How I Made My First $100,000 After College with Side Jobs for Graduates

Finding My Path After Graduation

When I graduated from college, I knew that exploring side jobs for graduates was essential for achieving financial success beyond the traditional 9-to-5. Determined to find side jobs for graduates that fit my personal schedule, I set out to discover opportunities that would allow me to earn money on my own terms.

A month after finishing my degree, I had a dinner with my parents where we discussed my future. I felt pretty confident because I had recently earned about $9,000 from grad shoots. It was a decent amount, and I thought it would tide me over while I figured out my next steps.

However, my parents were more focused on the conventional route—finding a stable job or applying to med school. I was determined to chart my own course, so I decided to dive into side jobs for graduates and make money without the traditional 9-to-5 job structure.

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Facing Reality

Living in LA with my ex-girlfriend and roommates, I faced the reality of new expenses like rent, food, and gas. This was a big adjustment from the college life I was used to.

Seeing my friends land well-paying jobs added to my stress. I spent days at home, feeling stuck and overwhelmed by the mounting bills. At times, I felt like a failure compared to my peers who were thriving in their new careers.

This period was challenging, but it was a turning point that pushed me to get creative with side jobs for graduates.

Exploring Gig Economy

Realizing my savings were dwindling, I had to find ways to sustain myself financially. I explored the gig economy to see what skills I could offer to others. Despite applying to various jobs, none of them worked out, so I decided to rely solely on side hustles.

One of my first steps was diving back into print modeling. I switched to a new agency, O Models LA, and started booking shoots. The pay was good, ranging from $500 to $3,000 per day, which was a significant boost to my income.

I did shoots for major brands like Verizon, Walmart, and Apple. Some jobs paid as much as $3,000 for a single day’s work. Although the pay was substantial, the job was inconsistent and involved a lot of time spent commuting and attending auditions, which made it less reliable.

Retail Arbitrage: Buying Low, Selling High

Next, I explored retail arbitrage, a strategy where you buy products at a lower price and sell them online for a profit. This method involves identifying great deals, such as finding a product for $150 and selling it for $220 on eBay.

Retail arbitrage turned out to be a lucrative side hustle. Websites like Slickdeals helped me find bargains, and I used platforms like Craigslist to source undervalued items.

The key was to choose niches I was familiar with. For example, knowing the market for specific products like shoes helped me identify profitable deals. This side hustle required some effort but proved to be a valuable source of income.

Tutoring: A Reliable Side Hustle

Tutoring became one of my most consistent side jobs. If you have knowledge in a subject, tutoring can be a steady source of income.

I started by posting an ad on Craigslist offering tutoring services in subjects like math, writing, and science. My rates were around $30 to $35 per hour. This initial effort led to gaining a roster of students, some of whom I’m still in touch with today.

Tutoring is flexible and allows you to charge higher rates for specialized subjects like SAT prep or advanced topics. Additionally, you can tutor in non-academic areas, such as music or art, depending on your expertise.

Photography and Video: Creative Ventures

By this time, I had been doing photography and video work for several years, and it became a significant side hustle. My focus was on portrait photography, especially graduation shoots, which were in high demand.

During peak seasons, I would handle up to seven or eight clients in a single day, running around UCLA campus for 12 hours straight. The work was intense but rewarding, as it generated substantial income.

In addition to graduation shoots, I did headshots for actors, student group photos, and even weddings. While the work was demanding, it was also incredibly enjoyable and provided a high-value skill that people were willing to pay for.

Starting Amazon FBA: E-Commerce Opportunity

About 18 months after graduating, I ventured into Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), which allowed me to sell private label products. This was a riskier move but also an exciting opportunity to dive into e-commerce.

I began by sourcing products from Alibaba, creating my own brand, and listing them on Amazon. This venture required upfront investment, but the returns were promising. We expanded to selling multiple products, which generated a steady, passive income stream.

The beauty of Amazon FBA was its ability to bring in income with minimal ongoing effort once the initial setup was complete. It became a reliable source of revenue and taught me valuable lessons about online business.

Building a Diverse Income Stream

Looking back, my journey involved juggling various side jobs for graduates to make ends meet and build a sustainable income. From modeling and retail arbitrage to tutoring and e-commerce, each side hustle played a role in my financial growth.

While not every venture was a success, each experience contributed to my overall skill set and entrepreneurial mindset. I learned that building a diverse income stream was crucial for financial stability and growth.

Embracing the Journey

Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud of how I navigated the post-college landscape without settling for a traditional job. Making $100,000 in my first two and a half years was an achievement, but the real value came from the skills and knowledge I gained.

If you’re a recent graduate or someone looking to explore side jobs for graduates, focus on learning and building skills rather than just chasing numbers. The experience and knowledge you acquire will pave the way for future success.

Final Thoughts

Achieving financial independence after college doesn’t have to follow a conventional path. There are countless opportunities to explore side hustles that fit your skills and interests.

Don’t be discouraged if the initial journey seems challenging. Building a successful side hustle takes time and persistence. Embrace the process, keep learning, and stay open to new opportunities. Your efforts will eventually lead to rewarding outcomes.

By sharing my story, I hope to inspire you to explore unconventional routes and find side jobs for graduates that align with your goals. Remember, it’s not just about the money but also about the growth and learning that come along the way.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you the best of luck on your side hustle journey!

FAQs:

What side jobs can I do as a student?

As a student, balancing studies with work can be challenging, but there are several side jobs that can fit into your schedule:

Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, consider tutoring other students. It’s flexible and can be quite lucrative, especially if you specialize in high-demand subjects like math or science.

Freelance Writing: If you have strong writing skills, freelance writing can be a great option. You can write articles, blog posts, or even create content for social media.
Retail or Food Service: Many students find part-time work in retail or food service. These jobs often offer flexible hours that can accommodate your class schedule.
Online Gigs: Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork offer a range of freelance opportunities, from graphic design to virtual assistance. You can work on your own schedule from anywhere.

Campus Jobs: Check if your college offers on-campus jobs, such as working in the library, student center, or as a research assistant. These jobs often understand student schedules and can be conveniently located.

How to make extra income in Nigeria?

Making extra income in Nigeria can be approached through various avenues:

Online Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer opportunities for writing, graphic design, programming, and other freelance work.

E-commerce: Selling products online through platforms like Jumia, Konga, or even social media can be profitable. Consider starting an online store or selling handmade crafts.
Tutoring: Offering tutoring services in subjects you excel in can be a lucrative side job. This can be done in person or through online platforms.
Real Estate: If you have some capital, investing in real estate or renting out property can provide a steady income stream.

Agricultural Ventures: Agriculture can be a viable option, especially with small-scale farming or poultry. This is often less capital-intensive and can be a good source of income.

What is the best paying side job?

The best paying side job depends on your skills, experience, and market demand. However, some of the highest-paying side jobs include:

Freelance Consulting: If you have expertise in a specific field, consulting can be highly lucrative. This could be in areas such as business strategy, IT, or marketing.

Software Development: Freelance coding or software development often commands high rates, especially if you have specialized skills or work on complex projects.
Graphic Design: Skilled graphic designers can earn significant income, particularly if they work on high-profile projects or with established clients.
Real Estate Investment: Buying, selling, or renting properties can yield high returns if managed well.

Online Courses and E-books: Creating and selling online courses or e-books can provide substantial passive income once the initial work is done.

What is the #1 side hustle?

The #1 side hustle can vary based on current trends and personal skills, but generally, freelancing stands out as the top choice. Freelancing encompasses a wide range of opportunities, such as:

Writing: Content creation, blogging, and copywriting offer flexible schedules and high earning potential.

Design: Graphic design, web design, and video editing are in high demand and can be highly profitable.
Consulting: Offering expertise in business, finance, or other specialized fields can be very lucrative.
Tutoring: Providing academic support or test preparation can be a reliable and well-paying side hustle.

E-commerce: Selling products online, whether through your own store or established platforms, remains a popular and effective way to earn extra income.

These side hustles provide flexibility, allowing you to work on your own terms while potentially earning a significant income.

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