Ways to Earn Extra Cash During the Holiday Season

Side Hustles/Alternative Revenue Streams

Side hustles and alternative revenue streams have become extremely important and much more integrated into the backbone of the new economic foundation since the onset of the pandemic. Much of this stems from the fact that current Americans are spending much more time at home than previous generations. In turn this has caused a great deal of self-reflection, especially amongst millennials and Gen Z. A large part of this trend also stems from so many people wishing to “exit the rat race” and the fact that many Americans now understand you need to save more of what you earn in order to get ahead in this economic climate. Due to all the above, many consumers have decided to take on side hustles or look for alternative forms of revenue streams.

Secondary Jobs

Many consumers are picking up extra work because many are tired of working and not getting ahead financially or they are displeased with their current positions. People understand now more than ever that achieving financial security makes your life better—all around. However, achieving financial security isn’t security isn’t easy when many middle-class Americans are battling a high cost of living and annoying inflation. Now even more recently, artificial intelligence has started to put a dent in the ability of many consumers to actively work and has started causing job loss.

Cleaning/Landscaping Jobs

Cleaning and landscaping jobs are definitely in an uptrend. Many consumers have turned into germaphobes due to Covid and cleaning has seen an uptick, although that this has leveled off and come down somewhat in more recent years. This can also be seen with an increased demand in air purifiers and products related to cleanliness as well. Even though they’ve come down more recently both residential and commercial cleaning still increased since 2020. Landscaping jobs have also become more in demand as everyone is always trying to keep up with the Jones’ in terms of lawn maintenance. Flowers and perennials have all increased in popularity and many are constantly looking to beautify the outside of their home.

Ridesharing

Although Ridesharing was previously in a down trend it has again emerged as a great side job for people looking to earn extra cash. The demand for ridesharing and food delivery (which is tremendous right now) has seen substantial growth since the pandemic. Moreover, people seem to be tipping more due to these jobs being a sort of “front line” form of employment. It’s become more of a social norm to tip your driver or delivery person as tips can be a good portion of take-home pay. Since tips are now also tax free this will be even more impactful to these types of positions.

Babysitting/Nanny Positions

These positions have increased substantially since parents realize how much more difficult managing work and children at the same time has become (depending on your work hours). This is undoubtedly a trend and the demand and pay for these types of job has also been increasing in the short to intermediate term.

Other alternatives many want to pursue include: content creation, writing, blogging, creative design, etc. Despite what you think artificial intelligence has not taken all the jobs yet and those with a passion to create can still successfully do things they love while earning extra income. If you pick up an alternative revenue stream or a side hustle you are sure to be on a path to achieving financial freedom and retiring sooner.