As a millennial, I’m always looking for ways to earn side income to supplement my full-time job’s salary. Because, let’s face it, job security is as rare as a $2 chicken rice.
I’ve never felt secure with a single source of income. So, I’ve always tried to have multiple streams of income so that in the event that I lose my job one day, I don’t have to bang my head against the wall.
If you’re looking for side hustle ideas for a myriad of reasons, here are some ideas that I hope can be beneficial for you.
Please note that according to the prevailing law in Singapore, only locals (SC/SPR) and Long Term Pass Holders who obtain Letter of Consent from MOM can work part-time in Singapore.
Work pass holders (eg: S Pass, Employment Pass, Work Permit) are not allowed to take on additional jobs or engage in activities to earn additional income in Singapore.
Thus, this article assumes that readers are either locals or LTVP holders with approved LOC.
Before you start a part-time job, do check your employment contract to see if there’s any clause that requires you to declare your side job to your current employer. If there is, then you need to seek their approval for working on side hustles.
1. F&B Service Crew
This is probably one of the easiest jobs to find in Singapore. It requires no prior knowledge and experience. You don’t even need to invest in any equipment. In other words, it has the lowest barriers to entry.
Given the massive amount of eateries in Singapore, finding a job as a part-time F&B crew is quite easy. The challenge lies in finding the job that pays enough for you.
If you like working in the environment with plenty of interaction and you hate working alone, this might be a good job for you.
The scope of this job usually entails taking customer’s orders, serving food and drinks, being a cashier, and crowd management. In fast food restaurants, the scope include preparing the food. But in sit-in restaurants, the kitchen has a different team of people possess cooking skills.
How much you can earn: $5 to $15 per hour
Where to find jobs: Online job portals, newspaper, in-store leaflets
Skills/licenses required: N.A.
Equipment required: N.A.
Who’s eligible: Locals (SC/SPR) and Long Term Pass Holders approved for working
2. Food Delivery
Food delivery jobs have slightly higher barrier to entry compared to F&B crew because delivery riders are required to have their own bicycle or motorcycle.
However, due to the attractive incentives and high demand for food delivery, it is possible to earn a sizable income. Assuming that you work full day (8 hours) every Saturday and Sunday, you can earn somewhere between $600 to $1400 a month.
Food delivery jobs are quite flexible; there are no minimum working hours to meet, but you’ll most likely work long hours if you’re keen to get as much incentive as you can. The downside of this job is the weather and traffic, which can impact how many orders you can fulfill a day and thus impact your earning.
How much you can earn: $5 to $12 per delivery
Where to find jobs: Website of the food delivery companies (eg: GrabFood, Foodpanda, Deliveroo)
Skills/licenses required: Motorcycle license (for motorcyclists)
Equipment required: Bicycle or motorcycle, delivery gears
Who’s eligible: Locals (SC/SPR) only
3. Private Hire Driver
In my opinion being a part-time private hire driver only makes sense financially if you have already owned a car, or if you’re planning to get a car because you need it for your day job or for your family.
There’s so much investment you need to make to kickstart your journey to becoming a private hire driver. First, you need to own or rent a car (if you haven’t already). Then, you need to convert the car to a commercial car, purchase commercial insurance, apply for PDVL/TDVL, and attend courses.
There’s no requirement of how many minimum hours you have to drive each week. If you do work, you get paid, that’s it.
If you have love a job that you can do by sitting in your own car, and you don’t have much family commitment in the evening and on the weekends, this could be a great option for you.
If you have a car but don’t want to go through all the hassles of converting a personal car to a commercial car, then consider doing GrabHitch instead of the usual GrabCar/GoCar. GrabHitch drivers can only do 2 trips a day, though. I’d say it’s a low effort, low maintenance and low rewards option.
How much you can earn: depends on the distance covered and incentives
Where to find jobs: Website of the private hire driver companies (eg: Grab, Gojek)
Skills/licenses required: Driving license, PDVL / TDVL
Equipment required: self-owned car or rented car
Who’s eligible: Singaporeans; PR (employed under limousine company)
4. Private Tuition
Tuition in Singapore is a huge industry. The hourly wage is pretty decent that some freelance tutors can earn more income from giving tuition than working a corporate job.
Primary school tutors earn about $15-$20 per hour, while JC tutors can earn about $40-$60 per hour. Of course the rate is subject to negotiation as well as tutor’s experience and credentials.
This job is perfect for those who are good academically, familiar with Singapore’s syllabus and have the skills to convey knowledge effectively.
How much you can earn: $15 to $60 per hour (more if you are a star tutor)
Where to find jobs: Online job portals, website of tuition agencies, advertise yourself on carousell/social medias, words of mouth.
Skills/licenses required: knowledge about the lesson you’re going to teach
Equipment required: N.A.
Who’s eligible: Locals (SC/SPR) who are familiar with the education in Singapore
5. Freelance Photographer or Cinematographer
If you have a camera/drone and you know how to produce stunning photos or videos, the best way to monetize your passion is by becoming a freelance photographer or cinematographer.
There are plenty of demand for this service in various industries. For example: wedding (pre-wedding and actual day), birthday, graduation, products (manufacturer, retailers), interior design, fashion (for retailers’ pamphlets or websites), tourism (photo-shoot session for tourists, photos/footage for tourist attractions), food (photos for restaurants’ menu and interior), or even online startups whose business model require video production.
How much you can earn: Depends on the industry rate and your popularity
Where to find jobs: Online job portals, advertise yourself on carousell/social medias, words of mouth
Skills/licenses required: Decent photo/video taking and editing skills
Equipment required: camera or drone, lighting, editing software
Who’s eligible: Locals (SC/SPR) and Long Term Pass Holders approved for working
Featured image credit: Christiann Koepke on Unsplash
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