How To Find Your Perfect Side Hustle And Stop Using Viral Money Hacks That Don't Work

In 2024, I went to my computer and googled, “how to make money without a second job”. I clicked on the first link and signed up for every website that seemed trustworthy. From 5 side hustles, I only managed to make $1.25 for weeks of work and my inbox was full of spam. I was angry and felt even more hopeless than before. I decided I would just stick with doordashing. Sure, my car might break down sooner but at least I can pay all my bills on time this month.

8 months later, an old friend asked if I could help her with something and said she was willing to pay me. I was busy but I knew it wouldn’t take long so I said sure. 30 minutes later, she sent me $40. I couldn’t believe it–that was a lot of money to me! So I asked if it was a mistake. She told me it wasn’t, that was the least she could pay me for me time and that she appreciated my help.

A couple weeks passed and I got a text from someone that worked with my friend. They wanted to know if I could help them too and how much I would charge. Honestly, I didn’t want to do it–it wasn’t something I liked doing but I was good at it and most people weren’t. So I texted them a ridiculous number and waited for a rejection text. It never came. Instead, I got a notification that I had just been paid $90. A week later, I got another text and I knew I found my side hustle.

It’s important to note, a side hustle is not meant to make you wealthy. It’s meant to ease your financial burden and lower your stress levels so you’re in a better mental state to discover your path to wealth. You don’t need to make $1000’s. My side hustles only made $100-$300 every month but allowed me to discover my path to becoming wealthy.

Below is a worksheet you can use to discover your own side hustle and stop using viral money hacks that don’t work for you.

I hope it helps.

1. What is a hard skill you are good at (e.g. cleaning, babysitting, drawing, car detailing)?

2. Do you have everything you need to start this side hustle today?

   If not, research how much it would cost for the bare minimum needed to start your side hustle. If you’re not able or willing to invest that much money, go back to step 1 and pick another skill.

3. How does this idea fit into your current schedule?

   If it doesn’t fit, go back to step 1 and pick another skill.

4. How much would you charge?

5. Who would your first customer be?

6. Contact that person immediately.

   Tell them you’re offering your service or product at a discounted price. It often helps to include why you are doing this but isn’t required. If possible, send them a picture or video of your service or product.

7. Once the work is completed, post a picture/video on social media and tell your friends/family/community about your side hustle.

8. Repeat Step #6 as many times as needed.