I received a message from Isabella Garcia on September 4, 2023 via Facebook. She is a Pipefitter from Philadelphia. She is looking for advice on how to find a job and earn extra income in Philadelphia.
Here are 27 ways to find part-time work and make money from Philadelphia.
1. Rideshare Driver:
Becoming a rideshare driver with companies like Uber or Lyft has become an increasingly popular way to earn extra income. With flexible hours and the ability to work when it suits you, this option is ideal for those who enjoy driving and meeting new people.
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Pros:
– Flexible work schedule.
– Additional income opportunity.
– Earn to $26/hour on average after expenses
– No boss or rigid hierarchy.
– Meet new people and network.
– Convenient and easy-to-use app.
Cons:
– Wear and tear on personal vehicle.
– Fluctuating earnings due to demand.
– Safety concerns with passengers.
– High competition in saturated markets.
– Lack of employee benefits.
For more details, apply Uber here, apply Lyft here
2. Make money affiliate Marketing:
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products and services on your website and social platforms.
My first niche site: home décor / since Aug 2018. You can search for affiliate programs from Philadelphia market or from Amazon, Etsy, Clickbank… My income last month: $3,306.44 as below (exinclude other affiliate networks).
Pros:
– Earn passive income from other brands’ products.
– Very low barrier to get started.
– Ability to be location-independent.
Cons:
– Reliant on third party products and conversion rates.
– Very competitive space.
– Commissions can be low for some products.
Affiliate marketing is ideal for those who enjoy marketing and want to earn extra income on the side.
Related post: 6 steps on how I make money from affiliate marketing
3. Make money blogging:
Blogging entails creating content around topics you’re knowledgeable or passionate about, and building an audience over time. There are several ways to monetize blogs, such as affiliate marketing, advertisements, sponsored posts, eBooks, and coaching services.
My first blog is about career niche/since 2015. You can choose topics for your blog such as hobbies, sights or guides about Philadelphia City. My last income from career blog: $4,205.43 / Aug 2023 from Google adsense (exincluded other advertising networks, income).
Pros:
– Turn your passion into profits.
– Potential for mostly passive income over time.
– Build authority and credibility in your niche.
Cons:
– It takes time to build traffic and earn significant income.
– Requires consistent, high-quality content.
– Direct monetization can be challenging.
Blogging is perfect for those who love writing and have in-demand knowledge to share.
Related post: 7 steps on how I make money blogging
4. Paid Surveys:
In your downtime, you can earn a bit of extra money taking online surveys through websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks and InboxDollars. Brands and market researchers post surveys covering consumer opinions, purchasing habits and reactions to products. Each one pays $1-$5 and takes just 5-20 minutes. Do a few surveys per week and earnings add up.
You will be paid $0.5 – $2.5 but if you have the know-how, you can make $10-$15 from Philadelphia market.
Pros:
– Quick, easy way to earn spare cash.
– Flexible – take surveys whenever you want.
– Share your voice to influence brands.
Cons:
– Very inconsistent small payments.
– Time adds up answering detailed questions.
– Often don’t qualify for surveys after starting.
Online surveys are an effortless way to earn a few bucks here and there on your own schedule. Just don’t expect regular, steady income from sharing your opinions.
Related post: How to make $7,500 per month from paid surveys
5. Forex/Crypto Trading:
For those with an interest in financial markets, forex trading or cryptocurrency trading can be highly lucrative if approached with knowlledge and caution.
Forex/Crypto tips from Stanley Druckenmiller, an experienced crypto expert:
– Stay updated with market trends and news.
– Set realistic goals and manage your risk.
– Use stop-loss orders to limit potential losses.
– Diversify your portfolio to minimize risk.
– Choose a reliable and regulated broker.
– Develop a trading strategy and stick to it.
– Practice disciplined trading and avoid emotional decisions.
Related post: 10 steps to successful in crypto/forex trading
6. Freelancing:
Freelancing involves taking on work on a per-project basis for various clients, providing services virtually. Common types of freelance work include content writing, graphic design, web development, and more.
I did a special interview Tasha Whitman for our Philadelphia community, sub #freelance career, she has served 7500+ clients on Upworks, here are some of her freelance experiences:
Pros:
– Freedom to choose your own clients and set your own rates.
– Flexible schedule – work when and where you want.
– Variety of work to keep things interesting.
Cons:
– Income can be inconsistent.
– Need to spend time marketing yourself and finding new clients.
– No employee benefits like insurance or retirement plans.
Freelancing is great for those who crave autonomy and flexibility. With hard work and persistence, it can be quite lucrative.
Related post: 9 steps to success in freelancing
7. YouTube Channel:
With over two billion monthly users, YouTube presents the opportunity to build both an audience and income source. Ways to earn include ad revenue sharing, channel sponsorships, affiliate commissions, and selling products.
I had a special interview Michelle Griffiths for our Philadelphia community, she is my client, she has a channel about her favorite dogs, with 900,000+ subs and 2.4 million views per month.
Pros:
– Express your creativity through video.
– Build a personal brand and community.
– Potential to earn from videos passively.
Cons:
– Very competitive – hard to stand out.
– Requires video production skills.
– Monetization rules are complex.
YouTube is great for charismatic personalities who can educate and entertain audiences.
Related post: 7 steps to build a successful YouTube channel
8. Amazon/Etsy Store:
With the rise of online shopping, starting your own e-commerce store has become more accesssible than ever before.
I had a special interview Jessica Lee on August 25, 2023 for our Philadelphia community, she is my client, she opened a handmade shop on Etsy with over $700,000 in sales per year.
Some freelance tips from Jessica Lee:
– Choose a user-friendly website design.
– Optimize your product descriptions with relevant keywords for better search engine visibility.
– Offer multiple payment options to cater to different customer preferences.
– Implement a seamless checkout process to minimize cart abandonment rates.
– Utilize social media platforms to promote your products and engage with potential customers.
– Provide detailed product images and videos to enhance the online shopping experience.
– Offer personalized recommendations based on customer browsing and purchase history.
– Regularly update your inventory and ensure accurate stock information is displayed on your website.
– Implement effective SEO strategies to improve organic traffic and rankings on search engines.
Related post: 7 steps to create a successful Etsy/Amazon Store
9. Dropshipping:
Dropshipping allows you to set up an ecommerce store and sell products, without actually stocking inventory. When an order is placed, you purchase the item from a third party and have it shipped directly to the customer.
In this section, I want to share the experience of Peter Tran, a dropshipper from Vietnam for our Philadelphia community, also my friend, he opened a sales website on Shopify and specializes in selling handicrafts from Vietnam to US, $900,000 in sales in the past 12 months
Pros:
– Very low startup costs.
– Avoid headaches of inventory management.
– Wide selection of products to sell.
Cons:
– Low profit margins on competitive products.
– Reliant on suppliers for shipping.
Related post: Refer to Peter Tran’s experience on how to run a successful dropship business
Other ways to make money in Philadelphia
10. Dog Walker:
If you’re an animal lover, a dog walking business is a fun way to spend time outdoors and get paid. Apps like Wag and Rover connect local dog owners with trusted walkers. Most walks are 30 minutes or less and can pay $15-25 per session. You can set your own availability and walking rates. To get started, pass a background check and pet care test.
Pros:
– Animal lovers enjoy caring for pets.
– Get fresh air and exercise.
– Make your own schedule walking when convenient.
Cons:
– No guaranteed income or need to market services.
– Need to walk in all weather conditions.
– Responsible for security of strangers’ homes.
Dog walking is a low-stress way to enjoy cute pups and make money on your own schedule in Philadelphia. Once you build up clients, it can be a steady stream of income. Just be sure you’re comfortable entering strangers’ homes when they aren’t there.
11. Babysitting:
Offering your babysitting services online is a great way to connect with parents who need reliable childcare. Platforms like Care.com and Sittercity can help you find families in need of your assistance.
12. Delivery Driver:
With the rise of food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, becoming a delivery driver has become an accessible way to make money on your own schedule.
13. Create an Ebook:
Self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publisshing allow you to publish eBooks and earn royalties on each sale.
Pros:
– Make money sharing your knowledge or creativity.
– Minimal upfront costs – only your time.
– Completely passive income over time.
Cons:
– Significant effort required for marketing.
– Challenging to differentiate your book.
– Low royalties on cheap eBook pricing.
Self-publishing eBooks can be rewarding for those who have expertise to share or stories to tell.
14. Create an Online Course:
Share your skills and knowledge by creating an online course on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. This can be particularly lucrative if you have expertise in areas such as photography, coding, or marketing.
15. Domain Trader:
Buy and sell domain names for profit by identifying valuable domains and selling them at higher prices through marketplaces like Sedo or Flippa.
16. Website Trader:
Similar to domain trading, buying existing websites with potential for growth and selling them at a higher price can be a profitable venture for those with website development skills.
17. Part-time Photographer:
If you have photography skills, consider offering your services as a part-time photographer for events such as weddings, birthdays, or corporate gatherings.
18. Captcha Solver:
Some websites pay individuals to solve captchas, which are used to verify human users. While the pay may not be high, it can be an easy way to earn some extra cash in your spare time.
19. Online Graphic Design:
If you have a knack for design, offer your services as an online graphic designer. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork connect freelancers with clients seeking design work.
20. Virtual Assistant:
If you’re great at administrative tasks like scheduling, emailing, managing calendars and arranging travel, consider freelancing as a virtual assistant. Many businesses hire VAs remotely to support their teams while allowing flexible location and hours. Options range from one-time gigs to part-time or full-time employment. Pay varies based on experience and tasks but averages $15-$40 per hour.
Pros:
– Steady income if you find ongoing clients.
– Work from home setting your own schedule.
– Sharpen business operations skills.
Cons:
– Can be isolating without co-workers.
– Need to be disciplined managing your own time.
– Income fluctuates based on workload.
Virtual assisting is a great opportunity if you’re highly organized and detail-oriented. Once you build up your clientele, it provides steady pay with the freedom to work when and where you want.
21. Social Media Manager:
Businesses often outsource their social media management to experts who can create engaging content, manage accounts, and analyze performance metrics.
22. Online Tutor:
If you’re knowledgeable in academic subjects, tutoring is a rewarding way to earn income. Philadelphia has many underperforming schools where students need help reaching grade level in math, reading, writing, SAT prep and other subjects. Experience working with kids looks great on a resume too. Typical pay ranges $15-50 per hour based on the subject matter, student age and your experience level.
Pros:
– Make money sharing your academic expertise.
– Flexible schedule with each student.
– Rewarding helping students improve grades.
Cons:
– Need expertise in academic areas.
– May deal with challenging student behaviors.
– Income relies on student enrollment.
Tutoring is a flexible opportunity to help Philly students while earning a healthy hourly rate. Play to your academic strengths and market your services to parents seeking additional instruction for their kids.
23. Voiceover Artist:
If you have a pleasant voice and good diction, consider becoming a voiceover artist for commercials, audiobooks, or animated videos. Websites like Voices.com connect voiceover artists with clients.
24. Local Travel Agent:
Help individuals plan their vacations by becoming a local travel agent who specializes in specific destinations or types of travel experiences.
25. Sell Crafts and Art
Philadelphia supports a thriving community of artisans selling handmade crafts, vintage clothing, paintings, photographs and more. Options to earn money include setting up a booth at indoor/outdoor markets and craft fairs, selling online through Etsy or your own ecommerce site, or consigning pieces in local boutiques.
Pros:
– Make money doing something creative you enjoy.
– Set your own hours and be your own boss.
– Low startup costs – just tools of your craft.
Cons:
– Irregular, seasonal income that fluctuates.
– Need to market yourself and find outlets to sell.
– No steady paycheck to count on.
If you have artistic talents and love making handcrafted items, selling your wares is a fulfilling way to earn income in Philadelphia. It takes hustle and business savvy, but you get the freedom and flexibility to be creative on your own terms.
26. House sitting.
27. Freelance Writer.
If you have strong writing skills and enjoy creating content, consider freelanncing as a writer for blogs, websites, or publications that pay for quality articles.
