Last year, I wrote a blog post about four unusual ways to make extra money, including sleeping and selling your poop. It was a fascinating topic to explore, so I decided to dig deeper to find more quirky ways to earn some extra cash.
There are countless ways to make a side income, whether through part-time jobs, full-time jobs, online gigs, or offline opportunities. I firmly believe that earning extra income can significantly improve your life. It can help you break free from living paycheck to paycheck, pay off debt, and more. For example, I managed to pay off $38,000 in student loans in just seven months, leave my day job to follow my passion, and travel full-time, all thanks to extra income.
Here are nine unusual ways to make some extra money:
1. **Sell Your Life**
One of the most intriguing methods is selling your life, inspired by Ian Usher, who auctioned off his entire life on eBay in 2008, including his car, job, home, and friends. Another example is Mike Merrill, who sold shares of himself to investors, allowing them to vote on how he lived his life.
2. **Deliver RVs to Dealerships**
RVs are too large to be transported by semi-trucks, so they need drivers to deliver them from manufacturers to dealerships. We met a couple who did this for a living and loved it. They got to travel, earn a living, and see new RVs regularly. To get started, contact transport companies, RV manufacturers, or dealerships in your area.
3. **Participate in Medical Research Studies**
Medical research studies often pay participants to help with research on diseases, treatments, and more. You can find these opportunities on Craigslist, through local universities, or medical testing companies. My husband participated in several studies and earned about $1,000 for a week’s work.
4. **Donate Your Eggs or Sperm**
Women can earn several thousand dollars by donating their eggs, while men can make $50 to $100 per sperm donation. Egg donors usually need to be under 30 and healthy, with African American and Asian American women often earning more due to higher demand. Sperm donation can be done multiple times a week.
5. **Cuddle with Strangers**
Some companies pay people to cuddle with strangers. Professional cuddlers can make a few hundred dollars a day. It’s a legitimate way to earn money if you’re comfortable with physical affection.
6. **Sell Breast Milk**
Breastfeeding women can sell their breast milk for $1 to $2.50 per ounce, sometimes even $4 per ounce. Buyers include not just mothers, but also athletes and people looking to boost their immune systems.
7. **Clean Up Poop**
Cleaning up dog and bird poop at retail stores was one of my dad’s first jobs. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a job that needs to be done and can provide extra income.
8. **Join a Focus Group**
Companies pay for consumer opinions on their products. Focus groups can pay in cash, gift cards, or free items. You can earn $100 or more in a day. Similar to focus groups, survey companies like Survey Junkie, Opinion Outpost, and Swagbucks pay you to answer surveys and test products.
9. **Become a Mystery Shopper**
I used to mystery shop to make extra income, earning $150 to $200 a month and getting free meals and products. Companies like Bestmark are legitimate, but always do your research before signing up.
What other odd ways have you found to make extra income?