We all have those hidden talents or quirky hobbies that might seem unconventional. However, these 18 “useless” skills can turn into surprising money-making ventures;
DIY Master
From leaky faucets to wobbly chairs and flat-pack assembly, you can always be called helpful if you are good at DIY. Offering handyperson services taps into a constant demand for minor but essential repairs. You can transform your hobby into a side hustle by charging friends and local people by the hour or per project.
Karaoke King/Queen
If you love to belt out a tune in the shower or after a few drinks on a night out, you can step up your game and start to entertain people. You can host karaoke nights, private events, and even online singing lessons, which can be lucrative platforms for your vocal prowess. There are entertainment and event platforms where you can sign up for gigs where people pay you by the hour to attend their event.
Origami
Channel your inner origami guru and create stunning, intricate paper creations to earn cash. Not everyone has the skills and the patience for origami, so if you are a master at it, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are useless. You can try selling your works at craft fairs and online marketplaces or even offer custom designs for events and weddings.
Juggling
Your juggling skills are for more than just the circus or making your family cringe at parties. You can use your skills to impress at kids’ parties, corporate events, or even street performances. To further your talent, you can learn intricate patterns and add comedy or dancing to boost your chances of earning extra cash.
Culinary Whizz
You may think your cooking schools are useless in the grand scheme of things, but many people would pay for you to cook for them. If you conjure culinary concoctions in your kitchen, use your talent wisely and offer personal chef services. You can also cater small events or even start a niche food blog if you don’t want to take on too much work outside your full-time job.
Pet Whisperer
If you are great with animals and have a way of entertaining and putting them at ease, your skills will come in handy. Consider offering pet sitting, dog walking, or animal training services.
Master of Memes
Do you see trending topics before they even trend? If so, why not turn your meme-making skills into a source of income? Whether you create and sell funny memes, make custom designs for brands, or manage small business social media accounts, there are many ways to make money from your ‘useless’ skill.
Voice-Over
Having a smooth voice that is warm and inviting may not necessarily be seen as a skill by you or your friends, but it is in high demand. Voice-overs are everywhere, from commercials to audiobooks, and they are looking for a voice like yours. Hone your vocal skills, build a demo reel, and tap into the ever-growing voice-over market.
Language Lover
If you speak multiple languages, your skills are a valuable asset. Instead of just practicing with friends or on vacation, you can offer translation services, teach languages online, or even become a business cultural consultant.
Gaming
Level up your gaming skills and turn your virtual victories into real-world wins. Participating in eSports tournaments is a great way to earn money from your useless skills, as is offering gaming coaching services. You can also sign up for Twitch or YouTube to share your skills with the gaming masses.
Pen Spinning
Beyond a party trick, pen spinning is a captivating skill that can be developed into a lucrative performance act. Skilled spinners entertain people at events, street performances, and large parties. Your spinning skills will leave a lasting impression on people, and you can earn a few bucks.
Handwriting
The art of handwriting is dwindling as more people turn to text messages and emails to communicate with their loved ones. However, there is demand for handwritten invitations for weddings and special events or wall art. You can use your handwriting skills for local commissions, or you can advertise your skills online.
Balloon Sculpting
Balloon sculpting is not just for clowns! The skill has soared in popularity as there is demand to attend private events, corporate functions, photo shoots, and promotions. If balloon sculpting is a fun hobby, why earn money by advertising your services locally?
Knitting
From trendy knitted tanks to eco-conscious alpaca throws, the modern knitting scene is buzzing. If you have always been told your knitting hobby is “boring” and ‘useless’ you can hot back at those jibes by earning money from your skills. You can take on local commissions or sell your products on an online marketplace from the comfort of your own home.
Paper Plane Making
Building paper planes was a part of most childhoods, with airplane masters sculpting, thinking up intricate folds and clever designs to make them go further than their friends. If you are great at making planes, you can enter competitions for fellow fans of this origami nostalgia.
Hand Shadows
With hand shadows, there is no need for elaborate sets, costumes, or makeup. If you can use your hands and a sliver of light to craft stories and captivate audiences, you can earn money, which is helpful.
Finger Snapping
More than just a party trick, the artistry of skilled finger snappers is used throughout the music scene. If you can make a precise snap or click, you will be in high demand as artists look to add a fresh, percussive element to soundtracks and live performances.
Knot Tying
Knot tying might be considered a survival skill or a hobby, but it can be used in various careers and activities. Sailors, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts often require assistance with intricate and secure knots, so you can put your skills to good use by helping them out.
