8 Ways to Make Money When You're Bored (2024)

Do you spend your free time surfing the internet or television? Do you feel like you’re “wasting” time?

We are all guilty of not making the most of our downtime, but what if I told you that you could start earning extra money when you’re bored?

There are numerous ways to make money in your spare time. Whether you have 10 hours or 10 minutes, here are 8 ways you can make extra money when you are bored.

1) Take Surveys

If you want to make money while watching television, then surveys are worth considering. There are many survey sites out there, so you can find one that works for you. While you likely won’t earn a ton of money from surveys, they are an easy way to make money while relaxing after work.

Here’s a list of survey companies worth checking out:

• PineCone Research – PineCone Research is one of the leading consumer research companies. You can get paid to take surveys and occasionally test products as well.

• Survey Junkie – Survey Junkie is a popular consumer research company. Once you complete your profile they will match you up with relevant surveys. Complete surveys for rewards that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

• Vindale Research – If you don’t like the sites that pay out in points that can be redeemed for rewards like gift cards, you’ll like Vindale Research. Instead of paying out in points, they pay out cash for each completed survey, which can then be withdrawn via PayPal.

• One Opinion – Similar to other survey websites, One Opinion offers opportunities to redeem rewards for cash or gift cards.

• Nielsen – When you think of Nielsen you probably think of TV viewership ratings. With more time spent on our phone, laptop, and other devices, Nielsen is trying to measure provide meaningful research beyond just the television.

• Nielsen Beta Panel – Another Nielsen option. This one is specifically meant for mobile devices. You get $5 for signing up and installing, and $5 for each month you are a user.

• Sample Hawk – This isn’t a survey website, but I figured you may also be interested in getting free samples, which is what Sample Hawk specializes in.

2) Start a Blog

Blogging is a fun way to earn extra cash. You can start a blog whenever and wherever you want. The best part is that you can write about whatever topic you are passionate about.

There are plenty of opportunities to earn money through blogging, whether it’s through advertisem*nts, affiliate income, or brand partnerships. It’s easy (and affordable) to start a blog. It does take time and energy to build a blog up to the point where you can be earning a steady income from it, but it is doable for anyone who can put their mind to it.

3) Start Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is one of my favorite ways to make money in my spare time. While it doesn’t hurt to have experience, you don’t have to be a seasoned freelancer in order to gain paying clients.

To get started freelancing, it’s a good idea to start your own blog or website first with some content of your own. You can then research and pitch potential clients your ideas.

4) Use Swagbucks

Swagbucks is an easy way to make money in your spare time. You can start earning money while sitting on your computer and watching television.

You can earn money a few different ways with Swagbucks. For instance, instead of using Google, you can use the Swagbucks extention and earn money every time you search. You can also earn money by watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.

You can learn all about Swagbucks here.

5) Take Advantage of Credit Card Rewards

You can make money by signing up for credit cards and taking advantage of their sign up bonuses and rewards, assuming you do it responsibly.

Credit card companies want your business. And in order to gain it, they are willing to dole out big bucks for those who spend a certain amount in the first few months of owning their card. Now, while credit card companies make money off of people owing interest, if you are paying your card off each month, you don’t owe them anything if you get a credit card with no annual fee. So, if you do it right, you can earn a few hundred bucks by simply signing up, meeting the initial offer spending threshold, and paying off your credit card bill before it accumulates interest.

6) Perfect Your Craft

Are you skilled at a certain craft? Maybe it’s woodworking, sewing, or something else.

If you enjoy crafting and can refine your skills, you can make money by selling your product. Selling has never been easier with sites like Etsy that allow you to sell to anyone across the world. Of course, you can also take advantage of local art shows and sell your product to those in your area.

7) Clean Out and Sell Your Stuff

Some of us get the cleaning bug when we’re bored. If this is you, take advantage of it and tackle the big closet or garage clean out you’ve been meaning to do.

If there are items you no longer need, you can sell them to earn extra cash. I regularly sell items around my home and am always pleasantly surprised what people will pay for. You can sell items on apps like OfferUp and LetGo, or post them for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

8) Become a Delivery Driver

If you have a vehicle and a few hours to burn throughout the week, then consider becoming a delivery driver.

Plenty of companies, like Postmates, UberEats, and more, are always hiring for drivers to pick up food and groceries and deliver to paying customers. It’s easy to apply, and is a fast way to make some extra cash.

To get you started finding work, check out these companies that will pay you to deliver.

Related:

• 15 Ways You Can Make Money From Your Computer Right Now

• 15 Skills That Will Help You Make More Money