Unfortunately, incomes have not grown proportionately to the growth in costs since the 1900s. Obama notes in the second episode of his Netflix series “Working: What We Do All Day” that incomes today are only insufficient to cover basic expenses. Since mortgage rates and prices are growing and today’s generation can hardly afford to save for a down payment on a home, many Gen Z and Millennial professionals are unable to access the housing market.

Fortunately, there is a remedy and a way out thanks to the gig economy, which is expanding quickly. Instead of pursuing or pleading with their company for a wage increase, professionals may now discover methods to supplement their income by doing what they enjoy.

What’s the greatest part? The smartphone in your pocket is a perfect place to start.

Program for Employee Referrals:

Using your company’s employee referral program is one technique to significantly increase your pay. The incentive may differ for each company since each will have their own rules and regulations on how this is done.

Helping to bridge the skills gap and finding potential workers who could fit in well with your company, however, might earn you a sizable income. In addition to helping the organization if your choice is chosen, this side business also lowers unemployment, which is a really fulfilling experience.

However, you should exercise caution since abusing this clause and making outrageous recommendations for possible personnel might damage your reputation and confidence inside the organization, and any recommendations you make in the future could not be seen as trustworthy or legitimate. Be aware that no one is requesting that you perform the duties of a recruiter. Instead, go ahead and recommend someone in your network who would be a good match based on the job description’s requirements if you see or hear about a possible vacancy.

By giving the applicant information about your business (which is obviously not top secret) to assist them improve their chances of getting the job and better customize their CV, you may also raise their chances of getting the position.

For this reason, networking strategically is usually a smart idea. It’s impossible to predict when you’ll need to use your contacts. Your employer will consider you a trustworthy, dependable, and valuable addition to their company if you continuously provide suggestions of the highest standard.

This may easily be done with a few phone clicks on the LinkedIn app or by calling or messaging a contact to find out if they’re interested in a possible opportunity. They may be passively searching or receptive to a new job at a company like yours, so it doesn’t hurt to attempt even if they aren’t actively seeking for employment.

Naturally, keep an eye out for businesses that have robust employee referral schemes and payouts. Salesforce, for example, has sometimes paid out thousands of dollars for new workers who were introduced internally.

Production of Content:

Content production is another great side business that you can start from your phone. You may collaborate with businesses to provide affiliate content and sponsorships, and you can record short videos to make TikTok and Instagram reels. You may also use YouTube’s partner program to expand your audience and make money on sites like YouTube.

Mobile Newsletters and Blogging:

Blogging and using applications like Substack and Medium to create valuable material is a third side business concept that you may start from your phone. Members on both sites may purchase access to premium material.

You may eventually develop a sizable following, utilize it as a dependable source of secondary income, and use your influence on these platforms to promote your other side projects.

Taking pictures:

You’re sitting on gold if your iPhone or smartphone has a strong camera. For instance, Apple’s latest model, the iPhone Pro 16, has a built-in camera and technology that allows you to take detailed, accurate pictures and improve the color and depth of the photographs. Another excellent phone for those who like photography is the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

Naturally, you can use photo-editing software to make changes to the images after they are taken, then publish them to websites like Shutterstock (by using the Shutterstock app) to earn money each time your images are used.

Online shopping:

Not to mention e-commerce, where you may sell gently used goods that are in decent shape on sites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Another excellent site is Vinted.

Additionally, you may download the Etsy seller app to launch your own Etsy shop and utilize Etsy to sell custom or handcrafted goods and accessories.

Observe how simple it is to begin earning money with your phone. Until you start scaling, you don’t even need your laptop. Your smartphone can help you take the first step toward financial independence by enabling side gigs and flexible work opportunities and professional success, regardless of whether you’re a student trying to find a way to supplement your income to pay for college, a working professional fed up with the 9–5 and seeking a way out to explore your passion, or someone who just wants to try their hand at entrepreneurship and see how far it takes them.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee any specific income or financial results. Earnings and opportunities may vary based on individual effort, market conditions, and other factors. Mention of any company or platform is not intended as an endorsement. Always conduct your own research before starting any new side business or financial activity.