Seeking to earn some extra money as a student or in addition to your current job? Finding the right part-time work can provide you with the flexibility to earn an income while still focusing on school and your personal life. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best and most flexible side jobs. Many of them can be done from home, like filling out online surveys, babysitting, or tutoring, while others let you get outside, be creative, or meet new people.
Looking to make some extra money as a student, high schooler, or even alongside your current job? Finding the right part-time work can give you the flexibility to earn income while still focusing on school and your personal life. Whether you want to earn money at 16 years old or find ways to earn extra money next to your daytime job, there are plenty of flexible options available.
The list below offers a wide range of side jobs to help you earn extra money. These are all flexible jobs where you can often set your own schedule. Some can even be done from the comfort of your couch.
Note: not all of these options are suitable if you’re under 18. If something interests you, look into the requirements to see if it’s the right fit for you.
1. Direct Sales Consultant (Party Plan). Host Home Events and Earn Extra Money
Do you have a big network of friends and acquaintances? Do you enjoy spending time with people? Working as a party consultant could be a great fit. It’s one of those flexible side hustles where you can often choose your own hours and work whenever it suits you.
So, what exactly does a party consultant do? In simple terms, you organize themed events—often called home parties—where guests can discover, try out, and buy products in a fun and social setting. Your role is part host, making sure the atmosphere is welcoming and engaging, and part consultant, introducing the products, explaining how they work, answering questions, and taking orders. Depending on the company, this could mean hosting beauty evenings, fashion parties, or even lifestyle- and wellness-themed events. You don’t need a shop or a big investment to get started; most companies provide a starter kit with samples.
Many companies operate on the direct sales model through independent consultants and home parties. Some of the most well-known include Avon and Mary Kay (cosmetics and skincare), Stella & Dot (jewelry and fashion accessories), Scentsy (candles and home fragrances), and Arbonne (vegan cosmetics and nutritional products).
2. Babysitting Jobs: Earn Money at 16 Years Old
Do you love kids? Babysitting is a flexible part-time job that could be perfect for you, including if you want to earn money at 16 years old.
Babysitting is easy to combine with school, university, or another job, since many parents look for a babysitter during evenings or weekends. Others need after-school care. If you have a free afternoon, you can use it to look after children.
As a babysitter, you have a lot of freedom. You decide your own schedule and set your own hourly rate. If you’re open to helping with light household tasks, you can often charge even more.
Finding babysitting jobs is now easier than ever with online platforms such as Sitly, where you can quickly see which families in your neighbourhood are looking for a babysitter.
3. Paid Online Surveys: An Easy Way to Make Money from Home
Filling out surveys can be an easy way to earn some extra cash, especially if you’re looking for part-time jobs for students that don’t require much effort. You simply sign up for free on platforms, create a profile, and get matched with surveys based on your age, education, and interests. Each activity earns you points, which you can later cash out once you reach a certain amount.
The surveys are always online, so you can complete them from your couch whenever you have time. A simple way to earn extra money next to your job or school schedule. Just make sure you research each site before registering, since some are not very transparent about their payouts.
Here are a few legit survey platforms that students (or anyone looking for flexible side hustles) can try:
- Usercrowd – Anyone can sign up, take short surveys or usability tasks, and earn small rewards for each response.
- Swagbucks – One of the most popular platforms worldwide. You can earn points (“SB”) by filling out surveys, watching videos, or shopping online. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- Pinecone Research – Known for higher payouts per survey (often $3–$5 each) and product testing opportunities. Membership is more selective, so you may need an invite to join.
- LifePoints – Offers surveys on lifestyle and consumer topics. Rewards can be cashed out via PayPal or gift cards once you reach the minimum threshold.
- Ipsos i-Say – Run by a major market research company, it’s well-regarded for reliability and transparency. You earn points for surveys and can redeem them for Amazon or Starbucks gift cards, or PayPal payments.
4. Administrative Work from Home: Data Entry, Proofreading, and More
If you’d like to earn money at 18 years old with something steady, administrative work from home is a good option. Data entry is common—checking or entering information into a computer—and many companies outsource this type of work. Since every business has administration tasks, there’s always a demand for people to process emails and input data.
Translation work and proofreading also fall into this category. It’s flexible, doesn’t always require a diploma, and you can usually choose your own hours. Try these:
- Upwork – Popular freelance marketplace where you can offer services like data entry, proofreading, or translation. Great for building a portfolio.
- Fiverr – You create “gigs” for specific services (e.g., “I will proofread your text” or “I will enter data into Excel”). Flexible and beginner-friendly.
- Freelancer.com – Similar to Upwork, with many short-term projects in admin support and content services.
5. Tutoring and Private Lessons: A Flexible Job for Students
Are you fluent in a foreign language, or particularly strong in math? Tutoring is a popular way for students to earn money at 16 years old or older. If you’re studying sciences or languages, giving lessons to high school students is a great side hustle. Math is always in demand, and with more families raising bilingual children, tutors are highly valued.
You can join tutoring platforms or simply find students in your own community who need extra help. It’s one of the most rewarding flexible side hustles since you’re helping others while also making money.
Preply – Great for language tutors. You create a profile, set your rates, and get students from around the world.
Cambly – Focused on conversational English tutoring. You don’t need a teaching certificate, just fluent English, so it’s very beginner-friendly.
First Tutors: Canada – Matches tutors with students based on location and subject. You set your price and availability.
TutorBright – A Canadian tutoring service that sometimes hires high school students and university students to help younger learners.
6. Teach Workshops: Turn Hobbies into Income
Are you great at knitting, sewing, or cooking? Turn your hobby into income by teaching workshops. You can host them at home, or get hired to run them elsewhere. All you really need is a small investment in supplies, plus a way for people to find you, like a simple website or social media.
It’s a creative way to organize an engaging evening, share your passion, and earn extra money next to your job at the same time.
7. Personal Shopper Jobs: Get Paid to Share Your Style
Are you passionate about fashion and always up to date on the latest trends? Then becoming a personal shopper could be perfect. It’s one of those part-time jobs for students who love style and want to turn it into a profit.
You can start small by offering your services to friends or promoting yourself on social media. Once you’ve built up a few success stories, word of mouth will help you grow your client base. After all, what’s better than shopping and getting paid for it?
8. Host an Airbnb Experience and Earn Extra Money
Did you know that on Airbnb you can do more than rent out homes? You can also host experiences. With Airbnb Experiences, it’s easy to organize an event based on something you’re good at or guide tourists around. Maybe you’d like to offer a photography workshop, a city tour, or a guided nature walk?
The best part is that you set your own schedule, and Airbnb takes care of your webpage and payments. It’s a simple way to share your passion and earn extra money next to your job without needing a big investment.
9. Grocery Delivery: A Reliable Side Job for Students 18+
Ordering groceries online is becoming increasingly popular, and many delivery services are looking for drivers. As a delivery driver, you can often choose your shifts, making this a flexible part-time job.
It’s also a great way to stay active while earning. For those who want to earn money at 18 years old, this can be a straightforward and reliable option.
10. Start a Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service
Do you love dogs? Then, becoming a dog walker or pet sitter might be the perfect weekend job. It doesn’t require special training, just a love for animals.
To connect with pet owners, you can sign up on platforms or simply advertise your services locally. It’s a fun way to earn money at 16 years old or older, while also enjoying loyal company, fresh air, and exercise.
11. Translation Services: Work with Your Language Skills
Are foreign languages your passion? If you’re bilingual or speak a second language, you can create a professional profile on freelance platforms and offer translation services. It’s a flexible way to work with clients worldwide and one of the most rewarding flexible side hustles if you enjoy writing and languages.
Upwork – One of the biggest freelancing platforms. Many clients look for translators for documents, websites, and business materials.
Fiverr – You can create your own “gig” (e.g., “I will translate English to French/Spanish”) and set your price. Great for beginners.
Gengo – Popular site for entry-level freelance translators; flexible and open to bilinguals without formal certifications.
12. Gardening Jobs: Earn Extra Income Outdoors
Do you enjoy taking care of plants and maintaining gardens? Tasks like pruning, mowing lawns, or pulling weeds can easily become a source of income.
You can start by offering services to neighbours or posting an ad online. It’s a healthy and practical way to stay outdoors and earn extra money next to your job.
13. Car Washing: Start a Simple and Profitable Side Hustle
Car cleaning is one of those chores many people avoid, especially when it comes to the interior. If you don’t mind the task, why not turn it into a small side business?
Start by cleaning cars for neighbours and friends, then expand through word of mouth or social media. It’s a simple way to build your own hustle and earn money at 16 years old while providing a service everyone appreciates.
14. Children’s Entertainment: Fun Jobs for Creative Students
You’ve probably seen entertainers at family resorts or community events. If you enjoy working with kids, you can do the same by offering entertainment for children’s parties. Maybe you’re already babysitting and want to expand your services—organize themed birthday parties, host a Halloween event, or even provide entertainment at weddings.
You might need to invest a little in props and supplies, but the cost pays off quickly. It’s a fun and creative way to earn money at 16 years old or later, while turning your energy and imagination into unforgettable experiences for children.
If you need inspiration for keeping kids entertained, there are plenty of resources to explore. For example, you can check out games for 8–10 years old that challenge their creativity and teamwork, or browse lists of the best outdoor games to help them burn off energy outside. For younger children, fun and simple games for 6–7 years old are also a great way to keep them engaged while learning new skills.
15. Rent Out Your Car: Earn Passive Income
Do you own a car that you don’t use every day? Consider renting it out when you don’t need it. Platforms like Turo or Rentyourride make this easy. You can set specific days and times when your car is available and earn money without much effort. Insurance is included through the platform, so you’re covered in case anything happens. It’s a smart way to earn extra money next to your job with something you already own.
16. Proofreading Theses: Earn Money from Home at 18 Years Old
Are you great with language and grammar? Becoming a thesis proofreader could be for you. Your job is to check theses for spelling, grammar, and overall structure. You can choose which assignments you take and set your own working hours, though you’ll need to respect deadlines since students must submit their work on time. This flexible side hustle is perfect for those who want to earn money from home at 18 years old.
17. Companion for Seniors: A Meaningful Side Job
As life expectancy increases, many seniors need more social contact and companionship beyond professional care. If you’re a social person and want to do meaningful work, becoming a companion for seniors is a great option. Many older adults appreciate having someone to chat with, take a walk with, or simply spend time together. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to earn extra money next to your job, while also making a real difference in people’s lives.
18. Mystery Shopper Jobs: Get Paid to Shop or Eat Out
Imagine getting paid to shop or watch a movie for free in exchange for feedback. As a mystery shopper, you secretly evaluate businesses or stores while posing as a regular customer. Companies value this type of feedback because it helps them improve service. You’ll need an eye for detail and the ability to act naturally. It’s a fun and easy way to earn money at 16 years old or older, while doing things you already enjoy.
Examples of companies and platforms where you can find mystery shopper work include:
- BestMark – One of the largest mystery shopping companies in North America.
- IntelliShop – Offers assignments for retail, dining, automotive, and more.
- Market Force – Operates globally and often has opportunities in restaurants and retail.
19. Art Class Model: A Unique Way to Earn Extra Money
Art schools and academies are often looking for models. If you don’t mind posing for pay, either clothed or nude, you can apply for these roles. Sometimes, artists or photographers also post ads looking for models.
As long as you’re comfortable and can sit still for a few hours, this can be an easy way to earn extra money next to your job. Just be sure to research the school, artist, or photographer beforehand to make sure everything is professional and legitimate.
20. Sell Your Creations: Make Money from Art and Crafts
Are you creative and love making things? Whether you’re into knitting, drawing, jewellery-making, painting, or sewing clothes, you can sell your handmade items online. Platforms like Etsy or local marketplaces make it simple to turn your hobby into income. It’s a flexible option to earn money at 18 years old or later while sharing your creativity with others.
Making extra money as a student or alongside your regular job is easier than ever. From babysitting and tutoring to surveys, dog walking, and creative side hustles, there are flexible options for every schedule and interest. Choose what fits your skills and lifestyle, start small, and turn your free time into a reliable way to earn extra money next to your job.
Table of contents
Flexible babysitting jobs, just around the corner
Love spending time with kids? Become a Sitly Sitter! We connect you with families looking for a reliable sitter. Set your own schedule, choose your rates, and meet families nearby. Get started today!
