Last year I published the post 4 Interesting Ways To Make Side Income Including Sleeping and Selling Your Poop. It was an eye-opening piece to write, and it inspired me to dig deeper into other unusual ways people earn extra money.
There are countless ways to earn additional income: part-time jobs, freelance work, online opportunities, odd jobs, and more. Earning extra money can profoundly change your financial outlook. It can help you escape living paycheck to paycheck, accelerate debt repayment, and open up options like leaving an unfulfilling job or traveling more.
Personally, the extra income I earned helped me pay off $38,000 in student loans in seven months, leave my day job, and pursue passions full-time. Below are nine odd but legitimate ways to earn extra income, described practically so you can decide what might suit you.
1. Sell your life.
One of the most unusual examples is Ian Usher, who in 2008 literally put his life up for sale on eBay—his car, house, job, and even introductions to friends were bundled and sold. Another variant is Mike Merrill’s approach: he offered 100,000 shares of himself at $1 per share, giving investors a vote in his life choices. These ideas are extreme and not for everyone, but they show how creative people monetize unconventional assets.
Related articles:
- 75+ Ways To Make Extra Money
- 10 Ways To Make Money Online From The Comfort of Your Home
- How to Live On One Income
- 21 Best Under The Table Jobs That Pay Cash
2. Deliver RVs to dealerships.
RVs are often too large for standard transporters, so manufacturers and dealerships hire drivers to deliver them. Couples and individuals who do this often enjoy travel perks, steady seasonal work, and the chance to see new RV models. If this appeals to you, contact local transport companies, RV manufacturers, and dealerships to ask about delivery opportunities.
3. Participate in medical research studies.
Medical studies often pay participants to help test treatments, study sleep patterns, or provide biological samples. Jobs vary in duration, pay, and invasiveness; some short-term studies can pay well—sometimes around $1,000 for a week of participation. To find opportunities, check university research postings, local hospitals, clinical research centers, and community classifieds. Always verify a study’s credentials and read consent forms carefully before enrolling.
Related: How To Sell Your Poop
4. Donate your eggs or sperm.
Biological donations can provide significant compensation. Egg donors—typically healthy women under 30—may receive several thousand dollars up to $10,000 or more depending on demand and personal characteristics. The process requires medical screening and a minor surgical procedure to retrieve eggs, so it’s not risk-free. Sperm donors usually receive smaller payments—commonly $50 to $100 per donation—and may donate frequently if they meet clinic requirements. Always work with reputable fertility clinics and review screening and consent procedures.
5. Cuddle with strangers.
Professional cuddling services exist in many cities, offering platonic, supervised sessions for people seeking physical comfort. Practitioners sometimes earn attractive hourly rates—reports have cited figures like £35 per hour in some places. If you consider this, look for established companies with clear boundaries, screening, and safety procedures for both clients and practitioners.
6. Sell breast milk.
Some lactating mothers sell excess breast milk. Prices vary—commonly $1 to $2.50 per ounce and occasionally higher—depending on demand and perceived supply quality. Buyers include other parents, some athletes, and people seeking potential health benefits. Because of health and safety concerns, many reputable buyers and milk banks require screening and pasteurization; exercise caution and use trusted channels when selling or buying.
7. Clean up poop.
Cleaning animal waste for parks, retail properties, or private clients is an unglamorous but necessary service. It’s not highly sought after, which means willing workers can often command decent hourly pay. Consider pet waste removal services, estate or property maintenance jobs, or local gig listings if you don’t mind the work.
8. Join a focus group.
Market research companies pay participants to provide feedback on products, pricing, packaging, and advertising. Focus groups can pay by check, gift card, PayPal, or free products, and a single session might pay $100 or more depending on length and the client. Online surveys and remote panels are related options—sites like Survey Junkie, American Consumer Opinion, Opinion Outpost, Swagbucks, Pinecone Research, and Harris Poll Online allow you to earn small payments or rewards for surveys and product testing. Sign up for multiple panels to maximize opportunities.
9. Become a mystery shopper.
Mystery shopping involves evaluating customer service and store experiences while posing as a regular customer. Shoppers often receive reimbursement for purchases or free meals and may earn additional fees. Companies such as Bestmark are established providers; research prospective firms, read reviews, and confirm payment terms before accepting assignments. Experienced mystery shoppers can earn a steady supplemental income by combining assignments.
What other ways are there to make extra income?