Side Hustles for Social Science and Humanities PhDs: Extra Income and Experience

Why Side Hustles Make Sense Right Now

As a kid, my mom told me it was important to have some type of skill you can use to generate additional income on the side because you never know when you may need it. Now that I'm in my 40s, I have definitely found myself understanding the realities of this advice -- sometimes it's just nice to have extra money; other times, you need the money. Between rising costs of living and increased competition for full-time roles, many people, including PhDs, are looking for ways to supplement their income.

But here’s the silver lining: the right side hustle can do more than help pay the bills. It can also help you build skills, expand your network, and open doors to career opportunities outside academia.

Here are some side hustles that make sense for social science and humanities PhDs—plus how to actually find them.

Freelance Writing & Editing

Why it works: You already know how to write clearly, edit carefully, and communicate complex ideas. Organizations, nonprofits, think tanks, and media outlets often pay for freelance content creation.

How to find it:

• Create a profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.

• Pitch essays or op-eds to publications (many pay contributors—yes, even smaller outlets). Don't know where to start? E-mail me -- I have published in a number of outlets, including Newsweek and Cosmopolitan.

• Check university centers, nonprofits, or think tanks for calls for freelance writers.
  Bonus: Builds a portfolio you can showcase when applying for communications, policy, or research roles.

Tutoring & Coaching

Why it works: Whether it’s high school social studies, GRE prep, or writing skills, your subject-matter expertise is valuable. Some PhDs even branch into career or college coaching.

How to find it:

• Join platforms like Wyzant, Varsity Tutors, or Skooli.

• Advertise locally (through libraries, schools, or community centers).

• Offer one-on-one writing coaching or academic skills coaching directly through LinkedIn or through any communities you are a part of.
  Bonus: Strengthens teaching and mentoring experience—useful in education, advising, and training roles.

Survey Design & Research Consulting

Why it works: Many small nonprofits, advocacy groups, or startups need help designing surveys, focus groups, or evaluations. Your research training is a huge asset.

How to find it:

• Look for short-term consulting gigs on Idealist, Upwork, or even LinkedIn’s “Services” feature.

• Reach out to local nonprofits and community organizations that lack evaluation staff.

• Tap your academic network—faculty often know nonprofits looking for evaluation support.
  Bonus: Demonstrates applied research skills—perfect for policy, evaluation, or UX research roles.

Nonprofit Grant Writing

Why it works: Grant writing is essentially persuasive academic writing with real-world stakes. Nonprofits often hire part-time or freelance grant writers.

How to find it:

• Search “grant writer” on Idealist, Indeed, or LinkedIn.

• Volunteer for a small nonprofit to get initial experience—this can quickly lead to paid work.

• Consider certification (like the Grant Professionals Association) to boost credibility.
  Bonus: Builds experience in fundraising and development. Additionally, many program officer or manager roles have grant-writing as a job requirement.

Social Media & Communications Support

Why it works: Many organizations need people to craft posts, run newsletters, or manage campaigns. PhDs with strong writing and storytelling skills often excel here.

How to find it:

• Look for part-time or contract “Communications Assistant/Manager” roles on Idealist.

• Offer your services to small nonprofits or local businesses on LinkedIn.

• Build a portfolio by running social accounts for a volunteer group or association you’re already connected to.
  Bonus: Adds experience in marketing and public engagement—key for communications and advocacy roles.

Adjacent Academic Gigs (Careful with Burnout)

Why it works: Some PhDs pick up short-term curriculum design, exam prep, or editing work (dissertations, journal submissions). These can provide steady income while leveraging your expertise.

How to find it:

• Post your services on LinkedIn or Academia.edu.

• Work with academic editing companies (like Editage, Enago, or Wordvice).

• Advertise thesis or dissertation coaching/editing through graduate school listservs or social media.
  Bonus: Shows applied knowledge of higher ed systems and assessment—useful in instructional design, educational consulting, or policy roles.

Final Thought

A side hustle isn’t just about making ends meet—it can also be a strategic career move. By choosing hustles that play to your strengths and connect to broader sectors, you’ll earn extra income and gain experience that makes you more competitive outside academia.

So don’t think of it as “just a hustle.” Think of it as a bridge—to both financial stability and new career opportunities.

© 2025 Marya T. Mtshali. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author.