Earlier this month, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that there is a 3.8% unemployment rate in the United States. Among all the states, Nevada and California had the highest with over 5% unemployment rate.
It’s a tough time to be looking for work. But even if you’re not currently unemployed, it’s still important to have a backup plan in case things go south.
Here are some odd ways to earn money that could come in handy if you find yourself out of a job or are currently looking for one.
1) Make Money By Losing Weight
Yep, you heard that right. It’s time to use those dusty workout clothes and earn money by shedding some pounds. Websites like DietBet, HealthyWage, Evidation, and Competish let you earn money by either betting, competing with others, or earning points by doing healthy habits to lose weight..
So, if your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, why not make some money while you’re at it? Some people have earned thousands of dollars just by keeping their weight off, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
2) Sell Your Poop
I’m sure you’ve heard about people selling their hair, their semen, and even their breast milk! But did you know that you can also earn money by selling your poop? Yes, it’s true.
By applying as a donor to companies like Human Microbes and Good Nature, you can earn $1500 or more monthly just by selling your stool. However, you have to pass a careful screening to become a donor.
It may be the weirdest way to make money, but it’s definitely one of the most lucrative!
3) Be A Friend / Accountability Partner
In a world of social media and online dating, it can be hard to make real-life connections. So in case you need a friend and have no one to call, you can always hire one or earn money by being one.
RentAFriend is a site where you can join to be a friend for hire. You can accompany people to an event, hang out, show around the city, or be an accountability partner for someone who needs help with their goals and habits.
Who knows, you might get perks like free meals, drinks, and even tickets to concerts.
You can also check out Fiverr for these so-called ‘friend for hire’ jobs. You can charge from $20-$50/hour just by being a friend to someone.
4) Virtual Bridesmaid
If you love weddings or have a knack for organizing events, you can try being a professional bridesmaid. For most people, weddings are the event of their lifetime. But not all brides or bridesmaids have what it takes to plan a wedding. That’s where you come in!
So what does a virtual bridesmaid do? You’ll be the go-to support system, give bits of advice, and help out with some wedding tasks. You can charge up to $1000 or more per wedding.
Virtual weddings are now a thing and so is being a virtual bridesmaid!
5) Earn Money By Waiting In Line
Everybody hates waiting in line, don’t deny it. It’s such a waste of time and it’s so boring. That’s why some people are willing to hire people just to wait in line for them.
As a professional line waiter, you can earn up to $35 an hour just by standing in queues. Websites like InLine4You, Spotblaze, or Skip The Line can help you connect with people looking for linestanders.
6) Sell Products
Now, selling products is not really an odd way to make money. Many people have been doing it for years like Brett who sells stamp and embosser products on Etsy.
However, it’s not just the job role that can be unconventional, you can venture into selling rather eccentric items instead.
If you have a knack for creating unique and unusual products, then you can sell them online. Websites like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon Handmade are great places to start. You can also create a website and sell directly from there.
The job market may not be the most stable right now, but as always, this too will pass. Compared to the 14.8% unemployment rate in 2020, 3.8% isn’t so bad according to economists.
What’s important is to keep your doors open for new opportunities and to be creative with your job search. If you’re looking for a job that’s a little bit different, then these unconventional ways to earn money might just be what you’re looking for.
