There have never been more opportunities to start a side hustle — but ask any gig worker, and they’ll tell you that not all jobs are created equal.
Some can be a massive energy drain, while others feel like a natural extension of what you already do. When you’re trying to pay off debt, picking the right kind of extra income matters just as much as earning it.
Let’s focus on finding a side hustle that works with your personality, lifestyle and the energy you’re able to give this project. Evaluating your options through these lenses can make or break your debt payoff strategy: Finding sustainable work, afterall, is the key to ensuring real progress.
Hustle at Your Pace
“Just start a side hustle” isn’t exactly great advice. Why? Without knowing your job’s a good fit, you could find yourself jumping head-first into a side gig that drains your time and energy — eventually impeding your long-term progress against your debt.
Success is all about finding a debt-focused side hustle that fits how you already move through the world.
For the Introverted and Low-Social-Energy Crowd
Did you dread group projects in school? Then these are the solo-focused opportunities you’ll want to look out for:
- Freelance editing or writing
- Transcription or data entry
- Pet sitting or house sitting
- Asynchronous online tutoring
For the Extroverts and People-Pleasers
You’ve been called a “social butterfly,” and find joy in meeting new people. Good thing there are plenty of gig opportunities to spread your wings! Look into things like:
- Rideshare or delivery apps
- Event staffing or party hosting
- In-person tutoring or coaching
- Retail shifts or bartending
For Creatives and Idea People
Creativity can pay off, big-time. If you have experience in a creative field — or want to grow your resume — finding a freelance gig can make earning extra money a breeze.
- Start a YouTube or TikTok channel
- Create custom gifts
- Find a gig similar to your day job
For Planners and Organizers
If the thought of setting up a new spreadsheet or color-coding your calendar gets you excited, there are gigs that you’ll love out there. Look for:
- Virtual assistant work
- Freelance project management
- Resume editing or spreadsheet consulting
- Template sales
What Do You Actually Have Time For?
Even the best side hustle fails if it doesn’t fit into your life. Think about:
- Do you need child-friendly or nap-time-friendly work?
- Can you only work the graveyard shift or during school hours?
- Do you have physical limitations that rule out certain jobs?
- Do you prefer home-based work or getting out of the house?
Use your lifestyle as a guide. If your free time is late at night, asynchronous jobs or delivery gigs might be better than in-person tutoring. If you hate screen time after 5 p.m., avoid anything that involves remote meetings or customer messages.
Turn Your Hustle Into Real Progress
A great side hustle won’t help much if the money just melts into your regular spending. Here’s how to make it count:
- Open a separate account just for side income
- Set up auto-transfers to your debt account as soon as payments come in
- Give your side income a name, like “Credit Card #2” or “Emergency Fund Refill”
- Check in every 3 to 6 months to see how it’s going
The key is consistency. You don’t need to double your monthly income to make major progress against your debts.
A side hustle isn’t about doing more for the sake of it. It’s about creating breathing room, faster progress and maybe even a little fun along the way.
And should you find yourself underwater after all your hard work, don’t hesitate to get professional debt help from us. We offer trusted solutions that can help you get debt-free in as little as 24-48 months (and save money doing it!)