Whenever the value of the Zimbabwean currency tumbles off a cliff (as it is known to do now and then), people’s salaries follow right behind it. This has resulted in a situation where employment now comes with the same kinds of insecurities and uncertainties that plague the unemployed. This means that now even people with regular jobs can benefit from having one or more extra streams of income. Compiled here is a list of some of how one can earn money on the side while also keeping his or her day job.

Tutoring school children

Zimbabweans value education and every year there are usually dozens of students living near you who will be writing public exams towards the end of the year. The demand for tutorials or extra-lessons, as they are often called, only subsides after the exam period is over. If you can teach and can manage to set aside the time, this is one of the most straight forward ways in which you can earn extra money if you still know your way around school books.

Online tutoring

The internet and communication tools built on tops of it such as Skype, Zoom and Google Meet breaks down geographic barriers and allow one to offer tutorship on any subject, even to people who are halfway across the world. You can either offer one-on-one tutorship or teach several participants at once through virtual seminars. Access to students in different time zones to your own also provides more flexibility for someone who already has a fulltime job.

T-shirt printing

A t-shirt printing business can also be run on the side. If you don’t know how to yet, you can teach yourself silk-screen printing to customise t-shirts. Printed t-shirts are usually in high demand by organisations such as churches and for events. You can also take advantage of having a day job to spread awareness about your business.

Web development

Nowadays companies of all sizes and even individuals recognize the importance of having a web presence. This has resulted in an increased demand for web development services. Fortunately, nowadays web development does not require any coding skills through a keen eye for detail will serve you well. You can start practising on how to use WordPress and other tools to build professional looking websites.

Car flipping

If you know your way around cars and also happen to be a great negotiator, you can make it your business to buy and resell second-hand ones at a profit. If you ever have any significant amount of extra money, you can keep an eye out for good quality used vehicles.

Consulting

If you possess a professional qualification you can offer consultation services on the side. Nowadays you can find people who are willing to pay for professional advice even if that advice is delivered over Whatsapp or social media. If your clients are happy with your services, your side hustle can grow significantly through just referrals.

CV and resume writing services

In Zimbabwe, applying for a job has high enough stakes for some people that they would rather have a professional write their CVs and cover letters for them. If you know how to draft a compelling application or (even better) have a human resources background, you can market your CV and resume writing services to others and earn extra money from it.

MLM sales

Multilevel marketing companies are often accused of being pyramid schemes (and many usually are) but some can provide a steady source of extra income if you know how to sell. If you are worried of getting sucked into a sleazy operation you can try, as a rule of thumb, to stick only to those which sell products which can be found at a conventional retailer e.g. Avon.

Online forex trading

If you can figure it out, online forex trading can be a great source of extra income. You must, however, note that it is not as easy as some of its proponents would make it out to be. Never try your luck in online forex trading using money that you cannot afford to lose.

Blogging

Do you think you have some knowledge, views or opinions which someone would want to read? If so, you can put together a blog and start writing. If you already have a sizeable social media following, that is even better as you can use it to promote your site. You can use online advertising programs like Google Adsense to monetize your work.

Creating an online course

Platforms like Udemy allow people who have skills or expertise in any area to create online courses. If you feel like you know which someone would be willing to pay for you can package it as a course and sell it through an online learning platform. These platforms will give you access to learners from all over the world.