Best Side Hustles for Back-to-School

Whether you're a student, a parent, or anyone in between, there are plenty of opportunities to make money during this time of year. Here are some of the best side hustles you can pursue to help you make the most of the back-to-school season.

Online Tutoring

With many students gearing up for another academic year, tutoring is in high demand. You can offer your expertise in subjects like math, science, English, or even test prep to help students improve their grades.

Income Potential:

Online tutors in Canada can earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on the subject, experience, and the platform used.

Tools and Resources:

• Wyzant – A platform to connect with students looking for tutors.
• Preply – A global tutoring platform where you can teach a variety of subjects.
• Chegg – Another tutoring platform with a wide array of subjects.

How to Get Started:

1. Register on a tutoring platform like Wyzant or Preply.
2. Create a detailed profile highlighting your qualifications and experience.
3. Set your availability and start connecting with students in need of tutoring.

Freelance Writing

With the school year in full swing, educational content is in high demand. Whether it’s blog posts, essays, or eBooks, freelance writing is a versatile and lucrative side hustle.

Income Potential:

Freelance writers in Canada can make anywhere from $20 to $75 per hour, depending on their niche and level of expertise.

Tools and Resources:

• Upwork – A freelance platform with a wide range of writing gigs.
• Fiverr – A platform where you can offer writing services starting at $5.
• Grammarly – A tool to help with grammar and writing style.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up on Upwork or Fiverr and set up a writing profile.
2. Start bidding on relevant writing jobs or offer packages for specific writing services.
3. Use tools like Grammarly to ensure your work is polished and professional.

Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs, handling tasks like scheduling, emails, and customer service. With the back-to-school rush, many professionals seek additional help.

Income Potential:

Virtual assistants in Canada can earn between $15 and $40 per hour, depending on the complexity of tasks.

Tools and Resources:

• Belay – A staffing agency that connects virtual assistants with businesses.
• Time Etc – A virtual assistant company looking for experienced assistants.
• Asana – A project management tool to help keep tasks organized.

How to Get Started:

1. Register on a virtual assistant platform like Belay or Time Etc.
2. Offer services such as scheduling, managing emails, or customer service.
3. Use Asana or other productivity tools to streamline tasks and stay organized.

Delivery Driver

With school in session, demand for food and goods delivery is always high. Delivery drivers can earn money by working for platforms like UberEats, DoorDash, or SkipTheDishes.

Income Potential:

Delivery drivers can make anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour, plus tips.

Tools and Resources:

• UberEats – A popular delivery platform with flexible hours.
• SkipTheDishes – A Canadian-based delivery service with various earning potential.
• DoorDash – A widely used food delivery app offering flexible work hours.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up on a platform like UberEats, SkipTheDishes, or DoorDash.
2. Once accepted, start accepting delivery requests during peak hours.
3. Make use of your own vehicle or bike for efficient deliveries.

Selling School Supplies or Clothing

Back-to-school season creates a surge in demand for school supplies, books, and clothing. You can sell these items online or at local markets to make extra money.

Income Potential:

Selling supplies and clothing can generate anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the volume and quality of items.

Tools and Resources:

• Kijiji– A popular marketplace for selling used goods.
• Facebook Marketplace – An easy platform to sell items locally.
• Poshmark – A platform to sell gently used clothes.

How to Get Started:

1. Search for gently used or discounted school supplies and clothing.
2. List items for sale on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark.
3. Ensure your photos are clear and descriptions are detailed to attract buyers.

Online Courses & Workshops

If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, creating an online course or workshop can be a profitable side hustle. With the back-to-school season, many people are looking to learn new skills.

Income Potential:

Creating online courses can bring in anywhere from $100 to $1,000+ depending on the quality of content and marketing efforts.

Tools and Resources:

• Udemy – A platform to create and sell online courses.
• Teachable – Another platform for creating and selling online courses.
• Canva – A tool for creating visually appealing course materials.

How to Get Started:

1. Choose a subject that aligns with your skills or experience.
2. Create a course outline and start filming or writing your lessons.
3. Use Udemy or Teachable to host and sell your course.
4. Promote your course on social media and other platforms to drive traffic.

Conclusion

The back-to-school season offers a wealth of opportunities for side hustles in Canada. Whether you choose to tutor students, become a virtual assistant, or even deliver food, the key is to find a hustle that aligns with your skills and schedule. With the right tools and platforms, you can make the most of this season and earn extra income while balancing your other responsibilities.