Editor's Note: This article was originally published on 21 June 2021, and has since been updated on 11 July 2023. It is co-produced by Bukas and Grit PH. Grit PH is one of the fastest-growing online learning platforms in the business and finance space in the Philippines. Grit PH helps millions of Filipinos tread the real world's most daunting tasks, empowering a continuously growing community to make informed financial decisions. 

Time is one of the most precious resources every person has.

We all have it! But depending on our stages in life, we spend our time differently from one person to another. As a student, we hope you’re spending it wisely by studying hard and finishing your modules… kahit parang hindi sila nauubos. Remember that doing your homework now is a good investment for your future. Para sa’yo rin yan!

But when the school day is over and you have extra time to spare, how about finding some activities you enjoy while helping you save up some extra money? If this interests you, scroll down for some side hustle ideas you can do to get started!

Help out a fellow student

Studying hard pays off. Aside from making your mama proud and some bragging rights for your hard-earned grades, pwede mo rin gamitin ang talino mo to help others who might need a little push in their studies. Nakatulong ka na, kumita ka pa!

PS. Kung shy type ka, don’t worry. There are plenty of academic services you can offer aside from face-to-face peer tutoring, especially now with limited physical interactions.

What academic services can you offer?

• Audio and video transcription services
• Tutor services (online and face-to-face)
• Proofread academic works (e.g. thesis, research papers)

Or feed them with your mad baking skills

As they say, “the way to a man’s wallet is through his stomach.” (Revised Bukas version) Kung sa kusina ka magaling, showcase your mad skills in cooking or baking. Pwede rin barista skills if you have a knack for making delicious drinks!

Start small! Simulan mo with your favorite recipes and grow your menu from there. For sure, nakaabang ang mga family and friends mo to be your first customers. Pati kami!

What food and drink options can you offer?

• Prepare home-cooked meals
• Sell baked goods (e.g. cooking, pastries)
• Make signature drinks (e.g. coffee, fruit juice, milk tea)

Maybe it’s time to share your art with the world

The quarantine may have locked in students inside their homes, but it brought out so much creativity in them, too. Just scroll through your feed on social media. Have you been creating art yourself? Baka eto na ang time mo to showcase your talent!

No two artworks are the same. Kaya kahit marami ka pang makita online and offline, there is always room for your work to shine through. Why not give it a try?

What art products can you offer?

• Calligraphy posters
• Prints and photographs
• Handmade accessories
• Art and crafts (e.g. clay, resin)
• Commissioned paintings and digital art

Try online selling

Marami nang pwedeng gawin online para kumita. Especially with students like you who are already well-versed in using the internet. Why not tap into its potential for earning?The flexibility of starting an e-commerce business can provide a ton of practical experiences as you study and finish your degree.

One of the best parts about online selling is its convenience. Hindi mo na kailangan lumabas ng bahay. All you need is a personal computer, laptop, or cellphone, a stable internet connection, and good research skills.

Here are some quick tips on how you can begin selling online:

Build your own online store

Dito mo na magagamit ang research skills mo. Look for the items you want to sell and find the product category that best fits your items. Compared to earlier years, madali na lang mag-set up ng online store ngayon. Even students like you can open an online shop in e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada or Facebook Market Place.

Kung hindi mo alam kung paano magsimula, you can start by checking out this informative guide on how to sell online in the Philippines.

Dropshipping

This may be the best option in terms of space and capital. As a student, you may have limited resources at the moment. Wala ka pa masyadong capital at espasyong pwedeng gamitin para sa mga stock ng products mo. With this method, you will only need to post the products you want to sell from the supplier of your choice.

Once the payment is done, you will only need to submit the payment and order details to the supplier, and they will be the ones to fulfill your customer’s needs. This way, hindi mo na magiging problema kung saan mo ilalagay ang stocks mo. You will only take the orders and payment while your supplier takes care of your stocks and delivery..

Ever considered being a Content Creator?

Siguradong familiar ka na sa term na ito bilang isang student. Content creation is one of the most fast-rising jobs in the digital era. This can be in the form of blogging, vlogging, podcasting, social media posts or a combination of different formats. Ikaw ang bahala!

Ang importante lang ay alam mo kung anong content ang gusto mong ilabas. You can base your content on what you are good at. Magaling ka bang magluto? Take a video and create a step-by-step cooking guide to guide your viewers. Magaling ka bang mag-perform like singing or dancing? Post it online. I-share mo na ang iyong talent sa mundo.

Kung mahilig ka naman magsulat, you can try blogging and write about things you are passionate about. Consider sharing your life experiences as a student para maraming maka-relate sa’yong ibang estudyante. You can also write about your favorite hobby, TV show, anime, or movies. The options are endless!

You can earn from these content through platforms like Youtube, WordPress, etc. Pwede kang mag-post ng mga ads sa page mo or find a brand that will collaborate or sponsor your videos. Just remember that monetizing your content may take time. Siguraduhing humingi ka muna ng gabay sa mga magulang or guardians mo para matulungan kang i-set up ang account mo, including safety features that will protect your rights.

Own your time as a Freelancer

Dito naman ay marami kang pwede pagpiliang gawin! From data entry to ghostwriting, you have the option to choose from the tasks being offered in freelancing websites. What skills are you good at? Which topics or fields are you interested in? These are good factors to consider when choosing your freelance job.

Here are a few things you can do as a freelancer:

Data Entry

Data entry jobs involve entering or inputting data into a system or database, requiring accuracy, attention to detail, and proficiency in typing and data handling. They can be found in various industries, including healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and administrative support.

Pwede mo ito gawing full-time, part-time, or freelance work. Pwede mo rin itong gawin remotely para hindi mo na kailangan lumabas ng bahay. Just make sure you have basic computer applications, a good internet connection, and required skills for the job such as strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and efficient work ethic.

Video editing

Kung may mga kakilala kang kaibigan mo na mahilig mag-shoot ng videos, why don’t you offer a hand and volunteer as an editor? You can check out many video editing tutorials online during your free time, and build your portfolio over time. This way, you have a good starting point once you land your first official client!

Photography

Mahilig ka bang kumuha ng mga photos sa iyong cellphone? You may want to further explore photography! Kung may kamag-anak kang pwedeng mahiraman ng camera, you can practice your skills during your free time. Learn as you go! When you’re more confident with your skills, pwede kang mag-provide ng service tulad ng pagkuha ng mga I.D. photos, or family pictures ng mga kaibigan mo.

Graphic design

If you have an art for detail and creative juices, graphic design may be the perfect gig for you. Kahit na basic Photoshop or Canva skills pa lang ang alam mo, pwede ka nang mag-volunteer sa school niyo or sa mga kaibigan mong may mga paparating na events. Take a hand in designing flyers and poster designs for them. The more you practice, the more you find the style that fits you.

Translating

Kung magaling ka naman sa English, pwede kang maghanap ng mga freelancing jobs online na naghahanap ng translators. These jobs usually involve translating e-books or short essays.

Here are some of the platforms you can check out:

Upwork

Upwork is an online platform connecting freelancers with clients for various projects, including writing, graphic design, web development, and virtual assistance. It allows freelancers to create profiles, post job listings, and submit proposals.

Freelancer.ph

Freelancer.ph is a Philippines-specific online marketplace for freelancers and businesses to offer services, showcase skills, and bid on job listings across various categories, including writing, graphic design, programming, marketing, and virtual assistance.

Manila Craigslist

Manila Craiglist is an online marketplace that provides forums for job listings where you can find freelancing opportunities and other potential side hustle ideas.

Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplace where individuals can buy and sell various digital services, commonly known as "gigs." The platform offers a wide range of services across different categories, including graphic design, writing and translation, digital marketing, programming, video editing, and much more.

If all else fails, look around!

Not sure if you’re the right fit for a tutor, a cook, or a creative? Okay lang yan! You can either take the time to learn those skills or look around your house and declutter stuff that can be turned into extra money–these may be things you don’t use anymore or things you have too many of. For sure, marami riyan sa bahay niyo ang mga gamit na good for use pero nakatambay lang. Hold a garage sale or post it online!

Note: Siguraduhin mo lang na gamit mo yung ibebenta mo ha. Please lang.

What pre-loved stuff can you sell?

• Books and magazines
• Old and unworn clothes
• Extra tech gadgets and accessories

A good side hustle makes the best use of your time, skills, and talents. Alam naming marami pang pwedeng gawin, but we’ll leave that up to you to find out. Just make sure na tapos mo na ang modules mo before doing so. After all, studying is your first and foremost priority right now as a student.

Learn more about Grit PH

About Grit PH

Grit PH is one of the fastest-growing online learning platforms in the business and finance space in the Philippines. GritPH helps millions of Filipinos tread the real world's most daunting tasks, empowering a continuously growing community to make informed financial decisions. 

About the Author

MJ de Castro is the lead personal finance columnist at Grit PH. MJ started her career as a writer for her local government’s City Information Office. Later on, she became a news anchor on PTV Davao del Norte. Now, she juggles writing professionally, her business centering on women’s menstrual health, and surfing.

Learn more about Bukas and how we make education affordable for thousands of Filipino students like you. Apply for a tuition installment plan in your upcoming enrollment, and join our growing community for more tips and advice about all things student life. A brighter future awaits. Sa'yo ang Bukas!