hire me.” Other days, clients come on their own for no apparent reason.

What's your favorite thing about it?

LISA: I love that my job is so flexible. I have a one-year-old and so sometimes I'm not able to work when I want to. This job gives me the ability to be the mom I want to be and also the type of creative that I want to be.

What's the hardest thing?

LISA: The unknown, and not knowing where your next dollar is going to come in. The feeling that I am always “on.” I'm always answering emails, or changing diapers, or illustrating new things. It never ends.

How do you manage your time?

LISA: Luckily my daughter still naps twice a day so that frees up a lot of the time for me to do some work. I also take her to daycare twice a week. I think it's healthy and fun for her, and [it's] a way that I can feel like I have had time to dedicate to my work.

Do you have any advice for aspiring illustrators?

LISA: Find your own style. Stick to it. Same goes for routines. Once you find a rhythm with illustrating and living the rest of your life, sink into that. Also, love others…Beauty within is revealed in our art.

 

NOTE: Lisa is the illustrator who designed the Palmer's Planners covers mentioned in Chapter 3.)

Landscape design is the outdoor version of side-gig #15, interior designer/decorator. It involves making outdoor space beautiful, usable, and efficient. Clients can range from individuals who are trying to spruce up a backyard to companies with significant green space or local governments with parks and playgrounds. On freelance site Elance.com, landscape design was one of the fastest growing categories for postings in 2012. PayScale.com reports that the median hourly rate for part-time, self-employed landscape designers is close to $26, the equivalent of a $52,000 annual salary.

BEST FOR: Licensed landscape designers itching to pick up new clients and projects, or full-time employees of landscape design firms who want to transition toward self-employment.

RESOURCES: Elance.com, American Society of Landscape Architects

Life coaching is a rapidly growing, and largely unregulated, field. In fact, the field is so new that the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't yet include it on its list of occupations. While several life coaching organizations exist and offer various certification programs, anyone can call themselves a life coach. While that might be considered a good thing to those just entering the field, it also means it can be harder to stand out and distinguish oneself to potential clients. Life coaches usually work one on one with their clients in a mentoring role, encouraging them to define and pursue their goals. Closely related to the fields of therapy and career coaching, life coaches tend to take a more holistic approach, focusing on clients’ health and finances as well as life goals. The potential pay is high: PayScale.com ranks life coaches in the top ten–earning part-time, freelance jobs. On average, life coaches bring in a median hourly rate of $70, similar to an information technology consultant. Related professions include more specific coaching fields, such as dating coach or career coach (#23). Since clients often prefer to talk at night or on the weekends, life coaching can mix well with a standard nine-to-five job.

BEST FOR: People with a natural tendency to want to help others with their goals and engage in lengthy conversations about others’ lives.

RESOURCES: FindYourCoach.com, the International Coach Federation, the International Association of Coaching, the Spencer Institute, The Coaches Training Institute, CoachInc.com

In contrast to web designers, web developers focus more on the technical side of websites, although their work often encompasses design aspects, as well. They are also responsible for websites’ speed, performance, traffic capacity, and any applications and programs added to the site. As a result of their technical skills, they tend to charge slightly more per hour than web designers: Payscale.com estimates that part-time, self-employed web developers earn around $32 an hour, or about $3 more an hour than web graphic designers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also lists the field among the fastest growing, with 22 percent growth projected between 2010 and 2020. Start-up costs are minimal, although some web developers opt to earn certifications in specific programs or languages, such as Javascript or html.

BEST FOR: Skilled web developers with full-time jobs who want to expand their client base during off hours, with the possible goal of eventual self-employment.

RESOURCES: Elance.com, webdeveloper.com, International Webmasters Association, WebProfessionals.org

Getting paid to speak requires comfort in front of large audiences and a platform (such as being known to have some kind of expertise) that leads to speaking invitations. Keynote speakers cover all kinds of topics: overcoming hardship, finding business success, and improving productivity are among the most popular topics at conferences and corporate events. In general, the more well known the speaker, the more they are paid. Fees can range from $500 for small college workshops to $50,000 for talks by big-name celebrities. Keynote speakers are almost always side-giggers; their full-time career and expertise, whether it's in rock-climbing or nonprofit management, is often what gives them the opportunity to get paid to speak. Beyond developing the expertise that leads to speaking engagements, there are few start-up costs for speakers. The biggest challenge is often finding paying clients; many speakers start out speaking for free. The time commitment is significant; each engagement might be just a couple hours long, but speakers typically spend many more hours preparing and perfecting their remarks in addition to traveling.

BEST FOR: Leaders in their fields who enjoy being in the spotlight.

RESOURCES: Toastmasters International, local speakers’ bureaus, National Speakers Association

Part-time gardeners typically grow flowers or vegetables in their backyards or in community gardens and sell them to local farmers’ markets, specialty stores, or flower shops. While interest in gardening, particularly urban gardening and shared community gardens, has blossomed over the last decade, it's long been a popular side-pursuit: A Bureau of Labor Statistics report on multiple job-holders in 1995 used the term “weekend gardeners” to describe people who “enjoy growing and selling the produce from their small plot.” It found the pursuit to be among the most popular types of second jobs. Start-up costs are low; gardeners need access to a plot of land, whether it's at their home or in a shared garden, along with tools and seeds or seedlings. The time commitment varies by season; during growing season, gardeners can spend much of their weekends and evenings planting, weeding, and harvesting.

BEST FOR: Green thumbs who enjoy spending their free time outdoors and in the garden.

RESOURCES: John Tolluck's The New American Homestead blog (johntullock.blogspot.com), American Community Gardening Association, GardeningMatters.org

The term “handyman” covers all kinds of odd-job work, from fixing a clogged drain to installing insulation. Busy people are often happy to outsource these kinds of time-consuming jobs to someone who can do it more quickly and efficiently. Licensing requirements vary by state. While handymen increasingly use the Internet to find new clients, word-of-mouth is still the most common marketing method. According to PayScale.com, part-time, self-employed handymen earn a median hourly rate of $24.50, similar to a yoga teacher or executive chef, and pay varies by location. Handymen with advanced expertise in carpentry or other specializations can charge more for their services. Handymen can take on as many or as few jobs when they want, and since many clients want work completed on the weekends, part-time handymen can often combine their work with full-time jobs.

BEST FOR: Men and women who already have home repair skills and who enjoy working with other people in their homes.

RESOURCES: AsktheHandyman.net, Association of Certified Handyman Professionals, HandyAmerican.com, Sidegig.com, Handyman Association of America, United Handyman Association

How did you learn to be a handyman?

JAMES: I worked at a nonprofit that renovated inner-city houses and learned on the job.

Does it give you financial security?

JAMES: It's currently my lifeline. I am surviving, but not more than that—I'm not getting ahead. I haven't been able to find a full-time job [since earning a bachelor's degree three years ago]. I'm qualified for an entry-level position in geography or geographic information systems, and there aren't many out there.

How do you find your clients?

JAMES: Through friends and word of mouth. It would take me a while to stop if I did get a full-time job, because people keep asking me to do jobs.

What do you like about it?

JAMES: I like the creativity and thinking through problems to get a solution. I also like that I can take or leave jobs and set my own schedule. That lets me do other creative things, like performing guitar in a waltz band. Doing [handyman work] lets me make those decisions for myself. The trade-off is the paycheck. People's willingness to pay has gone down with the economy; I had to lower my rates to stay employed. In the mid-2000s, I could charge $50 an hour; now I charge closer to $30 an hour.

Like life coaches, career coaches work one on one with clients to help improve their lives and reach their goals, but with a focus on work. They help people figure out what they most enjoy doing, what their skills are, and how they can move into employment that maximizes their skills and passions. They also help with more specific tasks, such as improving clients’ resumes and cover letters. In contrast to certified counselors or therapists, they focus less on emotional history or underlying psychology than the more immediate task of helping clients find satisfying employment. In fact, many career coaches launch their side-businesses without any particular certification or training, but the growth in the industry also means there are many online certification programs available. Certification is optional; earning potential varies by specialization and experience, and is $100 to $500 an hour and up. Scheduling is often flexible and client meetings can take place on weekends and evenings.

BEST FOR: Anyone with a natural tendency to dish out career tips to friends.

RESOURCES: Brazen Careerist, Career Coach Institute, Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches

How did you get started as a career coach?

SYDNEY: I reviewed a bunch of my peers’ resumes in my first couple years out of college. Since I had gotten a job so quickly, they seemed to trust that I knew what needed to happen to make the resume clean and impressive. After a while, it got to the point where I realized this was a service I could offer to young professionals.

What drew you to the field?

SYDNEY: There are so many garbage resumes and so many ridiculously qualified and eager candidates. A bad resume shouldn't prevent a talented individual from getting a great job, but you don't know what you don't know. There is a serious information gap when it comes to what companies are looking for and what we're taught in college when it comes to resumes.

Did you get any special training or certification before launching your coaching business?

SYDNEY: I didn't get any formal training, per se, but I worked with Penelope Trunk, a very well-respected and highly established career coach and author, on my resume when I was still in college. I took what I learned from that experience and built on it.

How do you find clients?

SYDNEY: Currently, it's all word of mouth. I had one girl who gushed about how quickly she got a job after working through her resume with me, and soon enough, I had another client, and then two more clients, and it just kind of rolled from there.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of coaching?

SYDNEY: My favorite part is when clients get it, when they have the light bulb moment and they're on board with everything they're learning. My process involves them writing the edits themselves, with my guidance, so next time they don't have to hire someone. My least favorite part is finding time to make it work. I work full time as the event coordinator for a skydiving center, so I'm usually pretty beat after a long day of work or jumping, and being on the West Coast, it can be tricky to coordinate times that aren't outrageous for my East Coast clients.

(You can read more about Sydney in Chapter 3.)

Tattoo artists tend to be highly specialized fine artists—after all, their work is permanently etched on clients’ skin, so there's not much room for error. That's why tattoo artists often train, or apprentice, with more experienced artists for years before taking on their own clients. There are also health and hygiene issues to consider, which is why states regulate body art and require various types of coursework, examinations, and licenses. Still, the payoff can be worth the hassle; PayScale.com reports that part-time, self-employed tattoo artists earn a median hourly wage of almost $36, similar to personal trainers and technical writers.

BEST FOR: Artists with an attraction to tattoo culture.

RESOURCES: TattooRoadTrip.com, Tattoo Artists Guild

How did you get started with tattooing?

PETE: I was one of those graffiti kids when I was young, and was really into punk rock and skateboards. I was getting a lot of tattoos, and then I just figured, I should tattoo as well. Now I've been tattooing for about thirteen years.

After you graduate from your business management program, will you continue to work as a tattoo artist?

PETE: I'll always be a tattooer. It's my base profession—if all else fails, I can always tattoo.

How much do you charge?

PETE: It depends on how good you are, but I usually charge around $200 an hour.

How do you find clients?

PETE: Word-of-mouth, mostly. I've been doing it a long time, so a lot of people know of me, and clients know where to find me.

Event planners revel in the details—even when they're for someone else's convention, wedding, or party. Part of the job includes mapping out agendas or schedules, inviting guests, arranging necessary logistics (such as transportation), and handling fees and expenses, including for any contractors involved. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports rapid job growth in the field, with a projected 44 percent increase in the number of jobs between 2010 and 2020, as organizations look for more ways to connect face to face in a digital age. The median hourly rate for self-employed, part-time event planners is $20, but those with more experience and specialization tend to earn more. The time commitment is big; when an event is approaching, planners often find themselves knee-deep in last-minute requests and questions from clients, attendees, and contractors. Certification programs are available and can make planners more attractive to clients, but they aren't required.

BEST FOR: Anyone with a predilection for details, organization, and parties.

RESOURCES: Convention Industry Council, Society of Government Meeting Professionals, Event Planners Association, Meeting Professionals International, Professional Convention Management Association

Taking care of other people's pets involves everything from walking dogs to spending the night with cats to feeding fish. While it's not very highly paid—PayScale.com puts the going rate for part-time dog walkers at just over $10 an hour—it's a relatively easy gig, particularly for people looking for flexibility. Largely because pet ownership continues to grow, and owners spend more and more on their pets, the demand for pet sitters is expected to rise through 2020. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates job growth in the animal care field to be close to 23 percent over the current decade. Pet sitters can often fit their responsibilities in between full-time work, and can take on as many or as few clients as they want. Start-up costs are minimal to none, although certification programs exist.

BEST FOR: Animal lovers with spare time and flexible schedules.

RESOURCES: National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Pet Sitters International

What do you like, and not like, about pet-sitting?

TARA: My apartment doesn't allow pets, so I enjoy getting to spend time with cats and dogs. I also like that I can turn down certain jobs if they conflict with my schedule. My least favorite thing is spending the night at other people's homes, which I tend only to do when watching dogs.

Is it hard to find clients?

TARA: It can be a bit challenging; luckily, word of mouth through my friends has helped tremendously. Three of my current clients are friends of friends. I also place ads on Craigslist occasionally, but that has only led to one client.

Does your pet-sitting income make you feel more secure?

TARA: Yes. It comes in handy over the holidays, since many of my clients travel during that time. I tend to use those earnings to buy presents for family and friends. Especially since I don't make a ton of money at my full-time job, sometimes it's just nice to have a cushion in case of an emergency.

Do you have advice for people who want to get into pet-sitting?

TARA: I would start by talking to friends and asking them to put the word out among their friends and coworkers. I've found that pet owners feel much more comfortable when the person taking care of their pet is recommended from a trusted source. Otherwise, I would advertise in the neighborhood listserv or Craigslist. You want to find out what other pet sitters are charging and keep your rates competitive.

(You can read more about Tara in Chapter 2.)

Artists have long pursued their craft alongside full-time employment, simply because it's hard to earn a living on art alone. By taking advantage of proliferating e-commerce sites, from Etsy to RedBubble, artists are finding ways to reach new customers and create additional revenue streams for themselves. Whether they're creating photographs, sculptures, or paintings, there's usually an online market for their creations. Still, finding paying customers isn't easy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in the field will grow more slowly than average between 2010 and 2020, largely because artwork purchases are a luxury, so sales depend on the economy. According to PayScale.com, the median hourly rate for part-time, self-employed fine artists is just under $20. Expenses consist mainly of art supplies and training.

BEST FOR: Artists who pay the bills through other employment, but who still want to earn money from their creations.

RESOURCES: American Craft Council, Etsy.com, RedBubble.com, Minted.com

You won't find “online community builder” included on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ list of jobs, but it's an increasingly popular field for ambitious side-giggers. A mix of journalist, web designer, community organizer, and tech entrepreneur, this job usually exists because someone wants a new way to connect with social or professional circles. Revenues from advertising, partnerships, and lead generation usually come after building a loyal audience; earning potential depends largely on how big an audience the site can attract. Examples include dcurbanmom.com (Chapter 4), NY Creative Interns (Chapter 4), and DailyMuse.com (Chapter 5). A domain name, hosting services, and web design services are among the initial costs, and their prices vary widely. In addition to building the site, online community builders spend a lot of time marketing it and building relationships with potential partners.

BEST FOR: Web savvy, social people who enjoy fostering connections between people.

RESOURCES: Mashable.com, Problogger.net

Companies, small businesses, and individuals often need help using specific types of software, such as Photoshop, Flash, and Java, and they frequently turn to freelancers to help them. That creates opportunities for anyone with those technical skills. Freelancer.com listed software jobs (related to the programs listed above, along with others) among the fastest growing jobs of 2012. They are also among the best paid, with tech-related consulting work typically bringing in around $70 an hour, according to PayScale.com. The biggest start-up costs are programs they're working on, which many already have on their computers.

BEST FOR: Tech aficionados with the time to take on extra projects.

RESOURCES: Freelancer.com, Elance.com

You don't have to be a yogi yourself to notice the massive explosion in popularity of the ancient practice of yoga. As a result, skilled practitioners can find plenty of opportunities to teach. Given the sporadic hours, yoga teachers often hold down other jobs as well, which are frequently unrelated to what they do on the mat. Part-time, self-employed yoga teachers earn a median hourly rate of just over $25, on par with handymen and writers. Yoga teacher training can be intensive, requiring around 200 hours (or more) of practice and study. Popular classes often take place in the evenings and on weekends, which makes teaching easier to blend with a full-time job.

BEST FOR: Yogis who want to share their love of the practice with other people.

RESOURCES: Kripalu.org, YogaAlliance.org, Yoga Journal

Also known as deejays or announcers, disc jockeys can work in radio studios or helm the music booth at events such as weddings. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects only modest growth in the field over the current decade, social networking has made it easier for ambitious disc jockeys to brand themselves, find dedicated fans, and earn higher incomes from their craft. Pauly D, from MTV's Jersey Shore, exemplifies that possibility. Part-time, self-employed disc jockeys earn a median wage of $35 an hour, according to PayScale.com, which makes the side-gig more lucrative than being a computer repair technician, web developer, or wedding planner. Initial expenses, including high-quality audio equipment, can be high.

BEST FOR: Anyone who loves playing around with beats, mix decks, and popular tunes.

RESOURCES: American Disc Jockey Association, National Association of Mobile Entertainers

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the field of floral arranging as a whole is contracting due to declining interest from consumers, certain sectors, including wedding floral arrangements, continue to grow. The key to finding success is defining your niche and customer base, building a strong online presence, and growing through word of mouth. Florists can also offer tutorials and workshops for customers. About one-third of florists are self-employed; PayScale.com reports that the median pay is $11.40 an hour. Training can include an apprenticeship and certification, but neither is required.

BEST FOR: People with artistic backgrounds who enjoy working with flowers.

RESOURCES: American Institute of Floral Designers, Society of American Florists

How did you get started?

HANNAH: I was always interested in flowers. I've worked as a landscaper and landscape designer since I was in college, which allowed me to be creative in working with textures, colors, and different plants. That's very different from floral work, but the design principles are the same. I decided to start my own business for one reason—to make more money. My field is very specialized with limited job opportunities, and although I have a top-notch resume with impressive experience, my earning potential is still limited. I knew that floral design would be a fairly easy direction to go initially because of the high markup, minimal overhead, flexible schedule, and, since I'm twenty-five, I'll know a lot of people who will be getting married in the next few years.

What type of training do you have?

HANNAH: As far as hands-on florist experience, I had absolutely none.

How do you combine your floral business with your full-time job as a horticulturist?

HANNAH: It works well because most events that I do for my floral work are on the weekends. So I'm very busy and always working, but my Monday-through-Friday schedule allows me to work special events whenever I want. In theory, in the next two to three years I would get busy enough with weddings to quit my full-time job.

How do you find clients?

HANNAH: At this point, it's largely been word of mouth. You help one friend or family member, and then all of their bridesmaids call, then all of their bridesmaids, and sisters, and roommates, and so on. It's uncanny how busy I've been this year without trying that hard. I also drop off “sample” bouquets at local small businesses, including a wine bar, high-end clothing boutique, and home décor shop when I can, or when I have extras after an event. I drop off the arrangement for no charge, leave a stack of cards, and hope for the best. It's not very aggressive, but at this point I already have about two weddings per weekend, which is a lot. I also made a Facebook page, so people can leave testimonials and images. My full-time job also often leads to guests or volunteers asking if I work on the side as well. They usually want landscaping help, but I also let them know I do flowers.

Do you feel more financially secure because of your side-gig?

HANNAH: Very much. My overhead is essentially nothing, beyond supplies for each event, which I make sure to cover in each client's bill. The nice part about weddings is that they are usually booked far in advance, so financially, I can start to plan a bit more. With landscaping jobs, it's usually much more short term, and you don't know when your next job will be. With weddings, the work is laid out in a contract and I can count on it.

Thanks to busy, cluttered lives, the field of professional home organizers has grown significantly over the last couple decades. It's also branched into various specializations, including organization for stay-at-home moms, students, or people with certain health issues, including attention-deficit disorder. The job isn't just about sorting through paperwork; organizers help with everything from room design and space management to better organizing the client's time to reach his or her goals. PayScale.com reports that the median hourly rate for part-time, self-employed home organizers is $22.50. Start-up costs are minimal; successful home organizers tend to have appealing websites with useful information for potential clients. Certification is optional.

BEST FOR: People who love spending their weekends sorting through closets and other people's paper piles.

RESOURCES: CertifiedProfessionalOrganizers.org, National Association of Professional Organizers

Why did you decide to start organizing on top of your psychology work?

GILLIAN: I was looking for something with more tangible and immediate outcomes than psychology. I do talk therapy, and a lot of the time you don't see the changes [in the short run], if ever. That was one of the appeals of organizing work—you can often see the changes sooner. It is very gratifying to help clients use organizing strategies to transform their spaces from cluttered and dysfunctional to supportive.

How did you get started?

GILLIAN: I saw an article about four years ago about an organizer in Maryland, and I called her. She told me about the national organization, and I took some of their classes, including the introduction to professional organization.

Do you use your psychology skills in your organizing work?

GILLIAN: Yes—one of the things I do as a psychologist is develop a treatment plan. That ability to take a problem and then develop a strategy and the steps to help clients get to where they want to go has been very helpful. Also understanding that people don't change until they're ready, and sometimes your view of what a person needs is not what they want, and you have to work toward their vision.

How do you manage your time doing both jobs?

GILLIAN: I recently decided to cut back my psychology work to three days a week, so I can meet with organizing clients on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

How do you find your clients?

GILLIAN: I started by sending email to friends and family, and then gave talks at community centers and church groups. I also work with other organizers as an organizer's assistant.

While it's not easy for singers and musicians to market themselves and find paying clients, those who succeed at doing so are richly rewarded: The median hourly wage for part-time, self-employed singers and musicians is around $48—similar to a health care consultant or licensed massage therapist. In addition to live performances, digital recordings and online sales also make it easier for musicians to sell their own music and find new fans. Many performers also earn income by teaching others. After training, which often starts in childhood, the biggest costs are related to marketing to find clients.

BEST FOR: Trained singers or musicians with the time and desire to make money from their skills.

RESOURCES: American Federation of Musicians, CDBaby.com, Freelance Musicians’ Association

Personal shoppers have a gift for picking out the perfect outfits for other people. While many work in (and are paid by) department stores, self-employed personal shoppers generally take on clients outside the confines of any single shop. Their clients tend to be financially comfortable, since they're paying for the luxury service, and personal shopping skills often extend into closet organization, design, and styling. Specialties are frequently tied to geography; in areas with large international populations, clients might want help navigating American stores and style, for example. PayScale.com reports that the median hourly rate for self-employed, part-time personal shoppers is $18.50. Training generally comes from life experience and having an eye for style and fit; certifications exist but are not necessary.

BEST FOR: People with enviable taste who enjoy helping others look good.

RESOURCES: Association of Image Consultants International, International Personal Shoppers Association

How did you get started?

ALISON: I worked at Michael Kors for four years in the corporate office, handling marketing and brand management. Then I lived in Paris for a year, and decided to move back to Washington, D.C., where I'm from, so I decided to start my business as a way to stay in the fashion industry.

How did you learn the skills to be a stylist and personal shopper?

ALISON: I think it's something you either have or you don't. I did a lot of it at Michael Kors, either on ad shoots or working with celebrities and other clients. I knew I was able to do it well.

How did you get your first clients?

ALISON: I was young enough and naive enough to just start telling people I was doing it. I sent out marketing materials to friends and family, and soon that led to a couple of press articles. It's mostly word of mouth, and just being known as one of the more credible stylists in the area.

Do you work with any particular type of client?

ALISON: I work much more with women than men; men are just about 15 percent of my business. I see a lot of young women who just graduated from college and need to build a professional wardrobe, and new mothers who have maybe been working for ten years and are now at home but still want to look good. I also see a lot of women over fifty who might not be working anymore; their bodies are changing and their needs are changing.

What's your favorite part about the job?

ALISON: Making my clients happy when they feel and look so much better. It's much more rewarding than I thought it would be.

Part-time bloggers as well as large corporations rely on freelance video editors, which is why demand is growing for nimble operators. Building an independent side-business as a video editor is also a viable alternative for trained camera operators who are finding their day jobs replaced by new technology, as well as for recent college graduates who want to build their experience while job-hunting. Freelancer.com listed video services as one of its fastest growing fields in early 2012, with over 7,500 job postings on its site. Film and video editors earn a median hourly rate of almost $25, according to PayScale.com. Equipment includes video cameras and editing software, which can be expensive.

BEST FOR: Trained videographers with equipment and connections to local small businesses and other potential clients.

RESOURCES: American Cinema Editors, Elance.com, Freelancer.com

How did you get started with video editing?

MIKE: When I first wanted to get into this business, I volunteered as an assistant editor. I also shot music videos with friends and then on the weekends and at night, went into the editing room and taught myself how to edit, using a book and asking some of the older guys for help. I had permission to use the room and software because I was volunteering. After about a month, I had a music video, and I showed it to my boss. He said, “I'm booking you with clients.” That was twenty years ago.

How do you find your clients?

MIKE: Since I've been working in this city for twenty years now, clients usually find me. I used to cold-call people and associations and send them my demo reel or link to my website, or go to networking events and then follow up. Most of the time, I would never hear anything, but there's a little bit that comes from that. A lot of it is recommendations from other editors who I've met over the years. I've learned the power of keeping in touch with clients. During dry times, I'll use freelancing websites.

Were your start-up costs high?

MIKE: Now, anybody can get video editing software for around $300. A laptop, Final Cut Pro, and a hard drive is all you need. With all the extras, it can get up to a few thousand dollars.

What do you like most about video editing?

MIKE: I'm a storyteller, and I'm also very technical. When I was just getting out of college, I was trying to figure out what to do with that. I'm not a writer per se, but I love pictures and organizing a story.

Parents tend to look for sitters they can trust above any other attribute, including advanced certifications, and jobs often come through word of mouth rather than Internet postings. Still, the growth in popular babysitting websites, such as SitterCity.com, has made it easier for sitters to ramp up their businesses beyond their inner circles. Part-time babysitters earn around $12 an hour, but pay varies widely depending on location. The going rate in many urban areas is $15 and up. Given parents’ increasingly hectic work schedules, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of 20 percent in the field during the current decade. Start-up costs are minimal, although many parents prefer sitters with CPR training and other certifications and will pay more for sitters with other kinds of skills, such as the ability to tutor or cook.

BEST FOR: Caring individuals who love children and are looking to boost their income with night and weekend work.

RESOURCES: SitterCity.com, Care.com

While most construction workers work full time for companies or small businesses, about one-quarter are self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field as a whole is expected to enjoy healthy 25 percent growth between 2010 and 2020, with certain specialties, including brickmasons, carpenters, and pipelayers, seeing even higher levels of growth. Physical strength is a requirement for most construction work, and specialized training, especially in safety or certain trades, can boost your chances of landing gigs. Clients include homeowners, construction companies looking for short-term workers to complete jobs, and small businesses. Construction workers typically earn around $14 an hour, according to government data. General contractors, who plan and manage projects, earn much more, around $45 an hour, according to PayScale.com. Most construction workers learn on the job, although self-employed workers often boost their marketability with certifications, insurance, and licensing.

BEST FOR: People who enjoy physical labor and have had training in a construction-related field, and whose full-time jobs give them the flexibility to show up for short-term, project-based work.

RESOURCES: ConstructionJobs.com, Laborers’ International Union of North America, National Center for Construction Education and Research

Performers include street buskers, hoping passersby will drop change—preferably bills—in their hats, as well as stage actors and dancers. Work tends to come in spurts, which is why performers have long held other jobs to support themselves in between gigs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that actors earn around $18 an hour while dancers earn $13 an hour, and job growth in both fields is low to moderate. The ease of sharing online videos, on social networking as well as crowd-funding sites, makes it easier for performers to showcase their skills to potential directors, producers, fans, and funders. Like singers and musicians (#34), many dancers and actors also earn additional income by teaching. Dance instructors earn close to $25 an hour, according to PayScale.com.

BEST FOR: Skilled performers with unrelated day jobs looking to earn money from their craft.

RESOURCES: DanceUSA.org, Kickstarter.com, Screen Actors Guild

Nutritionists help people make better food choices; some specialize in children, weight loss, or specific health issues, such as diabetes or prenatal health. They work for private clients, hospitals, doctor's offices, and nursing homes. Nutritionists typically earn around $26 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the demand for their skills is expected to grow over the current decade. The client-based work lends itself to flexibility; about 20 percent work part time and 15 percent are self-employed. Training can be time-consuming: While laws vary by state, most require licenses or certifications, and nutritionists are often also registered dieticians.

BEST FOR: Trained nutritionists looking to pick up extra work and build a private client base.

RESOURCES: American Nutrition Association, American Society for Nutrition, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Association of Nutrition Professionals

How did you get started?

CRISTIN: I have been interested in nutrition for a long time, but it wasn't offered as a degree where I went to college, and, frankly, I was intimidated by it because it is so heavily based in science and math—two areas where I never had academic confidence. After graduating from college and working for a year in marketing, I decided to go to grad school for public health, which seemed like a happy medium—health without so much science. I loved it. While I was finishing my degree, I was teaching first grade, and over time I realized that nutrition was my passion. I decided to become a registered dietitian, which required me to get a second undergraduate degree in dietetics, complete an internship, and pass a national exam. Every five years, I also need to complete another seventy-five hours of continuing education.

What does your work involve now?

CRISTIN: I started my own practice right after finishing my internship and passing my Registered Dietitian (RD) exam. I work with clients one on one and also give presentations for schools and corporations, consult for businesses, and write articles.

What do you like most about it?

CRISTIN: I love helping people, especially as they stretch and push themselves to reach their health goals and realize their own inner strengths. The world of nutrition is always growing and changing, which adds a fun and challenging aspect to the profession as well. I also really like the flexibility of being my own boss.

How do you find your clients?

CRISTIN: Most of my business so far has been word of mouth. I'm from Middleburg and have worked at one of the schools in town, and my husband works there, too, so a lot of people know me and what I do. I also get referrals from local physicians and therapists. In the future, I hope to build my business by giving more talks in the area, writing articles for the local papers, and other types of outreach.

With the exception of a notable few, bloggers do not generally make much money off of blogs themselves. But they do make money through related activities, including blogging for others (such as companies) or providing content to clients who find them through their blog. Bloggers also earn money by coaching others, selling products such as digital guides or webinars, and teaching workshops. Blogging is easy to do on the side, since writing can be done at any time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups bloggers in with writers and authors, who typically earn around $27 an hour. The only equipment required is a computer and Internet connection.

BEST FOR: Writers looking to pick up more work, or people working in nonwriting fields who love to write.

RESOURCES: Blogger.com, ProBlogger.net, Wordpress.com

Why did you decide to start your blog, Careful Cents (carefulcents.com)?

CARRIE: For four years, I worked as a tax specialist, and I heard my clients ask the same type of questions over and over again. I knew I could help more people if I started a blog and built a like-minded community. That's why I created Careful Cents—to create a community of people who can support each other while getting out of debt.

How do you manage blogging with your full-time job?

CARRIE: I keep a detailed schedule for all my projects, writing, and blogging work. That helps me segment what time slots are spent doing what. At the same time, I struck a deal with my boss to work four ten-hour work days instead of five eight-hour ones. Now Fridays and Saturdays are dedicated to my freelance writing and consulting.

Does your blog conflict with your full-time job at all?

CARRIE: Thankfully, I have a very understanding boss and she knows all about my freelance career. She and my other coworkers are very encouraging and enjoy hearing about my latest conference or networking event. Sometimes during my lunch break, I work on my freelance business and blogging, and I feel very blessed to have that flexibility.

How does your blog generate income?

CARRIE: Most of the income I earn through my blog is from my freelance writing contracts, editing, guest-posting, and related writing services. I make a little money from advertising and affiliate sales from products that I use personally and recommend to help others. But the majority of my side-hustle income comes from services like writing. In the future I plan to add some digital products like e-books and guides to my streams of blogging income.

How long did it take you, after launching your blog, to start earning money from it?

CARRIE: It took a good ten months before I started seeing any substantial income from my blog. But I wasn't interested in monetizing at the beginning, so I waited six months before trying to make extra money from my blog. If I started earlier, I could have made more money, but I was more interested in building a solid community.

How did you build up your audience?

CARRIE: I built my audience from scratch and every day I do my best to connect with every single person on a very personal level. If you mention me on Twitter, I'll reply with a quick note or thank you. If you send me an email, I'll always respond. But more than that, I'm truly interested in helping you become more successful, in both life and money. I love seeing and hearing other people's success stories.

It might not be the most glamorous of side-gigs, but it's one of the most in demand: In early 2012, Freelancer.com reported that data entry was one of its fastest growing fields, more than doubling over the previous year with over 30,000 job postings listed. That growth is driven by the fact that companies are increasingly outsourcing the work. Related jobs include virtual assistant tasks (such as setting up appointments or organizing email and social media accounts) and data processing. Doing other people's busywork often pays decently (starting at $15 an hour) and can be done at any time of the day or night.

BEST FOR: Strong typists who enjoy working with numbers and spreadsheets.

RESOURCES: Freelancer.com, International Virtual Assistants Association, VirtualAssistantForums.com, Zirtual.com

In addition to the stand-up kind who performs at clubs and bars, comedians include anyone who earns money off of humor, from joke writers to improvisational actors. Many comedic side-giggers begin because making people laugh is a hobby; they often start getting more serious by joining local groups, taking classes, or performing at open mike nights. Earnings tend to be low and sporadic, but attracting an audience usually generates some revenue, and the side-gig is a popular one among those who love making people laugh. For people who started performing “just for fun,” those financial rewards are secondary to the satisfaction that comes from making people laugh.

BEST FOR: Natural hams who want to pick up a few extra bucks on the weekends through their comedic skills.

RESOURCES: National Association of Comedians, local improv groups, World Clown Association

Copywriters generate text, or copy, for their customers, who tend to be companies looking for help with marketing language, product descriptions, and website language. While they fall under the larger umbrella of writers and authors, copywriters tend to be a more highly paid subset, since they're often working for big companies on campaigns designed to sell services and products. Indeed, senior copywriters are among the most highly paid self-employed, part-time workers according to PayScale.com, typically earning $85 an hour. (Less-senior copywriters earn around $25 an hour.)

BEST FOR: Writers looking for a lucrative income stream to help bankroll their lower-paying creative pursuits.

RESOURCES: Copyblogger.com, Professional Copywriters Association

Often referred to simply as “SEO,” search engine optimization involves the relatively new and complicated science of improving one's rankings in web searches. Most website owners want to make it as easy as possible for potential customers to find them, which means they want to show up on a web search for related terms. Just how to do that involves studying the tightly guarded and frequently changing logarithms that web search companies such as Google use to generate rankings. Freelancer.com lists over 10,000 SEO-related jobs on its site, with many postings from mid-size companies looking to outsource the task. Hourly rates typically start around $20 an hour and can go up dramatically from there, depending on experience and results.

BEST FOR: Web-savvy marketing professionals looking to pick up extra work with the skills they already have from their day jobs.

RESOURCES: Freelancer.com, Elance.com, Odesk.com

Information technology consultants help companies build and manage their computer systems—no small task, especially considering the increasing complexity of those systems. Their responsibilities often range from building networks to managing software upgrades to manning the help desk and ensuring network security. PayScale.com reports that part-time, self-employed IT consultants earn a median wage of almost $70 an hour. On Freelancer.com, almost half of the projects completed by freelancers who also hold full-time jobs fall into the IT, website, or software categories.

BEST FOR: Tech wizards who love playing around on computers.

RESOURCES: Computer World, Freelancer.com

Tutors help students on subjects ranging from SAT vocabulary to learning new languages; specialized tutors work with students with learning disabilities or health issues. They generally work for themselves, out of their homes or their students’ homes, for educational companies, or in schools. Tutors often hold education degrees as well as certifications and licenses, although self-employed tutors working for families or private schools are not required to hold either. Self-employed, part-time tutors generally earn around $20 an hour, according to PayScale.com. Related fields include college essay editing and college admissions coaching.

BEST FOR: Former or current teachers who enjoy working one on one with students.

RESOURCES: American Tutoring Association, National Tutoring Association, Independent Educational Consultants Association

How did you get started as a tutor?

HILLARY: When I was working as a teacher, I tutored students on and off, but my tutoring business began in earnest after having our daughter. When I was on maternity leave, I learned my school district changed my position and, due to budget cuts, reduced my workload. I was not interested in the new position, nor did it seem economically wise to pay for full-time daycare with a part-time teaching salary. I spoke with other teachers who have tutored over the years, and gathered advice and information from them. Then, I let all of my contacts know about my tutoring business, and contacted local schools, put up flyers, passed out business cards, and spoke with friends and acquaintances with school-aged children. After about six weeks, I got my first client, and then word spread quickly and I soon had a nearly-full schedule.

Did you need any special training?

HILLARY: I hold a teaching license and am endorsed to teach pre-K through twelfth grade. I also hold endorsements in language arts, multiple subjects, English as a second language, self-contained classrooms for kindergarten through sixth grade, and reading. The reading specialist endorsement has been very valuable, as the majority of my students are seeking help for literacy-related issues.

What do you like most about it?

HILLARY: I love that I get to set my schedule and spend days with my daughter, and that I'm using my education and tapping into one of my passions—teaching others—to both help clients and help my family financially.

What is the hardest part?

HILLARY: Running a business takes a lot of work and time. Initially, it seemed like there was a lot more rejection than positive feedback. When I don't work, I don't get paid, so I am constantly trying to gather new clients. Part of being a good tutor, after all, is helping students get to the point where they don't need you anymore. Also, it's hard working in the afternoons and evenings, which is when I tutor, since that's when students are available.

Out of the approximately 1.4 million people who work as housekeepers in the United States, about 12 percent are self-employed. And part-time, self-employed housekeepers earn around $15 an hour, according to PayScale.com. It's not a lot of money for work that is difficult, tiring, and dirty. But the upside is that it's easily scalable, with housekeepers picking up more gigs through word of mouth and their own marketing efforts. Housekeepers can also add various specialties to their services, such as organization (#33) or feng shui, to increase their rates. Writer and former self-employed housecleaner Nancy Peacock describes how she combined her two pursuits in her memoir A Broom of One's Own (Harper Perennial, 2008); she finally quit housecleaning when the work became too physically draining.

BEST FOR: People who are physically fit and who don't mind cleaning up after others.

RESOURCES: Association of Residential Cleaning Services, ISSA.com

The art of making other people beautiful can be a lucrative one; part-time, self-employed makeup artists earn as much as web developers and interior decorators, or around $31 an hour, PayScale.com reports. While makeup artists who work directly for clients don't generally need certificates or licenses, many makeup artists have them anyway, since salons and spas generally require them and customers often prefer them. Makeup artists also need to know how to market themselves. Related personal-care fields include working as an aesthetician (around $12 an hour), hair dresser or stylist ($15 an hour), and personal shopper (#35).

BEST FOR: Trained makeup artists looking to grow their business and eventually move to self-employment.

RESOURCES: BeautySchools.org, MakeupGeek.com, MakeupMag.com, ProBeauty.org

How did you get started?

LEAH: I was always fascinated with makeup, particularly special effects. During my long teenage rebellion period, I wanted to move to Los Angeles to learn the trade, but didn't have the funds or wherewithal at the time. I ended up training with an aesthetician on the East Coast, and that ended up being the strongest foundation for me to provide the best kind of service. I worked in a salon as an aesthetician doing facials and waxing. Working in a dark room with sounds of the ocean might be conducive to relaxation, but not to a productive, creative mind. I was itching to do more. I became the resident makeup artist at a new Neiman Marcus store in Virginia, and developed my own business on the side, doing makeup for weddings and other clients. Once my side-business grew, I left my job.

How do you find your clients?

LEAH: At first, I called every producer, photographer, and media studio that I could find. I showed up at their door with my portfolio and my makeup, ready to show what I could do and how fast I could do it. It was a period of heavy cold-calling. I knew weddings wouldn't be enough for a full-time business; I needed to supplement during the week, and the television arena was very difficult to break into without any contacts. I got my first break at CNN, and others finally relented and called me in. Once I got in the door, I practiced my work ethic of being completely professional, keeping my commitments, and doing my job. My wedding business also grew, and now, all of my clients come from referrals.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the job?

LEAH: My favorite part is the amazing people I meet and get to work with, and helping women feel confident and beautiful. My least favorite part is the early mornings, late nights, and horrendous traffic getting to and from some of my clients.

What's your schedule like now?

LEAH: Weddings are my priority, so I work every weekend, often on Sunday. It's hard to say no sometimes, and have a break when I need one. I often work seven days a week, although the days vary from two hours of work to ten or eleven hours. Balance is crucial for my physical and mental well-being, so I've learned to finesse my schedule around my own needs, as well as those of my clients.

The number of self-employed, freelancing wedding officiants is growing, as more couples opt for customized ceremonies that fall outside of religious traditions. Becoming an ordained minister online is easy, through organizations such as the Universal Life Church. (Specific state requirements for marriage licenses vary.) The pay also varies by geographic region and type of wedding, but officiants typically earn $200 and up for their services per ceremony, along with reimbursement for any travel costs. Since the work generally takes place on evenings and weekends, it's an easy gig to combine with almost any full-time job.

BEST FOR: Strong public speakers who enjoy working with couples to create meaningful ceremonies.

RESOURCES: firstnationministry.org, ulcweddingofficiants.com, weddingministers.com

How did you get started?

YVONNE: My best friend was getting married, and she and her fiancé weren't religious. We started talking about how Joey on Friends performed Monica and Chandler's wedding. I went online and found there was nothing to it—I registered at the Universal Life Church; it took fifteen minutes and was free. I've since learned that the legality of the wedding itself is all jurisdiction-dependent; D.C. required me to register and sent me a certificate.

Did you have some kind of training that gave you the skills to lead a marriage ceremony?

YVONNE: I did improv theater for six years; I'm naturally comfortable in front of people. For my first one, I was so nervous, and it went really well. With my background as a clinical social worker, I've done some family therapy, and the pre-wedding meeting with the couple is very much related to social work…. My work often involves thinking about relationships, helping people navigate relationships, and thinking about what's important. I've thought about expanding my services to include three premarital counseling sessions and then one session six months after the wedding. That social work element is why I enjoy it and why I'm decent at it—I'm asking people about their relationship and they're reflecting on it. I hope that brings an element of depth to it, and it's not just someone saying words.

Does being an officiant contribute to your overall financial security?

YVONNE: It could, if I grew my business more. I've varied the charges but gone up to $500. I'd love to do one a month, and maybe bring in $6,000 a year.

Note: Yvonne served as the author's wedding officiant.