As a student, you’ve probably heard the age-old advice: go to university, and you’re guaranteed a high-paying job. But let’s face it, that’s not always the case anymore. While education is valuable, relying solely on a degree to make you rich isn’t the best approach. That’s why it’s crucial to start a side hustle that has the potential to grow into something much bigger.
I’ve seen firsthand how side hustles can turn into multimillion-dollar businesses. Today, I’m going to share seven side hustles that students (or anyone, really) can start this year. But I’m not just going to list ideas – I’ll provide real-life examples from Mark Tilbury’s recent video showcasing people crushing it. I will show you his ratings on each hustle based on three important factors:
- How much time it takes to learn
- How much money you need to start
- How difficult it is to make $1,000 per month
Let’s dive in!
1. Faceless Short-Form Content
Meet Daniel Bitton, a 16-year-old earning half a million dollars every month creating short-form content on Snapchat – without showing his face. It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true. Here’s why this side hustle is so lucrative:
- There’s a content war between platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
- These platforms need content creators and are willing to pay big money
- Original content with voiceovers, music, and edits performs best
Ratings:
- Time to learn: 4/5
- Money needed: 1/5
- Difficulty to make $1,000/month: 1/5
Pro tip: Watch short-form content daily and analyze what makes you stop scrolling. Make notes, and you’ll soon have a list of winning ideas.
2. Investing
While not technically a side hustle, investing can be a powerful way to grow your wealth. I make around $17,000 per week from investments, but it took years to build up to that level. Here’s why you should consider investing:
- Dollar-cost averaging can help you build wealth over time
- Index funds are a great option for beginners
- Investing $200 a month for 40 years with a 10% average return could result in over $2,200,000
Ratings:
- Time to learn: 1/5
- Money needed: 1/5
- Difficulty to make $1,000/month: 1/5 (but takes time to build up)
Pro tip: Combine investing with other side hustles for faster wealth growth.
3. Discord Building
Chris Peters, at just 19 years old, is on track to make $15,000 a month from building and managing Discord servers. This side hustle is perfect for tech-savvy young people who can navigate complex platforms. Here’s why it’s a great opportunity:
- Discord is becoming more popular among various communities and businesses
- Many people (especially older generations) struggle to set up and manage Discord servers
- You can start by offering value upfront and then charge for your services
Ratings:
- Time to learn: 2.5/5
- Money needed: 1/5
- Difficulty to make $1,000/month: 1/5
Pro tip: Join multiple Discord communities to learn what makes a successful server.
4. Online Coaching
Jack Jefferson quit his $70,000 9-to-5 job in London to pursue online fitness coaching full-time, now generating $7,000 a month. But online coaching isn’t limited to fitness – you can teach almost anything online. Here’s why it’s a great side hustle:
- People value online support and expertise
- You can operate from anywhere with an internet connection
- Personalized coaching often sells better than generic online courses
Ratings:
- Time to learn: 2/5
- Money needed: 1/5
- Difficulty to make $1,000/month: 1/5
Pro tip: Offer personalized plans and regular check-ins to provide value to your clients.
5. AI Animation
Mercy, responsible for the animations on my channel, makes $8,000 to $10,000 per month creating AI-assisted animations for multiple clients. This side hustle combines creativity with cutting-edge technology. Here’s why it’s promising:
- AI is revolutionizing many industries, including animation
- Many businesses haven’t yet adopted AI, creating opportunities for early adopters
- Tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney can help streamline the creative process
Ratings:
- Time to learn: 4/5
- Money needed: 1/5
- Difficulty to make $1,000/month: 2/5
Pro tip: Master the core principles of animation and stay active in industry networks to refine your skills.
6. Reselling Luxury Items
Ben Gallagher turned his luxury item reselling side hustle into a £7,200,000 business called Luxe Collective. The luxury resale market is booming, making this an attractive option. Here’s why:
- The luxury resale market reached $39.23 billion in 2023
- Millennials are driving interest in luxury resale
- Social media platforms provide free marketing opportunities
Ratings:
- Time to learn: 4/5
- Money needed: 3.5/5
- Difficulty to make $1,000/month: 1/5
Pro tip: Start with more affordable items and work your way up to high-end luxury pieces.
7. Online Writing
Adam earns over $10,000 a month through online writing. This side hustle isn’t about writing novels – it’s about creating content that’s in demand. Here’s why it’s a great opportunity:
- Businesses need quality writers for websites, social media, and marketing materials
- You can start with blog posts and work your way up to high-paying copywriting gigs
- Some writers charge as much as $50,000 for a single web page
Ratings:
- Time to learn: 5/5
- Money needed: 1/5
- Difficulty to make $1,000/month: 1/5
Pro tip: Focus on developing your ability to write persuasively and sell through your words.
These side hustles offer exciting opportunities for students and anyone looking to boost their income. Remember, the key is to start now and be consistent. With dedication and hard work, your side hustle could turn into a thriving business. Don’t wait for success to come to you – go out there and create it!