4 Side Hustles to Try Now That the Weather's Getting Warmer

If you're thinking about taking on a side hustle this year, you're not alone. As of 2022, a good 40% of Americans had a job they did on the side, according to Zapier.

There are numerous benefits you might reap if you go the side hustle route. First, if your savings account could use a serious boost (which may be the case thanks to inflation), a side hustle could help you pad your bank account without having to cut your spending. And if you're carrying a nagging balance on your credit cards, a side hustle could be your ticket to paying it off sooner -- and avoiding a scenario where interest keeps piling up against you.

But let's face it -- working a side hustle means giving up some of your free time. And the idea of spending even more time at a desk might seem less than appealing.

The good news, though, is that you don't have to limit yourself to an indoor side hustle that's boring. Now that spring is in full gear and the weather is getting warmer, there's ample opportunity to pursue a side hustle that can be done outside. Here are four to consider.

1. Walking dogs

If you like animals and love the idea of getting exercise in the course of earning money, then it pays to look into becoming a dog-walker. You can advertise your services locally and see if any customers bite, or you can sign up for a service like Rover or Wag that connects pet care providers to pet owners.

2. Landscaping

Spring is a time when many homeowners opt to focus on landscaping -- things like mulching their trees, planting flowers, and cleaning up unruly shrubs. If you're handy and have a green thumb, it may be worth looking into weekend landscaping gigs. You might get your hands dirty, but you'll get to enjoy hours of fresh air, all the while getting paid.

3. Mowing lawns

Many people outsource the task of lawn maintenance to companies or individuals. If you're willing to put in the time, you can sign up to mow lawns in your neighborhood and pocket some extra cash. Best of all, lawn mowing is a task that typically needs to be done weekly when the weather is warm, so it's a great way to set yourself up with a recurring gig.

4. Deck and fence painting

At this point, many people are staring at decks and fences that have seen better days. It's easy to put off deck and fence painting during the winter, but come spring, homeowners tend to run out of excuses. As such, it pays to look for deck and fence painting gigs in your area. Some homeowners might even require both services, giving you a chance to pocket quite a bit of cash.

The idea of being cooped up indoors on weekends hammering away at a side hustle can be demoralizing. So why force yourself into that situation? Instead, look at side hustles you can do outdoors, and enjoy the dual benefit of fresh air and an extra paycheck.