From accommodation to transportation to utilities and feeding, there are a lot of things that can drill a hole in your pocket if care is not taken. This is why doing something to give you extra cash is not a bad idea even if it may be time-consuming. More often than not, these extra jobs called side hustles can end up being a lucrative career path for you in future. But if you are confused about what kind of side hustle you should do, then relax, we are here to help! In this article, we would be showing the best side hustles for immigrants as a student in Canada.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is an extra stream of income for anyone seeking ways to earn money. It is a job you do apart from your usual work to make money. As a student that has just immigrated to Canada, you would need to have a side hustle to enhance your skills and earn more money in your spare time. A side hustle is usually a part-time job so you can have time to focus on your studies while earning extra cash. It is advisable to choose a side hustle that is in line with your passion or personal interest to make the most of your time. This can be done online or physically and you can work for yourself or a contractor.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Side Hustle as a Student in Canada
There are so many sides hustles available around but you shouldn’t just jump on anything you see. The following factors should be considered in choosing a side hustle as a student in Canada:
1. Time
Keep in mind that a side hustle is a part-time job that you do in addition to your regular work and in this case, your education. This can be done early in the morning, late at night, and on the weekends, depending on your daily routine. You have to consider if giving up a few hours for a job would not affect your studies. Remember that the primary purpose you immigrated to study and whatever side hustle you choose must give room for your education.
2. Money
In some cases, you need to give up money to earn money and this is common if you want to start a business. Consider how much you have and it would be enough to start a business. If you can afford to spend your money on the business and cater for your expenses at the same time, then you should go for it.
3. Certificate
Some side hustles require you to have certificates before you can do them. So if you are considering a side hustle that seems professional and you don’t have the necessary credentials, then you should stay off it.
4. Passion
As earlier noted, you should pick a side hustle that is in line with what you are passionate about and what you have a flair for. For instance, if you love cooking, you can consider working part-time at a local restaurant around you. In this way, you are not only earning money but you are also developing yourself and carving a career path for the future.
Underrated Side Hustles for Immigrant as a Student in Canada
1. Bartender/ Waiter
This is probably one of the most popular jobs among students in Canada. This is because it offers you a flexible opportunity and you can work when it is convenient for you. You may work during the night or at weekends at bars, cafes, restaurants etc. Although the pay per hour is not so attractive, you can cover this by earning tips. Depending on your commitment to work and sales, you can earn tips up to $200 per night and even more than that. Although the amount you earn as tips depends on the day of the week, time, kinds of customers and the establishment, the typical tipping rate is between 15% and 20% in Canada. If you work in an establishment in a major city or popular student area, you may work for longer periods and earn more money.
2. Dog Walker
Several Canadians have dogs in their homes but they don’t have the time to walk their dogs around. If you are ready for a very flexible job and don’t want have much time to spare, then you can consider dog walking. You can charge about $14 per hour or even more depending on how many dogs you have a walk and extra responsibilities. Dog walking may take about 30 minutes to one hour depending on what your employer wants. You can also be a pet sitter and take care of people’s pets while they do other things. This typically means more money for you.
3. Teaching Assistant
Some schools are in need of extra hands to help and support them during the term and this is why they hire teaching assistants. You can be hired as one to tutor and assist pupils, update documents and reports, create lesson plans etc. You must however have completed your first year in college or the university, have good communication and organization skills and experience in a particular field. You can earn about $15 per hour as a teacher assistant even without leaving your campus.
4. Freelancer
This is another common side hustle among students around the world. You don’t need to leave the comfort of your home to be a freelancer, you can work on your bed even in your nightwear. You can be a freelance writer, graphics designer, artist etc. For instance, if you love writing, you can decide to start a blog and earn a great income or opt to write blog posts or articles for people who need them. If you love graphics and can create one, then you can use this to earn money by creating posters, fliers for events, logos etc. As a freelancer, you can earn about $25 per hour or more depending on the number of jobs you have.
5. Uber Driver
If you know how to drive, then you can consider being an Uber driver. Uber is a transport company that connects drivers with individuals through an app. For you to work as an Uber driver, you must be aged 21 and above, have a car in good working condition and be fit to drive. The good thing about this job is that it is flexible and you can work anytime you like. However, you may work more in the morning, evenings and weekends. You are likely to earn more money if you are working in a popular place or big city and you drive frequently. As an Uber driver, you can earn up to $25 per hour.
6. Nanny
If you like children and you can afford to spare some time to take care of them, then you can consider being a nanny or babysitter. Several parents have full-time jobs and tight schedules so it may be difficult to combine caring for their children with their jobs. So, they seek people who would look after their kids when they are not available. As a nanny, you may pick up kids from school, help with homework, put them to sleep or even make their meals. You can earn about $14 per hour and even more depending on your responsibilities.
7. Salesperson
Students who are outspoken, persuasive and love talking to people can consider marketing. Being a salesperson is another way to make money on the side and acquire transferable skills. To do this job properly, you have to know how to communicate fluently with people. Although the amount you earn depends on how much work you do, you can still earn up to $50 per hour but you must work hard. Some employers prefer to pay by commission and so the more you sell, the more money you make.
8. Translator
If you are good with languages, then you can consider being a translator. You must however be able to speak, write and read in different languages fluently. You may be required to communicate in different languages to individuals, write articles in different languages etc. You may be employed by a company or choose to work on your own. As a translator, you can earn up to $25 per hour.
9. Surveys
Taking surveys online is another way to get extra income. Several websites pay individuals to complete surveys online in order to improve products, manufacture a product or for any other reason. However, you would need to create an account, provide some information, about yourself and then complete the survey. The questions are not usually complicated all you just need to do is to share your thoughts. Once you are done, you would be paid some money and withdraw with PayPal.
10. Sell your Goods
You don’t need to work for a company before you can sell goods. If you are a craftsman, writer, sculptor etc, you can sell your handmade products to people who need them and make money in turn. You can advertise your products online or go to stores and sell your products. Remember to always tell people about what you do so you can get customers.
11. Sell Stock Photos
If you are into photography, then you can make a considerable income by selling stock photos. There are a lot of websites out there that are interested in buying your photos. Take a lot of pictures and create a portfolio and reach out to potential clients who may need them. Try to take pictures of different things such as food, nature, buildings etc so your clients can have a variety to choose from. It is also important to have a good camera to be able to take quality photos. If you can’t afford a camera, then you can get a good phone with a good camera to take photos.
12. Fixing Things
If you have a knack for fixing things when they are broken, then you can turn your hobby into a stream of income. Luckily for you, several Canadians are looking for people to help fix their pipes, electronics, gadgets etc. Helping these people can bring some money to your pocket no matter how small. All you need to do is to get the relevant tools, know how to fix things and look for customers. Telling people what you do can help you get customers faster. You can also buy items, refurbish them and then sell them.
13. Cleaning
As a student, you can also take up a cleaning job. You can be hired to clean restaurants, cafes or even people’s houses. Most likely, you would be provided with the cleaning tools and so all you need to do is to work hard and be committed. Working as a cleaner can bring you about $20 per hour or more depending on how much work you have to do.
14. Virtual Assistant
If you know how to multitask or you have good organization skills, then you should consider being a virtual assistant for clients. Virtual assistants can earn up to $40 per hour for being responsible for several tasks depending on the client. You may be required to reply to emails, create proposals, set up schedules, or proofread one content or the other. Even though this job is usually remote and part-time, you can end up spending the whole day working for your client. Hence, if you do not know how to balance your studies and work, then you shouldn’t take up this job.
15. Social Media Manager
In this age of social media, several businesses are looking for people to help them manage their social media platforms. If you understand the algorithms of different social media platforms and can use them to your advantage, then you can consider taking up this job. Being a social media manager can put about $20 in your pockets per hour!
Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to earn money and lessen the financial burden on you, then you can start a side hustle. This article has shown you several jobs you can do while you study in Canada. Remember that your education is important, so any side hustle you choose must not affect your education in any way.
