If you feel like the usual side hustles just aren’t cutting it anymore, you’re not alone. There are countless ways to earn online today, but some of the most interesting opportunities are the ones people rarely talk about.
These unusual side hustles might sound odd at first, but many of them can actually pay surprisingly well once you understand how they work.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best unusual side hustles I’ve tested or researched closely during my years of making money online. I’ll explain what they involve, how much you can realistically earn, and what to be careful about.
So, if you’re looking for something different, fun, flexible, and even a little unexpected, you might find the perfect fit here. And at the end of this guide, I’ll also give you a bonus side hustle that can help boost your income passively.
What to expect?
In this article, you’ll get a straightforward look at unusual side hustles that actually have earning potential. I will list the best options you can go for, and I’ll break down how each one works, what you need to get started, and the pros and cons you should know before jumping in.
By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which hustles can help you earn on the side and which ones aren’t a good fit for you. I have made a video that explains what these side hustles are. You can also read the full details below the video.
7 best unusual side hustles to earn from
Now that you know what to expect from these unusual side hustles, let’s discuss the options you can choose from. And rest assured, they are all legit, so you can really earn from them.
It is not a prioritized list, as the best options depend on your personal preferences, so you can just choose which options suit you best.
I will keep updating this guide if I find more options that are worth it in the future, so make sure to bookmark this page and check on it from time to time for new, unusual side hustles.
Option 1 – Selling Your Hair Online
Yes, you read that correctly. Human hair is in high demand, especially for wig makers, hair extension brands, and people looking for natural hairpieces. So, if you have long, healthy hair, you can actually earn a decent amount by selling it.
Many websites specialize in this opportunity, and one of them is called HairSellon.
To earn, you must create a listing on its marketplace. Buyers look for specific qualities like length, thickness, color, and whether your hair is untreated. Once someone buys it, you cut your hair according to the buyer’s instructions and ship it to them.
When doing this side hustle, the vital thing to remember is that you must only cut your hair once the payment has been sent. As for what buyers usually look for, here are a few things you must keep in mind:
- Hair that’s never been dyed or chemically treated
- Long lengths, ideally 10 inches or more
- Thick ponytails
- Healthy strands (no split ends, minimal heat damage)
- Natural colors like black, brown, and blonde
As for how much you can earn, the price depends mostly on length and quality. Longer, untreated hair can sell for $100 to $500, which is quite a significant amount. It’s a great option if you’re patient and willing to grow out your hair for months before selling. It’s also great if you naturally have strong, healthy hair and don’t mind a big haircut.
I have a list of the best sites to sell your hair online that you can check out. These are all legit sites that will let you sell your hair.
Option 2 – Selling Your Stool
This might sound like a joke, but it’s actually a real opportunity. Some medical organizations and research programs pay healthy donors for stool samples, mainly for use in scientific studies or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which helps patients who need healthy gut bacteria.
A great example of a website that buys healthy stool samples is called HumanMicrobes.org. The requirements are usually strict, so this is not for everyone. Programs typically look for donors who:
- Are in excellent overall health
- Have no recent antibiotic use
- Don’t smoke
- Have a stable digestive system
- Can donate consistently (some programs require multiple visits per week)
Pay varies widely depending on the program, but approved donors can earn a few hundred dollars per month and sometimes more if they donate frequently. However, I would only suggest you go for this if you live near a donation center, maintain a very healthy lifestyle, and don’t mind the nature of the work. It’s not glamorous, but it’s steady if you qualify.
Option 3 – Become a Pal
Papa.com is one of the more unique ways to earn because it isn’t a typical “task app.” Instead, it pays you to offer companionship and everyday support to older adults, families, or individuals who need a little extra help.
You sign up to become a Papa Pal, complete the screening process, and once approved, you can accept visits in your area. Each visit usually lasts 1–3 hours, depending on what the member needs. Most tasks are simple and non-medical, such as:
- Friendly conversations
- Light help around the house
- Grocery shopping or errands
- Transportation to appointments
- Tech help (phones, tablets, apps)
- Walking or light activities
Many Pals report that your earnings can reach up to $20 to $22 per hour in real-world visits. Papa.com works best for people who enjoy talking, helping others, and doing simple tasks. So, it’s a good match if you prefer something meaningful rather than sitting in front of a computer all day.
Option 4 – RentAFriend
RentAFriend.com is one of the most unusual side hustles out there, mainly because it pays you to offer friendship, not dating, not romance, just genuine companionship.
People use the platform to find someone to hang out with, join events, or simply have company for activities they don’t want to do alone. So, it’s basically a way to get paid for being social.
To start earning, you must create a profile on the platform and list the kinds of activities you’re open to doing, like going to events, sightseeing, having coffee, playing a sport, or teaching a skill. Members looking for a “friend for hire” browse the site and contact you directly.
What’s great about it is that you get to choose which requests you accept, where you meet, and how much time you’re willing to commit. You can set your own rates, and many charge $10 to $50+ per hour, depending on location and the type of activity. Some charge even more for special skills, like photography, tutoring, or tour guiding.
It’s an ideal option if you enjoy meeting new faces and want a flexible way to earn money doing normal everyday activities.
Option 5 – Become a Poop Scooper
This might sound like a strange job at first, but being a poop scooper is actually a real side hustle many people overlook.
Pet owners, especially busy families, elderly people, and those with large yards, often need help cleaning up after their dogs. And since it’s a task most people dislike, they’re willing to pay someone else to handle it.
A good example of a site that offers this kind of service is DoodyCalls. It is a website that has different employment opportunities and also various franchises in different locations.
You’ll need to apply to become a poop scooper, but you can also apply to own a franchise, because, apparently, it is a popular business model. The average rate is around $15 per hour, but the rate totally depends on your location.
This is ideal for people who don’t mind outdoor work and want a predictable weekly income. It’s also great if you want something flexible and physical instead of computer-based tasks.
Option 6 – Become a Professional Cuddler
Becoming a professional cuddler for CuddleComfort is definitely one of the most unusual side hustles I have ever encountered, but it’s also a real service.
Professional cuddling is strictly non-sexual and focuses on providing comfort, companionship, and emotional support through safe, consensual physical touch.
Surprisingly, there’s steady demand for this type of service from people who feel lonely, stressed, or simply want a human connection in a safe, respectful environment. You sign up as an independent contractor, and once approved, clients can book cuddle sessions with you.
These sessions usually take place in a controlled setting, following strict boundaries and safety guidelines. You get to set your rate, but be aware that you only get to keep 85% of the fee. The remaining 15% will be the website’s share.
The market rate is around $80 per hour, but it will ultimately depend on your location. It is ideal for people who are empathetic, patient, and comfortable with physical closeness. It’s not for everyone, but those who enjoy helping others feel safe and supported often find it meaningful and surprisingly rewarding.
Option 7 – Become a Background Actor
Becoming a background actor is one of the more exciting and unusual side hustles because you actually get paid to appear in movies, TV shows, commercials, and music videos.
You don’t need acting skills or experience. You’re basically hired to fill the scene, walking in the background, sitting in a café, being part of a crowd, or helping create a realistic environment.
It doesn’t even have to be in a movie or TV show. It can be for webinars and seminars just to boost perceived engagement. It’s simple, flexible, and often a lot more fun than a typical part-time job.
A good example of a site that offers this opportunity is called CentralCasting. You sign up as a member, and when a production needs people who match your look or age range, you get a text, email, or call. If you’re available, you accept the booking and show up on set/location.
Your job is literally to “be there”, walking, sitting, reacting naturally, or doing basic actions that fit the scene. The pay rates depend on what you are working on.
It’s perfect for people who want a flexible, fun way to earn extra money. It’s also great if you’re curious about how movies and TV shows are made.
Bonus – Passive Side Hustle
Most of the side hustles featured above require your full attention, but they don’t always use your phone or the internet fully. So, why not let it earn in the background while you do these hustles?
Some apps will pay you just for being connected to the internet. A good example is an app called Pawns. Once you install and configure the app, it will run in the background and share your unused internet bandwidth. You won’t earn a lot, but it requires very little effort on your end.
You can check out this list of the best passive income apps you can use for similar options.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are quite a few unique side hustles you can work on. Just keep in mind that these options will not make you rich. They are just meant to earn extra income.
It just takes a certain level of dedication and, dare I say, courage, to do these kinds of side hustles. I will keep updating this guide if I discover more unusual side hustles that are worth it, so make sure to bookmark this page and check on it from time to time for new options.
If you have any comments, questions, or experience with unusual side hustles, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.