They say everything has its own advantages even though the negative side might be domineering. Such has been the case with the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite disrupting lives and economies, the outbreak led to a mind-set change globally that people don’t have to sit in offices or business premises to work. Working from home or remotely became one of the biggest outcomes of the pandemic. As such, work has become more flexible, as long as you meet your targets. It also means that you have the luxury of taking up a side job as long as it doesn’t compromise your other job. The ‘side hustle’ has become a major part of our lives as it turns out that a single salary is no longer enough to cater for all needs and bills for most people, unless you are a high-income earner. According to Elizabeth Mukesha, a human resource management consultant, there is a lot more employees can do to earn an extra pay without their employers ever finding out, in order to make ends meet. Below are five jobs you can do to supplement your income. 1. Online editor, writer or proof reader They say there is someone out there who has a document that needs to be edited, proof read or even more, something to write or document. If you’re a good writer, there are opportunities for you to use your craft and make some extra money. It is almost guaranteed. In Rwanda, there is a shortage of writers and editors or people who can proofread reports, documents, books and many more. All you need are the right contacts and people to recommend you. In fact, this is very flexible because you can do it in your free time, including at night. You will be amazed how much you can earn from these three skills. Depending on the client, you can earn between Rwf500, 000 to Rwf3m. 2. Teaching These days, you don’t have to be an educationist to teach, whether it is in a school or lecture in a university. All you need are qualifications and experience in your area of expertise. A medical doctor can teach, a journalist can lecture in the school of journalism. With the evolving curriculum that focuses more on skills development rather than theoretical education, you stand a chance to be a teacher or lecturer. What is even more interesting? With the Covid-19 outbreak, more lessons or lectures are being conducted online or virtually. You can teach and earn more from your skills without moving an inch. Universities can pay between Rwf500, 000 and Rwf1.5m a month for part-time lecturers. Give it a shot. 3. Graphic designer In Rwanda you will not find so many highly skilled graphic designers. If you have design skills on your resume, you can probably use them to earn some extra income. Consider specialising in a certain kind of design to help narrow the field, such as logo design, colourful art, unique and creative artworks. You will have many agencies and one-off clients coming to hire you. The earnings from this can be immense, going up to Rwf1.5m depending on the client. 4. Delivery services It took the outbreak of Covid-19 for many people to understand that delivery services are essential- not a luxury. Somewhere someone has something that needs to be delivered at any given time. All you need is to establish a service and the means to do so. You will be surprised how many people will be contacting you to deliver things on their behalf. Besides, it can be fun and most importantly, income generating. 5. Hosting/emceeing Many people underestimate their ability to speak in public and captivate audiences. Most MCs you see at weddings or events were not born MCs. They just got bold and made the move, got the microphone and before they knew it, people were calling them to host their events. You could be sitting on a talent that could earn you between Rwf200, 000 to Rwf1m a week just by standing before an audience and speaking your way to the bank.
