Making money goes beyond just sitting at work all day and collecting a paycheck, and you might not believe some of the weird ways people are earning extra money.
Some of these seem pretty easy, but others are downright strange. Here are 16 weird but effective methods people use to earn extra money.
Professional Snuggling
Believe it or not, there’s a market for platonic human touch. Professional snugglers offer services to those needing companionship, but strictly within the boundaries of cuddling. Online platforms connect snugglers with clients, creating a unique way to monetize the universal need for human connection. You can even use platforms like Cuddlist to learn how to do it right.
Virtual Fortune Telling
I’m not sure why people would pay someone they’ve never met or seen to supposedly predict their future, but it happens all the way. Individuals with a flair for mysticism and a knack for reading tarot cards, interpreting dreams, or practicing astrology can offer services through various online platforms, providing virtual readings for clients worldwide.
Renting Your Friendship
For those who excel in conversation and companionship, renting out your friendship is a genuine way to make extra cash. Websites like RentAFriend connect people seeking companionship for events, outings, or even just a chat over coffee.
Selling Your Hair
You may have heard of this one before, or even tried it. Long, healthy locks are in demand, and some people are capitalizing on this by selling their hair. Online marketplaces dedicated to hair sales connect sellers with buyers willing to pay top dollar for human hair, often used for wig-making or extensions.
Dog Poop Cleanup Services
For those unafraid to get their hands dirty, offering a dog poop cleanup service can be a surprisingly lucrative venture. Pet owners, particularly in urban areas, are willing to pay for the convenience of having someone else handle the less glamorous aspects of pet ownership.
Professional Line Standing
In cities with popular events and limited seating, individuals make money by standing in line for others. Whether for concert tickets, the latest tech release, or a popular restaurant opening, people are willing to pay a premium to avoid the hours spent waiting in line.
Mystery Shopping for Improbable Scenarios
Mystery shopping is a well-known way to make extra money, but some individuals take it to the next level by specializing in improbable scenarios. From pretending to be engaged couples shopping for engagement rings to posing as parents seeking to adopt, these mystery shoppers provide valuable feedback to businesses in unique situations.
Virtual Real Estate Trading
A virtual real estate trading platform is like an online marketplace where people can buy, sell, and trade virtual properties. Imagine it as a digital version of real estate, but instead of dealing with physical buildings and land, you’re dealing with pieces of virtual worlds or spaces in online environments.
Some individuals make money by buying and selling virtual land within online games or virtual worlds. These platforms are part of the broader trend of the metaverse, which is a collective virtual shared space created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space. Within this space, you can purchase parcels of land or virtual buildings using cryptocurrencies or other forms of digital money.
Selling Your Poop
This one is super weird, but it works. Believe it or not, your feces can be a hot commodity in the medical field. Some companies pay individuals for their stool samples, which are used for medical research and fecal microbiota transplants. It’s a strange but scientifically significant way to contribute to advancing medical knowledge.
Drone Racing Competitions
Drone racing has evolved from a niche hobby to a competitive sport with substantial prize money. Enthusiasts who excel in flying drones at high speeds through intricate courses can participate in organized racing events and even turn their passion into a profitable venture.
Human Billboard Advertising
If you don’t mind turning heads and wearing your advertising on your sleeve or anywhere else, becoming a human billboard can be a lucrative gig. Companies pay individuals to sport their logos or promotional messages in public spaces, turning everyday people into walking advertisements.
Selling Your Breast Milk
For breastfeeding mothers with an oversupply of milk, there’s a market for selling breast milk online. Mothers who produce more milk than their infants need can connect with individuals seeking human milk for various reasons, from feeding their infants to using it in alternative health practices.
Voiceover Work for Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence advances, there’s a growing need for human voices to train and fine-tune speech recognition systems. Individuals with clear and articulate voices can find opportunities in voiceover work for AI, helping improve the accuracy and naturalness of virtual assistants and other AI applications.
Bug Bounty Hunting (aka: Software tester)
For those with a knack for cybersecurity, bug bounty hunting offers a way to earn money by identifying and reporting security vulnerabilities in software. Tech companies and organizations often reward individuals who uncover and responsibly disclose bugs, contributing to improving digital security.
Pro Gaming Coaches
With the rise of esports, there’s a demand for skilled gamers to coach and mentor others. Professional gaming coaches offer their expertise to individuals looking to improve their skills in popular video games, creating a niche market for those with exceptional gaming abilities.
Selling Unusual Collectibles
If you have a collection of odd or rare items, there might be a market for them. From vintage cereal boxes to peculiar taxidermy, online marketplaces provide a platform for individuals to sell their unusual collectibles to enthusiasts who appreciate the quirky and unique.
