7 Great Business Ideas and Side Hustles for Full-time Employees

Are you looking to supplement your income while keeping a full-time job?

If so, you’re far from alone.

Whether you’d like to have a side hustle in your spare time or simply have some extra funds in case of an emergency, we have great news: a handful of options available for employees wanting to make side cash.

From selling digital products to renting out spare bedrooms and offering coaching services – we hope this list will inspire you to work hard and save more.

Contents

1. Set up an online shop
2. Sell prepaid mobile phone credits
3. Join affiliate marketing
4. Coaching business
5. Provide pet care services
6. Rent out a spare room as an Airbnb host
7. Online tutoring

1. Set up an online shop

If you’re a full-time employee looking to beef up your income, setting up an online shop should definitely be on your radar. Why? Well, why not?

It’s a flexible and convenient way to earn some extra cash on the side. You can sell almost anything under the sun, from handmade crafts to pre-loved items to niche products catering to specific interests.

In the local market, there are plenty of products that are hot sellers online, like:

• Fashion items like clothes, shoes, and accessories are always in demand
• Beauty products and gadgets are also popular choices
• And let’s not forget about food and beverages – Filipinos love to eat, so if you have a recipe that can make people drool, you can definitely monetize that.

To sell your products online, here’s how:

• Create a Facebook page or group for your shop.
• Utilize Facebook Marketplace, an online garage sale where users can browse and purchase items.
• Take it to the next level by becoming a legit seller on Shopee or Lazada.

If you don’t like managing inventory, you can try the next option.

2. Sell prepaid mobile phone credits

Why is this a fantastic idea?

For starters, everybody needs phone credits. With so many people glued to their smartphones, there’s a constant demand for prepaid mobile phone credits.

And the best part? It’s a low-cost business venture that requires minimal effort to get started. You can start for as low as ₱2,000.

You only need to have these:

• Mobile phone
• A retailer SIM card
• Some cash for your initial load credit

So, how much will you earn from this business?

It depends on the network provider and additional fees. For example, a ₱50 worth of load can be bought for only ₱45, so you have ₱5 markup. You can even charge another extra ₱2 to ₱5 when you sell it to others. And most prepaid users won’t mind the additional charge.

If your prepaid loading business is not your cup of tea, try the next option.

3. Join affiliate marketing

Why is affiliate marketing such a great idea for full-time employees?

For one, it’s a low-risk venture that doesn’t require a lot of upfront investment. Plus, you can do it from the comfort of your own home, in your free time. And with the rise of social media, it’s easier than ever to reach a wide audience.

How?

• If you have a significant number of followers on your Facebook page or other social media channels, sign up on Involve Asia and start promoting products to your friends and followers.
• Alternatively, if you love vlogging on TikTok, you can sign up for their affiliate program.

You earn a commission on every sale made through your affiliate link, so the more you promote, the more you can earn.

But how do you recommend products without coming off as sleazy or spammy? The key is to promote products you genuinely believe in and use yourself.

And when you do recommend a product, don’t just list its benefits. Share your personal experience with it and explain how it’s helped you.

This builds trust with your audience and makes them more likely to buy through your affiliate link.

4. Coaching business

Coaching is a growing industry becoming increasingly popular among full-time workers and anyone who loves to teach or coach others. It’s an excellent business idea for those who want to start their own business and help others succeed.

It involves guiding and helping someone to reach their personal or professional goals.

As a coach, you can focus on areas such as career, business, and personal development, to name a few. You can also have a general coaching business where you help clients with their overall life goals.

One of the best things about coaching is that you don’t need formal education or certification. However, having experience and knowledge in your chosen field is essential as it gives you credibility and helps you gain clients’ trust.

Here are the skills you need should you consider a coaching business as a full-time employee.

• Excellent communication and people skills
• Empathy for relationship building
• Active listening to understand the client’s needs and goals
• Goal setting to motivate clients
• Positivity to develop the relationship of trust

Getting started as a coach can be as simple as creating a website and social media presence to promote your services. You can also network with people in your field or attend industry events to gain more exposure and grow your business.

The best part? You can work whenever you want, whether after work hours or on weekends.

5. Provide pet care services

Pet owners always look for reliable and trustworthy people to care for their beloved pets while away.

The demand for pet care services continues to grow, making it a lucrative market.

So, who doesn’t love spending time with adorable animals and getting paid for it?

So, how can you provide pet care services in your spare time? The good news is that you don’t need to quit your day job. You can:

• Start by taking out dogs for walks on your weekends or after work.
• Offer to feed and play with cats or other small pets while their owners are away after your work hours.
• Provide pet-sitting services for more extended periods, like weekends or holidays.

To be successful in this business, you’ll need to enjoy working with animals, have basic knowledge of pet care, and be reliable and trustworthy.

6. Rent out a spare room as an Airbnb host

One of our top picks for a side hustle is to become an Airbnb lister.

Why? For starters, it’s an easy way to make extra cash.

If you have a spare room or condo unit, you can rent it to travelers looking for a unique experience. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and show off your city to visitors.

So, how can you become an Airbnb lister while still working full-time? The good news is, it’s easy to do in your spare time.

You can dedicate your weekends and evenings to setting up your listings, communicating with guests, and arranging check-ins. And since Airbnb handles the payment and booking process, you don’t have to worry about spending time on administrative tasks.

The possibilities are endless.

• If you have a spare room, you can turn it into a cozy guest room with all the fixings – think fresh linens, fluffy towels, and a basket of local goodies to welcome your guests.
• If you have a spare condo unit, you can invest in some decor and furnishings to make it feel like a true home away from home.

But ensure you’re also aware of the requirements before becoming an Airbnb host.

When you earn money as an Airbnb host, it’s considered taxable income. It means you must pay different taxes, like income tax, VAT, or percentage tax. To stay on the right side of the law, it’s a good idea to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) if you rent your property for either short-term or long-term stays.

Remember that existing laws and regulations also apply to leasing properties for residential or commercial purposes, whether you book directly, online, or through platforms like Airbnb.

Becoming an Airbnb lister is a great way to earn extra cash and explore your entrepreneurial side, all while working a full-time job.

7. Online tutoring

The beauty of online tutoring is its flexibility. You can teach subjects you excel in and cater to students of different ages and levels.

Are you a math whiz? Tutoring kids in elementary or high school could be your calling.

Do you have a knack for English? Teaching grammar and composition to college students can be a fulfilling experience.

Online tutoring is a growing industry in the Philippines, with a high demand for English language teaching. Students from countries such as China, Japan, and Korea seek Filipino tutors’ help for their English proficiency.

Aside from language tutoring, you can also offer science, history, or music lessons.

You’ll need a stable internet connection, a quiet and well-lit space, and a reliable platform to get started with online tutoring.

There are many online tutoring websites and apps you can sign up for, such as TutorMe, BahayTuro, or TeacherOn. Alternatively, you can create your website or social media page to promote your services and attract potential clients.

The rates per tutoring session may vary, but most providers charge around ₱450 to ₱500 and above per hour.

But before diving into the world of online tutoring, ensure you’re equipped with the right skills and qualifications. Having a degree or certification in the subject, you’re teaching is an advantage, as well as experience in teaching or mentoring.

Final thoughts

Having a side hustle or business while working full-time requires discipline and time management.

However, if you’re serious about earning more income to elevate your savings strategy, by all means, find a business that suits your time and passion.

Try opening a business in an area where you feel comfortable with your budget, resources, and energy.

It’s not the size of the business that counts – the important thing is that you get the extra income. And who knows? Your business could grow, right?

Can you add more to our list? Let us know in the comments below.