16 Easy Part-Time Jobs as a Student — from Babysitting to Tutoring and Private Lessons

Looking to make some extra money as a student, high schooler, or even alongside your current job? Finding the right part-time work can give you the flexibility to earn income while still focusing on school and your personal life. Whether you want to earn money at 16 years old or find ways to earn extra money next to your daytime job, there are plenty of flexible options available.

The list below offers a wide range of side jobs to help you earn extra money. These are all flexible jobs where you can often set your own schedule. Some can even be done from the comfort of your couch.

Note: not all of these options are suitable if you’re under 18. If something interests you, look into the requirements to see if it’s the right fit for you.

1. Babysitting – You can start earning money from as young as 16

Do you love kids? Then babysitting could be the perfect job for you! It’s flexible, well paid, and a great fit for students who want to earn money in their free time. It’s easy to combine with school or university, since many parents need someone available in the evenings or on weekends. Some need help after school — and if you have free afternoons, this is a great opportunity.

A big advantage is that you choose your own schedule and set your own rate. If you’re also willing to help with small household tasks (like tidying up toys or preparing a snack), you can ask for a higher rate.

With online platforms like Sitly, it’s even easier to find families near you looking for a trustworthy babysitter. For more details, check out our article “How Much Can You Earn as a Babysitter?”

2. Paid online surveys – earn money directly from home

Filling out online surveys is one of the simplest ways to earn extra money, especially for pupils or students looking for an easy part-time job.

You sign up for free, create a profile, and receive invitations to answer surveys relevant to you. You earn points or money for each activity, and most of it can be done straight from your phone or laptop.

Don’t forget to check each site before registering, as some aren’t very transparent about payments.

Here are a few legitimate survey platforms that students (or anyone looking for a flexible extra source of income) can try:

• LifePoints – Offers surveys on lifestyle and consumer topics. Rewards can be cashed out via PayPal or gift cards once you reach the minimum threshold.
• Ipsos i-Say – Run by a well-known market research company, valued for its reliability and transparency. You earn points for surveys and can redeem them for Amazon or Starbucks gift cards, or PayPal payments.
• Swagbucks – One of the most popular platforms worldwide. You can earn points by completing surveys, watching videos, or shopping online. Points can be converted into gift cards or cash via PayPal.
• TGM Panel Romania – A survey panel available to users in Romania. You receive invitations by email, and rewards are given in cash or vouchers, depending on the campaign.
• Triaba – An international survey platform also active in Romania. You create a free account, answer questionnaires, and receive rewards for each completed survey.

3. Administrative work from home – data entry, proofreading, translation

Looking for a stable part-time job and over 18? Administrative work from home could be the perfect solution. You can enter data, answer emails, or proofread texts.

If you speak a foreign language, you can also work as a translator. The schedule is flexible and you can start even without experience.

Useful platforms:

• Upwork – A popular platform for freelancers, where you can offer services like data entry, proofreading, or translation. Great for building a portfolio.
• Fiverr – You create listings for specific services. Flexible and suitable for beginners.
• Freelancer.com – A platform similar to Upwork, with many short-term projects in administrative support and content-related services.

4. Tutoring and private lessons – ideal for pupils and students

Do you speak a foreign language or are you great at maths? Offering tutoring is one of the best options for pupils or students who want to earn money, starting from age 16. If you study sciences or languages, you can help younger students better understand the material.

Maths is always in high demand, and since more and more families are raising bilingual children, tutors are highly valued. You can use a tutoring platform or find students in your local community. It’s a rewarding activity: you help others while earning money.

Useful platforms:

• Preply – Excellent for language tutors. You create a profile, set your rates, and work with students from around the world.
• Cambly – Focused on English conversation tutoring. You don’t need a teaching qualification, just fluent English, making it very accessible for beginners.
• OLX – A popular classifieds platform where you can quickly post tutoring or private lesson offers. You create a free listing, set your rates and schedule, and parents or students can contact you directly.
• meditatii.ro – A platform dedicated exclusively to tutoring and private lessons. You create a tutor profile, showcase your experience and the subjects you teach, and students can more easily find exactly the kind of help they need.

5. Creative workshops – turn your hobby into income

Do you love cooking, crocheting, or DIY projects? You can organize workshops and sell them to neighbours or online. It’s a creative way to share your passion and earn money.

6. Personal shopper – turn your passion for fashion into income

Are you passionate about fashion? Why not get paid to help your friends dress well? Start with posts on social media and build a small portfolio.

7. Host an Airbnb Experience and earn money

Did you know that on Airbnb you can do more than just rent out space? You can also host experiences — workshops or tours based on your passions. Maybe you’d like to offer a photography course, a guided city tour, or a nature walk?

The best part is that you choose your own schedule, while Airbnb handles your page and payments. It’s an accessible and enjoyable way to make extra money, without major investment.

8. Dog walking or pet sitting

Do you love animals? Then dog walking or pet sitting could be the perfect weekend job. You don’t need any qualifications — just patience and love for animals.

You can sign up on dedicated platforms or promote your services locally. It’s a relaxed way to earn extra money, starting from as young as 16.

9. Translation services – put your language skills to work

Do you speak a foreign language fluently? You can offer translation services as a freelancer, working from home. If you’re passionate about languages, this can become a steady source of income.

Useful platforms to get started:

• Upwork – One of the largest freelancing platforms. Many clients look for translators for documents, websites, and business materials.
• Fiverr – You can create your own “gig” with your offer (for example, “I translate from English to French/Spanish”) and set your own price. Great for beginners.
• Gengo – A popular site for beginner freelance translators; flexible and accessible for bilingual people without official certifications.

10. Gardening jobs – extra income outdoors

Do you enjoy tending plants, mowing lawns, or cleaning up gardens? These simple tasks can become a weekend job. Offer your services to neighbours or promote yourself online. It’s a practical way to spend time outdoors and earn money.

11. Car washing – a simple and profitable job

Cleaning cars is something many people avoid, especially when it comes to the interior. If this kind of work doesn’t bother you, you can turn it into a small personal business.

Start with friends and neighbours, then promote yourself on social media. It’s a simple way to earn money from as young as 16, offering a highly valued service.

12. Children’s entertainer – ideal for creative people

You’ve probably seen entertainers at parties or on holiday. If you enjoy working with kids, you can offer this kind of service at birthday parties, themed parties, or even weddings.

You can start with a small budget for props, and the rest comes down to your imagination. It’s a fun, high-energy activity, perfect for pupils and students.

Need some inspiration? Check out our articles on games for 8-10 year-olds, which boost creativity and teamwork, or browse our lists of the best outdoor games, which help kids burn off energy outside. For younger children, fun and simple games for 6-7 year-olds are also a great way to keep them busy while learning new skills.

13. Proofreading papers – earn money from home (18+)

Do you have a sharp eye for grammar and clear writing? Proofreading bachelor’s or master’s theses is a great way to work from home. You choose which projects to accept and work at your own pace — the important thing is to respect students’ deadlines.

It’s a flexible job, ideal for those who are 18 or older and want to earn money from home.

14. Companion for elderly people – a meaningful job

As life expectancy increases, many elderly people need greater social interaction and companionship, beyond professional care. If you’re a sociable person, you can make a real difference in someone’s life just through your presence — a walk, a conversation, an hour spent together.

It’s one of the most rewarding ways to earn extra money while giving something valuable back to the community.

15. Mystery shopper – get paid to shop or go out

Imagine getting paid to go to the cinema or out for a meal. As a “mystery shopper”, you test the quality of services without staff knowing. All you need to do is pay attention to detail and behave naturally.

It’s a fun activity, suitable for people aged 16 and up.

Popular platforms:

• Market Force – An international mystery shopping and customer experience evaluation company, with projects in retail and restaurants, available in several countries.
• International Service Check – An international platform also active in Romania, offering evaluation assignments in retail, HoReCa, and services.

16. Sell your creations – earn from your art and hobbies

If you’re a creative person who enjoys crocheting, painting, making jewellery, or clothing, you can sell your products online (e.g. on Etsy) or at local markets.

It’s a flexible and rewarding job, suitable for young people aged 18 who want to turn their hobby into income.

Earning money while at school or alongside a job has never been easier. From babysitting and tutoring to dog walking and creative activities — there are plenty of flexible options. Pick something that suits you, start with small steps, and turn your free time into a real source of income!