Side hustles - what ACTUALLY works
- blogthebrokestuden
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Top 5 Side Hustles for Students in Singapore
As a student, juggling studies and finances can be tough, so many of us turn to 'side hustles'. However, despite all the hype online, some are more realistic than others (but of course different people have different preferences/strengths)
Here are some side hustles that actually worked for me...
1. Tutoring
if you're good at acads, tutoring is one of the most lucrative side hustles (pay per hour). you have the autonomy to choose what tutee you want to take up, negotiate the rates and timings, etc. ofc do brush up on content beforehand, especially if you haven't touched the subject in a while.
TIP: It's alot better to focus on a specific subject and level (e.g Sec 3 Math) so you can reuse resources and don't need to prepare multiple times for lessons! (this is usually the most time-consuming part :/ )
Parents are willing to pay good money for quality tutors, so don't shortchange yourself. Don't be afraid to negotiate for higher rates if you have decent experience or believe you are worth more.
NOTE: The standard commission structure for such tuition agencies is the first 2 weeks, so do keep that in mind when deciding your rates.
Below are some tele channels I use to find my tutees. You can also source for tutees on dedicated apps such as Mindflex, Scholarly and Smiletutor.
2. Quest App
You may have heard about this app before, but if you haven't, Quest is an app where users post tasks they need help with (literally anything), from delivering items to assembling furniture, and others bid to complete them for payment. It’s a flexible gig where you can earn anywhere from $1 to a few hundred $$$ per task depending on the complexity. If you have a skill like graphic design, writing, or even basic handyman skills, you can leverage Quest to earn extra income on your schedule. No joke, I've even seen quests for finding someone to go on a walk with, collecting items from JB, and buying Macs :0
Also, if you ever feel short on time or lack the expertise to carry out certain tasks, you can always post on Quest and find a suitable person to help you out. The transaction process is really smooth and the money gets credited almost instantly, it's REALLY quick.
3. Part-Time F&B and Ad Hoc Jobs
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty (literally), part-time jobs in F&B or events (banquet, wedding, etc) can be a great way to make some quick cash.
Many restaurants and cafes offer hourly wages between $12 to $15 per hour, and ad-hoc event jobs can pay even more, especially during peak seasons like CNY, Christmas or any PH.
Apps to check out:
Staffie (my personal favourite) It's really user-friendly and easy to book. Sometimes, you can even book slots on the day itself. Just show up in the specified attire and say you're from Staffie, don't need to be anxious or anyt. If you constantly keep a look out, there can be some roles that pay REALLY well, I'm talking like $28/h for serving food (fr)
Fastjobs. I don't really like the interface but it got me my first part time job when I was 16 years old so I guess it works!
YY Circle. Similar to Fastjobs. It is more for contract part-time gigs, so if you're looking for more ad-hoc stints then Staffie and the tele channels below might be the way to go.
4. Internships
Most internships in Singapore pay between $600 to $1,500 per month, depending on the industry. Look for internships that align with your future career goals so you can build your resume while earning money. of course, it's not as easy as it seems, especially rn when the job market is SO bad, but you still have to try right?
Check out InternSG, Glints, LinkedIn, your school portals and even try cold emailing for opportunities.
5. Paid Surveys
Paid surveys won’t make you rich, but they are an easy way to earn pocket money.
Sites like Milieu and YouGov pay you in cash or vouchers for sharing your opinions.
I've earned about $40 from Milieu and $50 from YouGov in a few months last year, so it's something ig...
TIP: Pay (moderate) attention to the questions they ask. There are often 1-2 attention check questions in each survey that test whether you are blindly responding, in which case the points will not be credited to your account.
