We all want to increase our income while maintaining the stability of our main job. One of the most accessible ways to achieve this is by starting a side hustle. If chosen wisely, this activity can not only generate additional income but also allow you to develop new skills while having fun. If you're looking to leverage your skills or earn some extra income, there are numerous options to start a side hustle in Ontario. This detailed guide presents the best opportunities to diversify your income while keeping your main job.
1. Freelancing
Freelancing is one of the most accessible and flexible options for those looking to start lucrative side hustles. Whether you're a web developer, graphic designer, writer, or translator, numerous platforms allow freelancers to offer their services to a wide audience. In Ontario, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.ca enable you to showcase your skills and acquire clients without leaving your home.
Why Freelancing is Ideal:
- Flexibility: You set your own hours and rates;
- High Income Potential: The more experience you have and the stronger your portfolio, the more you can charge;
- Wide Variety of Projects: You can explore different sectors and industries.
2. Tutoring
With the rise of online learning, the demand for qualified tutors is growing every day. If you have an expertise in an academic field, tutoring could be an appealing source of income. In Ontario, platforms like Superprof or Tutor.com allow you to offer your services as a tutor. Moreover, with the widespread adoption of remote work and distance learning, you can easily provide your services to students across Canada.
Advantages of Tutoring:
- Personal Satisfaction: Helping others succeed in their studies or careers can be highly rewarding;
- Flexible Work: Choose your hours based on your schedule;
- Consistent Demand: Whether for private lessons or English courses, the demand for tutors remains steady.
Tutoring rates generally range between 15 and 50 CAD per hour, depending on the tutor's expertise and the demand for the subject taught. Tutors can also offer packages for multiple sessions at a discounted rate or organize specialized courses.
3. Home Delivery
Delivery services like Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, or DoorDash have experienced significant growth in Ontario. If you own a vehicle, bicycle, or even a scooter, you can easily turn your free time into extra income in neighborhoods like Danforth East (Greektown), Keelesdale-Eglinton West, Old Town, or the Glebe. The process is simple: you accept orders via an app, then deliver them to homes. This type of side hustle is among the best ways to generate extra income. It is particularly appealing for those who enjoy being active and having quick interactions with customers.
Why Consider Home Delivery?
- Flexible Hours: You can work whenever it suits you, whether in the evening, on weekends, or during the week;
- Steady Earnings: You not only earn a fixed rate per delivery but also receive tips;
- No Long-Term Commitment: You can choose to stop or resume the activity at any time.
4. Online Selling
If you have a passion for crafts, fashion, or if you have items you no longer need, you might consider selling online. In Ontario, many people have successfully generated extra income by creating their own shops on platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or eBay.
For those who don't create items, selling second-hand or collectible goods is also a viable option. Whether it's clothing, furniture, or electronic gadgets, there's a large market for used products. By using platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, you can quickly find buyers in your area.
Why Choose Online Selling?
- Profitability: If you create popular items or find sought-after products, the earning potential can be significant;
- No Significant Initial Investment: If you sell items you already own, there are no upfront costs;
- Market Expansion: You can sell to buyers across the country, or even around the world.
5. Photography
Do you have a talent for photography? Whether it's for portraits, events, or product photos, photography is an excellent way to monetize your passion. In Ontario, the demand for professional photographers continues to grow, especially for events like weddings, birthday parties, or family photo sessions.
You can also sell your photos on stock image platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Each time one of your photos is downloaded, you earn a commission.
Why Photography is a Great Side Hustle?
- Creative Expression: You can showcase your talents while earning money;
- Varied Opportunities: Weddings, professional photo sessions, local events — the demand is consistent;
- Passive Income: Once your photos are uploaded to stock image platforms, you continue earning without additional effort.
Photography service rates in Ontario vary widely. On average, freelance photographers charge between 80 and 250 CAD per hour, while event packages can range from 1,000 to 5,000 CAD depending on the services included.
For a standard photo session, prices start around 150 CAD, often including retouching of a few selected photos.
6. Blogging or YouTube
Creating online content is an increasingly popular option for generating income. Whether you enjoy writing blog posts, creating videos, or even podcasts, there are many ways to monetize your content.
Many bloggers and YouTubers have successfully turned their content into a source of income through brand partnerships, advertisements, and affiliate marketing. While it takes time to build an audience, the earnings can become significant with persistence and quality content.
Why Start a Blog or YouTube Channel?
- Creative Freedom: You can share your opinions, passions, or expertise;
- Potential Passive Income: Once your content is online, affiliate or ad revenue can become recurring;
- Community Building: You can engage with a loyal audience that shares your interests.
Read: What are the Best Side Hustles in British Columbia?
7. Online Coaching
If you are an expert in a specific field, whether it's fitness, personal development, or financial management, you might consider becoming an online coach. The demand for professional coaches continues to rise, especially with the popularity of remote services.
Whether you use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet, you can offer individual consultations, group classes, or even pre-recorded training sessions.
Advantages of Online Coaching:
- Independence: You set your own hours, rates, and choose your clients;
- Growing Demand: People are increasingly seeking coaches to help them achieve their personal or professional goals;
- Geographic Flexibility: You can coach clients from anywhere in the world.
8. Real Estate Investment
If you own a property or have the ability to invest in real estate, it can become a highly profitable source of income. In Ontario, many have discovered the potential of rental properties, whether for long-term rentals or short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. Although this option requires a significant initial investment, it generates passive income in the long term.
Why Real Estate is a Solid Option?
- Passive Income: Once the property is rented, the income is consistent;
- Appreciation Potential: Real estate in Ontario has strong appreciation potential over time;
- Diversification of Your Income: Real estate is an excellent way to diversify your income sources.
9. Amazon Seller
Becoming an Amazon seller involves listing and selling products on Amazon's marketplace. It's a straightforward way to start an online store, as you benefit from Amazon's existing audience, and the e-commerce giant provides numerous tools to help you sell.
You can even use Amazon's shipping service to fulfill orders with almost no effort on your part. All you need to do is send your products to Amazon's warehouse, and the company will handle order processing as they come in.
Advantages:
- Access to a vast customer base;
- Fulfilled by Amazon simplifies order management;
- Tools for payments, product discovery, and more.
10. Pet Care Services
With the rise in popularity of pet care services like Rover.com, Petbacker.com, and Wagwalking.com, taking care of other people's pets is an option to generate supplemental income.
If you love animals and have basic skills to care for them, you are already well-positioned to get started. To boost your reputation and increase your chances of being hired, it is helpful to obtain certification from organizations like Pet Sitters International.
Taking out pet care insurance is also a good idea to protect your business against unforeseen events. Specialized insurers such as Pet Care Insurance or KennelPro offer liability coverage and bonding options.
The pet care sector is expected to grow by 10.4% between 2022 and 2030, driven by the increase in pet adoptions and spending on animal health. As a result, the demand for pet sitting services is likely to rise in the coming years.
Advantages:
- You get to spend time with animals!
- Flexibility in scheduling and the potential to acquire regular clients.
- Existing platforms make it easy to get started.
