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9 Side Hustles That Sound Great but Are a Complete Waste of Your Time

December 8, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

Some Side Hustles That Sound Great but Are a Complete Waste of Your Time — Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Making extra money on the side has become the ultimate goal for many, especially when rent is high, student loans are lurking, and avocado toast seems more like a necessity than a luxury. The internet is overflowing with “brilliant” side hustles that promise big paychecks with little effort, but the reality? Some of them are downright traps. You might start full of hope and end up frustrated, exhausted, or worse—losing more money than you earn.

While a few side hustles are legitimate goldmines, others are basically modern myths designed to make you think you’re hustling while you’re really spinning your wheels. Here’s a roundup of nine side hustles that sound amazing but will probably waste your time.

1. Flipping Low-Quality Items On Online Marketplaces

Flipping items online seems simple: buy cheap, sell high, and pocket the difference. In reality, hunting for bargains, listing products, taking photos, and waiting for buyers can be exhausting. Many items simply don’t sell, and shipping costs eat into your profits faster than you can calculate. On top of that, dealing with returns, complaints, and scammers can make the process feel like a part-time customer service nightmare. Unless you have an eye for rare collectibles or high-demand goods, this hustle often ends up costing more time and stress than it’s worth.

2. Taking Online Surveys For Cash

Online surveys are pitched as an easy way to earn money while lounging on your couch. The catch? Each survey pays so little that your hourly rate is barely above zero. Many platforms require you to qualify for surveys, which wastes even more time, and some surveys get disqualified after you’ve spent 20 minutes filling them out. You’ll rarely get a payout fast, and some platforms have high minimum thresholds before you can cash out. Essentially, you’re working for pennies when your time could be invested in higher-value side hustles.

3. Mystery Shopping Adventures

Mystery shopping is often marketed as glamorous—get paid to shop, dine, or visit places and report back. In reality, reimbursements rarely cover your costs, and the promised “full payment” is often delayed or conditional. You’re basically running errands for companies without true compensation, and many tasks require strict documentation that can be frustrating to collect. Travel, time, and effort all stack up while your bank account barely sees any benefit. Unless you truly enjoy window-shopping for free and can stomach slow payments, it’s a side hustle that’s more hassle than reward.

4. Selling Your Crafts On Handmade Marketplaces

If you’re creative, selling your crafts might seem like a dream hustle—turning hobbies into income. The challenge is that handmade marketplaces are oversaturated, meaning even high-quality items can get lost among thousands of listings. Fees and commissions from the platform eat into your profit margins, and marketing yourself requires a completely separate skill set. Customers expect custom work and fast shipping, which can make your creative hobby feel more like a full-time job. Many artists find that the time spent managing an online shop outweighs the money they actually make.

5. Participating In Affiliate Marketing Without An Audience

Affiliate marketing promises passive income by promoting products and earning a commission. It sounds simple until you realize that without a large, engaged audience, your links won’t generate clicks—or commissions. Building that audience takes months or years of consistent content creation and promotion, which is far more work than people initially expect. Some affiliates also run into niche saturation, where competition is stiff and profits are minimal. Without a strategic platform or loyal followers, you’re essentially shouting into the void with no reward.

6. Teaching Classes On Random Skill Platforms

Online teaching platforms tempt you with the idea that your knowledge can earn money on autopilot. But you’ll soon find out that attracting students requires marketing, scheduling, and responding to endless inquiries. Platforms also take a substantial cut of your earnings, and competition is fierce, especially in common subjects. Time spent filming videos, prepping lessons, and troubleshooting tech issues can quickly outpace the money earned. Unless you already have a built-in audience or a truly unique skill, this hustle can feel more like busy work than a profitable venture.

7. Becoming A Social Media Influencer Overnight

Everyone dreams of the influencer lifestyle: sponsorships, free products, and a flood of followers. The reality is brutal: building an engaged following takes years, consistent content creation, and heavy marketing savvy. Algorithms constantly change, engagement can plummet overnight, and brands are picky about who they collaborate with. Many hopeful influencers burn out before they see any return on investment. If your plan is to become an overnight sensation, you’ll likely end up frustrated, broke, and exhausted.

8. Participating In Focus Groups That Pay In Vouchers

Focus groups sound enticing—you share opinions and get paid. But most only pay in store credits, gift cards, or points that may never match your effort. Scheduling conflicts and limited spots make participation inconsistent, and some companies even cancel at the last minute. Travel or time spent preparing reports can outweigh any tangible benefit, leaving you feeling like you worked for free. In the end, focus groups often feel like a time-consuming chore masquerading as a fun side gig.

9. Dropshipping From Overseas Suppliers

Dropshipping is pitched as a low-effort e-commerce goldmine: sell products without ever handling inventory. Unfortunately, shipping times, supplier errors, and customer complaints can make this model a logistical nightmare. Margins are razor-thin, and competition is fierce, which means your advertising costs can swallow profits whole. Returns, refunds, and delayed shipments add stress that far outweighs the “hands-off” appeal. Many people start dropshipping thinking they’ll make a quick fortune and end up learning harsh lessons about effort, patience, and marketing skills.

Know Where Your Time Goes

Side hustles can be a fantastic way to earn extra cash, but not every opportunity is worth chasing. The nine hustles outlined here might look enticing online, but in reality, they often drain your energy, time, and sometimes even your money. The key is to be realistic about the work required versus the reward. True side hustles that generate meaningful income require strategy, effort, and sometimes a little bit of luck—but they should never make you feel trapped or endlessly frustrated.

Have you tried any of these hustles? Share your experiences, horror stories, or wins in the comments section below.

7 Phrases to Use When Negotiating a Raise That Almost Always Work

December 8, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

These Are The Phrases to Use When Negotiating a Raise That Almost Always Work — Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Walking into a raise negotiation can feel like stepping onto a stage you didn’t rehearse for, even if you’ve spent all week practicing in front of your bathroom mirror. Your heart might be pounding, your palms might be sweaty, and suddenly every confidently crafted sentence turns into alphabet soup. But here’s the twist: negotiating isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared with the kinds of phrases that signal confidence, clarity, and undeniable value.

When you have the right wording, the entire conversation shifts from nerve-wracking to empowering. So let’s dig into the seven phrases that can transform your raise request from “I hope this goes okay” to “I’ve got this.”

1. “I’d Like To Discuss My Growth And Compensation Based On The Value I’ve Been Providing.”

This phrase opens the conversation with intention and professionalism, showing that you’re thinking about long-term impact rather than a one-off reward. It immediately frames the discussion around your contributions instead of emotions or personal needs. This signals to your manager that you’ve come prepared with measurable achievements that justify the conversation. It also shifts the tone away from confrontation and toward collaboration, which managers appreciate. When you lead with value, you’re already halfway to a yes.

2. “Over The Past Year, I’ve Taken On Additional Responsibilities That Have Strengthened Our Team’s Results.”

By emphasizing your expanded role, you’re building a case rooted in facts rather than feelings. Managers often overlook how responsibilities quietly pile up, so this phrase brings those shifts into the spotlight. It helps your boss connect your work to the bigger organizational picture. It also primes them to acknowledge that increased responsibility should come with increased compensation. This sentence alone can open their eyes to how much you’ve grown beyond your original job description.

3. “I’d Like My Compensation To Reflect The Impact Of My Performance.”

This phrase is powerful because it’s both assertive and reasonable. You’re not demanding a raise—you’re asking to be compensated in alignment with documented success. It also highlights the cause-and-effect nature of great performance: you’ve delivered results, and now you’re seeking recognition. Managers respect employees who can articulate their worth without sounding entitled. This wording strikes exactly that balance and keeps the negotiation grounded in fairness.

4. “Based On My Market Research, A Competitive Salary For My Role Is Around…”

Referencing market data shows that your request is informed, researched, and aligned with industry standards. Instead of pulling a number out of thin air, you’re backing it with objective benchmarks. This takes the pressure off your manager because it becomes a conversation about market norms rather than personal desires. It also signals that you know your worth and won’t accept being undervalued. When you present external data, you strengthen your position without sounding confrontational.

5. “I’m Committed To Continuing To Deliver At A High Level, And This Adjustment Will Help Support My Long-Term Growth Here.”

This phrase reassures your manager that you’re invested in the future of your role and the company. It frames the raise not just as a reward for past work but as fuel for continued performance. Managers love hearing that an employee is thinking ahead and willing to grow with the team. It positions the raise as a smart investment rather than an optional bonus. That subtle shift in perspective can make all the difference in a negotiation.

6. “Can You Help Me Understand What Milestones I’d Need To Meet To Earn This Raise?”

If the answer to your request isn’t immediately yes, this phrase is your golden parachute. It turns a potential rejection into a constructive conversation and gives you a roadmap instead of a dead end. It shows maturity, adaptability, and long-term thinking—three traits every leader values. This approach also puts the responsibility back on your manager to define success clearly, making future negotiations easier. You walk out with clarity instead of confusion, and that alone is a win.

7. “I Appreciate Your Time And Your Support—What Are The Next Steps To Move This Forward?”

Closing with this question keeps the momentum going even if the decision doesn’t happen on the spot. It nudges your manager to clarify timelines, approvals, and follow-up actions. This communicates confidence without pressure, and it ensures the conversation doesn’t drift into limbo. It also shows professionalism and gratitude, both of which leave a strong final impression. Ending with clarity and confidence helps keep the process alive and positions you as someone who handles negotiations with grace.

Your Confidence Is Just As Important As Your Words

Negotiating a raise isn’t about fancy vocabulary or memorized scripts—it’s about choosing phrases that reflect your value, your professionalism, and your commitment to growth. When you use strong, thoughtful wording, you help guide the conversation toward fairness and clarity instead of uncertainty. These phrases open doors, spark constructive dialogue, and give you the footing you need to advocate for yourself effectively. Most importantly, they remind you that your work matters and your voice deserves to be heard.

Have you used any of these lines in your own raise conversations? Share your stories, questions, or negotiation wins in the comments below.

When Is It Okay For A Spouse to Quit a Job?

June 13, 2022 by Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Spouse to Quit a Job

As a couple, having a sound financial future is usually a goal. That’s why it can be really difficult to determine how to respond if one spouse wants to quit their job somewhat unexpectedly. If they don’t have another position lined up – or don’t plan on finding something new – you may wonder if their quitting is actually alright or if it’s unreasonable. Regretfully, the situation isn’t always cut and dry. So it’s critical to remember there are times when quitting is wise. Here’s a look at when it’s okay for a spouse to quit a job.

When It’s Okay for a Spouse to Quit a Job

The Workplace Is Dangerous

If there is one time when quitting a job without talking to a spouse first is definitively okay, it is if the workplace is unnecessarily dangerous. While companies should do their part to protect their workforce from harm. Some don’t do this well. Some may order employees to cut corners in a manner that needlessly puts them in harm’s way. Others may forgo maintenance. Thus, increasing the odds of dangerous mechanical failures that could harm an operator.

If your spouse is in a risky role and their employer keeps putting their safety on the line because it refuses to follow tried-and-true protocols or regulatory mandates. Exiting immediately could be essential. Otherwise, your spouse could end up catastrophically injured. Which is something that comes at a far higher cost than losing a paycheck.

There’s a Health Issue

Similar to the point above, if a job is causing or aggravating a serious health issue – or preventing your spouse from taking proper steps to care for a condition – quitting might be a necessity. There are scenarios where a person’s job can have a major impact on their health, either purely based on the nature of the role or the environment in which they do the work. In those cases, the only remedy is usually to leave. If they don’t, they may continue to deteriorate, potentially irreversibly so.

If a job is causing significant mental health damage, that’s also a justifiable reason to leave. For instance, if there’s toxic management, bullying, or similar conditions leading to severe depression or anxiety. Quitting might be the best way to get re-centered and on the road to recovery.

A person’s health isn’t something they should have to sacrifice in the name of a paycheck, particularly if the situation is getting severe rapidly. That’s why, in those scenarios, quitting is often okay.

Burnout Is a Problem

In many cases, burnout is a far bigger burden than people expect. There are both mental and physical side effects to burnout, leaving a person pretty miserable. That’s why, if burnout is the issue, quitting might not be a bad choice.

However, quitting over burnout without taking some key steps could be irresponsible. For example, if your spouse is burned out because they’re bored at work, ideally, they should speak with their manager. They may be able to take on additional duties that keep them engaged, effectively solving the issue.

The same is true if they’re overworked. At times, a meeting with their manager to discuss the situation could lead to changes, allowing them to conquer their burnout.

But not all sources of burnout are easily solved. First, managers can refuse to make any changes, making the problem inescapable without quitting. Second, if the burnout is related to the field or industry being a bad fit, leaving the role may be a must. Finally, if burnout is tied to the workplace, such as an aspect of the culture, heading for the exit is potentially essential.

Since burnout isn’t typically catastrophic, it may be preferable that your spouse find a new job before leaving. However, if the impact of burnout is severe, a quicker exit could make sense.

An Ethical or Legal Issue Arises

There are times when a person may be cruising along at work, only to witness an incident that makes staying problematic. For example, seeing a higher-up make an unethical choice could put an employee in a bind. The same goes for signs of illegal activity.

Even if your spouse isn’t directly involved, remaining in a workplace where an ethical or legal issue could rear its ugly head isn’t always wise. As a result, they may need to quit without any notice, mainly as a means of protecting themselves from a potentially risky situation.

A Multitude of Other Reasons

The examples above outline some extreme situations that most would agree make quitting – even spontaneously – primarily justifiable. However, they, by all means, aren’t the only ones.

Every person’s workplace and job are different, so your spouse’s could come with challenges not outlined above. Additionally, every person is unique, so what’s tolerable to one person may be a dealbreaker for another.

While quitting is a big decision that impacts all members of a household, spouses can’t necessarily force their partner to keep a job. Trying to do so usually only brings negativity and resentment to the relationship. The same goes for chastising a spouse who’s already quit, as that’s a reactive approach that won’t help you both find solutions to any challenges the choice creates.

How to Navigate a Spouse Quitting Their Job

If your spouse quits their job unexpectedly, you’re free to ask why they made that decision. You may discover that there were issues or challenges you weren’t initially aware of, making their quick exit completely justifiable. However, even if that isn’t the case, take in what they share and avoid being outwardly judgmental. Instead, shift gears to become solution-oriented.

Review your budget with your spouse to determine how losing that income impacts your finance. See if you need to cut back and, if so, what you should change. After you pare down, see if tapping your emergency fund is a requirement or if you can proceed while leaving your savings intact.

After that, speak with your spouse about their career plans. Find out if they intend to launch a job search, acquire new skills to make a career change possible, or have other ideas for how they’ll proceed. Determine if there are steps you can take to support their transition, as that may help them move forward with greater ease.

Work Together On A Solution

If your spouse isn’t sure about their professional future, work together to find a reasonable solution during the interim. For example, they may be able to secure a part-time job to help make ends meet while they use the rest of the time they would usually spend working if they were full-time to explore various options.

Ideally, you want to work together to figure out what comes next. That way, you can get back on the same page, allowing you to make progress as a team. Often, that can do a lot when it comes to repairing any potential damage to the relationship, making it easier to remain future-oriented and move forward.

Can you think of any other times with it’s okay for a spouse to quit a job? Has your spouse had to quit their job unexpectedly, and you’d like to offer advice to others in the same boat? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.