7 Alternative Side Hustles To Make Extra Cash
7 Alternative Side Hustles To Make Extra Cash
Charlene OldhamMon, March 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC
0
If the lyrics to the Dolly Parton song “9 to 5” could be your autobiography, maybe it’s time to consider some unconventional ways to make money. After all, if you’re “barely gettin’ by,” you’re probably looking for creative ways to earn extra cash about now.
Like hot-dog eating, for example. If you wanted to make your cash by cramming hot dogs down your throat, you could compete in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for a chance at the $10,000 grand prize.
Check Out: Warren Buffett: 5 Ways To Build Your Wealth Fast
Read Next: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
Whether you’re struggling to pay the bills or just looking to pad your savings account, check out some clever ways to earn a buck that are on the stranger side.
1. Win a Competitive Eating Contest
So, if you really wanted to compete in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, it probably wouldn’t happen until next Fourth of July. All competitors must have a contract with MLE — that’s Major League Eating — in order to participate.
This particular contest got its start back in 1967 at the Nathan’s Famous stand in Coney Island, New York. It’s still held there today, and in 2011 it opened a contest for women, too. Whoever swallows (and keeps down) the most hot dogs in the 10-minute allotted period is awarded $10,000 for their efforts (both on the women’s and men’s side).
2. Horse-Sit
Rover offers conventional pet care services, such as dog walking and drop-in visits. Some pet care pros will also housesit overnight for pets, including cats, snakes and even horses who want to stay on their home turf, however.
Advertisement
3. Be a Mystery Shopper
Many companies are looking for consumers to evaluate customer service at their stores. Along with providing hourly pay, a number of companies offer perks such as mileage reimbursement and snack budgets to their secret shoppers.
4. Pose for Art Classes
Art schools and other institutions that offer drawing classes often hire live models to pose for them. Applicants must generally be comfortable posing both clothed and in the buff, and can find opportunities on sites like Indeed and SimplyHired.
5. Write Romances
Harlequin and other well-known publishers accept submissions directly from writers who want to see their work in print. The imprint, which is known for its romances, offers advances, royalties or both depending on how a specific title will be published. In addition to submission details, Harlequin’s website offers aspiring authors advice on a variety of writing subjects.
6. Rent Out Your Drone
High-end equipment, such as cameras and drones, can be expensive. Increasingly, people who own these pricey gadgets and gear are sometimes renting them out to others when they aren’t in use as a way to make extra cash.
7. Be a Mermaid or Merman
The Sip ‘n Dip Lounge in Great Falls, Montana, is known for its giant blue fishbowl drinks, a long-time entertainer named Piano Pat and mermaids and mermen who take over the bar-side pool to entertain patrons.
If you’ve always dreamed of donning a tail but don’t live anywhere near the Sip ‘n Dip, don’t despair. The bar is one of a handful of facilities around the country to feature mermaids as entertainment.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion:
Everything You About Your Current Credit Health
5 Quick Ways To Make $100 a Day Online
7 Shopping Myths About Walmart That Still Persist
This Tool Lets You Audit Your Spending Habits in Seconds
Source: “AOL Money”
