10 Ways I Have Made Side Money Over the Years
In college, I applied to over seven jobs before finally landing a position at a local YMCA, but the inconsistent hours were not enough to cover my expenses. Around that time, I gained access to money I had earned years earlier working as a film and television extra, which helped temporarily but was not sustainable. By sophomore year, becoming a resident advisor covered my housing and meals, though the small stipend barely handled basic bills. I began experimenting with content creation, photography, and reselling to make extra cash. When I moved to New York for graduate school, my first paycheck did not arrive for a month, and after graduating into a difficult job market, I spent another month unemployed and living off savings. That season taught me how to stretch every dollar, build multiple income streams, and create stability through resourcefulness.
Some links in this post are affiliate links.
1. UGC and Brand Collaborations
This is currently my strongest side income stream.
I pitch brands directly and also use platforms like Bento, Bambassadors, Insense, and inbounds (this is where they reach out to you directly) to connect with companies looking for user generated content (UGC). This has grown into consistent monthly income through content creation and brand partnerships.
UGC requires effort, pitching, portfolio building, and learning how to deliver results, but it is scalable and skill based.
2. TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop has become another income stream through commission based sales and brand collaborations. It requires strategy and audience alignment, but when done authentically, it can be impactful.
3. Amazon Affiliate Program and Amazon Influencer Program
Through affiliate links and storefront recommendations, I earn small commissions when people purchase products I share. This is not passive at first. It requires content, trust, and consistency.
4. ShopMy
ShopMy allows curated product linking with commission opportunities similar to affiliate programs but often with higher brand relationships and payouts.
5. LTK
LTK has been helpful for sharing fashion, lifestyle, and product recommendations in a more organized way. Like affiliate marketing, income depends on engagement and consistency.
6. My Own Products
Selling my own digital or physical products through my store has allowed me to build income that I fully own and control. This takes planning and audience understanding, but it builds long term brand equity.
7. Photography
Taking graduation and portrait photos was one of my earliest entrepreneurial ventures. It taught me pricing, client communication, and how to deliver value.
8. Secret Shopping
Secret shopping has provided occasional extra income and reimbursements. It is not consistent, but it can cover meals, experiences, or small expenses.
9. Reselling on Mercari and Poshmark
Selling items on Mercari and Poshmark that I no longer used helped me declutter while making extra cash. It is not glamorous, but it is accessible and practical.
If you would like $10 upon joining Poshmark, use code YALMIE.
10. Working as a Film and TV Extra
Before college, I worked as an extra in film and television during my early teen years. At the time, it felt exciting more than strategic, but it ended up being one of my earliest lessons in earning my own money.
When I turned eighteen, I finally gained access to the money I had earned from those jobs. That small financial cushion helped me during my freshman year of college when hours were limited and income felt uncertain.
It was not consistent work, and it was not glamorous behind the scenes, but it taught me professionalism, patience, and how to show up on set ready to work.
Looking back, it was one of the first moments where I realized I could create opportunities outside of traditional paths.
As a minor, I worked with Kidz Management and as an adult I worked with Little Bird Casting. When I moved to New York, I registered with Central Casting, which also has an office in California.
My first project was when I was 13 for the movie A Better Life and my last project was in 2015 for the movie Miss Stevens.
What I Want You to Take Away
None of this happened overnight.
There were seasons of uncertainty, fear, and stretching every resource I had. There were moments when I questioned whether I would find stability.
Side income was never about getting rich quickly. It was about survival, flexibility, and building options.
If you are in a season where you are applying everywhere and hearing nothing back, I see you.
If you are piecing together multiple small income streams to make ends meet, I have been there.
And if you are building something bigger from those small beginnings, keep going.
Resourcefulness is a skill. Confidence is built in motion. And sometimes side money is what gives you the breathing room to build your future.