With the prices of basic necessities increasing, affordability continues to be a struggle for many South Africans. In the latest research from Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PEJDG), the cost of food alone has increased by 17%.
This challenges people to search for second income opportunities that’ll help them supplement their main incomes in order for them to afford their basic necessities and more.
Fortunately, there are several options available to make this a possibility. Below, we’ve put together a few ideas you can consider.
1. Become a local driver
Lately, we’ve seen an increase in the demand for convenient services such as package or grocery delivery and reliable transportation around the city. If you have a car you might look into becoming a local driver during your free time. There are several platforms offering these kinds of services, so if this is an opportunity you’re interested in, do your research to find the one that’s best for you.
2. Petting or dog walking
If you’re an animal lover, you may want to think about looking after someone else’s pet and getting paid for it. Apart from the animals, the best part is that you’re in control of how it works. You can do this after work or during your free time on weekends. List yourself as a pet sitter or a dog walker in any of the apps and website platforms available .
3. Tutoring students
An extra income can come straight from the career field you’re already in or a subject in which you hold a qualification. For example, you can teach maths to high school students or related subjects to university students studying accounting. These can be one-on-one lessons or group-based, online or in-person – or in any combination with which you’re comfortable. Your qualification level will determine how much you can charge for this service.
4. Package your expertise
Let your knowledge and years of experience earn you extra income by packaging your expertise through technology. You can create a video, audio or written content with clear and concise information on a specific topic and sell it. For example, if you’re a marketing guru, you can curate a marketing course on various marketing-related topics to help viewers gain knowledge they can use for their businesses or the agencies they work for.
5. Ghost writer
If you’re a good writer, you can look into becoming a ghost writer. Ghost writers are hired to write several types of material, from speeches to literary works. While you’ll get paid, you’ll never be credited for the output.
Final thoughts
The ideas are by no means the only options, but they’re a start for anyone looking to earn a second income in South Africa. What’s great about these options is that you’re in control of your time and you can set rates you’re comfortable with based on your skill level. Do some research to find out how the costs are typically set up for the idea you’re considering. From there, create a mock budget using our budgeting tools to get an idea of how much extra profit you could make.