Let’s pause for a second. The economy is doing what it’s doing, and many of us are looking for ways to make a little extra money on the side.

I spent time trying different side hustles in 2025. Some made me absolutely nothing. A couple actually worked really well.

I wanted to share what worked in case it helps someone earn a bit extra, even if it’s just enough to cover groceries.

I’ve tried ecommerce, selling at bazaars, publishing books, freelancing, Building websites for SMBs, training AI, and more. What I’m sharing below are the easy options. No coding. No special skills. Anyone can do these. And, they all pay in USD.

P.S. If you’d like referral links, I’ve included them at the bottom.

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1. Outlier

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical with this one at first. I kept seeing ads and hearing people talk about Outlier and wasn’t sure if it was worth the time. Turns out, it not that bad.

Outlier connects you with organizations that train AI. The project I worked on was called Aether. What I liked most was that there was no strict time limit. You could work as many or as few hours as you wanted.

The pay was around 14 USD per hour. The tasks were simple but very repetitive. Not exciting work, but easy enough to do while listening to a podcast or zoning out. They also partner with multiple organizations, and having some coding skills can help you qualify for more projects.

Pros

• Pays in USD
• Flexible hours
• No advanced skills needed
• Some projects allow unlimited hours

Cons

• Repetitive and boring at times
• Work availability depends on the project

2. UserTesting

This one has been around for a long time and it still works, especially for Canadians.

You get paid to test websites, apps, or software. Most tests pay 10 USD and usually take 15 to 25 minutes. Sometimes there are higher paying tests, around 30 to 60 USD, where you speak directly with a researcher about a product.

The downside is qualifying. You usually have to answer a few questions to see if you’re a fit, and sometimes you don’t get selected. It can feel like a bit of a gamble.

Pros

• Pays in USD
• No technical background required
• Short and simple tasks
• Higher paying live interviews sometimes available

Cons

• Not every screener leads to a test
• You need to respond quickly to secure tasks

3. Amazon KDP

This one isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy writing or creating, it’s worth exploring. Coloring books, journals, planners, and problem solving books do especially well.

The key is niche research. You can use tools for this, or simply browse the Best Sellers section under books on Amazon to see what people are actually buying.

I recently started publishing on KDP without any promotion and still received a few orders. While KDP does take a large portion for printing costs, there’s real potential if you’re consistent and enjoy the creative process.

Pros

• Passive income potential
• No upfront publishing costs
• Great for creatives and writers
• Can grow over time
• KDP handles printing and shipping

Cons

• Printing fees can be high
• Requires time and creativity
• Sales depend on niche and demand

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Important Note for Canadians

Both Outlier and UserTesting pay through PayPal, not directly to your bank account. Any income earned needs to be reported on your taxes. I’m not very knowledgeable on the tax side, so make sure to do your own research or speak with an accountant.

None of these are get rich quick ideas. But they do work. And sometimes that extra income is the difference between constant stress and a little breathing room.

If even one of these helps, it’s worth sharing.

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Links

• Outlier sign up: referral link
• UserTesting sign up: referral link
• Amazon KDP: link