The Rise of the Side Hustle: Find Your Perfect Gig & Boost Income

Need extra money? You're in good company. Here's how to find the best side gig for you.

Side hustles are hardly a new thing, but in the wake of the pandemic, they may become more popular. In fact, 53% of workers now have or intend to have a second source of income

outside of their main jobs, according to a recent Jobvite survey. By comparison, only 36% had the same plan in February of 2020.

Of course, it's not shocking that the pandemic has made the side hustle more appealing. Millions of people lost their jobs over the past 12 months, and those with side gigs may have fared better than those without. What's more, getting a second job could help you boost your savings -- something that's more important than ever.

If you're hoping to get a side hustle, here are some tips for finding one that's a good fit for you.

1. Look for a gig that doesn't feel like work

Chances are, you spend a lot of time during the week at your main job, so for the sake of your mental health, it's important to spend your spare time doing something you don't despise. If you pick up a side hustle you enjoy, you'll also be more motivated to keep at it. If you love animals, you may want to sign up to walk dogs or pet-sit. If you like kids, you can look at babysitting or becoming a tutor if you have the right skills. And if you're artsy, selling homemade crafts could be a good second income stream for you.

2. Aim for maximum flexibility

You probably get no say as to what hours you hold down at your main job, so it can work to your benefit to keep your side hustle as flexible as possible. Rather than sign up for a specific shift or lock yourself into rigid working hours, you may want to pursue a gig that's more flexible.

Say you sign up to drive for a rideshare company. At that point, you'll have the ability to set your own hours. Want to make it an early night because you're beat? Go for it. Want to push yourself to pick up a few extra fares? That choice is yours.

Similarly, finding a gig you can do at your own pace from home could be a better fit for your lifestyle, whether it's editing web content, designing websites, or even doing medical billing. To be clear, these gigs all come with deadlines -- but the hours you choose to work may still be fairly flexible.

3. Map out some income-related goals

Maybe your savings took a hit during the pandemic and you're hoping to replenish your emergency fund. Or maybe there's something specific you're saving for, like a down payment to buy a home. Figuring out how much you want to earn from a side hustle could help you score the right one.

For example, if you're hoping to make an extra $500 a month, selling baked goods at a farmer's market every Saturday may not get you there. On the other hand, working weekend shifts at a local cafe could put that money in your pocket when you factor in wages plus tips.

For many, the pandemic has served as a wakeup call: having a second income source can be beneficial. If you're interested in getting a side hustle, use these tips to narrow down your options. And remember, you can always start out with one side gig and shift to another if it doesn't work out. The key is to find something that you don't hate, works with your schedule, and helps you achieve the financial objectives you're after.