Weekends are a precious time to recharge, relax, and spend time with family or friends—but for many of us, they’re also an opportunity to earn extra income. Whether you’re looking to save up for a big purchase, pay off debt, or just have some extra cash for a spontaneous weekend getaway, finding a weekend job can be the perfect solution.
I remember a few years ago, when I was juggling a full-time job and trying to save for a vacation I’d been dreaming about for months. At first, I thought about picking up a second job, but the idea of committing to yet another 9-to-5 schedule on weekends felt exhausting. That’s when I realized: I didn’t have to work at a traditional “weekend job” to make money. Instead, I turned to flexible options—like freelance writing and driving for a rideshare service—and before I knew it, I had built up a comfortable extra income without sacrificing my downtime.
Depending on the job you choose, weekend work can help you earn anywhere from an extra $100 to $1,000+ a month (or even more). Some weekend jobs allow you to set your own rates, while others pay by the hour. The beauty of this is that there are so many opportunities to suit different skills, interests, and schedules. Whether you’re at home or on the go, there’s a weekend job that can help you reach your financial goals without burning you out.
In this post, we’ll explore a range of weekend job ideas—both from home and outside the house—that can help you earn more and make the most out of your weekends. Let’s dive in!
Weekend Jobs From Home
1. Freelance Writing / Content Creation
Top Companies/Platforms:
- Upwork – A leading freelance platform for writers, editors, and content creators.
- ProBlogger – A job board specifically for writing positions.
- Fiverr – Ideal for starting with smaller gigs and building a portfolio.
- Contently – For experienced writers seeking high-quality, well-paying clients.
- Textbroker – A good starting point for beginners.
Getting Started:
- Build a portfolio of your writing (even if it’s personal blog posts or samples).
- Start by offering competitive rates on freelance platforms.
- Specialize in niches such as tech, lifestyle, health, or finance to stand out.
- Set up a professional website to showcase your work and attract clients directly.
2. Online Tutoring or Teaching
Top Companies/Platforms:
- VIPKid – Teach English to students in China (requires a degree).
- Chegg Tutors – Great for subject-specific tutoring.
- Wyzant – Connects tutors with students across a wide range of subjects.
- Preply – For language tutoring, including English, Spanish, French, etc.
- Outschool – For teaching kids various subjects online (from arts to math).
Getting Started:
- Determine your niche: Do you specialize in a certain subject or skill, like math, English, coding, or music?
- Set up a profile on multiple platforms, showcasing your qualifications and experience.
- If you prefer not to work through platforms, consider starting your own tutoring business by advertising in local communities or online.
3. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Top Companies/Platforms:
- Belay – A well-regarded company for high-level virtual assistant roles.
- Time Etc. – Offers flexible VA positions, ideal for weekend work.
- Zirtual – Provides dedicated VA roles with good pay and flexibility.
- Upwork – A marketplace where you can find virtual assistant jobs.
Getting Started:
- Identify the specific administrative skills you have (calendar management, email handling, social media management).
- Start by offering your services to small business owners or busy professionals in your network.
- Consider taking courses in VA skills (organizational tools, communication skills, and time management).
4. Transcription or Data Entry
Top Companies/Platforms:
- Rev – A popular platform for transcription work.
- TranscribeMe – Another transcription company that pays per minute of audio transcribed.
- Freelancer.com – Offers data entry and transcription jobs.
- Lionbridge – Offers data entry and other work-from-home jobs.
Getting Started:
- Test your typing speed and accuracy (aim for 60-80 WPM).
- Start by doing smaller transcription jobs on platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe to build a reputation.
- Consider using tools like Express Scribe to increase efficiency and accuracy.
5. Social Media Management
Top Companies/Platforms:
- Hootsuite – A tool used by many small businesses to schedule posts, which you can manage as a freelancer.
- Upwork – Find freelance gigs for managing social media accounts.
- Fiverr – Offer social media management services, such as scheduling posts, analytics, or content creation.
- Buffer – Similar to Hootsuite, used by businesses for social media scheduling.
Getting Started:
- Learn about social media trends, algorithms, and content strategies (many free courses are available on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or YouTube).
- Create a portfolio by managing a social media account for a non-profit or small local business to gain experience.
- Sign up on freelance platforms to offer your services.
6. E-commerce or Dropshipping
Top Companies/Platforms:
- Shopify – Build your own online store and manage your inventory.
- Etsy – Great for selling handmade, vintage, or craft goods.
- Amazon FBA – Fulfillment by Amazon lets you sell products online and have Amazon handle storage and shipping.
- eBay – Another option for selling products from home or reselling items.
Getting Started:
- Choose a niche based on your interests or market demand.
- Set up your online store using an easy-to-use platform like Shopify or Etsy.
- Promote your products through social media, influencer marketing, or paid ads.
- Research suppliers or products for dropshipping if you want to start without holding inventory.
Final Tips for Success:
- Time management: Since you’re working weekends, it’s essential to schedule your time efficiently. Prioritize tasks and focus on high-paying or rewarding gigs.
- Leverage your existing skills: Choose a job that aligns with your strengths or interests for long-term success.
- Networking: Often, weekend jobs come from word of mouth. Build relationships with clients and employers to increase repeat work opportunities.
Weekend Jobs Outside of Home
1. Ridesharing or Delivery Driver
Top Companies:
- Uber – For ridesharing (UberX, Uber Eats for food delivery).
- Lyft – An alternative to Uber for ridesharing.
- DoorDash – A popular platform for food delivery.
- Postmates – Offers both food delivery and general item delivery.
- Instacart – Grocery delivery, especially in high-demand urban areas.
Getting Started:
- Apply online or through their app, complete a background check, and get the necessary vehicle insurance.
- Choose the best times to drive (usually weekends, evenings, or peak hours).
- Optimize routes with apps like Google Maps or Waze.
- Use an app like Gridwise to track earnings and get tips on the best times and locations to drive.
2. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Top Companies/Platforms:
- Rover – A popular platform for pet sitting, dog walking, and other pet care services.
- Wag! – Another top platform for dog walking and sitting jobs.
- Care.com – A broader platform for all types of care, including pets, children, and elderly.
Getting Started:
- Sign up on pet care platforms and create a detailed profile.
- Offer flexible hours and reliable service to attract clients.
- Network through local community boards, social media, or pet-related events.
- If you want to expand, consider starting your own pet-sitting business and promoting it locally.
3. Retail or Customer Service Jobs
Top Companies:
- Amazon – Offers flexible hours for warehouse work or customer service roles.
- Target – Many stores hire weekend workers for stocking and customer service.
- Walmart – Often has part-time, weekend shifts available.
- Best Buy – Great for tech enthusiasts looking for a weekend job in retail.
- Home Depot – Often hires weekend help for customer service or stocking roles.
Getting Started:
- Apply directly through the company’s careers page.
- Customize your resume for retail/customer service positions (focus on people skills, flexibility, and availability).
- Consider starting with a temporary or seasonal role that allows you to gauge if it fits your schedule.
4. Photography / Videography
Top Companies/Platforms:
- Shutterstock – Submit stock photos or videos to earn passive income.
- Fiverr – Offer services such as event photography, product photography, or video editing.
- Thumbtack – Connects photographers with clients for events, portraits, and more.
- Snappr – A platform for photographers to get hired for events and projects.
Getting Started:
- Build a portfolio, either online (through Instagram, a personal website, or Flickr) or offline.
- Specialize in niche photography (e.g., real estate, weddings, portraits, events).
- Invest in good equipment (start with the basics if you’re on a budget) and learn editing software (like Lightroom or Photoshop).
- Network through local events, businesses, and online marketplaces.
5. Event Planning / Coordination
Top Companies/Platforms:
- TaskRabbit – Often posts gigs for event set-up, coordination, and cleaning.
- The Knot – A wedding-focused platform where you can list event planning services.
- Thumbtack – Great for freelance event planners.
- Party City – They often hire part-time workers for events and seasonal jobs.
Getting Started:
- Start by planning smaller events for friends or family to gain experience.
- Create a website or portfolio to showcase previous events.
- Advertise through social media or community boards, and build a network of suppliers (e.g., caterers, florists, DJs).
6. Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer
Top Companies/Platforms:
- ClassPass – A great platform for fitness instructors to connect with clients.
- Mindbody – A wellness platform where instructors can offer classes.
- Trainerize – A platform for personal trainers to manage virtual clients.
- Equinox – High-end gym that often hires part-time trainers and fitness instructors.
Getting Started:
- Obtain relevant certifications (e.g., NASM, ACE for personal training or group fitness).
- Offer weekend classes at local gyms, fitness centers, or parks.
- Consider online personal training services for more flexibility.
7. Tour Guide / Local Experience Leader
Top Companies/Platforms:
- GetYourGuide – Offers a platform for tour guides to list local tours or experiences.
- Viator – Another platform for booking tours and activities.
- Airbnb Experiences – For offering unique local experiences to travelers.
- ToursByLocals – Connects tourists with local guides for personalized tours.
Getting Started:
- Identify a local area or theme for your tours (historical, culinary, outdoor adventures).
- Set up a profile on tour platforms and list your tours.
- Promote through social media or local tourism websites to attract visitors.
8. Bartender / Server
Top Companies/Restaurants:
- Local Restaurants & Bars – Many restaurants and bars hire part-time staff for weekend shifts, especially for evenings.
- UberEats / Postmates (Delivery) – Many restaurants need weekend delivery drivers.
Getting Started:
- Search for openings in local bars or restaurants that need weekend help.
- If you don’t have experience, consider a bartending or serving class.
- Be ready for high-paced environments and busy weekends.
Final Tips for Success (for Weekend Jobs Outside the Home):
- Networking: Establish a good reputation in your local community, as word-of-mouth can be crucial for gaining more work.
- Flexibility: Since most of these jobs are in-person, flexibility in hours (such as weekends or evening shifts) is key.
- Efficiency: When working outside the home, try to streamline your routine so you maximize your earning potential during limited time.