Calgary, characterized by its lively energy and entrepreneurial spirit, is an ideal location for individuals seeking to supplement their income with a side job. Rapidly growing, Calgary is ranked among the fastest expanding cities in Canada and boasts a burgeoning population of 1,389,200. There has been a remarkable population growth of three percent in the city from April 2022 to April 2023.
With Alberta’s low income tax and high basic personal and spousal amounts, every extra dollar earned can make a significant difference. In this article, we’ll explore the 18 best side hustles to pursue in Calgary, from turning hobbies into businesses to exploring new avenues. Whether you’re looking to make the most out of every day or simply earn some extra cash, there’s something for everyone in Calgary’s thriving side hustle scene.
Understanding Side Hustles and Their Benefits
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a part-time job or gig that someone undertakes alongside their regular job or studies. People start side hustles for various reasons, such as making ends meet, paying off debt, saving for a specific goal, or gaining more experience in a particular field or industry. It allows individuals to explore their interests and passions outside of their primary job, such as starting a freelance writing business while working in finance.
Advantages of Having a Side Hustle
Side hustles offer numerous benefits beyond earning more money. Firstly, they provide the opportunity to build new skills and gain more experience working with clients. For example, someone who starts doing graphic design as a side hustle will improve their design skills and build relationships with other designers and clients. Secondly, side hustles allow individuals to network with others in their field, which could lead to more work in the future. Moreover, side hustles can provide creative fulfillment and help individuals find more joy in life.
Balancing a Side Hustle with Your Main Job
While side hustles come with many benefits, balancing them with a primary job can create challenges. To avoid negatively impacting productivity, individuals must prioritize their workload and manage their time effectively. They can start by setting clear boundaries, such as dedicating specific evenings or weekends to their side hustle, and alerting their employer about their side gig to ensure it doesn’t violate any company policies.
Overall, side hustles can enrich individuals with a way to earn extra income and pursue their passions. Whether it’s paying off debts, building new skills, or exploring outside interests, a side hustle can pay off nicely.
Top 6 Online Side Hustles for Calgarians
Calgary is a city that values creativity and innovation, making it a great place to start an online side hustle. Here are the top six online side hustles for Calgarians:
Online Tutoring and Teaching
Calgary has many students, both in high school and university, who may require a tutor. If you have expertise in a particular subject or area, you could offer your services in subjects like math, science, English, or even provide language tutoring for newcomers to Canada. The Calgary Tutoring Centre can connect you with students looking for help.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Calgary hosts many businesses and organizations that may need a skilled writer or editor. If you have strong writing or editing skills, you’ll find freelance writing jobs in Calgary on sites like Upwork or by pitching your skills to businesses or organizations. From writing blog posts for a local restaurant to editing a report for a non-profit organization, you’ll discover endless opportunities.
Graphic Design and Web Development
If you have a creative eye and experience with graphic design or web development, you can offer your services online. You could create logos for local businesses or design websites for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their online presence. Platforms like Glassdoor connect you with clients in Calgary or you can market your skills through social media or your own website. These roles pay $18 to $30 per hour.
Social Media Management
Calgary has 55,434 small businesses that may not have the time or resources to manage their social media accounts. If you’re savvy with social media, extend your services as a social media manager to small businesses or entrepreneurs. You can find clients on sites like Thumbtack or through your own networks. You could help businesses create a social media strategy, manage their accounts and even create content. With the rise of social media, this side hustle has the potential to grow and expand.
Selling Products on E-commerce Platforms
Selling products on e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace or Amazon can earn passive income. Whether you sell handmade goods or retail products, it can turn your hobbies into a side hustle. Online platforms make it easy to reach wide audiences beyond your usual networks. It may surprise you how many people wish to buy your old toys, books or china. Meanwhile, you clear clutter out of your basement and closets while padding your bank account.
Fill in Paid Online Surveys
Paid survey sites in Canada can help you earn some extra cash. Signing up for a few paid survey sites only takes a few minutes and your honest opinion. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to fill in these surveys; you just need to know which sites are the real deal to avoid scammers. Not all paid surveys reward you with cash: some give you gift cards or offer points you can redeem later for gift cards, merchandise or sweepstakes. While the amounts you earn are minimal, they could finance a night out or to clear up some extra bills.
In conclusion, there are plenty of online side hustles that Calgarians can pursue to supplement their income. With a little creativity and hard work, you can turn your side hustle into a successful business.
Top 6 Local Service-Based Side Hustles
Calgary offers a variety of service-based side hustles that allow individuals to earn extra cash while working with people in person. Here are the top 6 local service-based side hustles in Calgary:
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
Dog walking and pet sitting can be a fun and rewarding side hustle for animal lovers in Calgary. Many pet owners in the city work long hours and need someone to take their dogs out for exercise and fresh air. Depending on the role, individuals can earn $12 to $22 per hour.
To get started, individuals can market their services on sites like Rover or offer their services to friends and neighbors. As they gain more experience and build a reputation, they can expand their client base and potentially turn their pet-sitting side hustle into a full-time business.
Home Cleaning and Organization
Working as a cleaner or organizer can be a lucrative side hustle for individuals who enjoy cleaning and organizing. Many busy professionals in Calgary are willing to pay for help with household chores such as cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, and organizing closets.
Individuals can find Calgary-based clients on sites like Mopify or advertise their services locally. To stand out from the competition, they can list specialized services like green cleaning or decluttering homes for seniors.
Personal Shopping and Delivery
Offering personal shopping and delivery services can be a great way to earn extra cash for individuals who enjoy shopping. With the rise of online shopping, many people are willing to pay for someone to pick up and deliver their groceries, clothing, and other items.
Sites like Instacart and the Calgary Co-op connect individuals with grocery delivery services in Calgary. To succeed in this side hustle, individuals need a reliable vehicle and should feel comfortable navigating different parts of the city.
For takeout food options, individuals can sign up with DoorDash, Skip the Dish, UberEATS, Foodora, Fantuan, Hungry Eats, or Rapidoo. These platforms will keep them busy as they meet various restaurateurs and diners across the city while earning tips.
Light Up Your Life with the Flames
Calgary’s rich sports history includes hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics and the NHL’s Flames. Since the hockey games play out at night, the team needs ambassadors, cooks, security guards, and bartenders after office hours.
Working with the Calgary Flames allows individuals to join the excitement of the fans in the stands. By serving them beer or selling 50-50 tickets, individuals can tap into that positivity.
Join the Calgary Stampede Party
The Calgary Stampede is the biggest party in the city, drawing on 1,200 year-round employees and thousands more during the actual event. Individuals can sign up for Calgary Stampede time opportunities for parking or serving food or beverages. They can also help with security, stocking food and beverage supplies, and greeting visitors as ambassadors.
Drinks, Anyone?
Restaurants, cocktail lounges, and caterers need bartenders year-round, especially on nights and weekends. Individuals can often negotiate the hours that suit them best so they can manage their time and energy well.
If individuals have limited experience, they may wish to start out in a pub with a simple beer menu. From there, they can branch out as they learn more recipes. As a bonus, they’ll hear lots of colorful stories and fill their tip jar. Bartenders in Calgary can earn big bucks with a little charm, quick service, and a smile.
Top 6 Creative and Artisanal Side Hustles
Calgary is a city that values creativity and artistry, making it a great place to explore artisanal side hustles. These six side hustles can help you earn extra income while unleashing your inner artist.
Handmade Crafts and Jewelry
Crafting is a great way to create unique and personalized items that people value. If you have a talent for creating handmade crafts and jewelry, you can sell your creations at local markets or online. Calgary has a thriving community of crafters and artisans who sell their handmade goods on platforms like Etsy. You can join a shared Calgary Crafters Facebook group to promote your goods and connect with potential customers.
Custom Clothing and Accessories
If you have an eye for fashion, you can create custom clothing and accessories for clients. This can include everything from designing wedding dresses to creating custom handbags. You can work with clients to create unique pieces that fit their style and preferences. Calgary’s annual Western-theme party provides a great opportunity to tap into the demand for handmade cowboy hats or belt buckles.
Display Your Talent with Public Art
For artists, offering your services as an art commission or muralist can be a profitable side hustle. The City of Calgary offers public art opportunities, particularly to artists with Indigenous backgrounds. You can sign up for the roster to submit your proposals and get alerts about upcoming deadlines and projects.
Music Lessons and Performances
Musically inclined individuals can offer lessons or perform at local events to earn extra income. Calgary Musicians Help Wanted page on Facebook features listings for bands seeking specific types of players and technicians backstage. You can also teach lessons in your home or offer virtual lessons online.
Home Decor and Furniture Restoration
If you enjoy home decor and DIY projects, offering your services as a furniture restorer can put money in your pocket. You can pick up treasures at yard sales and thrift stores, polish them up, and resell them at Calgary’s best flea markets. Once you go public, you can find clients to create unique and personalized items that reflect their style and preferences.
Move Fashions Forward
If you have a talent for sewing, you can offer repairs or alterations for others who lack these skills. You can work with brides to stitch up matching dresses for their bridesmaids or reach out to professional members of the Connected Women Business Network who could use your services. This also opens the door for you to market your talents within its network.
Overall, these six creative and artisanal side hustles offer a great opportunity to unleash your inner artist while producing goods that the market will eat up. Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit and appreciation for creativity make it a great place to explore these side hustles.
Tips for Successfully Managing Your Side Hustle
Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations
To successfully manage a side hustle, it is important to set achievable and realistic goals that align with your schedule and workload. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks can help prevent feeling overwhelmed and allow for easier tracking of progress. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, can help maintain motivation.
Time Management and Organization
Effective time management and organization are crucial to successfully managing a side hustle. Creating a consistent schedule and setting aside specific time periods to work on the hustle can increase productivity. Prioritizing tasks and using tools such as to-do lists and calendars can help manage workload and prevent burnout.
Networking and Marketing Your Services
Marketing your side hustle is essential to gaining new clients and expanding your business. Utilizing social media, creating a website, and advertising on local classified sites can help increase visibility. Networking with others in your field, attending industry events, and connecting with others on social media can also expand your network.
Legal Considerations and Taxes
Running a side hustle is considered a business, and it is important to comply with all legal requirements. This may include registering the business in Alberta, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and complying with tax regulations. Setting aside money for taxes and expenses and consulting with a tax professional or lawyer when necessary can help ensure compliance.
Knowing When to Scale Up or Down
Regularly assessing workload and determining when to scale up or down the side hustle is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout. It is important to not overextend oneself or grow the business beyond what can be effectively managed. Outsourcing certain tasks or hiring additional help may be necessary.
By implementing these tips, managing a side hustle can become easier and more successful. Staying focused, organized, and motivated can help turn a side hustle into a thriving business.
Boosting Your Income with Side Hustles in Calgary
Adding a side hustle to your routine can be an effective way to earn extra income and pursue your passions outside of work. Calgary offers many opportunities for part-time jobs that can help you earn up to $25 per hour. By diversifying your income sources, you can de-stress and improve your quality of life. Here are some tips for successfully managing a side hustle:
- Identify your skills and interests and find a side hustle that aligns with them.
- Create a schedule that allows you to balance your side hustle with your regular work hours.
- Utilize online platforms like Ipsos iSay to participate in surveys and earn rewards.
- Network with like-minded individuals to find new opportunities and expand your skills.
By following these tips and utilizing the resources around you, you can successfully manage a side hustle and achieve your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular gig jobs in Calgary?
Calgary offers a variety of gig jobs that can help you earn extra income. Some popular gig jobs in Calgary include:
- Food delivery services such as SkipTheDishes, Uber Eats, and DoorDash
- Freelance work such as graphic design, writing, and web development
- Pet-sitting and dog-walking services
- Cleaning and home organization services
- Event planning and coordination services
How can I earn extra income in Calgary?
If you’re looking to earn extra income in Calgary, there are several ways to do so. Some options include:
- Taking on a part-time job
- Starting a side hustle
- Participating in paid surveys or focus groups
- Selling items online or at local markets
- Renting out a room on Airbnb
What are some part-time job opportunities in Calgary?
Calgary has a variety of part-time job opportunities available. Some popular part-time jobs in Calgary include:
- Retail positions
- Food service positions
- Customer service positions
- Administrative positions
- Delivery driver positions
What are some legitimate ways to make extra money in Alberta?
There are several legitimate ways to make extra money in Alberta, including:
- Starting a side hustle
- Participating in paid surveys or focus groups
- Selling items online or at local markets
- Renting out a room on Airbnb
- Taking on a part-time job
What are some of the best side hustles to try in Calgary?
Calgary has several side hustles that can help you earn extra income. Some of the best side hustles to try in Calgary include:
- Freelance work such as graphic design, writing, and web development
- Pet-sitting and dog-walking services
- Cleaning and home organization services
- Event planning and coordination services
- Food delivery services such as SkipTheDishes, Uber Eats, and DoorDash
How can I make money online in Calgary?
There are several ways to make money online in Calgary, including:
- Participating in paid surveys or focus groups
- Starting a blog or YouTube channel and monetizing it
- Selling items online through platforms such as eBay or Amazon
- Offering freelance services such as graphic design or writing
- Taking on virtual assistant or administrative tasks
