Not long ago, introverts who wanted to earn extra money might have to expend precious social energy on waiting tables or bartending. Today, while those face-to-face jobs can still be great options for extroverts, introverts now have more opportunities to work independently without so much in-person interaction.
With the increased popularity of remote work, there are many ways to leverage your skills from the comfort of home. And for introverts who do want to get out of the house, plenty of other opportunities require little human interaction.
From freelance writing to pet-sitting, a wide array of side hustles are suited to introverts seeking to make extra money and pursue their passions on their own terms.
Top side hustles for introverts
- Grocery or food delivery
- Pet-sitting
- House cleaning
- Refurbishing and reselling items
- Selling handmade goods online
- Dropshipping
- Photography
- Freelance writing
- Blogging
- Proofreading and editing
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Podcast production
- Website development
- Social media management
- Online courses
- Virtual assistant
- Virtual bookkeeping
- Data entry
Whether you prefer to work from home or are looking for a side gig to get you out and about, you can earn extra cash with little human interaction. Here are side hustles for introverts to consider:
Grocery or food delivery
Delivering groceries can be an ideal side gig because it allows you to work independently with minimal interaction with others. Grocery delivery drivers enjoy the freedom of setting their own schedules and can balance their side hustle with other commitments. To get started, sign up with popular delivery platforms like Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Postmates.
Pet-sitting
If you’re the kind of introvert who prefers the company of animals over people, dog walking or pet-sitting in your spare time could be a great way to earn extra money. It’s a side hustle that offers flexibility, autonomy, minimal human interaction, and the joy of spending time with furry companions.
Signing up with platforms like Rover or Wag can be a good starting point. You can also find potential clients by word of mouth; odds are you have friends and acquaintances with pets that need watching or walking.
House cleaning
Introverts who like working with their hands and seeing tangible results may enjoy house cleaning as a side hustle. This gig can offer flexible scheduling, letting introverts work independently and earn extra cash on their terms. To get into house cleaning, sign up for a platform like Taskrabbit or Thumbtack or offer your services on local social platforms like Nextdoor.
Refurbishing and reselling items
Do you enjoy scouring thrift stores, flea markets, and Facebook Marketplace in pursuit of a great deal? Do you have the woodworking, sewing, or other craft skills to give old furniture or clothing new life? Consider flipping items for resale. Upcycling is a creative and environmentally friendly practice that can be a lucrative side hustle. Spend a few dollars on pieces that inspire you, refurbish them at your own pace, and resell them online for more than you paid.
Selling handmade goods online
If you thrive in the solitude of creative activities such as painting, knitting, or making jewelry, turn your hobby into a side hustle. Whether you make candles or pottery, selling handmade goods online through a Shopify store or Etsy store is a great way to earn extra income on your terms.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping involves storing, packing, and shopping products for online businesses. As a dropshipping business owner, you operate your business from your home, managing sales and customer interactions. Popular product categories for dropshipping include clothing, kitchen goods, and personal-care products.
Photography
Making money from your photos doesn’t always require working with others. Rather than shoot weddings or portraits, sell your photographs to stock photo websites. Selling photos online is an ideal side hustle because it lets you choose your subject matter and capture images at your own pace. Additionally, once uploaded to a platform like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, your photos can generate passive income over time.
Freelance writing
Introverts can harness their writing skills into a side hustle as a freelance writer. Freelance writing lets you choose projects that align with your preferences, work independently, and make your own schedule. To get started, use freelance websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr that provide easy access to freelance opportunities.
Blogging
If you write regularly but don’t want to be beholden to clients’ demands and assignments, you may consider self-publishing your work on your own blog. It can take time to cultivate an audience, but once you do, you can monetize your own website through affiliate marketing and earn commissions by promoting products or services. You can also run ads on your website by signing up for a network such as Google Ads or run a subscription-based model through a platform like Patreon.
Proofreading and editing
All you need to earn money online as an editor is an internet connection and experience refining language and fixing grammar. To get started, offer services on freelance platforms like Upwork or join editing communities such as Editage for networking opportunities.
Graphic design
Freelance graphic design is an excellent side hustle for introverts because it allows creative expression without constant human interaction. Graphic designers can work independently, crafting visual solutions for clients’ needs. To get started, build a portfolio showcasing your designs and skills. Use online platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Behance to showcase your work and connect with potential clients.
Video editing
Just like writing, proofreading, and graphic design, you can do freelance video editing. A video editor manipulates and combines video footage, audio, and visual effects to create cohesive and engaging videos for various purposes. Offer your services on a networking platform like LinkedIn and build a website showcasing your skills.
Podcast production
Podcast hosts leverage their social skills to create compelling content, but supporting every charismatic host are editors and producers who maintain the quality and coherence of episodes. Podcast production is a more solitary role that includes planning, recording, and publishing audio content.
Web development
If you have web design, web development, or programming skills, you can leverage them into a lucrative side hustle. Web development services are in high demand, and businesses are often willing to pay good money for freelance work—which you can do remotely.
Social media management
If you’re the kind of introvert who prefers limited face-to-face interaction but doesn’t mind corresponding with others online, freelance social media management might be a good option. Introverts can showcase their digital marketing skills by managing clients’ social media accounts, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers.
Online courses
If you have any skills that others want to learn—such as cooking, gymnastics, or personal finance—you can earn extra income by creating online courses. Unlike live online tutoring, this type of teaching doesn’t require you to directly interact with your students. You can create video lectures, quizzes, and other online resources on platforms such as Udemy, Teachable, or Coursera. Set a price for your course or offer it on a subscription basis.
Virtual assistant
If you have strong organizational skills and are good at handling administrative tasks, you may be able to find a busy professional (on a platform such as Upwork) who will pay for your virtual assistance. As a virtual assistant, you’ll remotely manage your client’s schedule, set reminders, organize meetings, and field emails from your own home.
Virtual bookkeeping
If you have accounting experience, you can start your own bookkeeping business. Financial records of businesses or individuals can typically be managed online, so you can work remotely with little face-to-face interaction.Virtual bookkeepers record their clients’ expenses, income, and other financial data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and tax rules.
Data entry
Data entry jobs involve entering, updating, and managing various types of data in computer systems or databases. Tasks may include typing information from paper documents, entering numerical data, updating records, or transcribing audio files. Data entry jobs require accuracy, attention to detail, and proficient typing skills, and they typically can be managed online.
Side hustles for introverts FAQ
How can a shy person make money?
There are many ways to earn extra income with minimal human interaction. You can do freelance writing or web development, or, if you’d prefer to work independently but also get out of the house, consider grocery delivery or pet-sitting.
What’s a side hustle that’s actually lucrative?
You can leverage any skills you have into a lucrative side hustle if there’s high demand. For instance, clients will pay good money for freelance web development. But less obvious options, such as furniture refurbishing, can also be highly profitable if you work efficiently and market well.
What is the best business for introverts?
In an era where remote work is growing more popular, introverts can choose from a variety of jobs, such as freelance writing, dropshipping, and virtual bookkeeping. All of these let you work independently from your own home.
