10 Best Side Hustles for Full-time Workers in Canada

In today’s economic landscape, many Canadians are looking for ways to supplement their income beyond their primary job. Whether it’s to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply have more financial flexibility, side hustles have become increasingly popular among full-time workers. The good news is that there are numerous opportunities for Canadians to earn extra cash without compromising their main source of income.

With the rise of digital platforms and the gig economy, side hustle options have expanded significantly, offering flexibility and diverse ways to monetize skills and interests. From freelancing to online tutoring, the possibilities are vast and varied. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side hustle ideas tailored for full-time workers in Canada, considering factors such as time commitment, potential earnings, and required skills.

1. Start a blog

Starting a blog can be an excellent side hustle for full-time workers in Canada. You can write about topics you’re passionate about and potentially earn money through various channels.

To get started, choose a niche that interests you. This could be anything from travel and food to personal finance or technology. Pick a topic you enjoy and have knowledge about. Next, select a blogging platform. WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix are popular options. Many offer free plans to help you get started without upfront costs. Create engaging content regularly. Aim for at least one post per week to build an audience. Use your free time after work or on weekends to write and schedule posts in advance.

Monetize your blog through various methods. These can include:

  • Affiliate marketing
  • Sponsored posts
  • Display advertising
  • Selling digital products

Building a successful blog takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding side hustle. You’ll improve your writing skills, share your expertise, and potentially earn extra income. As your blog grows, you might even turn it into a full-time business. Many Canadian bloggers have successfully transitioned from side hustle to main income source.

2. Create a YouTube channel

Starting a YouTube channel can be an excellent side hustle for full-time workers in Canada. With 2.7 billion users watching a billion hours of videos daily, YouTube offers a vast audience for your content.

To begin, choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. This could be anything from cooking tutorials to tech reviews or travel vlogs. Consistency is key, so plan to upload videos regularly. You don’t need to show your face on camera. There are many ways to create content without appearing on screen, such as:

  • Voice-over animations
  • Screen recordings for tutorials
  • Product reviews using close-up shots
  • Slide presentations with narration

Invest in basic equipment like a good microphone and video editing software. Free options are available to start, and you can upgrade as your channel grows.

Monetization options include:

  • Ad revenue through the YouTube Partner Program
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Sponsored content
  • Selling digital products or merchandise

Remember, building a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort. Focus on creating valuable content for your viewers, and the monetary rewards will follow. With dedication, your YouTube side hustle could eventually become a significant source of income.

3. Sell used items

Selling your used items can be a great way to earn extra cash without committing to a long-term side hustle. You probably have plenty of things lying around that you no longer need or use.

Start by going through your closets, garage, and storage spaces. Look for items in good condition that others might want to buy. Electronics, clothing, furniture, and sports equipment often sell well. There are many platforms where you can list your items for sale:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Kijiji
  • eBay
  • Craigslist
  • Local buy/sell groups on social media

Take clear, well-lit photos of your items and write accurate descriptions. Be honest about any flaws or damage to avoid disappointing buyers. Pricing can be tricky. Research similar items to get an idea of fair market value. Consider starting slightly higher to leave room for negotiation.

Remember to meet buyers in safe, public places for in-person transactions. For shipped items, use tracked shipping methods to protect yourself and the buyer. Selling used items can be a quick way to boost your income. Plus, you’ll declutter your space and give your belongings a second life with new owners.

4. Stage homes

Have you ever considered turning your eye for design into a profitable side gig? Home staging is a growing side hustle in Canada that allows you to flex your creative muscles while earning extra income. As a home stager, you’ll transform empty or cluttered spaces into appealing, marketable properties. Your goal is to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home.

Here’s what you need to get started:

  • A keen eye for interior design
  • Basic knowledge of real estate trends
  • Staging inventory (furniture, decor, art)
  • Marketing skills to attract clients

You can begin by offering your services to friends or local real estate agents. As you build your portfolio, you may expand to work with homeowners and property developers. Home staging offers flexible hours, perfect for full-time workers. You can schedule appointments on evenings and weekends, fitting your side hustle around your main job.

The best part? You don’t need formal qualifications to start. However, taking a course in home staging can boost your credibility and skills. Remember, successful home stagers blend creativity with business acumen. You’ll need to balance your artistic vision with the practical needs of sellers and buyers.

5. Run errands for people

Looking to earn extra cash while working full-time? Running errands for others could be your ideal side hustle. This flexible gig allows you to help people with their daily tasks during your free time. You can offer services like grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or delivering packages. Many busy professionals and seniors are willing to pay for these time-saving services.

To get started, consider joining platforms like TaskRabbit or Instacart. These apps connect you with local clients needing assistance with various errands. Here are some popular errand-running services you can offer:

  • Grocery shopping and delivery
  • Prescription pickup
  • Post office runs
  • Dog walking
  • House cleaning
  • Laundry services

The great thing about this side hustle is its flexibility. You can choose which errands to take on based on your schedule and preferences. Rates for errand running typically range from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the task complexity and your location. Some errands may pay a flat fee instead of an hourly rate.

To succeed in this side hustle, be reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented. Good communication skills are also essential, as you’ll be interacting with various clients. Remember to factor in transportation costs when pricing your services. If you use your own vehicle, keep track of mileage for potential tax deductions.

6. Make something and sell it

Are you crafty or artistic? Creating and selling handmade goods can be a rewarding side hustle. You can turn your hobby into a profitable venture while working full-time. Consider what you enjoy making. Popular items include jewelry, candles, soaps, artwork, knitted goods, or woodworking projects. The options are endless!

Set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or Shopify to reach a wider audience. Selling handmade goods online allows you to showcase your creations to potential customers across Canada and beyond.

Local craft fairs and markets are great opportunities to sell your items in person. You can interact with customers and get immediate feedback on your products.

Start small and scale up as demand grows. Keep track of your most popular items and focus on those to maximize your profits. Remember to price your items fairly, considering both material costs and your time. Don’t undervalue your work!

Creating and selling handmade goods allows you to express your creativity while earning extra income. It’s a flexible side hustle that you can easily manage alongside your full-time job.

7. Offer freelance writing services

Freelance writing is an excellent side hustle for full-time workers in Canada. You can start this flexible gig with minimal investment, using your existing writing skills and a computer with internet access. Freelance writing opportunities are diverse. You can write articles, blog posts, website content, or even social media posts for various clients. This versatility allows you to choose projects that align with your interests and expertise.

To get started, create a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples. You can begin by writing on topics you’re passionate about or have professional knowledge in. Next, explore freelance writing platforms to find gigs. Upwork is an easy platform to start with, allowing you to apply and begin writing quickly.

As you gain experience, you can expand your services to higher-paying opportunities. Many freelance writers earn between $0.10 and $0.30 per word, with rates varying based on the assignment and your expertise. Remember to set realistic rates and deadlines that accommodate your full-time job. Start small and gradually increase your workload as you become more comfortable balancing your side hustle with your primary career.

By consistently delivering quality work and building relationships with clients, you can establish a steady stream of income from your freelance writing side hustle.

8. Online tutoring

Online tutoring has emerged as one of the most in-demand side hustles in recent years, offering a flexible and potentially lucrative opportunity for full-time workers to earn extra income. With the rise of digital learning platforms, tutors can now connect with students from across the globe, teaching subjects they’re passionate about from the comfort of their own homes.

‘The earning potential is significant, with tutors able to make anywhere from $15 to over $100 per hour, depending on their expertise and the subject matter. What makes online tutoring particularly appealing is its flexibility and the ability to set your own schedule, allowing full-time workers to balance their primary job with this rewarding side hustle.

Additionally, for those who are tech-savvy, online tutoring offers the advantage of easily sharing digital resources and media, enhancing the learning experience for students.

9. Print on Demand

Print on demand is a popular and profitable option allows you to design custom products without holding inventory. Here’s how it works:

  1. Create designs
  2. Upload to a print-on-demand platform
  3. Set prices
  4. Promote your products

When a customer orders, the platform prints and ships the item for you. You earn the difference between your price and production costs. Popular products include:

  • T-shirts and hoodies
  • Mugs and water bottles
  • Phone cases
  • Posters and canvas prints

To get started, choose a print-on-demand supplier like Printify or Printful. These platforms integrate with e-commerce sites, making it easy to set up your store. Don’t worry if you’re not artistic – you can hire designers or use template-based tools. Focus on creating designs that resonate with specific niches or interests.

Marketing is key to success. Utilize social media, especially visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, to showcase your products. Consider influencer partnerships to reach wider audiences. Remember, building a successful print-on-demand business takes time and effort. Stay patient, keep improving your designs, and engage with your customers to grow your side hustle.

10. Digital downloads

Creating and selling digital downloads can be a lucrative side hustle for full-time workers in Canada. This flexible option allows you to monetize your skills and creativity without the need for physical inventory. Popular digital products include e-books, printables, digital art, and templates. You can design and sell items like planners, wall art prints, or even Excel spreadsheets for budgeting.

To get started, identify your strengths and interests. Are you a talented graphic designer? Consider creating digital art or printables. If you’re skilled in writing, e-books or online courses might be your forte.

Once you’ve created your digital products, you can sell them on various platforms:

  • Etsy
  • Your own website
  • Gumroad
  • Creative Market

The beauty of digital downloads is that you create them once and can sell them repeatedly. This passive income stream can grow over time as you build your catalog of products. Remember to price your items competitively and market them effectively. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for showcasing your digital creations.

As you build your side hustle, consider offering customization options for your digital products. This can help you stand out in a crowded market and potentially charge premium prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instacart shopping and food delivery through apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats offer great flexibility. You can choose your hours and work as much or as little as you want. Freelance writing, graphic design, or virtual assistance also provide flexibility. These allow you to take on projects that fit your schedule.

Renting out a spare room or parking space can generate passive income with minimal effort. You could also consider creating and selling digital products like e-books or online courses. Investing in dividend-paying stocks or real estate investment trusts (REITs) can provide a steady stream of passive income. Always research and understand the risks involved.

Online tutoring or teaching English as a second language can be done from home. Many platforms connect you with students globally. Participating in market research sessions and interviews is another legitimate way to earn extra money from home. Your opinions can be valuable to companies.

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are popular for freelance work across various skills. You can find opportunities in writing, design, programming, and more. TaskRabbit allows you to offer services like home repairs, moving help, or even assembling furniture. It’s a great way to monetize your practical skills.

Diversify your side hustles. Combine a few different gigs like freelancing, driving for ride-sharing services, and occasional pet-sitting to reach your goal. Develop a high-value skill that’s in demand. Learning web development or digital marketing can lead to lucrative side projects.

Resources for Starting a Side-hustle in Canada

Maurice

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.

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