Badass vs Dumbass
Master your Financial Kung Fu to be one and not the other.
Go to Sifu’s Notebook for 11 Ultimate Side Hustles to Skyrocket Your Income and Empower Your 2024
Primer: Who are Sifu & Ronin
Episode 7: MC Ronin is Real
Ronin: Sifu, I have some amazing news to share with you!
Sifu: Oh boy – I can’t wait. Hit me with your best shot, Anderson Cooper.
Ronin: You know my friend from university, Moishe. I just found out he lost $10,000 from a poorly timed Dogecoin crypto currency investment. The worse part is that he borrowed the capital to invest from his uncle. Now, he has crawl back and beg for forgiveness and time to repay that loan. Mucho Oucho, know what I mean, bro?
Sifu: Indeed, #1. Tough times in front of your compadre. Lucky for him, he is young and able to make it back with some extra work. But why is this “amazing news”. Sounds kind of depressing to me.
Ronin: Yeah yeah, for sure. Very bad for Madman Moishe. But great for me! You see, I DID NOT invest alongside my bud, when he urged me to. So effectively, did I not just save myself 10 racks!? Winning!
Sifu: Well, I see that the elevator doesn’t go to the top floor today, eh #1? Your thinking on this is sus. I’m not sure exactly what kind of new math you’re using to decide that you saved anything. Not losing money in an investment is fantastic … congratulations. But that doesn’t translate at all into saving or making anything, not really. You effectively are still at ground zero – neither gaining nor losing. Make sense, Young Padawan?
Ronin: Whuuuut? Damn it. So I can’t spend $10k like I earned it from not losing it??
Sifu: Exactly … that would be a big fat NO. Until you earn it for real, there is no spending anything.
Ronin: Ok ok, I get it. But my current salary at work is not cutting it for getting ahead. I’m doing ok, but my financial goals will be not be reached for a long time. What can I do to accelerate the journey, boss? Need a faster ride than my broke-ass rusty Pinto! I’m running very low on patience these days.
Sifu: Well Slow ‘n Furious, I hope what you lack in patience, you make up for with energy and willingness to do extra work.
Ronin: Bossman, I am more than motivated, but my job is not offering any overtime right now. Corporate basturds are cutting back! So no extra work available.
Sifu: Heard, Paycheck Warrior. No problem. Just look elsewhere. In this economy, there is a plethora of opportunities to make extra money in many different areas. If you have the time and energy, why not start a side hustle outside of your main job. With the extra cash, you will def get ahead.
Ronin: Oh, Captain Cashflow I know where you’re going with this. But before you do, I did go over Sifu’s Notebook on the top 11 side hustles that you think I should look into for extra greenbacks. A fantastic list, for sure, but you didn’t include the one that I told you I was passionate about – you know, Rapper for Hire!
Sifu: Are you serious about this, Youngblood? Is this another pipe dream of yours?
Without music, life would be a mistake.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Ronin: No bossman. This time, it’s for real. Deadly serious – music is my life, man. In fact, I just put the finishing touches on my first song, that I started writing a long time ago. I know you’re on me to take the side hustle seriously, so I tell you what. Let me rap it to you now, and if you don’t think it shows any promise, I will revisit the top 11 list and get busy with the one that suits me best. If it does, who know where it’ll go …
Sifu: Well Junior Jay-Z, I see you are serious about this hustle. It’s Hammer Time – drop it.
Ronin: Epic! I’m doing this. I expect music industry peeps will be breaking down our door soon – yeah baby!! I’m calling it, “Rule The Town”. Brace for impact, Captain, here it comes…
Rule The Town – By Ronin
Back in the day, with my master plan
Intoxicating dreams, how it all began
Reaching for the stars, with a belly of fire
Extended fist to the sky, aims gotta to be higher
Life beyond compare, like the perfect French Kiss
My mind-blowing story, goes something like this
Day dreaming all night, sick rainbows so vast
Beyond Shangri-la and a lovely piece of ass
So here’s what I did, from the very start
All of it real, all from the heart
Backed up by Jesus, mighty force of God
Blinding green light, He gave me the nod
No freebies no shortcuts, no easy way there
No uber rich uncle, to make me an heir.
Pound the long road, keep your nose to the stone
Follow the path, even go it alone
Ups and wicked downs, yeah par for the course
Keep the pressure up, apply maximum force
Hurts so bad, feel like dying, won’t give in to pain
Going into overtime, don’t make me bring the rain
You should have known by now, my day is gonna come
With absolute conviction, my target’s Number One
With super laser focus, get it right, get it done
“Take care of your biz!”, Pop always says to son
Can’t eat, no sleep, no luxury of time
Will not be breaking bad, to a life of crime
Disrupt them at their core, they thought I wouldn’t dare
Little did they know, they didn’t have a prayer
Found the missing links, discovering the way
Ideas of tomorrow, bust them out today
I worked it to the bone, massive hit after hit
Primo A-1 product, none of it was shit
Make it, perfect it, this I understood
Crackerjack business, patent all the goods
You think you might know something, but you really don’t know jack
My words are devastating, like a deadly heart attack
I’m not from the East, but I breathe Kung Fu
Tough as bricks hard as nails, you know it to be true
Like Bruce Lee, with his 1 inch punch
Try to fuck with me, and bones are gonna crunch
So try to be like water, and eat your fried rice
Hear me now bruh, not sayin’ it twice
So what’s my name, not Lee not Chan
Figure it out son, you call me “The Man”
Did it pay off, look at me now
Leave bitches behind, gotta say “Ciao”
Eyes on the prize, I’ll show you the way
Oh It’s True, like Spandau Ballet
For all that sweat, and all that toil
Got enough money, to make me a Royal
You know the story, you know the drill
Back up the truck, for my hundred dollar bills
Got more money than a New York bank
Why get Hummer, you can drive a tank
Yeah “I’ll be back”, I’m The Terminator
Gonna buy a rocket, be a space invader
Not like Trump, NO WAY, not like Musk
Kind of like Gates, him you can trust
Check out the crib, mansion on the hill
Making me smile, ice on the grill
So is that your car, call that your ride?
Check out my whip, it’s sitting outside
Droptop Cadillac, with hard black tint
Seats a dozen hotties, not a misprint
Wicked rich styles, like Miami Vice
3 piece suits, on point, precise
Champagne, caviar, beef tar tar
Gotta consume, you wanna be a star
Mils in the bank, it’s adding up fast
But I ain’t done, no way that’ll last
Stronger, faster, that’s the way I flow
Speed up, break the rules, can’t go slow
Now I’m here, controlling center stage
Empires built, taken from your page
Don’t look now, I’m one of the fellas
Why all the rage? Why so jealous?
Give you a break, I gotta say “NO”!
Who’s that with you, not another ho?
Losing your mind, trying to get it back
Your eyes so red, what you on, crack?
You try to strike me hard, but I`m not going down
What you think I am, some kind of a clown?
Lovin’s my game, never wanna fight
But step too far, beware of my right
Like John Wick, you know I’m back
Sucker punch me once, I will attack
Coming back for more, better learn some technique
Round house to your skull will knock you to next week
Levelled the field, I should be heard
Worked my ass, came first not third
Will not be bullied, will not retreat
Put down that weapon, we on the same street
Not your enemy, not my war
Not going away, you can’t ignore
What you gonna do, at the end of the day?
Hide in your house, and keep me at bay?
Get used to it, walls coming down
Sooner not later, I rule the town
Ronin: So, what do you think …
Sifu: Damn son! Where exactly did this lyrical genius come from? You def got something there. It might even be talent. I’m not an music industry pro, but I like it a lot. It will interesting to see if others do as well.
Ronin: Wow, thank you master! And don’t worry. Because this Rapper for Hire biz doesn’t eat up all my time, I’m still going to pursue another side gig. Why not right? FU money doesn’t drop from the sky without FU moves.
Sifu: Amen to that, #1.
Sifu’s Notebook
11 Killer Side Hustles for Extra Bank
1. Freelancing: Turning Skills into Cash
Why It’s Popular and Growing: Freelancing has exploded in popularity due to the flexibility it offers. The ability to work remotely, choose your clients, and set your own hours appeals to those looking for autonomy in their work life. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer have made it easier than ever to connect with clients globally.
Earning Potential: Freelancers can earn anywhere from $20 to $100+ per hour, depending on their skills and experience. High-demand fields like programming, graphic design, and specialized consulting can command even higher rates.
Pros:
- Flexibility: Choose your projects and work hours.
- Remote Work: Work from anywhere with internet.
- Diverse Opportunities: Offer wide-ranging services like writing, graphic design, programming, and more.
- Scalability: Increase earnings by raising rates or expanding services.
Cons:
- Income Variability: Earnings can fluctuate based on demand.
- Competition: High competition on freelancing platforms. You require to stand out.
- Self-Management: Requires strong time management and self-discipline.
Best Suited For: Individuals who are self-motivated, disciplined, and have a specific skill set they can market.
2. Ridesharing and Delivery: On-the-Go Earnings
Why It’s Popular and Growing: The gig economy has made it easy for anyone with a car and a driver’s license to start earning quickly. The rise of services like Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats and DoorDash provide flexible opportunities for those looking to make money on their own schedule.
Earning Potential: Drivers can earn $15 to $25 per hour, including tips. There are often bonuses during peak times also.
Pros:
- Immediate Income: Start earning as soon as you sign up. Get paid quickly, often weekly or even daily.
- Flexible Hours: Work whenever you want.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Requires a car and a driver’s license.
Cons:
- Wear and Tear: Increased maintenance costs for your vehicle.
- Income Variability: Earnings depend on demand, location, and time of day.
- Safety Concerns: Possible safety risks in unfamiliar areas, and driving strangers.
Best Suited For: Individuals who have a reliable vehicle, enjoy driving and meeting new people. This is ideal for those who need flexible hours.
3. Online Tutoring: Educating for Extra Income
Why It’s Popular and Growing: With the increasing demand for personalized education, online tutoring has become a booming industry. Students and parents seek personalized help in subjects like math, science, and languages. Platforms like Chegg and Tutor.com offer a way for educators to connect with students around the world, making it a rewarding and flexible side hustle.
Earning Potential: Tutors can earn between $20 and $60 per hour, depending on the subject, expertise level and platform.
Pros:
- High Demand: Constant need for tutors in various subjects.
- Rewarding Work: Help students achieve their goals.
- Flexible Hours: Schedule sessions when you’re available.
- Global Reach: Access to a broad pool of students.
Cons:
- Scheduling Challenges: Time zone differences can complicate scheduling.
- Preparation Time: Requires time to prepare lessons.
- High Expectations: Students and parents may have high expectations for results.
- Technical Issues: Potential for connectivity problems during sessions.
Best Suited For: Individuals with expertise in a particular subject, strong communication skills, and a passion for teaching.
4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking: Profits from Pet Care
Why It’s Popular and Growing: As people’s lives become busier, the need for reliable pet care has grown. Services like Wag! and Rover have made it easier to connect with pet owners, offering flexibility and the joy of working with animals.
Earning Potential: Pet sitters and dog walkers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with higher rates during holidays and vacation seasons.
Pros:
- Low-Stress and Enjoyable Work: Enjoyable and rewarding work for animal lovers.
- Flexible Schedule: Choose your hours and clients.
- Low Barrier to Entry: No formal qualifications required.
Cons:
- Weather Dependence: Dog walking can be unpleasant in bad weather.
- Physical Demands: Requires physical activity and handling pets.
- Responsibility: High level of responsibility for the pets’ well-being.
- Limited Scalability: There’s a cap on how many pets you can care for at once.
Best Suited For: Animal lovers who are physically active and responsible.
5. Handyman Services: Repairing for Revenue
Why It’s Popular and Growing: There’s always a demand for skilled handymen to handle repairs and maintenance. With more people working from home, the need for these services has only increased, making it a reliable and steady side hustle.
Earning Potential: Handymen can earn between $30 and $60 per hour, depending on skills, location, and local demand.
Pros:
- High Demand: Constant need for repair and maintenance services.
- Job Variety: Jobs provide interesting variety, and can present new challenges.
- Good Pay: Skilled work can command higher rates.
- Satisfaction: Immediate results from completed tasks.
Cons:
- Physical Labor: The tasks can be physically demanding.
- Tool Costs: Requires investment in a good set of tools/equipment.
- Liability: Potential risks of injury or property damage.
Best Suited For: Individuals who are skilled in repairs, enjoy problem solving, hands-on work, and are physically fit,
6. Tech Setup Services: Tech-Savvy Income
Why It’s Popular and Growing: As technology becomes more integral to daily life, people seek help setting up and troubleshooting devices and home networks. This creates a growing demand for those with technical know-how.
Earning Potential: Tech setup professionals can earn $25 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the setup and the client’s needs.
Pros:
- Growing Demand: More devices and Increasing reliance on technology.
- Simple Work: Basic setup tasks don’t require extensive knowledge.
- Specialized Skills: excellent benefits to those who possess specialize technical expertise
- Repeat Business: Clients often return for help with new devices.
Cons:
- Rapid Technological Changes: Must stay updated on the latest devices.
- Patience Required: Not all clients are tech-savvy.
- Limited Scalability: Difficult to expand without hiring help.
- Technical Challenges: Must stay current on technology and devices.
- Customer Interaction: Need to communicate effectively with clients, esp. those that are not tech-savvy
- Travel: May require travel to clients.
Best Suited For: Tech-savvy individuals who are patient and like to solve problems, help others and keep up with the latest tech.
7. Mobile Car Washing and Detailing: Cleaning on the Go
Why It’s Popular and Growing: Busy car owners appreciate the convenience of mobile services, creating a steady demand for car washing and detailing at their locations.
Earning Potential: Mobile car washers can earn between $30 and $100 per vehicle, and even more with premium services offerings such as detailing and scratch removal.
Pros:
- High Demand: Many customers prefer the convenience of mobile services.
- Minimum Startup Costs: Basic supplies and equipment are relatively inexpensive.
- Scalability: Opportunity to expand by hiring help or offering additional services.
Cons:
- Weather Dependence: Outdoor work can be disrupted by bad weather.
- Physical Labor: The work can be physically demanding.
- High Expectations: Customers expect high-quality results.
Best Suited For: Individuals who enjoy working outdoors and physical labor. Ideal for those who are detail-oriented, and have a strong work ethic.
8. Fitness Training: Shaping Lives and Earning Income
Why It’s Popular and Growing: The increasing focus on health, fitness and wellness has increased demand for personal trainers and fitness coaches. People seek personalized fitness plans and guidance. Work can be online or in-person.
Earning Potential: Personal trainers can earn $30 to $70 per hour, with top trainers earning more, especially if they have a strong personal brand or niche expertise.
Pros:
- Rewarding: Help clients achieve their fitness and health goals.
- Flexible Schedule: Set your own hours and work location.
- High Earning Potential: Specialized trainers can command premium rates.
Cons:
- Certification Costs: May require certifications and ongoing education, which can be expensive.
- Client Retention: Requires ongoing effort to retain clients.
- Physical Demands: Requires personal fitness and stamina.
Best Suited For: Fitness enthusiasts who are passionate about fitness and health. Ideal for those with excellent interpersonal skills
9. Photography: Capturing Moments, Earning Money
Why It’s Popular and Growing: The demand in the digital age for high quality photos for events, business marketing, social media content, and personal use remains strong. Photography offers a creative outlet and diverse opportunities.
Earning Potential: Photographers can earn $50 to $250 per hour for event photography, depending on expertise and niche. Potential to earn additional income from selling prints or stock photos.
Pros:
- Creative Outlet: Express creativity through their camera.
- Diverse Income Streams: Sell photos, event photograph, or teach others.
- Flexible Schedule: Choose your projects and hours.
Cons:
- Equipment Costs: Requires investment in high-quality camera gear and software.
- Competition: High competition.
- Variable Income: Earnings can fluctuate depending on projects and number of clients.
Best Suited For: Creative Individuals with a creative eye for detail, technical photography skills, and a passion for capturing moments.
10. Home Cleaning Services: Profits from Tidying Up
Why It’s Popular and Growing: Busy households and professionals want their homes clean and are willing to pay for reliable cleaning services, creating a steady demand Home cleaning services cater to this need, offering a consistent and reliable source of income.
Earning Potential: Cleaners can charge $25 to $50 per hour, with opportunities for ongoing clients and additional services like organizing or deep cleaning.
Pros:
- High Demand: Consistent need for cleaning services.
- Low Startup Costs: Basic cleaning supplies and tools are not expensive.
- Flexible Schedule: Choose your working hours and clients.
Cons:
- Physical Labor: Can be physically demanding, and requires attention to detail.
- Reputation Management: Building a trustworthy reputation takes time.
- Liability: Potential for damage or injury.
Best Suited For: Detail-oriented individuals with a good work ethic who like physical work and enjoy creating clean, organized spaces.
11. Renting Out Space: Passive Income from Property
Why It’s Popular and Growing: Platforms like Airbnb and Neighbor make it easy in the sharing economy to rent out unused space, providing a convenient way to earn extra income, with minimal effort. The demand for short-term rentals and storage is constant.
Earning Potential: Depending on location and demand, Earnings can vary. From $50 to $200+ per night for short-term rentals. From $50 to $200 per month for storage space.
Pros:
- Passive Income: Earn extra income with minimal ongoing effort.
- Flexible Options: When you want to do it, Rent out a room, garage, or parking space.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little to no maintenance once set up.
Cons:
- Regulatory Issues: May need to comply with local laws and regulations.
- Liability: Potential for damage or disputes with renters.
- Maintenance: Requires upkeep and management.
Best Suited For: Property owners with unused space and a desire for passive income.
