Life in Singapore is not cheap. One kopi already $2-plus, electricity bill like playing surprise box, and somehow everything keeps going up except your salary. So if you’re asking, “Eh, need extra income or not?” — the answer is usually yes, lah.
Honestly, making extra money from home is no longer some fancy dream. It’s very doable. But here’s the thing: not every “side hustle” is worth your time, your sanity, or your weekend naps. So let’s break this down properly, minus the nonsense.
| Side Hustle | Time Needed | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| Sell Old Items | Low | One-time cash only |
| Online Store | Medium–High | Needs patience and marketing |
| Rent Out Room | Low | Privacy trade-off |
| Social Media Creator | High | Slow growth at start |
| Freelance Writing | Medium | Consistency matters |
| YouTube Channel | High | Not instant money |
| Online Surveys | Very Low | Coffee money only |
| Transcription Work | Medium | Boring but legit |
| Online Teaching | Medium | Scales well |
| Proofreading | Medium | Quiet and steady |
| Handmade Products | Medium | Don’t underprice |
| Remote HR/Admin | Medium | Competitive |
| App / Web Development | High | Skills pay well |
| Project Management | Medium | Stress comes free |
| Gaming Income | High | Discipline required |
| Video & Image Editing | Medium | Strong demand |
| Online Course | High (setup) | Long-term income |
Start an Online Store (But Don’t Be Delulu)
Actually, running an online shop sounds sexy. Own brand. Own boss. Pajamas all day. But here’s the truth: selling online is not just “post and pray.”
You need a product people actually want. You need decent photos. You need patience for customers who ask 17 questions and still don’t buy.
That said, if you have a niche — skincare, snacks, crafts, pet stuff — this can be solid extra income. Start small. Test demand. Don’t dump your life savings on inventory. Please.
Sell Your Old Stuff (Yes, Even That One)
Moving on. Before you start chasing new income, look at what you already have.
Old clothes. Books. Furniture. Gadgets you swore you’d use but never did. Someone out there wants it, confirm-plus-guarantee.
It’s fast cash. No long-term commitment. Plus, your house becomes less cluttered. Win-win.
Rent Out a Room (If You Can Tahan)
Got extra space? Renting out a room can bring in steady money every month.
But here’s the thing. You’re also sharing your space. Your fridge. Your Wi-Fi. Your peace.
If you’re okay with that, it’s decent income. If you’re super particular about your home, maybe think twice. Money is nice, but sanity is nicer.
Social Media Isn’t Just for Scrolling
Honestly, social media is one of the biggest money-makers now. But not everyone needs to be an influencer dancing on camera.
Pick a niche. Food. Parenting. Finance. Faith. Fitness. Something you actually care about. Build trust. Build audience.
Brands pay for eyeballs. More trust equals more money. Simple math.
Photography: Talent + Patience Required
If you love taking photos, you can sell them online.
But don’t expect overnight riches. This is volume game. You upload a lot, earn small amounts per photo, and slowly it adds up.
Good for creatives who already enjoy the process. Bad for people who want fast money.
Event Planning (Weekends Gone, Wallet Happy)
Organising birthdays, weddings, or company events pays well. But say goodbye to your weekends.
You’ll deal with stressed clients, last-minute changes, and people who suddenly remember something at 11pm.
If you’re organised and calm under pressure, this can be very profitable.
Writing: Yes, Words Can Pay Bills
If you can write clearly, congratulations — that skill is underrated and valuable.
Blogging, freelance articles, guides, content writing. Businesses need words. People need answers.
Ads, freelance fees, sponsored content — it all adds up. But you need consistency. One article won’t change your life.
YouTube: Fame Is Optional, Effort Is Not
Being a YouTuber looks fun. And it can pay very well.
But here’s the truth bomb. Most channels take months or years to grow. You need ideas, editing skills, and thick skin.
If you enjoy talking, teaching, or entertaining, go for it. If you hate cameras, don’t force yourself.
Online Surveys: Easy, But Don’t Dream Big
Yes, surveys pay. Yes, it’s easy. No, it won’t replace your salary.
Think kopi money, not condo money. Good for spare time. Bad as a main plan.
Transcription Work: Boring But Pays
Transcribing audio is not exciting. But it’s real work with real pay.
If you type fast and don’t mind listening to recordings, this is legit extra income. Great for night owls.
Teach What You Know (Someone Needs It)
Actually, you don’t need to be a professor to teach online.
Good at Excel? Cooking? Language? Music? There’s always someone who wants to learn.
Teaching online scales well. One lesson can earn repeatedly. That’s powerful.
Proofreading & Editing: Quiet Money
If your English is solid, editing is a hidden gem.
Students, writers, businesses — all need clean writing. No spotlight. No drama. Just focused work and decent pay.
Sell Handmade or Sewn Items
If sewing or crafting is your thing, sell it.
Handmade items still have strong demand because people love “unique.” Just price properly. Don’t undersell yourself.
Remote HR & Admin Work
Some companies don’t want full-time staff. They want flexible help.
If you’re good with people, processes, and paperwork, this is steady, professional side income.
Travel Planning (Only If You Really Know Your Stuff)
If you love travel and actually know routes, visas, budgets, and hacks, this can work.
But don’t just sell dreams. People expect real value. Mess up once, and trust gone.
App Development & Tech Skills
People have ideas. They lack skills.
If you can build apps, websites, or systems, your skills are in demand. High effort, high reward.
Project Management From Home
Companies pay project managers to keep things on track.
If you’re organised and good with people, this is legit remote work with proper pay.
Gaming: Risky But Real
Yes, gaming can make money. Guides, virtual items, tournaments.
But addiction is real. Discipline is key. If you can’t control playtime, this is not for you.
Freelance Journalism & Media Work
If you can research, write, and meet deadlines, some companies pay freelancers per article.
It’s competitive. But good writers always find work.
Video & Image Editing
Editing skills are gold right now.
Brands need videos. Creators need editors. If you’re good, you won’t be jobless.
Create an Online Course
If you have deep knowledge in something, package it into a course.
One-time effort. Long-term income. That’s the dream, honestly.
Between You & Me
Let me be blunt. Most people don’t fail because of lack of opportunities. They fail because they jump around too much.
One month do this. Next month try that. Zero focus. Zero results.
Pick one thing. Commit for six months. Learn properly. Improve weekly. That’s how extra income becomes real income.
Side hustles are not magic. They are work. But done right, they buy freedom. And that’s worth the effort, lah.
