Making money, it’s something not only everyone wants to do, but needs to do. Usually this need is fulfilled by getting a job. However for some, a job being their only source of income may not be enough. Nowadays, a trend many people have gotten into in an effort to supplement their income are part time gigs or side hustles. These are just simply an alternative and more flexible way to make money aside from a job.

When it comes to choosing what you want to do for your side hustle, there are a wide variety of options. It could be a small business doing something you love, such as making crafts and then reselling them online on sites like Ebay or Esty. Or you could pick up local gigs doing everyday work on sites like Craigslist. Point is, there are plenty of opportunities to make extra money through side hustling and no excuse not to take advantage of this growing market.

The recent growth of the side hustle has come about thanks to a handful of key factors, but the most significant (to not much surprise) would be the internet. Obviously, I’m sure the ideal end result of a side hustle (making money) has also influenced a fair share people to get their ‘hustle on’. The major impact brought on by the world wide web has allowed for the aforementioned abundance of opportunities for anyone looking to make an extra money. If you’re stuck on what to do or how to start your side hustle, check out these articles on Idealme.com and Twocents.lifehacker.com to help find out what exactly you want to do and how to put together a plan of action.

When thinking of a particular side hustle that’s rapidly gaining in popularity, the first thing that comes to mind is driving for Uber or Lyft, As most are probably aware, these are companies that hire individuals as independent contractors to provide transportation to people in their communities. There are a number of benefits that make working for these companies a good idea for a side hustle. First off, there’s no startup cost or investment you just sign up and apply on one of their respective websites. Secondly, you're being paid to do something you do everyday. I imagine the idea of being able to get payed for driving people around is one that’d certainly jump out to parents who are used to shipping around their kids here and there on the daily. Another head turning benefit that could be enjoyed as an employee of these companies is the fact the you choose when you want to work! Really putting an emphasis on the ‘independent’ in independent contractor. With all these aforementioned benefits included, it’s difficult to argue against this being one of these most viable ideas for a side hustle.

Staying on the subject of benefits as they apply to side hustles in general, there are positive values other than just making money. Getting involved in a side hustle isn’t just great way to capitalize on skills you may already have, but also an awesome opportunity to learn new skills as well. Having experience in multiple fields is something that can always come in handy. As some people may have unfortunately experienced at some point in their career, job security isn’t always a guarantee and lays off happen. If this unfortunately happens to you, having a skill or hustle to fall back on for income will undoubtedly help get you back on your feet much quicker than otherwise.

Overall, having a side hustle may involve a certain amount of time and commitment depending on what you choose to do. However, as was discussed throughout the article, side hustles can provide not only an excellent way to make extra income, but can also provide you with more knowledge that can be have a positive impact not only to yourself, but also those around you. If you’re interested in learning more about the art of the side hustle, take a look at these articles on

CNBC.com and helpscout.net.