Many business-minded employees run businesses on the side while working for a company. It's no news that having more than one stream of income is one of the surest ways to financial freedom. It has also become quite risky to depend entirely on your salary—unless, of course, you're earning a substantial six- or seven-figure monthly income.
When Salary Gets Stuck!
In Nigeria, salaries rarely increase in line with the economic situation. You can agree that food, groceries, rent, and nearly every other expense rise from time to time. Yet, your salary might have remained the same for the last two or three years, if not more. And without promotion, it could stay that way indefinitely.
An Additional Source of Income to the Rescue
That said, you might want to explore side hustles that can bring in extra money daily, weekly, monthly, or even hourly—depending on the path you choose. In this post, I'll list some of the best side hustle ideas for employees you can try. I guess you're already interested, right? Feel free to read along.
First of all, note that having a side hustle doesn't necessarily mean you'll start earning millions overnight. As the name implies, it's a hustle—you'll need time and effort to build it before it starts paying off. The good news is, when done right and consistently, side hustles can put you on the path to financial freedom. But before you pick one, consider the following factors:
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Side Hustle
- Time
- Consistency
- Skills and certifications
- Required effort
- Interest
Time: Make sure you actually have the time to take on a new hustle. Does your current job allow you any breathing room? Do you work around the clock? You wouldn't want your job to suffer because of your new hustle—or vice versa—unless you're ready to resign. So, be sure you can manage your time effectively before starting one.
Consistency: You've probably heard the popular saying, “consistency is key.” That's especially true for side hustles. You have to be intentional and steady when building one. It's not a “story for another day” type of task. Except in some freelancing cases, most side hustles require regular effort to grow and start generating income.
Skills and Certifications: Does your chosen hustle require skills you already have? Or do you need to learn something new, take a course, or get certified? Ask yourself these questions. If learning is necessary, make sure it aligns with your interests so you don't lose focus or deal with regret later on.
With that in mind, let's move on to some side hustle ideas you can try as an employee. Read on…
10 Best Side Hustle Ideas for Employees in Nigeria
- Freelancing
- Affiliate marketing
- Digital marketing
- Blogging
- Personal shopping
- Dropshipping
- Home/Online tutoring
- Language translation
- Social media influencing
- Virtual assistance
Freelancing
Thankfully, the world is going increasingly digital, and Nigerians are quickly embracing remote jobs. You can now have multiple streams of income from the comfort of your home—if you're willing to put in the hard work. There are countless freelancing gigs you can take up as a side hustle, depending on your skills or those you're willing to learn. You can earn through copywriting, graphic design, video editing, scriptwriting, creating explainer videos, data entry, data analysis, software development, and more. You can click here (add link) to learn more about freelancing ideas and how to get gigs.
Affiliate Marketing
If you already own a website with traffic, this is an excellent way to earn passive income while maintaining your job. You can reach out to companies with products to sell or sign up on referral-based platforms. Simply share your links and get paid when people sign up or make purchases through your referral code.
Digital Marketing
If you're digitally savvy and understand how to use SEO, SEM, and advertising to boost businesses, then digital marketing is a great side gig to try. The best part is that even if you're a complete beginner, you can learn it online and get better with practice.
Blogging
Blogging is another excellent way to earn passive income in Nigeria. Millions of people search for information online every second, and you can tap into that by creating valuable content. Start by choosing a niche that suits you and a blogging platform—many offer free hosting for beginners. With consistency, you can grow traffic and start earning. Click here (link) to see several ways to monetize your blog.
Personal Shopping
Many Nigerians living in busy cities rarely have time to shop. Factors like traffic and work schedules make it difficult to visit markets. That's why online stores are booming. If you have a flair for shopping and know where to source quality products at great prices, you can turn that into a side hustle. Promote your services online, help people shop, and build trust through satisfied clients. You can do this on weekends, depending on your schedule.
Dropshipping
Similar to personal shopping, dropshipping allows you to sell products without keeping an inventory. You can buy from popular e-commerce platforms or directly from manufacturers and resell to customers. It's a profitable model because you buy at wholesale prices and sell at your own markup.
Home/Online Tutoring
If you're good at teaching or enjoy helping people learn, tutoring is a great way to make extra money. You can find clients directly or join tutoring platforms to connect with students who need your expertise.
Language Translation
Language translation is a high-demand skill on most freelancing platforms. If you have excellent written and verbal communication skills in a foreign language, you can earn money translating texts and documents for clients around the world.
Social Media Influencing
Many people are already earning from this hustle. If you're active on social media and have a large, engaged audience, you can partner with brands to promote their products. You'll be paid for advertising or on a commission basis, depending on performance and engagement.
Virtual Assistant
Many business owners and freelancers hire virtual assistants to help manage their workload. If you're organized, efficient, and skilled at remote collaboration, this is a great opportunity. Check freelancing platforms and job listing sites for openings and start earning on the side.
Finally, remember that having a side hustle requires extra effort and commitment. So, be prepared before starting the journey. Review the side hustle ideas above and choose the one that aligns best with your goals and interests. Don't forget to share the word. Happy money-making!
