Would you like to learn how to find time to make extra money? Do you work full-time and feel like there’s never enough time in the day to earn more?
For several years I balanced a full-time job while finding ways to earn extra income, including starting and growing my blog, Making Sense of Cents. Before that, I juggled a full-time job while attending college full-time.
There were long stretches when I consistently worked 80–100 hour weeks.
I won’t sugarcoat it—those hours were exhausting. I learned to capture every spare moment to generate extra income: taking online surveys, doing mystery shops, listing items for sale, and more.
My intense schedule was driven by a single goal: paying off student loan debt. I didn’t want that burden hanging over me, and I knew earning extra money could accelerate the payoff.
Thankfully, learning how to find time for side income paid off—literally. It helped me pay off $40,000 in student loan debt in seven months.
An unexpected benefit: I discovered I genuinely enjoyed one of my side hustles—blogging. Once my debt was gone, it became easier to transition from my day job to blogging full-time.
Finding ways to make extra income can help you pay down debt, save for the future, pursue passions, build a business, and more.
Many readers ask how I managed to fit side hustles, school, and work together. It was difficult, but it was possible—because I prioritized and made sacrifices when needed.
Motivation matters. The stronger your reasons for earning extra money, the easier it is to prioritize and carve out time. When times get tough, remind yourself why you’re doing it.
Whether your goal is to turn a side hustle into a full-time career, reach a financial milestone, or simply increase your cash flow, the right approach to time management can change your life.
If you want to start side hustling but don’t know how to find the time, these strategies should help.
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Here are 16 practical ways to find time to make extra money.
1. Define your motivation.
A clear “why” will keep you going when finding extra time feels impossible. Whether your goal is paying off debt, saving for a house, vacationing, or building a business, revisit that motivation regularly so you stay focused and prioritize wisely.
2. Wake up earlier.
Waking an hour or two earlier can create uninterrupted time to reply to emails, plan content, take surveys, list items for sale, or complete other side hustle tasks. If mornings aren’t your thing, consider reserving a couple of quiet hours before bed instead. Two hours daily equals roughly 10 extra hours a week.
3. Stop hitting snooze.
Those extra snooze minutes rarely help. Train yourself to get up when the alarm rings and use that time productively for your side hustle.
4. Use lunch breaks strategically.
Bring lunch and use your lunch hour for focused side hustle work. That small change can add up to several extra hours each week without impacting your workday.
5. Use vacation days for focused work.
Taking a day or two of vacation to work on your side projects can give you uninterrupted time to progress without burning out. If those days are paid, it’s like being compensated while you build your future.
6. Turn off the TV.
The average person watches many hours of TV each week. Cutting back even half of that time can free up hours for productive side hustle work. Replace some passive entertainment with targeted tasks that move you closer to your goals.
7. Use short gaps effectively.
Short pockets of time—30 minutes between meetings, 10 minutes in a carpool line, or 15 minutes in a waiting room—can be used to answer emails, take quick surveys, or make progress on small tasks. Those minutes accumulate.
8. Make your commute productive.
If you commute by public transit, use that time for work you can do on a phone or laptop—listings, planning, emails, or reading. If you drive, consider audio-based tasks like learning or planning via voice notes.
9. Get organized.
Organization reduces wasted time and boosts efficiency. Keep a running to-do list—on your phone or in a planner—and prioritize daily tasks. A clear plan prevents confusion and keeps momentum toward your goals.
10. Use days off wisely.
You don’t need to sacrifice entire weekends. Dedicate a few focused hours on a day off to move your side hustle forward. Choosing work you enjoy makes it easier to spend that time happily.
11. Create an efficient schedule.
Plan your commitments so they complement each other. When I structured classes and work to avoid long gaps and duplicate trips, I saved hours. Apply the same strategy to your job and side hustle to minimize wasted time. Flexible or online work can make this much easier.
12. Outsource when it makes sense.
Outsourcing household tasks or errands—cleaning, lawn care, or grocery delivery—can free time for higher-value work. Compare the cost to what you could earn in that time; sometimes paying for convenience increases your net income.
13. Build passive income streams.
Passive income requires upfront effort or investment but pays off over time with less ongoing work. Examples include digital products, affiliate income, or investments. Real passive income takes work to establish, but it can free you to focus on life while your income continues.
14. Know your best time of day.
Identify whether you’re most productive in the morning, afternoon, or at night. Schedule the most demanding tasks for your peak hours and simpler tasks for lower-energy times to maximize productivity.
15. Ask for help.
Reach out to people who want to support you—partners, family, or friends. Delegating childcare pick-ups, having someone help with routine tasks, or simply getting emotional support can buy you valuable hours and reduce stress.
16. Take breaks when needed.
Be honest about how much you can handle. Overworking leads to burnout, lower productivity, and strained relationships. Take short breaks to recharge—walk, read, exercise, or nap—so you can return refreshed and effective.
How do you find time to make extra money? How many hours a week do you spend on side hustles?