Cody Berman, a financially independent millennial, has tried over 30 side hustles, and he's got some insights to share. In this article, we'll explore his journey, the best and worst side hustles he's tried, and his advice for those looking to start their own side hustle. But before we dive in, let's talk about why this matters. In today's economy, many people are looking for ways to supplement their income or achieve financial independence. Side hustles can be a great way to do that, but it's important to choose the right one. So, what makes a good side hustle? Well, in my opinion, a good side hustle should be scalable, meaning it can continue to earn you money even after the initial work is done. It should also be something you enjoy doing, as this will help you stay motivated and committed. Now, let's take a look at Berman's journey. He started his first entrepreneurial venture at 19, and although it wasn't a financial home run, it taught him valuable skills. Over the next decade, he kept experimenting with different side hustles, eventually reaching financial independence in his mid-20s. His top income driver today is his digital product business, Gold City Ventures. But not all side hustles are created equal. Berman's biggest flop paid about $2.30 an hour, and the funniest flop was delivering Uber Eats by bicycle while living in Australia. So, what's the easiest way to get started? Berman says that for someone who needs extra cash quickly, a 'type one' side hustle, which involves trading time for money, is usually the best place to start. This could mean freelance writing, video or podcast editing, website building, landscaping, driving for Uber, shopping for Instacart, or completing tasks on Taskrabbit. These types of side hustles are easy to start and can provide quick income. However, Berman also emphasizes that there's no universal 'best side hustle'. The right one depends on a person's skills, personality, interests, and goals. So, what's the takeaway? Well, in my opinion, the key is to find a side hustle that you enjoy and that is scalable. This will help you stay motivated and committed, and it will also ensure that you're earning money in the long run. And remember, it's okay to fail. Berman's biggest flop was just that - a flop. But he learned from it and moved on. So, if you're looking to start a side hustle, my advice is to lean into what you enjoy and avoid what you don't. There is a side hustle for everyone, and you don't have to do the ones that worked for Berman just because they worked for him. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your options and see what works for you. And who knows? You might just find your new favorite side hustle.
