In her famous song, “9-to-5,” Dolly Parton sang, “Tumble out of bed, and I stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition.” But 2025 trends indicate that in some circles, the traditional nine-to-five job is becoming a dinosaur. The American workforce has learned they can call their own shots, have more flexibility and make more money working online and quick cash side gigs. And who can blame them for embracing flexible, online work to get ahead and stay ahead in this fast-changing economy?
Top Five Online Side Gigs Gaining Momentum
As prices soar and the new administration continues making cuts, the economy is tightening, and technological advances are causing massive layoffs. Working in a job that could end at any moment, creates stress and limits employees’ control over their work-life balance.
It’s no wonder that 71% of Americans are searching for secondary income sources through side gigs or second jobs with another employer. Research shows that two in three laid-off workers are happier building freelance careers than they were before being laid off because they have more flexibility and autonomy and work-life balance.
A new survey from global online tutoring platform Superprof reveals that online side gigs are not just a backup plan anymore. They’re an important resource for workers to earn income, learn new skills and tap into creative potential. The survey shows a growing shift in how Americans are approaching side gigs. With financial uncertainty and inflation rising, more people are turning to five types of flexible jobs with the most money-making potential in 2025:
1. Taking online surveys (64.7%)
2. Online investing (39.8%)
3. Freelancing (23.8%)
4. Selling on e-commerce platforms (20.9%)
5. Testing websites and apps (15.9%)
One in three survey respondents said they’re willing to dedicate five to 10 hours a week to online work. Even among full-time workers (56.22% of the sample), interest in online side gigs is strong. Nearly half (48.76%) believe digital skills will be very important for making money online in 2025. A total of 43% believe AI will significantly impact online income opportunities this year.
The findings show that confidence is growing. While just under a quarter (24.38%) said they feel “very confident” about making money online, more than a third (34.83%) are “somewhat confident,” and nearly 40% are “very interested” in learning new digital skills to boost their earning potential.
Camille Lemardeley, the managing director at Superprof, told me that these findings confirm what is playing out daily at Superprof. “People are hungry for flexibility, financial independence and the chance to use their talents in new ways. Whether it’s freelancing, investing or building online businesses, Americans aren’t waiting for opportunities—they’re creating them. And digital skills are becoming the currency of this new economy.”
Four Side Gigs For Extra Quick Cash
Jamie Wall, a personal finance expert at Gamblizard, proposes that some workers need quick cash and that there are four practical ways to earn extra cash fast:
1. Holiday-specific craft selling (up to $1000/season). Instead of trying to build a whole business selling handmade items year-round, Wall recommends focusing on holiday-specific products during peak seasons. “Easter is coming, so bake festive Easter bread, sew cuddly toys for kids or design personalized baskets and home decor,” she suggests, adding there’s money to be made for every occasion.
“With 10-15 items priced between $15-25, that’s an easy $300-400 in one week,” Wall continues. “In May, graduation season kicks off: think custom gift boxes, frames, or memory journals. Summer is prime time for handmade tote bags, crochet tops, and festival costumes, which can earn you $500+ in a good week. During Halloween, earning $1000 in a single month with some basic sewing skills is real. Go where the demand is, one season at a time.”
2. Flipping thrift store electronics ($250/week). Well advises that you skip the local charity’s clothing racks that everyone fights over and instead, head straight to the electronics section. “That’s where the real money hides,” she points out. “Look for working video game consoles, graphing calculators, vintage audio players and small kitchen appliances. Many thrift stores don’t test electronics, so bring batteries with you or ask to plug items in.” Who would have guessed that a $10 bread maker can sell for $50-75 online? Or that graphing calculators bought for $5, routinely resell for $30 during back-to-school season? “Dig deeper into subreddits, and you’ll see successful flippers reporting an average of $250 a week against just 10 hours hunting and listing items,” she states.
3. Exam invigilator/marker ($80-200/day). Schools, colleges, and universities often need temporary staff during exam periods to supervise exams and mark papers. Wall recommends that you register with organizations like the College Board (for AP exams and SATs), ACT Inc., or state education departments as an external grader or test proctor. “The job is seasonal (mainly May-June and December-January), but it pays well for a short-term gig,” she remarks. “Invigilators typically earn $16 per hour. Exam markers make around $15 per hour depending on the subject. Some online exam marking jobs may offer hourly rates between $18 and $40. Many institutions offer quick training and flexible scheduling. The best thing is, this hustle only requires minimal qualifications beyond a background check.”
4. Residential house cleaning for move-outs ($200-400/job). Wall acknowledges that end-of-lease cleanings are intensive, but If you’re enjoying ‘clean-Toks,’ she insists that this is a great gig, and it pays significantly better than regular cleaning gigs. “Why is it a hot market?” she asks. “Renters desperately need their security deposits back, but often lack the time to do a thorough cleaning before moving. With basic cleaning supplies well under $50, you can charge about $200-400 per apartment (depending on size). Two units per weekend will generate you up to $800 for 10 hours of work.”
A Final Takeaway On Side Gigs
Side gigs have become one of the most lucrative resources to keep up with economic pressures and make ends meet. Wilfried Granier, CEO at Superprof, sees the big rise in side gigs as the result of employees becoming more entrepreneurial. “They’re not just adapting—they’re creating new income streams on their own terms.” Side gigs allow workers to call the shots on how they generate additional income and ease the burdens of rising costs to boot.