It seems like everyone has a side hustle nowadays. When you’re short on cash or have extra time, it’s tempting to earn a quick buck or two. If you’re thinking of the long game, you might want to consider an alternative to driving strangers in your car or delivering food

1. Work on a Certification

You might not earn money now, but you’ll be investing time into your future. Look for a certification in something you’re interested in, whether it’s yoga, digital marketing, or cyber security. You may be able to volunteer or consult as you practice, which can help you gain experience or a little cash. Or you can document what you did and package and sell it as a guide from someone else. You’ll work hard for this one, but it will eventually pay off.

2. Make it a Cyber Side Hustle

Choose something that you can do no matter where you happen to be in the world, and you’ll set yourself up for success. If you’re deployed you might still be able to keep your side hustle going if you have the time. Here are a few of my favorite work-from-anywhere side hustles.

3. Get a Degree

Is it cheating to call this a side hustle? Absolutely not! Getting a degree is a lot of work, and chances are you can get one cheap or free while you’re active duty. This might be one of the best investments in time that you can make, especially if you’ll be changing careers after the military. You’ll be able to position yourself as someone with work experience and some new expertise as opposed to a graduating student with an employment gap.

4. Get Entrepreneurial

When you engage in typical side hustles – like ride sharing and delivery – you’re relying on that company, and when you’re not on the clock you’re not getting paid. If you have a business idea, you can start to build something that will work for you for years to come. Best yet, you can find great resources on your base to help you learn the ins and outs of starting your own business. You don’t even have to sell products. Offer an amazing service, and you can make cash without carrying an inventory.

What’s worked for you? A traditional side hustle or something else?