The rise of the side hustle culture has opened up many doors for people to earn extra income. But not all side gigs are created equal. Some may promise flexibility and extra cash but leave you feeling drained, unfulfilled, or just plain miserable. Here are nine side hustles that, while they may help you make money, often feel like you’re selling your soul in the process.
Rideshare Driving
Driving for Uber or Lyft can sound like an easy way to make extra money. You’re in charge of your schedule, and the idea of getting paid to drive doesn’t seem so bad. But the long hours, bad traffic, and rude passengers wear on you fast. Once you factor in gas and repairs, the pay barely feels worth it. What seemed like a flexible side job starts to feel like too much for too little.
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Direct Sales or Multi-Level Marketing
Direct sales and MLMs promise big rewards if you can recruit others to sell products, but the truth is, the vast majority of people make very little, and many end up losing money. It’s a constant cycle of pushing products on friends and family, hosting parties, and trying to convince others to join your “team.”
The pressure to recruit, meet sales goals, and maintain a “positive” attitude at all costs can leave you feeling like you’re constantly selling your soul just to make a commission.
Delivering Food for Apps
Food delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates offer the flexibility of earning money on your own schedule. But what they don’t tell you is how much of that time is spent waiting for orders or dealing with unappreciative customers.
Add in the wear on your car and the expenses that come with gas and maintenance, and it may start to feel like you’re working for pennies, not a paycheck. The low tips and constant hustle for minimal return can make this gig feel exhausting and soul-sucking.
Freelance Content Mills
Freelance writing can be a great way to earn money, but content mills like Textbroker or iWriter can quickly drain your creative energy. These sites offer low-paying gigs, expecting you to churn out dozens of articles on topics you’re not passionate about.
The pressure to meet tight deadlines while being paid pennies per word can make you feel like you’re losing your sense of purpose, all for the sake of hitting a word count.
Selling Your Photos or Artwork Online
While selling your photos or art online sounds like an easy way to make passive income, the reality is much harsher. Platforms like Shutterstock or Deposit Photos can be overcrowded with competition, and the amount of money you make per sale is often shockingly low.
Constantly marketing your work, adjusting to algorithm changes, and dealing with customer complaints or low ratings can turn what should be a creative outlet into a tedious, soul-draining experience.
Tutoring for Low Pay
Tutoring can be a fulfilling side hustle, but for many, it becomes a nightmare when the pay doesn’t match the effort. Platforms that pay by the hour or lesson often offer rates that don’t account for the preparation, research, and energy it takes to teach.
When you’re putting in hours of work for very little return, and dealing with students who don’t appreciate your time, it can start to feel less like a rewarding side gig and more like a chore.
Selling Your Time as a Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual assistant sounds like a simple way to make money, but it often involves answering emails, scheduling meetings, and handling customer service tasks for low pay. You’re at the mercy of your clients’ schedules, constantly switching between tasks, and dealing with unreasonable requests.
While it may give you flexibility, the constant demand for your time, along with the low pay and lack of boundaries, can leave you feeling burned out and underappreciated.
Social Media Management for Small Businesses
Managing social media for small businesses may seem like an easy gig, but it often becomes a 24/7 commitment. You’re expected to stay on top of every post, comment, and message, and the pressure to constantly come up with fresh content and strategies can be overwhelming.
With little recognition and low pay, this side hustle can quickly feel like you’re giving away your creativity and free time without any meaningful reward.
Mystery Shopping
It sounds simple — shop, give feedback, get paid. But mystery shopping rarely works out that way. The tasks are usually detailed, time-consuming, and don’t pay much. You have to follow strict instructions, write reports, and sometimes deal with awkward situations. It often ends up being more work than the small payout justifies.
Finding a Balance
Side hustles can be a great way to make extra money, but not all of them are worth the cost to your well-being. It’s important to find a side gig that not only fits your schedule and interests but also aligns with your values.
If you feel like you’re constantly pushing yourself to the brink or sacrificing your happiness for the sake of a paycheck, it might be time to reevaluate. At the end of the day, it’s about finding a balance between earning extra income and maintaining your mental and emotional health.
10 Lucrative Side Hustles That Will Pay You for Your Passions
Have you ever thought about turning your hobbies into a moneymaker? With the recent popularity of side hustles, countless people are cashing in on their passions and talents without giving up their full-time jobs. There’s a whole world of opportunities out there waiting for you to discover them. Exploring side hustles can be the key to making extra income while doing what you love can be both rewarding and financially fulfilling. 10 Lucrative Side Hustles That Will Pay You for Your Passions