How to make money without a job 10 great tips

Losing your job can be incredibly stressful, but you are not alone. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are approximately 5.7 million unemployed Americans.¹ But the good news is that plenty of ways to make money without a job exist! If you have the drive, you can earn income through alternative methods than a traditional 9-5 job.

Read on to learn 10 easy ways to earn money without a job, including how to get same day loans online.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Employment

Working a traditional 9 to 5 job has perks, but there are also disadvantages. You may be thinking about your next steps if you are currently unemployed. 

Many people who lose jobs end up going into business for themselves or working multiple part-time gigs. As of 2023, 10.1% of the workforce is self-employed.² But the best career move for you depends on your unique situation, skill set, and schedule. 

Take a look at the pros and cons of traditional employment to help you make a decision regarding your future:   

Aspect	Pros of Traditional Employment	Cons of Traditional Employment
Stability	Steady income and job security.	Limited control over job security and income growth.
Benefits	Health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave.	Benefits may be limited or require employee contributions.
Work Schedule	Fixed schedules can make life more predictable.	Lack of flexibility; may require long hours or commuting.
Career Progression	Clear path for career advancement and promotions.	May face office politics or a “glass ceiling.”
Skill Development	On-the-job training and opportunities for skill development.	Limited to the skills required for the job role.
Social Interaction	Opportunity for social interaction and networking.	Potential for workplace stress and conflicts.
Work-Life Balance	Weekends and public holidays are off in many cases.	Fixed schedule may interfere with personal life.
Accountability	Clear structure and hierarchy.	May experience micromanagement or lack of autonomy.
Resources	Access to company resources and tools.	Limited freedom to choose preferred tools and methods.
Income Potential	Regular raises and bonuses are possible.	Income is generally fixed and dependent on the employer.

How To Earn Money Without a Job by Using Your Car

If you have a working vehicle, you are one step closer to receiving much-needed financial relief. You can easily make money without a job by simply using your car to deliver items or provide transportation. 

Online services provide everyday people with the opportunity to make some fast cash in no time at all. Take a look:

Tip 1: Earn Cash Through Rideshare Services

There are two primary rideshare services that you could use to earn money without a job: Uber or Lyft. To work as a rideshare driver, you typically need to have the following:

• A valid U.S. driver’s license
• Car insurance
• Access to a qualifying 4-door vehicle

Inquirers must undergo a background screening so an agent can verify their driving record and criminal history. 

Signing up to be a rideshare driver means you get to choose your preferred hours, trip destinations, and even how you get paid. If you prefer to avoid the city’s congestion, you could pick trips that don’t require a dropoff location downtown. An additional bonus of being a rideshare driver is earning extra income in tips. 

Tip 2: Make Extra Cash Through Delivering Groceries

Many grocery stores now offer delivery services, but Instacart remains a preferred retail delivery business. To make money without a job, you can sign up as an Instacart shopper who completes online orders and delivers them. 

The requirements to deliver groceries are simple to meet: 

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• You must have a smartphone
• You must own a vehicle

Signing up is pretty easy, so a lot of people can earn money relatively quickly. You could even learn how to go grocery shopping on a budget by making multiple trips to the grocery store.

Tip 3: Earn Money Through Takeout Orders

Delivering takeout orders could help you quickly earn money without a job. There are numerous courier businesses to choose from, which means more work opportunities for you. 

Some of the most popular food delivery businesses include:

• Uber Eats
• DoorDash
• Postmates
• Grubhub

Most food delivery businesses require a working vehicle, a driver’s license, and a clean driving record. But you could still sign up as a courier without a car through Uber Eats if you have a scooter or bicycle. You can set up your preferred schedule and work when it is convenient for you. Like ride-sharing, takeout delivery drivers can earn extra money in tips. 

How To Make Extra Cash Without a Job by Using Your Skills

Everyone is good at something; you could use those nifty skills to earn money without a job. There are plenty of online businesses that recruit workers for even simple tasks. Take a look:

Tip 4: Earn Money by Using Your Labor Skills

You could easily monetize your labor skills through TaskRabbit if you do not mind heavy lifting. This online marketplace allows people to monetize their physical and mental skills when they have free time.

There are various types of jobs you could do, such as:

• Assembling/Dismantling Furniture 
• Helping Someone Move
• Automotive Assistance
• Running Errands
• Crafting
• And much more!

There is a task for just about everyone over the age of 18, so take a look at the extensive list of over fifty tasks you could perform. Signing up requires basic identification information and a $25 registration fee in select cities. 

Tip 5: Earn Money by Freelancing 

Make the most of your creative skills by freelancing online. Plenty of websites help creatives without jobs quickly make more money. For example, online business owners may pay you to build their own blog or online store. 

Desirable freelance skills with high demand include:

• Writing/editing
• Website building
• Graphic design
• Marketing
• Social media management  

The requirements to freelance are generally simple, but they depend on the platform you use. Some freelancing websites require a small registration fee, but the work opportunities may cover the cost of signing up. Popular freelancing websites to make free money include Upwork, LinkedIn, Fiverr, Designhill, and We Work Remotely. 

Tip 6: Make More Money by Doing Online Surveys

A popular form of freelancing even includes doing online surveys on survey sites like Swagbucks. There is a high demand for customer service reviews and merchandise reviews on survey sites. 

Paid surveys will even ask you to leave online reviews for forms of media, like games, videos, and website navigation. By reviewing paid surveys, businesses get valuable market research on how to improve their marketing efforts. You could either earn cash rewards or free gift cards for completing online surveys on survey sites. 

Tip 7: Earn Free Money by Donating Blood

While the act of donating blood is free and noble, you could sell your plasma to make free money without a job. Blood is made up of plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood that contains water, salts, and enzymes. 

Why Is Plasma Important?

Plasma is crucial because it helps the body transport nutrients, proteins, and hormones to specific damaged areas that have experienced trauma. 

You help patients treat various injuries and diseases by selling your plasma. For example, individuals with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID) benefit significantly from plasma donations. Donating plasma is relatively the same as donating blood but can be more time-consuming. 

Am I Eligible To Donate Plasma?

To be eligible, you need to be in good health, at least 18 years of age, and meet the minimum weight requirement. But be aware that body modifications can make you ineligible to be a plasma donor. Suppose you recently got a tattoo or piercing. In that case, you will typically be expected to wait four months after you modify your body to sell your plasma. 

How Much Can I Make by Donating Plasma?

The cost of donating plasma is not a lot, averaging about $20 to $50 for each donation. The maximum amount of plasma donations you can make is two per week. Some clinics have specials to attract new donors, so you could receive a substantial bonus or even free gift cards simply for being a first-time donor at specific clinics, like CSL Plasma.

Tip 8: Make Money by Offering Pet Services

Not everyone can communicate with dogs. If you have dog handling experience, consider making money by walking dogs in your spare time. Many people work traditional business hours from 9-5 and cannot give their beloved pets much-needed attention. For this reason, offering pet services is such a profitable job opportunity. 

You can choose to market your dog walking services on your own using social media or by signing up through an online business such as Rover. Rover and other pet service websites typically offer more than just dog walking, so you could sign up to board pets, pet sit, or housesit. The most popular service offered is pet sitting. If you like hanging out with cats or dogs, you could make more money online by pet sitting. 

You get to set your preferred working hours and choose your pay rate. You could even earn cash in tips. And if you work best with either small or large animals, you could set your preferences. 

How To Make Money Online by Selling Stuff

A lot of people hold onto items they no longer need or want. You could make extra money without a job when you sell stuff through online marketplaces. You generally need a profile and clear images of what you want to sell. 

Tip 9: Make Money by Selling Stuff Online

You could sell just about anything online through e-commerce business websites. Typically, people sell and buy power tools, automotive parts, collectibles, fine jewelry, kitchen appliances, business equipment, and so much more. 

To get an idea of what may be sellable, visit a marketplace website and look at the top categories. You can get an idea of what others are selling and for how much. Some popular e-commerce websites you could use to make extra money without a job include eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor. 

One of the best e-commerce platforms is eBay, which allows sellers to choose a firm sale price or list the item for auction. An auction requires you to choose a starting bid price and then list the item for a set period. Shoppers can then place bids on the item; all you have to do is mail it once it sells. 

Depending on how you market your merchandise, selling for profit may not take long.

Tip 10: Make Money by Selling Clothes and Accessories Online

Fashion is constantly changing, which is why people often find themselves with piles of clothes they no longer wear. While you could donate your stuff to local thrift stores, you can also try selling them online for extra cash. 

Garage sales and selling at a flea market are alternative options, but you could attract more buyers online. There is a large market for used clothes and accessories online. To get easy money, all you have to do is list them for sale. 

If you have designer goods in gently used condition, you may have an easier time finding a willing buyer. A few websites you could use to sell clothes and accessories include Depop, Poshmark, ThredUP, and The RealReal. 

To start selling unused clothes and accessories, you need to take clear images and write a descriptive description. If you are trying to sell a handbag, include photos of the exterior and the interior. Make sure to include close-ups because designer bags are verified for authenticity through images of the hardware, tags, stitches, and the logo. 

Time Management Tips When Working Multiple Jobs

Managing one’s time effectively when juggling multiple income streams is critical. But how can you improve your time management skills? Below are some tips for individuals who work or want to work multiple jobs or side hustles. 

Set a Schedule

One of the first steps in effective time management is setting a schedule. Use a digital calendar or a traditional planner to map out your day, week, or even month. 

Allocate specific time slots for each job or task you have. This will help you avoid overlapping commitments and ensure that you have enough time for each responsibility. A well-structured schedule also allows you to see where you have free time, which you can then use for relaxation or picking up additional work.

Prioritize Tasks

Not all tasks are created equal. Some are more urgent or important than others, and recognizing this is key to effective time management. Make a to-do list for each job or side hustle you have and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. 

Tackling high-priority tasks first can give you a sense of accomplishment and reduce stress, making it easier to focus on less urgent tasks afterward. Tools like the Eisenhower Box can help you categorize tasks into what’s urgent, important, both, or neither, helping you prioritize more effectively.

Take Time To Rest

While the temptation to fill every available hour with work can be strong, especially when you’re trying to maximize income, it’s crucial to take time to rest. Overworking can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues. Giving yourself time to recharge is essential for long-term success and well-being.

Schedule regular breaks during your workday and allocate time for self-care activities that you enjoy, such as:

• Reading a book
• Going for a walk
• Taking a short nap
• Journaling 
• Dancing like nobody’s watching
• Watching a TV show or movie

How To Get Money Without a Job by Applying for a Loan

If you’re looking to make money without a job, relax knowing there are plenty of available work opportunities. But if you need more than a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of a bill, then you may consider taking out a loan to obtain fast emergency money. 

Loan Options When You Don’t Have Time To Earn Money Online

There are various types of loans to choose from if you need to borrow money without a traditional job. While plenty of side hustle options exist for easy money, you may not always have time to wait until you’ve earned enough income. Bills have due dates, and that date may be fast approaching. 

There are plenty of loan options to choose from to get financial freedom, but exactly what are the quickest options? Take a look at some fast cash options below:

Credit Cards

Depending on your credit score, you may be able to get a higher credit line. Credit cards are convenient if you need money for a necessary expense that’s stressing you out. But if your credit score is low, you may be ineligible for another credit card or even a higher credit limit. Credit cards usually have high interest rates, making the repayment process more stressful than it should be. 

Car Title Loans

A car title loan allows drivers to use their car as collateral for quick funding. Unfortunately, this loan is risky because you could lose possession of the vehicle. The interest rates with car title loans are typically excessive, but they remain popular because funding is quick.

Payday Loans

Payday loans were designed by lenders for people who need money in between paydays. This short-term, single payment loan has a two-week repayment schedule, which forces borrowers to struggle unnecessarily. If you cannot come up with the funds needed in such a short timeframe, then the loan rolls over, and you get charged additional fees. While convenient, there are better financing options than a payday loan.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is one of the most common loans people obtain for personal expenses. Eligible borrowers receive a loan that is repaid in monthly installments over a set period. You can conveniently apply for one of these loans online without visiting a store location in person. 

While credit typically plays a vital role in eligibility, there are personal loans for individuals with bad credit. So, even with a low FICO score, you could potentially obtain enough money to cover the cost of an expensive bill that is due soon. The repayment length can vary, which means you could get months or even years to pay off the loan balance. 

Scams To Avoid When Trying To Make Money Without a Job

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scam artists out there looking to take advantage of unemployed individuals who need money. But knowing the warning signs can help you avoid common scams.

• “Get Rich Quick” Schemes — Stay away from promises of making large sums of money in a short period with little to no effort. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always research the company and read reviews before investing time or money.
• Fake Job Offers — Job offers that require you to pay an upfront fee for training, materials, or software are typically scams. Legitimate employers will not ask for money upfront from applicants. Check the employer’s credentials and consult trusted sources before accepting an offer.
• Phishing Scams — Emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate company asking for personal information can be phishing scams. Proceed with caution when you receive an email or text message asking for personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank details, unless you’re sure of the company’s legitimacy. Always double-check the email address and look for any red flags like poor grammar or spelling.
• MMAs and Pyramid Schemes — A Multi-Level Marketing Business, or pyramid scheme, is a business model that traps people in debt by forcing them to invest in products they must sell to regain their investment. Pyramid schemes are illegal in many jurisdictions due to predatory practices. Always research the investment opportunity and consult with a financial advisor before joining an MLM.
• Fake Surveys — Online surveys can be a legitimate way to get money. However, surveys that require an upfront payment for participation are typically scams. Legitimate market research companies do not ask for payment. 
• Counterfeit Check Scams — If you sell online, be wary of personal checks. A common scam is being given a check as payment for goods or services and then being asked to wire a portion back. Never wire money to someone you don’t know, and wait for checks to clear before withdrawing funds. 

FAQs About How To Get Money Fast Without a Job

CreditNinja: The Best Way To Get Money Fast

There are many ways to make money without a job or a checking account. But the best option for you depends on how much money you need and how quickly you need it. If you are trying to deal with an unexpected expense, consider applying for a CreditNinja personal loan!

Our online loans have competitive interest rates and flexible repayment plans. We work with all types of financial backgrounds, so you don’t need a 9 to 5 job or perfect credit to qualify. Inquire online today.

And if you want more financial tips, check out the free CreditNinja online blog. You can learn about budgeting with irregular income, building good credit, and how much money you need to never work again!  

References:

1. The Pandemic Unemployed Survey │ U.S. Chamber of Commerce
2. How Many Americans Are Self-Employed? │ Luisa Zhou
3. Driver requirements │ Uber
4. Become a Tasker │ TaskRabbit
5. What Is Plasma? │ University of Rochester Medical Center