9 Ways Students Can Make Money Without a Regular Job

Tutoring is one way students can make some extra money without a traditional job.

Ask someone what is the best way to earn money, they’ll usually respond, “Get a job.” What usually comes to mind for “jobs” is cashier, administrative assistant, or sales representative. But what if you want to make money without the commitment?

The good news is that there are more options than ever for those who want to earn some money, without holding down a regular job.

Ways to Make Money Without the Commitment

1) Blogging

For the uninitiated, a blog is viewed as just a digital diary. However, there are people who blog (full-time or part-time) and make a significant amount of money doing it. User-friendly blogging platforms like WordPress have made blogging accessible to millions of people. When you factor in the minimal expenses associated with running a blog, it’s something worth trying. Alternatively, if you don’t like the idea of running your own blog, you can earn money by blogging for others.

2) Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is commission selling on the Internet. This is a terrific way to earn some money on the side and well-suited for those who prefer to sell in print rather than in person. Your only job is to drive traffic to the website of the company whose products you’re promoting.

3) Selling Stuff on eBay

You can start by scavenging your home for items you no longer need and putting them up for sale. Your next step can be setting up an online store. eBay will provide you with all the tools you’ll need for a fixed monthly fee.

4) Freelancing

If you have a skill such as writing, graphic design, or computer programming, you can use it to make money. The internet, in particular, has opened up the doors for many freelancers to find work, promote their skills, and find clients. Sites like Elance, Guru, and Freelancer make it easy to find someone who is willing to pay you for your skills.

5) Running a Website

These days anyone can have a website; they are usually straightforward and inexpensive to setup. However, you can take it to the next level and turn a website into a money-making machine. Most websites generate revenue through advertising, much like a magazine or your local radio station (though there are other methods such as affiliate marketing or donations). The key is to create a website that draws a lot of visitors and attains a high ranking in the search engines. Once you have that in place, the next step is to monetize that popularity by displaying advertisements.

6) Tutoring

This is an excellent option to consider if you’ve done well in certain subjects. There is a high demand for tutors in a variety of fields, even at the post-secondary level. Consider online tutoring to expand your clientele.

7) Teaching

If you are knowledgeable about a certain topic, consider developing a course and teaching it, either through a classroom setting or via the internet.

8) Renting Out Your Stuff

If you have extra space in your house, a bright idea may be to rent it out. Your best tenants are people you know, such as family and friends. By offering a fair deal, you can usually get a tenant and save money on your mortgage or utility bills. You can rent out anything you own, such as cars, electronics, musical instruments, sporting equipment, etc.

9) Cleaning & Maintenance

While it’s not the most glamorous work, you can make some decent money by offering to clean garages, yards, and windows.

As you can see, there are many ways to earn some money without getting a regular job. Make a list of your skills and interests – and then find a way to make them profitable.