The belief that a university degree guarantees a high-paying job is outdated.
While higher education provides valuable knowledge and experiences, it’s no longer a direct path to wealth.
Young people are better served by starting side hustles that can grow into substantial income streams. Below, we explore seven side hustle ideas that students can launch today, supported by real-world success stories.
Each is rated on three criteria: time required to learn, initial investment needed, and difficulty of earning $1,000 per month.
1. Faceless Short-Form Content Creation
Example: Daniel Bitten
At 16, Daniel earns $500,000 monthly creating short-form content on Snapchat without showing his face. Using existing videos with unique voiceovers, music, and edits, he operates multiple channels in niches like rapper updates and live streamers, capitalizing on the platform wars between Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
How It Works: Social media platforms compete for user attention, paying creators generously to produce engaging content. Success relies on crafting compelling hooks and payoffs to boost watch time. Daily analysis of viral content—noting what stops you from scrolling—helps develop winning strategies.
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Time to Learn: 4/5 – Understanding human psychology and content trends requires effort beyond basic editing.
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Money Needed: 1/5 – A smartphone and internet connection are all you need.
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Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – Platforms’ eagerness to pay creators makes this achievable with consistent effort.
2. Investing in Index Funds
Example: Anonymous Investor
One individual earns $117,000 weekly through consistent index fund investments using dollar-cost averaging. By investing regularly, regardless of market conditions, they’ve built wealth without relying on financial advisors.
How It Works: Index funds, like the S&P 500, offer a low-risk way to grow wealth. Investing $200 monthly for 40 years at a 10% annual return could yield over $1.2 million. Apps like Trading 212 simplify the process by automating investments and allowing users to copy successful portfolios.
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Time to Learn: 1/5 – Basic investment concepts are straightforward and accessible online.
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Money Needed: 1/5 – You can start with as little as $1.
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Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – Passive income grows over time, especially when paired with a side hustle.
3. Discord Server Building
Example: Chris Peters
At 19, Chris earns $115,000 monthly building and managing Discord servers. Starting at 17, he revamped a client’s server for free, proving his value before charging premium rates.
How It Works: Discord, a versatile communication platform, is used by communities and businesses. Many lack the expertise to manage servers, creating demand for customization and management services. Joining multiple Discord communities helps you learn what makes a server successful.
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Time to Learn: 2.5/5 – Basic skills are quick to learn, but advanced features take longer.
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Money Needed: 1/5 – A computer is sufficient to start.
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Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – Charging $250 per client for four clients monthly is realistic with the right network.
4. Online Coaching
Example: Jack Jefferson
Jack left a $70,000 corporate job to pursue online fitness coaching, earning $7,000 monthly. With over 40 clients, he provides personalized plans and operates globally with just an internet connection.
How It Works: Online coaching spans various niches, from fitness to business skills. Offering personalized services, like tailored nutrition and fitness plans with video check-ins, meets clients’ demand for convenience and expertise, making it a scalable model.
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Time to Learn: 2/5 – If you have a teachable skill, you only need to learn packaging and selling it.
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Money Needed: 1/5 – A laptop and internet connection are enough.
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Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – High demand for personalized coaching makes this attainable.
5. AI Animation
Example: Mercy
Mercy earns $8,000–$10,000 monthly creating AI-generated animations for clients. Using tools like ChatGPT for scripting and MidJourney for visuals, he secures high-paying projects by mastering animation principles and networking.
How It Works: AI is in its early adoption phase, offering opportunities for those who embrace it. Animators use AI tools to create engaging content for creators seeking premium visuals. Early adopters can stand out with minimal tools and strong networking.
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Time to Learn: 4/5 – Mastering animation and AI tools takes months of dedication.
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Money Needed: 1/5 – Affordable tools and free social media promotion lower barriers.
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Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 2/5 – Growing demand for animations makes this achievable with skill development.
6. Reselling Luxury Items
Example: Ben Gallagher
Ben generated £77.2 million in 2023 through Lux Collective, reselling luxury items like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. His expertise in authentication earned him investment on Dragon’s Den.
How It Works: The $39.23 billion luxury resale market thrives on social media’s influence and millennial demand. Resellers source authentic designer items, verify quality, and sell globally via platforms like TikTok, where Ben gained 1.6 million followers.
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Time to Learn: 4/5 – Learning authentication and market trends is time-intensive.
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Money Needed: 3.5/5 – High-end items can cost thousands, though starting small is possible.
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Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – High profit margins make this realistic with one sale.
7. Online Writing
Example: Adam
Adam earns over $10,000 monthly writing blog posts and copy for influencers. By offering exclusive, high-value services, he commands premium rates for content like website copy and social media scripts.
How It Works: Businesses and creators need quality writers for everything from TikTok scripts to website content. Mastering persuasive writing and building client relationships can lead to high earnings, with some charging $50,000 for a single webpage that drives significant sales.
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Time to Learn: 5/5 – Writing demands focus and skill, which take time to develop.
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Money Needed: 1/5 – A basic device like a phone or laptop is sufficient.
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Ease of Earning $1,000/Month: 1/5 – High demand for skilled writers makes this highly achievable.
Conclusion
Relying solely on a degree for financial success is no longer viable. Side hustles offer students practical skills, immediate income, and the potential for significant wealth. From creating viral content to reselling luxury goods, these seven ideas provide diverse paths to financial independence. Combining a side hustle with smart investing can accelerate your journey to wealth. Start small, stay consistent, and seize these opportunities to shape your future.
