As young people go from high school to adulthood, they are repeatedly told the following myth: “Go to university, get a degree, and you’re guaranteed a high-paying job.”
This advice may have been valid a few decades ago, but it is no longer the case. Sure, academia can provide great experiences and be useful for some jobs, but relying solely on a degree to make you wealthy is not the best strategy. Instead, students today must increase their revenue streams and get creative with side hustles that can lead to something much bigger.
In this blog post, I’ll go over seven real-world side hustles that students (and anyone else) can start now. People that make a lot of money have tried, tested, and proven these hustles. Furthermore, I’ll assess them based on how long it takes to learn, how much initial investment is required, and how simple it is to earn $1,000 each month.
Let’s get started!
1. Faceless Short-Form Content Creation
Example: Daniel Bitton
Daniel Bitton started creating short-form content on Snapchat at just 16 years old. Now, he earns half a million dollars a month, and he does it all without ever showing his face.
You might wonder how this is possible, but with the explosive growth of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat, there’s a huge demand for content creators. These platforms need content to attract viewers, which in turn attracts advertisers—and advertisers are willing to pay creators big money.
Why It Works
- Social media platforms are in a content war right now, with each trying to outdo the other by offering the best creator payouts.
- Original content gets the most attention, and creators who put their spin on existing content (like Daniel does) earn top dollar.
Ratings:
- Time to Learn: 4/5
Creating viral short-form content requires an understanding of human psychology, not just editing skills. - Money to Start: 1/5
All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection. - Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5
With the right strategy, making $1,000 a month is incredibly achievable—even just a small percentage of Daniel’s success could get you there.
Pro Tip:
To start creating successful content, pay attention to what makes you stop scrolling when you watch TikToks or YouTube Shorts. The key is to create engaging hooks and build towards a payoff to keep viewers watching.
2. Investing in Stocks and Index Funds
Example: Personal Experience
While investing might not be classified as a “side hustle,” it certainly made me a significant amount of money. I’ve made around $17,000 a week through strategic investments.
The best way to invest with minimal risk is by dollar-cost averaging—where you consistently invest a set amount in the market, regardless of its highs or lows. I particularly recommend index funds, which track the overall market and offer long-term growth potential.
Why It Works
- Index funds provide a simple way to invest in the stock market and grow wealth over time. Even small, consistent investments can add up.
Ratings:
- Time to Learn: 1/5
Once you understand the basics, investing is straightforward. - Money to Start: 1/5
You can start investing with just $1. - Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5
Over time, your investments can grow exponentially, leading to passive income that requires little to no effort.
Pro Tip:
Pair investing with a side hustle that generates quicker cash flow. Investing is a long-term game, while side hustles can provide immediate income.
3. Building and Managing Discord Servers
Example: Chris Peters
At just 19, Chris is on track to make $15,000 a month from building and managing Discord servers. He started offering his services to me when he was just 17, and I was so impressed by his work that I started paying him for his expertise.
Discord is an all-in-one communication platform that’s growing beyond just gaming. Businesses, communities, and influencers are all using it, creating a huge demand for people who can manage these servers.
Why It Works
- Many people struggle to manage or understand Discord’s features. If you can help others build thriving communities, you’re tapping into a profitable market.
Ratings:
- Time to Learn: 2.5/5
It’s relatively easy to learn, but mastering complex server management can take some time. - Money to Start: 1/5
All you need is your computer, and you can start offering services right away. - Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5
With just a few clients on monthly retainers, you can easily hit the $1,000/month mark.
Pro Tip:
Learn by joining various Discord communities to see what makes a successful server. Then, offer value first before asking for payment.
4. Online Coaching
Example: Jack Jefferson
Jack left his $70,000/year job in London to pursue online fitness coaching full-time. Now, he’s making $7,000/month, all while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere.
You don’t need to be a fitness expert to succeed in online coaching—there’s a market for just about any skill you can teach, from business coaching to digital marketing to even personal development.
Why It Works
- People are always looking for personalized guidance, and they’re willing to pay for it.
- The beauty of online coaching is that it allows you to work from anywhere while helping others achieve their goals.
Ratings:
- Time to Learn: 2/5
If you already have a skill, packaging it and learning to sell it is the hard part. - Money to Start: 1/5
All you need is a laptop and a skill you can teach. - Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5
With a few clients, you can easily make $1,000/month—and with a solid reputation, you can scale it much higher.
Pro Tip:
Personalization is key! Instead of offering generic courses, tailor your services to each client’s individual needs.
5. AI Animation
Example: Mercy
Mercy makes $8,000 to $10,000 a month creating AI-generated animations for clients. He uses cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT to script ideas and Midjourney to create visuals—no complex animation skills required.
AI is a rapidly growing field, and embracing it early can give you a significant advantage in various creative industries. This side hustle combines both creativity and technology, two skills that are becoming increasingly valuable.
Why It Works
- AI is revolutionizing many industries, and businesses are eager to adopt AI tools. If you’re able to leverage AI for animation or other creative services, you’ll be at the forefront of a booming industry.
Ratings:
- Time to Learn: 3/5
You need to familiarize yourself with the software, but once you get the hang of it, creating animations can be efficient. - Money to Start: 2/5
You’ll need a computer and access to AI tools, but many platforms offer free trials. - Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5
With the right clients and creativity, you could easily earn $1,000/month—and then scale up from there.
Pro Tip:
AI is still in its early adoption phase, so get ahead of the curve by mastering these tools now.
Final Thoughts:
Starting a side hustle while you’re still in school can give you a head start in life and can provide an income stream that eventually turns into something much bigger. Whether you’re interested in content creation, coaching, or leveraging new technologies like AI, the opportunities are endless.
The key is to start now, stay consistent, and continually learn and adapt.
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