Let’s face it, we all could use a little extra money on the side right? Whether you’re looking to save for a large purchase like a down payment on a home or new furniture, there’s always something just out of reach financially, that we really want. Maybe you’re not saving for anything.  It’s possible in this economy, that your full-time day job provides great insurance and benefits but the salary leaves something to be desired. You may need a little side gig to make up the difference. No matter what your reasons are for needing a little extra cash or spending money, there are myriad ways to go about it. Here are 5 easy ways to earn extra income while still working your full-time job.

Build Your Virtual Assistant Freelance Business While Working Full Time

If you have special skills or expertise, consider becoming a virtual assistant. In 2019, there were 54 million Americans doing some type of freelance work, either full or part-time. Freelancing is a great way to earn an income while still working your full-time job.

Consider your strengths. This will help you figure out if what you could do for others would be beneficial to their business. If you have excellent organizational and financial skills, you may consider bookkeeping for a small local business. Construction companies, contractors, and even some dental and law offices need a bookkeeper on a part-time basis.

If you’re a whiz at social media marketing, there is a huge market for virtual assistants. The blogging and online content creation industry utilizes the services of VA’s regularly.  You can use your graphic design skills to create pins and infographics for bloggers. You could also make use of your excellent communication skills to engage followers on blogger’s social media accounts. There are a variety of tasks a virtual assistant can perform for this fast-growing and ever-changing industry.

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Earn Extra Income Running Errands

If we’ve learned nothing in the last year during the global pandemic, it’s that everything can be done virtually from home. What makes this online world work, however, are the essential workers behind the scenes. Every day they show up to keep these services running smoothly and efficiently.

Running errands, shopping and driving people where they need to go is one way many people were able to stay afloat financially this last year during the lockdown. If you’re a savvy shopper, consider grocery shopping for others. This is a way to earn extra income while still working your full-time job. Door Dash, Shipt, and Instacart are some of the leading providers of this store-to-door shopping service.

If you have a good driving record, are responsible, and have a reliable vehicle, Uber and Lyft are the premier driving companies. They provide this valuable service to millions of people across the country. If you enjoy driving and are outgoing, becoming a driver is a great way to make money. You’ll also meet new people while earning income in your time off from your primary job.

Affiliate Marketing Can Be a Lucrative Income Stream

Many people mistakenly think that affiliate marketing only works for big bloggers with large followings. While that may be partly true, there are still ways, as a ‘regular’ non-influencer social media user, to make money with affiliate marketing.

Consider what happens when you really enjoy a movie or receive top-notch service at a restaurant. Chances are you take a photo of your meal and post it to Facebook to let all of your friends know that they too, should try the restaurant or go see that movie.

This is called word-of-mouth marketing and it is one of the most ways companies earn new customers, clients, and business. Affiliate marketing is simply an extension of that and you don’t need to be an influencer to do it. There are a variety of affiliate marketing agencies that allow you to sign up. By referring your friends and family to your links, you earn money based on a percentage of the value of items purchased from the link.

Take on Consulting or Coaching if You Have a Special Skill-Set

For those who know the ins and outs of business, including marketing, finance, e-commerce, or another specialized field, a great way to earn additional income while still maintaining a full-time job, is to take on clients of your own. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people set out on an entrepreneurial path, hoping to build their own businesses. What many of these people seek, is a mentor or coach to guide them along on their path toward success.

If you have extensive experience in a field or a special set of skills that you’re willing to teach, consider setting up shop as a consultant or coach. You can work with individuals or businesses. You’ll be able to help them grow to their full potential while bringing in a bit of extra money for yourself. Spend time on Twitter and Linkedin to determine if what you offer aligns with what people are looking for. You’ll then be well on your way toward helping others reach their goals.

Sell Items Online To Earn Extra Income With a Full-Time Job

More e and more people are spending time at home, working, shopping. They’re also seeking out entertainment in the form of streaming services online. As a result, the need exists not only for services and groceries but also for goods and tangible items. With the push toward eco-friendly shopping, purchasing pre-owned items has become more common.

Selling your old, unused items online is the ideal way to declutter and earn extra income while still working your full-time job. Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, and Amazon are all excellent sites to sell your used items. Each of the sites has its own individual rules and guidelines They each have their own payment methods, so it’s important to research carefully to make ensure the site works for your needs.

While this list covers a few ways to earn extra income, there are countless ways of going about earning money while still working your full-time job. With a little bit of ingenuity, creativity, outside-the-box thinking, and consistency, you’ll be well on your way to supplementing your primary income.