Legitimate Side Hustles: Your Guide to Earning Extra Income Ethically

Eating out is a great way to spend quality time with the people you love and cut out the hassle of cooking, but it comes with a real price tag premium. Estimates range on the premium itself, as there's a wide range of dining options, but one blog has it at nearly 5x the price.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated in 2022-2023 that the average American spends $3,786 per year on dining out, which translates to approximately $315 per month. However, this figure appears to be rising as a recent survey from Popmenu puts monthly dining out costs at $460 per month, or $5,520 yearly. This is quite expensive, as nearly one-third of Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency. 

This isn’t a call to sit at home and never eat outside of your home, but rather to have a set budget for dining out and be intentional with your money. The WorkMoney team has put together a guide on the financial state of eating out in America, along with tips on how to budget and save for this expense.

There’s a long list of ways to make money outside of a traditional 9-5, and it only continues to grow. However, their popularity seems to be dropping in recent years.

According to Bankrate, one in four Americans reports having a side hustle, down from 36% last year. Additionally, the median and average side hustle income according to the study is $200 and $885, respectively.

However, it’s not always about simply putting more money in your pocket. Ethically making money, as well as enjoying the process of working outside of a 9-5, is equally important.

The WorkMoney team has put together a guide about ethical side hustles, as well as different ideas to make money, ranging from quick cash to potentially building a meaningful and lucrative side business.

What Makes a Side Hustle “Legit”?

Not all side hustles are created equal. To be considered legitimate, a side hustle must adhere to certain standards that ensure fairness, legality, and personal alignment.

First, ensure that any work you undertake will be compensated, and that you aren’t paying to work. The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2024, Americans lost over $500 million to job scams. Anything that requires you to “buy in” first or seems ambiguous may likely be someone trying to scam you.

Additionally, be sure that the company has an established name. Check their website, social media accounts, Glassdoor reviews, Reddit, or other online presence. If someone else has a positive or negative experience working with them, you will likely find it through a simple web search.

Also, consider what your core outcome is for taking on a side hustle. The obvious objective is to make more money, but there may be other outcomes to aim for, including skill development and even building your own business. 

Here are several side hustles you can take on, with some where you can make money nearly immediately, to those you can build into a small business.

Legitimate Side Hustle Ideas, By Category

Need Money Urgently

• Food or Grocery Delivery – Sign up for DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, or Postmates. Once approved, you can start delivering and earning the same day or within a few hours.

• Rideshare Driving – Drive for Uber or Lyft. After background checks and approvals (sometimes under a week), you can start earning instantly.
  
  Writer's note: If you decide to take up a driving-based side hustle, consider signing up for Upside to save on fuel costs.
  

• Task / Errand Services – Platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack let you get paid to help people move, assemble furniture, run errands, or do odd jobs.

• Pet Sitting / Dog Walking – Apps like Rover or Wag let you book local pet care gigs and get paid immediately after the service.

• Resell Items Online – Quickly sell electronics, clothes, or furniture on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. Payments can be instant if local buyers meet you in person.

• Working Events – Event companies regularly need one-time employees. Jobs can range from serving meals to handing out items to guests.

• Medical Courier / Prescription Delivery – Deliver prescriptions or medical supplies for local pharmacies or services like ScriptDrop. Some pay daily or weekly, and onboarding can be fast.

Want To Build A New Skill

These may take a bit more time to build income, but you can build your skills and potentially build a list of clients to service.

• Freelance Writing or Copywriting – Learn persuasive writing, SEO, and content strategy while taking on projects for blogs, companies, or social media.
  
  Writer’s note: I’ve been freelance writing for nearly eight years now. While I started out making very little money, I’ve been able to make a significant living by growing my skills and finding new clients.

• Graphic Design on Fiverr/Upwork – Build skills in design software (Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator) and create logos, social media posts, or marketing materials.

• Web Development or Coding Projects – Take small freelance projects to learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or Python. You can start with simple websites or Shopify customization.

• Social Media Management – Learn digital marketing, analytics, and brand strategy by managing accounts for small businesses.

• Tutoring or Teaching Online – Develop communication and teaching skills while helping students in subjects you’re learning more deeply yourself. Platforms like Wyzant or Preply are great starting points.

• Photography or Videography – Gain technical skills in camera work, lighting, and editing by shooting events, products, or content for creators.

• Translation or Language Services – If you’re learning a new language, start translating documents or tutoring beginners to reinforce your skills.

• E-commerce or Dropshipping – Learn digital marketing, supply chain basics, and product management while running a small online store.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for You

The best side hustle for you should meet three criteria: you enjoy doing it, it aligns with your values, and it fits into your schedule.

For myself, my favorite side hustles have been freelance writing, teaching swim lessons, and lifeguarding at private parties. 

Yes, earning more money is always a good thing. You can use this money to pay off debt, begin your emergency fund, or even start investing. But it’s important to weigh the costs of it as well. Time is the only thing we can’t get back, and any side hustle will take time from your schedule. Be sure that the time you commit away from your 9-5 is worth it for you, your family, and your wallet.