Got time & talent? Start a side-gig.

Bored? Why not make the most of all this time on your hands and make $$.

Seriously. There’s never been a better time to peel yourself off the couch and put your great ideas and talent to use! We love seeing students turn their hobbies & passions into solid side-hustles. So, what are you waiting for?

Need #inspo?

We’ve compiled a list of side-gigs you can start right now from the comfort of your home with the limited resources you likely have around the house.

Go ahead, brush the dust off your mom’s old sewing machine or fire up that camera and start teaching us something really cool!

You’ve got talent and you’ve got time! Get started TODAY!

1. App Development

Itching to create an app to help kids learn about financial literacy at home? Or perhaps you have a great idea for an app to help the elderly communicate with their families seamlessly? Whatever it is, there’s never been a better time to start coding and make your app idea come to life.

2. Baking / Cooking

Sure, now might not be the best time to start baking or cooking for others, BUT folks are likely going to run out of snack ideas and dinner recipes, sooner rather than later. Why not start your own baking / cooking channel on YouTube or curate a weekly newsletter for parents who are running out of ideas (… and steam).

3. Reviewing Cover Letters / Resumes

It’s likely some people are out there looking for a new job or will be doing so in the coming weeks / months. Some may need to dust off their dated cover letters and resumes. If you have experience in HR and a keen eye for detail, you should consider offering a service reviewing / editing these staples documents for job-seekers.

4. Craft Tutorials

Do you live for crafting? You might want to look into teaching others how to craft! From sewing to knitting to painting, folks are looking to entertain themselves while they spend most of their time at home. Some may even want to learn a new skill! Share your tips and tricks though online tutorials or create your very own step-by-step “How-To” downloadable e-book.

5. DIY Tutorials

Do you have a special skill or talent? Can you make soap from scratch or happen to know a lot about gardening at home? Recently, some store shelves have been looking a little more bare than usual. As a result, many people are looking for Do-It-Yourself alternatives. Knowledge is power, so start sharing what you know with the community.

6. Designing Textiles

Do you love colorful prints and patterns? Are you the creative type who would “dye” to see your designs on something more than paper & signage. Consider putting your creative ideas on fabric or wallpaper instead. The crafting community is always looking for fresh and unique designs to work with.

Bonus! Check out https://www.spoonflower.com/

7. Freelancing

Do you have extensive experience in social media? Have you worked in content creation in the past? Start your own side-gig as a freelancer. Some companies are dealing with limited resources at the moment and may need extra help without having the financial resources to hire someone full-time. Hiring a freelancer may fulfill their needs at the right price!

8. Ghostwriting

Are you a talented writer? Can you make great story come to life? Some companies may need to produce more written content to properly communicate with there clients these days. Why not start your own side-hustle as a ghostwriter and showcase your solid writing chops.

9. Illustrator / Graphic Design Service

Are you a wiz when it comes to graphic design and illustration? Can you whip up a dream-worthy infographic in record time? Consider starting your own graphic design gig. Small businesses may not have the financial means to hire a full-time graphic designer and may look at hiring a freelancer instead. Start putting your portfolio together today!

Plus, you can even get started for free with https://www.canva.com/

10. Personal Training Service

Is fitness your thing? Are you “in the know” when it comes to workouts & nutrition? Perhaps you should consider offering a remote service to help folks stay active at home. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key during these times!

11. Photography / Tutorials

Is your camera an extension of your arm? Are you a guru when it comes to product photography? You can share your skills & know-how through online “How-To” videos or bite-size clips on IGTV. With limited funds and resources some companies & small business may look at capturing great images in-house at little to no cost. You can show’em how to get started!

12. Podcasting

Do you know a thing or two about celebrities? Are you a true-crime enthusiast? You can start your very own podcast & start sharing your perspective on important (…and not so important) things. Whether you want to provide entertainment & a bit of comic relief, or insightful commentary on the current situation — the possibilities are endless!

13. Re-purposing Items / Furniture

Do you have a knack for re-imagining old or second-hand items. Good news! People are spending tons of time at home which also means they are finally cleaning out their attics and basements. From furniture to home ware, there’s nothing a good coat of paint can’t do! You could spend some time transforming used items and selling them. Alternatively, you could even start sharing your tips & tricks through virtual tutorials.

14. Sewing / Knitting / Pattern Making

With extra time on your hands, you may want to dust of your old sewing machine and start sewing to sell. Although you may not start selling face to face for a while, building a solid inventory during your free time could be a good way to start! If nothing else, you can start your own YouTube channel or IG account and give your potential / future customers a “behind the scenes” look at your process & your new collection. Alternatively, you could also teach others to knit, sew or crochet remotely!

15. Design Stationery

Are you obsessed with stationery and have an eye for good design? Why not take a shot at creating your very own collection of greeting cards? Whether you have the supplies to sell them as hard-copies or as a downloadable printable — the options are endless!

16. Teaching Music

Know how to play guitar? Have you been playing piano since you were 5? Kids and teens are at home and may need to keep up with their rehearsals remotely. Some may even want to learn an instrument for the first time! Whichever the case, you’ll get to showcase your skills and share your knowledge with others while making an extra income.

17. Teaching Yoga / Meditation

Have you been practicing yoga or meditation for a while? Perhaps you should consider sharing your practice with beginners who are looking to get started, but aren’t sure where to turn. Whether you’re hoping to introduce new parents to the art of meditation or want to motivate employees working from home to complete a 20 minute yoga practice over their lunch break — the world is your oyster!

18. Translation Services

With today’s challenging circumstances, communication is key! Some companies may be looking to produce more written content than they usually do. If you have experience in translation and you’re super detailed-oriented, you should consider offering translation / editing services to companies and professionals from the comfort of your very own living room!

19. Tutoring Kids / Teens

Most parents aren’t equipped to home-school their children on a full-time basis. If you have a knack for explaining formulas & abstract concepts to a younger generation, you may want to look into offering remote tutoring sessions for kids and teens!

20. Web Design

Are you a wiz when it comes to the art of user experience? Are you a master of SEO? Perhaps you should consider designing website for professionals, freelancers and small businesses. They may wan to spruce up their current website or even look for a complete overhaul!

Feeling inspired? Not sure where to start? Send us an email: ehub@uOttawa.ca

Our team is looking forward to sharing some tools & resources to get your started!