How to Make Money When You’re Laid Off: 5 Side Hustle Ideas to Keep You Earning
HOW TO MAKE SIDEHUSTLE MONEY WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
When a layoff happens, it’s easy to feel uncertain, but it can also be a unique opportunity to explore flexible income options that let you set your own pace and work remotely. When my husband got laid off last year, we needed to find creative ways to bring in income while he was applying for jobs and interviewing. These methods are all real ways that we paid bills and bridged the gap while he was out of work.
These options aren’t just great stop-gaps; they can become sustainable side hustles that might continue to pay off even after you're back at work. Here’s a rundown of five tried-and-true ways to make money after you lose your job. Each of these ideas lets you work on your own terms and find a groove that’s all your own, helping you make money when you need it most.
1. Rent Your Personal Home on Airbnb
One of the quickest ways to make cash is by listing your home on Airbnb. You might think, “I live here! How can I make it work?” But renting out your home, even occasionally, can be a significant income boost. Last year, I made over $7,000 from just five stays! Renting your personal home can work especially well if you can spend a few nights with friends or family, or even head out of town yourself while guests stay in your space.
Airbnb hosting can be as hands-on or hands-off as you want. If you’re looking to keep it low-maintenance, set up a few simple self-check-in options, create a thorough guest guide, and add a touch of hospitality by providing local travel tips. In no time, you’ll be making money while you’re out and about. Don’t forget to make your listing stand out with bright, clear photos and an honest description to attract the right type of guests.
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2. Become a Dog Sitter or Walker on Rover
For animal lovers, this is the side gig of your dreams. Rover is an app that lets you get paid to care for dogs, whether that’s through pet-sitting or dog-walking services. It’s flexible and beginner-friendly; you don’t need a pet of your own to get started, and Rover’s built-in tools and insurance make it easier to focus on enjoying time with your new furry friends.
Pet-sitting or dog-walking can be as easy as taking on a few clients in your area who need daytime visits or walks. Once you build up a few positive reviews, you might find yourself in high demand, especially if you live in a pet-heavy area or near a dog park. Rover also lets you choose the services you’re comfortable with—whether that’s overnight boarding, drop-ins, or simple walking sessions.
This hustle is especially ideal if you already enjoy outdoor time and want to bring in some money without sacrificing your schedule. Rover’s flexibility allows you to work as much or as little as you like, making it perfect for filling in income gaps.
Out of all of these methods, this one is the one our kids loved the most! They loved getting to help take care of dogs and getting to play with new pups each week!
Use this link to sign up to be a sitter and you’ll get $20 in credits!
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3. Drive for DoorDash
If you’re looking for a reliable income that can flex with your schedule, DoorDash could be an excellent option. Driving for DoorDash allows you to earn money on your own terms, delivering food orders to local customers. Unlike traditional jobs, you don’t need to commit to specific hours or even work every day—you can pick up orders as your schedule allows.
DoorDash pays per delivery, and you keep all the tips you earn. Depending on your area and the times you choose to work, you could potentially earn a decent hourly rate. Peak meal times, like lunch and dinner, tend to be the most profitable, and if you’re able to work weekends or during popular delivery hours, you could boost your earnings even more.
All you need is a reliable vehicle and a smartphone, and you’re good to go. For people who are laid off and looking to make money quickly, DoorDash is a fantastic way to step in and start earning right away. Just be sure to factor in gas and vehicle expenses when calculating your take-home pay, and consider working in areas with the highest demand.
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4. Sell Clothes on Poshmark
If your closet is full of gently worn clothes, why not turn those items into extra income? Poshmark makes it easy to list your used clothing items and sell them directly to buyers. The platform is popular for designer brands, but you can sell all kinds of clothing and accessories, from high-end pieces to everyday wear.
The process is simple: list an item by taking a few good photos, writing a short description, and setting a price. The Poshmark app handles the logistics, like shipping, once your item sells. Plus, the Poshmark community is active and encourages “sharing” listings, which can help boost visibility for your items. This means with a little consistency, you can get a mini storefront up and running without having to invest in anything new.
Poshmark is a particularly good option if you’re clearing out seasonal items or have brand-name pieces you don’t wear often. With a little effort, you could have a steady stream of sales. Just take clear photos, write detailed descriptions, and price competitively.
Use this link to create your Poshmark account and get $10 after joining!
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5. Grow Your Side Business
If you have a creative or professional skill, consider growing it into a larger business while you’re laid off. Whether it’s photography, graphic design, tutoring, or something else, now is a great time to focus on your passions and make money doing what you enjoy. When I was looking for extra income, I expanded my photography business, advertising more widely and taking on additional clients.
Start by promoting your skills through social media, local networking groups, and online marketplaces. Offer friends and family a small discount to start word-of-mouth referrals, and create a portfolio or website to showcase your work if you don’t have one already. Building a side business not only fills the income gap but can also be incredibly rewarding, giving you more control over your work and a steady income stream.
Growing a side business also helps you build valuable connections and potentially opens the door to other income opportunities. The flexibility and independence you gain can make all the difference, especially if you’re weighing long-term financial options.
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Final Thoughts
While a layoff is never easy, these five options show that there are plenty of ways to make money when you’re in between jobs. Each option is flexible, meaning you can start small, adjust as needed, and even scale up if you find that it’s working well for you. Not only will you stay financially afloat, but you might even discover a new side hustle that you enjoy.