Dream of earning $1,000 or more each month—while only working one day a week? The secret is picking jobs and hustles with high hourly rates, consistent demand, or scalable side businesses. Here’s a realistic guide to options that let you leverage your time and skills for maximum payout with minimum commitment. I’ve included real tips, real numbers, and actionable steps to help you succeed!
Top Ideas for High-Earning “One Day a Week” Jobs
1. Specialized Freelancing or Consulting
- What it is: Offer skills in web design, copywriting, digital marketing, business consulting, programming, or graphic design.
- How it works: Take on premium projects and schedule deep-focus work on one day each week. Top freelancers routinely earn $500–$2,000 per day or more per project.
- How to start: Create a strong profile on Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn, and bid only for single-day projects or recurring retainers.
2. Bookkeeping or Proofreading Side Business
- Bookkeeping: Many small businesses need weekly or monthly help—average rates are $30–$70/hour, with many bookkeepers earning $1,000–$4,000/month for just a few regular clients.
- Proofreading: Freelance proofreaders can make $25–$50/hour, and with steady gigs, it’s realistic to clear four figures monthly, all done with flexible, batch days.
- How to start: Take a short online course (optional), list services on freelancer platforms, or network in local business groups.
3. Tutoring or Teaching Specialized Classes
- How it works: Run group classes in-person (yoga, art, languages, fitness) or online tutoring sessions. Hourly rates can be $30–$150+ depending on your expertise.
- Example: Teach a skill (SAT prep, coding, piano, personal finance) for 4–6 hours one weekend day = $1,000+/month is realistic.
4. Cleaning, Landscaping, or Carpentry Services
- How it works: Focus on premium, specialized one-off jobs—residential cleaning, yard maintenance, gardening, carpet cleaning, or handyman gigs.
- Rates: Many charge $25–$100/hour; with enough repeat or premium clients, you can work one full day weekly to hit four figures/month.
- How to start: Advertise on Nextdoor, Craigslist, or social media; build repeat business with dependable service.
5. Content Creation for Brands or Marketplaces
- What it is: Create scheduled TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or written content for brands—often paid per project.
- Income: Many receive $100–$2,000 per sponsored post or video, especially if you have a niche audience.
- How to start: Pick one platform, focus on quality, and reach out to companies for weekly content contracts.
6. Event-Based or Seasonal Gigs
- Examples: Wedding photographer, DJ, party planner, event decorator.
- How it works: Book a few high-paying events per month ($500–$2,000/day) and handle all work in focused, one-day blocks.
- How to start: Build a portfolio and list services on event directories or social media.
7. Remote Customer Success or Support Specialist
- **Many companies hire part-time specialists—paying $25–$35/hour for a set shift each week.
- How to start: Search “one day a week” jobs or “weekend part-time” on sites like Indeed or FlexJobs, and apply for customer-facing roles.
How to Structure Your “One Day a Week” Income Plan
1. Pick a skill or service with high demand or high-value tasks.
2. Calculate what you need to charge per hour or project to reach $1,000+/month.
Example: $250 per day x 4 days/month = $1,000.
3. Use platforms for client acquisition: Upwork, local Facebook groups, Craigslist, event directories, or freelancer sites.
4. Batch your work.
- Schedule all your clients, jobs, or deliveries on the same weekday.
- Use the rest of your week for marketing, relaxation, or other work.
5. Upskill & optimize!
- The more you specialize and automate, the higher your rates and repeat business.
Real Tips for Success
- Niche down: Specialist services (e.g., luxury cleaning, SAT math tutor) command high rates and steady demand.
- Deliver excellence: One great day of effort will create referrals and repeat business.
- Market smart: Use social media, directories, and client testimonials to attract the right customers.
- Stay flexible: Adjust your offering or schedule as the business grows.
- Remember taxes: Keep good records for your freelance/contract work!
Jobs where you work just one day a week can pay four figures monthly—but you’ll need to choose wisely, market yourself well, and deliver standout results. Start small, scale as needed, and enjoy your extra freedom and income!
Thank you for reading!