From Layoff to Launch: Top Side Hustles for Tech & Corporate Professionals

With Silicon Valley Bank becoming the latest giant to announce layoffs, it is clear that the industry is facing challenging times. In response, many tech and corporate professionals are considering side hustles to supplement their income or even transition into a new career path.

Whether you're worried about layoffs or simply looking for ways to diversify your income streams, exploring a side hustle can be a smart move in this economy.

Check out these top side hustles for tech and corporate professionals:

Web or Mobile Development

Difficulty: Intermediate to Difficult (It can also be good for beginners, depending on the project.)

With the rise of e-commerce and online business, there is a growing demand for developers who can build and maintain websites and mobile apps.

Top platforms/ways to get development gigs:

• Upwork

• Freelancer

• Toptal

What you need:
To start with web or mobile development, you'll need a strong understanding of programming languages like NodeJS, Flutter, Kotlin, Swift, Spring, and more.

If you’re not tech-savvy but have a strong marketing background, there are many easy no code platforms out there. You can try WordPress, Klaviyo, Wix, and even Shopify.

Aside from having a strong skillset in these platforms, you need the ability to market yourself well.

QA Testing

Difficulty: Intermediate

QA testing is another side hustle that can be profitable for tech professionals. As more businesses move online (exacerbated by the pandemic and the need to digitize), the need for quality assurance (QA) testing has increased.

Top platforms/ways to get QA testing gigs:

• UserTesting

• Testbirds

• TryMyUI

What you need:
To become a successful QA tester, you'll need an eye for detail and the ability to identify and report bugs and issues.

SEO Consulting

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate (It can also be good for beginners depending on the service.)

Despite SEO being one of the “oldest” ways of marketing since the internet was born, it’s still highly regarded by many companies, big or small.

Top platforms/ways to get SEO gigs:

• LinkedIn

• Upwork

• Networking

What you need:
To be a successful SEO consultant, you'll need to have a strong understanding of SEO best practices and the ability to create effective SEO strategies.

Digital Marketing & Project Management

Difficulty: Intermediate

Many SMBs need help managing their digital marketing campaigns and ensuring they are efficient and effective, especially if they have multiple virtual assistants or specialists that need more guidance on what to do.

If you are a marketer knowledgeable in a variety of marketing automation, this is something that you can offer businesses as well.

Top platforms/ways to get digital marketing gigs:

• Upwork

• Freelancer

• Indeed

• Networking with other freelancers

What you need:
To be a successful digital marketing project manager, you must have strong project management skills and knowledge of digital marketing best practices. Experience in marketing automation will also be highly sought after by founders and start-up companies.

Copywriting

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Copywriting is a side hustle that can be a great fit for tech professionals with strong writing and marketing skills. Note that we emphasized marketing skills as well. You need to know how to write that will persuade people to take a specific action.

Even with the rise of AI writing assistants, businesses still need people to create compelling content for their audience. Yes, AI made copywriting easier, but ultimately, humans will decide how and what copy to write.

Top platforms/ways to get digital marketing gigs:

• Contena

• ProBlogger

• UpWork

• Networking with other freelancers

Fud Hustle Feature

Know the 5 phase strategy to get your first writing gig with Cody Stewart, a freelance writer who has published pieces in major publications such as Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, and more.

What is a Fud Hustle?

If you want to learn a side hustle skill that you can implement immediately, try a course from a vetted expert on Fud.

Fud Hustle is a mini-course that teaches you what you need to know to earn money quickly. It also has a social to-do list and a strong community to help you succeed. You’ll never feel lost or bored because it tells you step-by-step how to immediately start earning money from a side hustle.

Join the Fud community today to get started.