If the economy crashes, it can be a scary time for many of us. We may worry about our jobs and how we’ll make ends meet. But don’t despair! There are side hustles you can start that will help bring in some extra money during tough times. In this article, I’m going to show you several side hustles you can get started with right away so you can feel more secure financially, even when things look bleakest.
Don’t let economic downturns keep you down; use them as an opportunity to find new streams of income and better position yourself moving forward. You never know what doors could open up if you take the initiative now to create multiple sources of income. Even if your main job is shaky, having other means of making money gives you a sense of security and control over your own destiny.
So why wait? Let’s dive into some great side hustle ideas that won’t break the bank but still provide much-needed financial support when the chips are down – read on to learn more!

Understanding Recession
We’ve all heard of recession, but what is it really? A recession is an economic downturn that can last for several months to years. It’s marked by a decrease in spending, job losses, and lower overall GDP growth. When the economy crashes, it can have devastating effects on people’s lives. You may find yourself suddenly without work or unable to pay your bills.
But there are ways to weather this storm and even come out ahead! One way is to start a side hustle during the recession. Side hustles provide extra income when times get tough and help you stay afloat until the economy recovers. There are many different types of side hustles available depending on your skill set and preferences. From freelance writing to pet sitting to virtual tutoring – there’s something for everyone!
The most important thing is to keep looking forward. Though things may seem bleak right now, there are always opportunities out there if you look hard enough. With some creative thinking and dedication, you can turn an uncertain time into a chance at financial success!
Identifying Opportunities
Times of economic recession can indeed cause some to panic. But if you take the time to identify opportunities, they may even lead to side hustle! With opportunity spotting and recognition being key drivers, here are three tips on how you can do this:
- Look within your existing network – Who do you know? Looking through your contacts list is an excellent place to start. Your friends or family could have resources or skill sets that you don’t possess, which could help increase your chances of success in starting something new. You never know who might have connections with potential partners or investors.
- Research local and online markets – Get familiar with what’s already happening in your area and beyond; see what needs aren’t being met and figure out ways you can fill them by providing unique services or products. The internet makes it easier than ever to access information about different market trends, so use it as a helpful tool when researching potential projects and ideas. Additionally, look into local organizations such as incubators where entrepreneurs gather regularly to share stories and experiences – these types of events provide great networking opportunities too!
- Listen to user feedback – Once you’ve identified an idea worth pursuing, test it out with real people! Gather insights from those around you (both digitally and physically) who would benefit from the product/service they’re trying before investing more resources into developing it further. This will allow you to understand their needs better while also giving invaluable feedback on whether there is actually demand for what it is that you’re offering.
These steps should get you started on the path toward finding profitable opportunities during recessions – but remember, not all ideas will necessarily turn into successful businesses overnight! So keep at it until something finally clicks…you just need one good one after all!
Freelance Work
Freelance work is a great way to make money during an economic downturn. More and more companies are turning to the gig economy, which means they’re relying on temporary workers who have specialized skills. This could be anything from writing and editing, web design and development, market research, or customer service. With this kind of work, you can often set your own hours, so it’s perfect for those with busy lives. Plus, there are lots of platforms that help connect freelancers with employers all over the world.
One thing to keep in mind when looking into freelance work is that rates vary greatly depending on where you live. In some areas, people get paid very little while in others they can charge quite high prices for their services. You should also factor in how much time you need to spend completing tasks as well as any associated costs such as equipment or software. Finally, don’t forget about taxes – many countries require freelancers to pay income tax on their earnings.
So if you’re looking for a side hustle that fits around your lifestyle and provides financial security even during tough times like these, then consider taking up freelance work!

Consulting Services
As the economy crashes, one great way to make money is by starting a consulting business. Consulting services are in high demand and can provide excellent opportunities for anyone looking to earn extra income on the side. With some research and planning, you can launch your own successful consulting service or even specialize in a certain area of expertise.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Flexible Work Hours | High-Risk Investment |
Low Overhead Costs | Client Acquisition Can Be Difficult |
Variety Of Services To Offer | Limited Growth Potential |
The advantages of having a consulting business include flexible work hours, low overhead costs, and a variety of services to offer. Additionally, since this type of job requires little upfront investment or equipment, it’s an ideal choice for those who don’t have much capital but still want to start their own business. The downside is that client acquisition can be difficult, and there may be limited potential for growth within your chosen field. It’s important to do your research beforehand, so you understand what kind of clients you will need and how best to reach them.
If you decide to become a consultant, it’s essential that you build up your brand identity as quickly as possible. This means developing a website with all relevant information about yourself and the services you provide, making sure any reviews from past customers are prominently displayed, creating content related to your industry (such as blog posts), networking with other professionals in similar industries, and leveraging social media channels like LinkedIn or Twitter. All these things will help ensure prospective clients find out about you more easily and trust in your abilities as a consultant.
Online Businesses
When the economy takes a downturn, finding ways to make extra money can be hard. But there are still plenty of online businesses you can start and manage from home. From selling handmade crafts on Etsy to starting an eCommerce store, the internet offers endless possibilities for entrepreneurs.
Using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce makes setting up your own online business relatively simple. You’ll need some basic technical know-how, but most of these services have great tutorials that will guide you through the process. With no overhead costs, you need to invest time into marketing yourself and promoting your products or services.
You may also consider offering virtual services such as web design, copywriting, bookkeeping, or consulting services. This type of side hustle is perfect if you already have experience in a certain area and want to leverage it without having to work long hours outside your primary job. All you need is an internet connection and a laptop – plus some creativity when it comes to marketing yourself! And with so many people looking for remote solutions during this time, now is definitely the right moment to try out any ideas you had in mind.
Selling Crafts And Collectibles
When the economy takes a downturn, one of the best ways to make money on the side is by selling crafts and collectibles. Crafting can be an enjoyable hobby that doubles as a source of income when times are tough. With some creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, you can create items with your own hands, bringing in extra cash.
Here’s what you need to know about generating revenue through crafting:
- Start small: Before investing too much time or money into this venture, start off simply by making just a few products. This allows for testing out different types of products to see which ones are most popular with customers.
- Get creative: When it comes to craft-making, there’s no limit to how creative you can get! Whether it’s jewelry, home decor, clothing accessories, or anything else – think outside of the box and come up with unique ideas that set your product apart from competitors.
- Market yourself: You don’t have to spend huge amounts of money on marketing materials; use social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter to promote your work and reach potential buyers online. Additionally, look into local community events where you could potentially showcase your creations.
Once you’ve got these basics down pat, all that’s left is to sit back and watch your business grow! Selling crafts and collectibles may not seem like much at first glance, but with dedication and hard work, it can prove to be an incredibly rewarding experience, both financially and emotionally.

Flipping Items From Flea Markets And Garage Sales
Now, let’s move on to another side hustle that can be started in a downturned economy: flipping items from flea markets and garage sales. This type of business is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to make extra cash without making too much of an upfront investment.
The goal with this kind of venture is simple: buy low and sell high. Finding great deals at local flea markets or garage sales allows you to resell them online for higher prices and reap the rewards. Here are some tips to help get you started:
Tip | Description | Benefit |
---|---|---|
Research Prices | Look up what similar items are being sold online before buying anything. | You’ll know if something is worth purchasing based on how much it could potentially earn you when resold. |
Ask Questions | Talk to sellers about their products, such as age/condition, for more information when listing your item online later. | Buyers appreciate knowing these details and will be more likely to purchase from you over someone else if they’re provided. |
Take Photos & Measurements | Be sure to take pictures of the product and its measurements so potential buyers can easily imagine what it would look like in their home or collection. | Having accurate photos and measurements makes it easier for buyers to compare your product with others they find elsewhere, increasing the chances that yours is chosen first! |
By investing time into researching prices, asking questions, taking photos, and measuring products, you increase your chances of successfully flipping items from flea markets and garage sales. Plus, by staying mindful of current trends, spotting quality goods, and offering competitive prices compared to other online sellers, the profits can add up! With dedication and good luck on your side – there’s no limit to the amount of money you can potentially make through this exciting side hustle.
Renting Out Your Assets
The economy may crash, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer the financial consequences. You can still make money by renting out your assets! It’s a great way to generate income and help others in need at the same time.
First of all, you’ll want to figure out what kind of assets you can rent out. Assets could include anything from tools and equipment for home projects or outdoor activities like camping gear, sports equipment, etc., to vehicles such as cars or boats. Once you know what type of asset you’re willing to rent, it’s time to start advertising it online. Posting on social media sites is an effective way to spread the word and get people interested in your offering. Plus, there are lots of online platforms specifically designed for asset renting where potential customers can find exactly what they’re looking for.
Another thing you should consider when renting out your assets is how much money you will charge per rental period and any additional fees associated with it. Setting reasonable prices will ensure that both parties benefit from this arrangement and that everyone walks away happy with their experience. Just remember to always be upfront about pricing, so there aren’t any surprises down the road.
If done correctly, using your personal resources can be a great way to earn some extra cash while helping other folks who might not otherwise have access to certain items they need – all without breaking the bank!

Working As A Virtual Assistant
Working as a virtual assistant is an ideal way to make money during economic downturns. It’s flexible, and you can work from anywhere with just a laptop and an internet connection. Plus, it has the potential to become a full-time job once the economy bounces back.
Being a virtual assistant means offering your services online for tasks such as data entry, customer service, research, or administrative support. You don’t need any special qualifications; all you need is great communication skills, dedication, and attention to detail. There are plenty of platforms that offer virtual support opportunities, so take some time to explore them before deciding which one works best for you.
If you’re looking to make extra cash while also building valuable professional experience in this field, then becoming a virtual assistant could be perfect for you! With the right approach and determination, there’s no telling how far this side hustle might take you – both now and in the future.
Tutoring Or Teaching Online
Moving on from virtual assistant work, another great way to start a side hustle when the economy crashes is tutoring or teaching online. There are so many opportunities available for those who have knowledge in certain subjects and can impart it to others. Whether you’re an expert mathematician, language enthusiast, or science whiz, there’s sure to be someone out there looking for your help!
Here are some of the benefits of tutoring or teaching online:
- Flexibility – You can choose your own hours and schedule around other commitments.
- Variety – You can tutor multiple students on different topics at once.
- Convenience – Tutoring can take place anywhere with an internet connection.
- Financial rewards – Teaching pays especially well if you continually seek new students and build up a solid reputation as a tutor.
The options for how to teach online are plentiful, too; you could offer one-on-one sessions, group classes, create video tutorials or write eBooks about your subject matter. Whichever route you decide to go down, make sure that you set yourself apart from the competition by building credibility and providing value wherever possible. This will ensure potential customers gain trust in your services and increase the chances of booking lessons with you over someone else.
There are lots of platforms where you can advertise your tutoring services, such as LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Skillshare, and Wyzant, among others which makes it effortless to find clients quickly – remember to include relevant keywords like ‘tutoring’ or ‘teaching online’ so people know what service they’re getting when they click through on your profile page! From here, all that’s left is marketing yourself effectively via social media and word-of-mouth referrals until the business starts rolling in consistently enough for this side hustle to become sustainable long-term during tough economic times.

Investing In Real Estate
Investing in Real Estate can be a great way to make money when the economy crashes. With properties being cheaper and businesses slowing down, there are plenty of opportunities for investors to get into real estate at a low cost and reap the rewards later on.
The first step is understanding the basics of investing in real estate. When it comes to buying property, you need to know where to look and what kind of deals will provide the most return on your investment. There are many different types of investments that can be made with real estate, such as flipping houses or renting out residential or commercial spaces. It’s important to research each one thoroughly before making any decisions.
Benefits | Drawbacks |
---|---|
Steady Cash Flow | High Upfront Costs |
Long-term Appreciation | Market Volatility |
Tax Advantages & Deductions | Property Maintenance & Management Fees |
As an investor, you should also consider the pros and cons associated with investing in real estate. On the one hand, there are steady cash flows from rental income, long-term appreciation potential, tax advantages, and deductions available for owning property.
On the other hand, there may be high upfront costs associated with purchasing a property which could offset some profits; plus, market volatility due to economic conditions can lead prices up or down quickly over time. Also, don’t forget about maintenance fees and management costs if you rent out your space instead of selling it immediately!
Investing in real estate during an economic downturn offers both risks and rewards but can be incredibly lucrative if done correctly with good due diligence and proper knowledge of the current market trends. If you’re looking for ways to increase your wealth while providing yourself with another source of income – this option might just be worth exploring further!
Becoming A Professional Pet Sitter
Becoming a professional pet sitter is an exciting side hustle to start when the economy crashes. It’s also a great way to make some extra money while developing relationships with pets and their owners. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Create your own website – This will help you stand out from other pet sitters in the area, as well as attract potential clients who may not know about you otherwise. Plus, having a website gives people a chance to learn more about you and what services you offer before they even contact you!
- Get certified – There are several certifications that can be obtained through online courses or from local organizations. Being certified will show potential customers that you’re serious about providing quality services.
- Be proactive – Don’t wait for people to come to you; go out there and spread the word! Reach out to friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers… whoever might be interested in hiring a pet sitter. You never know where your next client could come from!
These helpful tips should get you off on the right foot toward becoming a successful professional pet sitter. With hard work and dedication, this side hustle has the potential to become much more than just something to do during tough economic times!

Starting A Delivery Service Business
Starting a delivery service business is an excellent way to make some extra money in difficult economic times. Not only can you help people get their groceries and other essentials, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and expand your network. You don’t need much to get started – just a reliable vehicle, a smartphone with GPS navigation, and the willingness to put in the effort.
Once you have all of the necessary equipment, you can start looking for customers who need something delivered. This could be anything from food orders to packages or documents. Reach out using online marketplaces like Craigslist or TaskRabbit, let friends and family know what you’re doing, and post flyers around town- whatever it takes! It’s important to set up a payment system so that clients can easily pay for your services before or after delivery.
If this side hustle works well for you, consider expanding by creating a website or app where customers can book deliveries quickly and securely. With careful planning, hard work, and dedication, it might even turn into a full-time job down the line!
Crafting Content For Others
Now, let’s talk about crafting content for others. Content creation is a great way to generate income if the economy takes a downturn. Writing articles, blog posts, and website copy can help you make money from home with minimal start-up costs. Plus, it’s something that anyone can do – all you need is a laptop and some basic writing skills!
Content writing can be lucrative as well as enjoyable. You have the freedom to choose your own topics and write in whatever style suits you best. This allows you to express yourself creatively while getting paid for it at the same time! Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities available online so finding work shouldn’t be too difficult regardless of how bad the economic situation gets.
What’s more, most clients offer ongoing contracts which means that once they hire you, they typically won’t fire you unless your work isn’t up to standard or their requirements change over time. So if the country goes into recession, this could actually provide job security since many people will lose their jobs during an economic crash. That said, learning how to craft content that sells is essential in order to get hired by paying clients and keep them coming back for more!

Creating An App-Based Service
The economy can be unpredictable, and it’s important to have a plan for when downturns occur. One way to start preparing is by creating an app-based service that you can offer during those times of financial uncertainty. With the right idea and knowledge of how to develop an app, you could find yourself with a successful side hustle in no time!
When looking into developing your own app, there are several steps involved – from coming up with a concept, designing it, coding its functionality, and debugging any issues along the way. It may seem daunting at first, but these days there are plenty of resources available online that can help guide you through the process. If writing code isn’t your thing, then you could always hire someone else to do it for you or use ready-made templates instead.
Having an app on the market has enormous potential benefits; if done well enough, it could become quite profitable and even turn into a full-time career option! Plus, apps don’t require much maintenance once they’ve been launched – so this route offers great flexibility as well as stability during difficult economic times. So why not take advantage of our current technology and try out creating an app-based service? You never know what success awaits!
Final Thoughts
The economic downturn can be a scary prospect, but it doesn’t have to stop you from achieving financial success. With the right side hustles, you can make money even when the economy is down. You don’t need extensive experience or knowledge; all it takes is some creativity and determination.
We’ve gone over eight different side hustles that you can begin during an economic recession. Whether it’s freelance work, creating content for others, or starting your own business, there are plenty of opportunities out there for those who are willing to put in the effort. The most important thing to remember is that no matter how bad things get, there’s always something you can do to move forward financially.
So keep these ideas in mind as we navigate through this difficult time together. And if nothing else works out, just remember: where there’s a will, there’s a way! No matter what happens with the economy in the future, I’m confident that you’ll find success with any one of these creative side hustles. Good luck!