The pandemic has forced many Americans to work at home. However, 21% of Americans are still working at home this year, and some are practicing hybrid settings in which they work from home some days and the office on others. If you’re one of those thrust into this work-from-home lifestyle, you might notice that you’re left with much more free time than before.
Free time usually means boring time, often leading to scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix. But what if there was a way to turn that boring time into productive time? What if you could make some money while you’re at it?
Here are five hobbies that can make you money during the pandemic:
Quilting
If your hands are itching to create something that’s both beautiful and functional, quilting might be the hobby for you. Quilting can be pretty therapeutic and a great way to explore your creative side. And there’s always a market for handmade quilts. You can sell your quilts online or at craft fairs. The worldwide handicrafts market is worth a staggering $600 billion, and once you’ve started quilting, you can get a piece of this multi-billion dollar pie.
If you’re experienced in the hobby, you can create some beautiful quilts for everyone. However, if you’re new, you might want to invest in pre-made patterns. You can search some panel quilt patterns online and find a wide variety. Patterns will help you create perfect-looking quilts that are easy to follow. You can also find some helpful tips online on how to get started with quilting.
Additionally, if you want to start quilting, you will need some equipment. Here’s a list of things you’ll need:
- A sewing machine that can handle quilting
- A rotary cutter and mat
- Quilting rulers
- Fabric scissors
- Pins
- Thread
- An iron and ironing board
As you can see, quilting requires some initial investment. But once you have the supplies, you’re good to go! And you can start earning money from your hobby right away.
Dog Walking
With so many people working from home, more dogs than ever need to be walked. If you love spending time outdoors and getting some exercise, dog walking might be the perfect hobby for you. You can start your dog walking business or sign up with a dog walking app like Rover. Once you get some clients, you can start earning money by walking their dogs.
To start, you only need a phone and some comfortable walking shoes. And if you have your dog, you can also take them along for the walk! It’s a great way to earn extra money right after your work-from-home job!
Gardening
Gardening is another hobby that can help you earn money during the pandemic. With so many people staying at home, there’s been an increased demand for fresh fruits and vegetables. If you have a green thumb, you can start growing your produce and selling it at farmer’s markets or online. You can also sell flowers, plants, and other greenery.
To get started with gardening, you will need some space. If you have a yard, that’s great! But if you live in an apartment, you can also start gardening in containers. You will also need some soil, seeds or seedlings, fertilizer, water, and sunlight. Once you have these supplies, you can start growing your plants!
Painting
Painting is another hobby that can earn you money during the pandemic. Painting is an excellent option if you’re looking for a creative outlet. You can sell your paintings online or at art fairs. And if you’re unsure where to start, plenty of online tutorials can help you get started.
All you need to get started with painting is a canvas, paint, and brushes. And once you’ve created your masterpiece, you can start earning money from your hobby!
E-Sports
If you love playing video games in your free time, then you’re in luck! E-Sports is a growing industry, and there are plenty of ways to make money from playing video games. You can start streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Or you can join a professional e-sports team and compete in tournaments.
You only need a gaming console or PC and an internet connection to start making money from playing video games. You can also sign up for some e-sports platforms like Twitch or YouTube. And if you’re good at playing video games, you can immediately start earning money from your hobby!
These five hobbies can help you earn money during the pandemic. So, if you’re looking for a way to make extra money, consider picking up one of these hobbies!
