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Job hunting can be a stressful time, but there are ways to bring in a little extra cash to help ease the pressure. From competitions to microtasks, there are plenty of opportunities to earn while you search for your next big role. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most practical and creative ways to make money in the meantime.
Sign Up For Microtask Websites
Microtasking involves completing small jobs online, such as data entry, transcription, or tagging images. Websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk and Clickworker are great places to start. The tasks are straightforward, and you can often do them in your spare time.
While the pay per task might seem low, the earnings add up if you’re consistent and efficient. Plus, some platforms offer bonuses for completing tasks quickly or accurately.
Potential earnings: £3-£10 per hour, depending on task complexity.
Test Websites And Apps
Website and app testing is a brilliant side hustle that requires little experience. Companies want real users to test their digital products and provide feedback. Platforms like UserTesting, and Telus Digital pay you to test websites and apps and share your thoughts.
Typically, you’ll record your screen and voice as you navigate the site or app. Tests usually take 15-30 minutes, making this an easy way to earn extra cash.
Potential earnings: £7-£15 per test.
Complete Online Surveys
Filling out surveys won’t make you rich, but it’s a flexible way to earn pocket money during your downtime. Sign up for sites like Prolific, Swagbucks, or Toluna to get started. Look for platforms with the best pay rates and user reviews to avoid wasting your time.
Some surveys also offer additional rewards, like vouchers or entry into prize draws, which can boost your overall earnings.
Potential earnings: £1-£5 per survey.
Enter Competitions
Competitions might not provide a steady income, but they’re a fun and rewarding way to win cash or prizes. Start by visiting websites like Loquax or The Prize Finder, which list hundreds of competitions daily. Focus on smaller, local contests with fewer entries, or newer sites like Prize-Draw.com, to increase your odds of winning.
Some competitions even reward creativity, such as designing a logo, writing a short story, or crafting a catchy slogan. These often have better chances of winning since fewer people enter.
Potential earnings: Up to £1,000+ in cash or valuable prizes.
Freelance Your Skills
Freelancing is an excellent way to turn your talents into income. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, marketer, or even a virtual assistant, platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour connect you with clients looking for short-term help.
Start by offering competitively priced services to build your portfolio, then gradually increase your rates as you gain experience and reviews.
Potential earnings: £10-£50 per hour, depending on your skills.
Play Games For Rewards
Yes, you can earn money by playing games! Apps like Mistplay, Lucktastic, and HQ Trivia reward players with points that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or other prizes. Some gaming platforms also host tournaments where you can compete for larger payouts.
Make sure to stick to legitimate apps and avoid ones that require an upfront fee.
Potential earnings: £5-£20 per week, depending on how much you play.
Sell Your Unwanted Items
Decluttering can be surprisingly profitable. Use platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Vinted to sell clothes, electronics, or furniture you no longer need. Presentation matters, so take good photos and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers.
If you’re crafty, consider selling handmade items on Etsy, or repurpose old items into something new and sell them for a profit.
Potential earnings: Varies widely, but potentially £50-£500+.
Deliver Food Or Groceries
If you have a bike, scooter, or car, consider signing up for delivery services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Instacart. Delivery gigs offer flexible hours and the chance to earn tips on top of your base pay.
This option works especially well in urban areas with high demand for food delivery.
Potential earnings: £8-£15 per hour, plus tips.
Teach Or Tutor Online
If you have expertise in a subject, you can make money tutoring students online. Platforms like Tutorful or Superprof allow you to teach everything from maths and science to languages or music.
You’ll need to create a profile showcasing your qualifications and experience, but once you’re set up, it’s a rewarding way to earn while helping others.
Potential earnings: £10-£40 per hour, depending on your subject and experience.
Rent Out Spare Space
Do you have an unused parking spot, spare room, or storage space? Websites like JustPark, ParkLet, Your Parking Space and Park on My Drive let you rent out your space for a fee. This is an easy way to make money without much effort, especially if you live in a high-demand area.
Potential earnings: £50-£300+ per month.
Earning extra cash while job hunting doesn’t have to be daunting. From entering competitions to freelancing and selling unwanted items, there’s a wide range of opportunities to suit different skills and schedules. Try a mix of these ideas to see what works best for you, and remember, even small amounts can add up over time.
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