10 Summer Side Hustles That Aren't Retail

It's no secret that millennials are the largest generation in today's workforce, and for a generation that is quickly becoming known for demanding flexibility in their jobs and pursuing nontraditional career paths, it is common to hold down multiple jobs.

Whether it's doing freelance work as a creative, working a night gig after a 9 to 5, or driving for Uber, we are a generation that is well-versed in the subtle art of the side hustle. And the summer is the perfect time to consider picking up a part-time or freelance gig; besides extra money, the perks can range from strengthening your professional network to fleeing that desk job you hate. While some traditional options like babysitting and retail can be great places to start, there are more creative choices for raking in some extra cash during the warm months. Here are 10 summer side hustle ideas to check out, whether you're looking to earn a little passive income or turn an opportunity into a main hustle:

The saying goes that "if you've got it, flaunt it." And there's no better way to flaunt your talents, than by taking on projects for companies or individual clients. People are always in need of logo or website design, if you have graphic or web design experience, and don't forget about writing. Whether as a regular contributor or an occassional copywriter, there is money to be made by putting creative skills to use via platforms like Upwork or FlexJobs.

While you may not go on to open the next Nasty Gal, you can sell those shoes that always hurt your feet anyway, along with other gently worn items on sites like ThredUp or consignment apps like Depop.

Got a knack for crafting handmade jewelry, or whipping up your own natural skincare products? Try opening up an Etsy shop. Or if you make digital art or prints, consider placing your work on various forms of merchandise using a website like Society6, which lets you upload images and sell them on everything from wall tapestries to coffee mugs.

Got extra living space or a guest room gathering dust? Try listing your spare room or apartment on Airbnb. 

Affiliate marketing, is a great form of potential passive income, if you already host a blog or website. Programs like Amazon Affiliates let you embed links, and every time someone uses your links to make an Amazon purchase, you can earn up to 10% or more in advertising fees.

You might as well get paid for having an opinion, and a site like Focus Group let's you search for local focus groups where you can earn money for providing feedback on new snacks, products, and more.

If you happen to be someone blessed with a distinctive voice or have mastered accents, you may find lucrative voiceover work through Voice123. Users can create a profile on the site and submit auditions for jobs listed by studios like Pixar and Universal.

Take advantage of travel season, by housesitting for people who are on the go this summer. Pay ranges often depend on the length of the gig and what duties are expected; search for local listings via a site like House Sitters America.

If you've mastered recipes for the hot-weather or are the queen of meal prep, you can get paid by being a Feastly chef.

If you're an educator who happens to have go-to lesson plans or unique classroom activities, you can get paid by providing resources to other educators via Teachers Pay Teachers.