I have a salary job that usually lets me come home around lunch, but I’m also on call a lot. This makes my schedule pretty unpredictable.
I really need to boost my income but I’m having a hard time finding something that fits with my schedule.
Ideally, I’m looking for part-time work I can do from home at my own pace.
I haven’t found any crafts or projects on Etsy that I would enjoy, can start cheaply, and would actually make money.
I’m open to suggestions
How quickly do you need to respond when you’re on call?
I think doing simple tasks around your neighborhood can be really effective. People often overlook things like snow removal, mowing lawns, and basic handyman tasks, but these can be great side hustles. If you do a good job, people will call you again and refer you to others. I do some of these things during my free time as I have a flexible work schedule and it works well for me.
@neck
I need to be at work within an hour if called. It’s a 30-minute drive, so I basically change clothes and go.
I’m living in an apartment, so there aren’t many neighborhood tasks to take on and the management handles everything. I’ve even asked them if they need help with anything, but they don’t right now 
@Cameron
Got it, so you need something that doesn’t require a lot of commitment and can be done quickly. Do you get called out often?
neck said:
@Cameron
Got it, so you need something that doesn’t require a lot of commitment and can be done quickly. Do you get called out often?
Not really. It’s pretty random. On average, I get called about once a week when I’m on call. It could be more or less.
@Cameron
I understand. That does limit your options a bit. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and you seem driven enough to find something that works for you. Keep an eye out for any local problems that need solving. Good luck!
Hi there! Can I ask a couple of practical questions? What do you do that involves being on call, and is there any way to have more control over your schedule?
Also, what skills or hobbies do you enjoy in your free time? I’ve found that working on interests helps uncover opportunities. Sounds like a tricky schedule you have, maybe something in healthcare?
@Dean
Sure! I’m a helicopter mechanic for a medical flight company. There are only two of us at the base, so we take turns being on call every other week. Unfortunately, the schedule is hard to predict.
I enjoy tinkering. In high school, I used to rebuild carburetors for extra cash, but I can’t do that in my apartment because of space and materials.
I also love cast iron cookware and restoring it, but that market seems small and selling is tough.
So basically, I’m looking for small indoor projects I can start.
@Cameron
That sounds awesome! Funny enough, my dad was a helicopter mechanic too. I never followed that path myself, mainly because of the tough schedules.
One thing that stands out is that you’re in a specialized job. It shows you have a lot of skills and knowledge. Have you thought about starting a YouTube or TikTok channel where you share about your work, like how-tos? Sure, there might be some restrictions because of your job, but people love learning unique things like helicopters. I watch a lot of car how-to videos on YouTube and many creators do really well.
Or what if you made ASMR videos about restoring cast iron? There’s a YouTuber who makes beautiful woodworking videos that I find so relaxing.
These ideas may take time to build, but leveraging the skills and time you already have could lead to something good.
Lastly, a friend of mine who’s a generator mechanic started buying rental properties about ten years ago. He began small and partnered with someone who manages the face-to-face tasks while he handles the financial side. It all depends on your financial situation, of course.
Just some food for thought. What you want is definitely achievable, even with your schedule
What days do you usually work? Do you get weekends off?
Rex said:
What days do you usually work? Do you get weekends off?
Monday to Friday. I have weekends off, but I’m on call every other weekend.
Rex said:
What days do you usually work? Do you get weekends off?
Monday to Friday. I have weekends off, but I’m on call every other weekend.
You could try driving for Uber, look for a per diem job at a local hospital for a security position or a patient sitter, find a per diem job at a kids’ group home, do DoorDash, work as a server, detail cars, tutor kids, or even walk dogs