
Need to make $1,000 fast? In 2025, the gig economy and online platforms make it possible to earn serious cash in just a week with the right side job. Whether you’re covering an unexpected bill or saving for a goal, these seven side hustles can get you there quickly. Each requires minimal setup, uses skills or tools you likely already have (like a car or laptop), and can realistically hit $1,000 in a week with focused effort. Let’s dive into jobs you can start today!
1. Food Delivery Driver (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
Earnings: $15–$25/hour, ~40–70 hours for $1,000.
Why It Works: Delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats have high demand, especially during lunch and dinner rushes. You can start earning within days.
How to Start: Sign up with a car, bike (in some cities), driver’s license, and smartphone. Pass a background check (1–3 days) and start delivering. If your home zone has a waitlist, look for a nearby zone that is accepting new applicants.
Tip: Work peak hours (5–9 PM)
2. Freelance Writing
Earnings: $50–$200/article, 5–20 articles for $1,000.
Why It Works: Companies need blog posts written by real people, web copy, or social media content, paying $50–$200 per piece for quick turnaround.
How to Start: Join Upwork or Fiverr (free), create a profile highlighting writing skills, and pitch clients needing urgent content. Use Google Docs for drafts.
Tip: Target small businesses or bloggers on job boards; offer 500-word posts at $100 each.
3. Task-Based Gigs (TaskRabbit)
Earnings: $15–$50/hour, ~20–70 hours for $1,000.
Why It Works: TaskRabbit connects you with local tasks like furniture assembly, moving, or errands, with flexible hours.
How to Start: Sign up with a smartphone, pass a background check (1–2 days), and list services you’re comfortable doing.
Tip: Focus on high-paying tasks like mounting TVs ($50/hour) and work evenings/weekends.
4. Online Tutoring
Earnings: $10–$30/hour, ~35–100 hours for $1,000.
Why It Works: Platforms like Preply or TutorMe need tutors for subjects like math, English, or test prep, with immediate start potential.
How to Start: Register on Preply (free), set your rate, and offer sessions via Zoom. No degree required for many platforms.
Tip: Schedule back-to-back sessions (e.g., 10 hours/day for 4 days) at $25/hour.
5. Video Editing
Earnings: $65–$300/project, 4–15 projects for $1,000.
Why It Works: Businesses and creators need quick video edits for social media or ads, paying well for fast work.
How to Start: Join Fiverr (free), offer basic editing using free tools like DaVinci Resolve, and pitch YouTubers or small businesses.
Tip: Charge $100 for short 1–2-minute edits; take 10 gigs in a week.
6. Event Staffing
Earnings: $15–$40/hour, ~25–70 hours for $1,000.
Why It Works: Weekend events (weddings, conferences) need staff for serving, setup, or registration, with high hourly rates.
How to Start: Sign up with local staffing agencies or apps like Qwick (free). Check event listings on Eventbrite for gigs.
Tip: Work two 12-hour weekend shifts at $35/hour (e.g., catering).
7. Flipping Items
Earnings: $100–$500/item, 2–5 sales for $1,000.
Why It Works: Buy low, sell high on eBay or Facebook Marketplace using items you find locally or online.
How to Start: Source free or cheap items from thrift stores, garage sales, or Facebook’s “free” section. List with clear photos.
Tip: Make your photos look professional to catch people’s’ eye and increase your selling price. Refurbish items to increase their value. A little paint goes a long way.
How to Hit $1,000 This Week
- Stack Gigs: Combine apps (e.g., DoorDash + TaskRabbit) for $150–$200/day.
- Start Today: Most apps approve within 1–3 days; flipping or freelancing can begin instantly.
- Track Earnings: Use a free app like Notion to log income and optimize your schedule.
These gigs aren’t get-rich-quick schemes but require effort. I have personally driven for DoorDash for seven years and have made well over $1,000 a week. Pick one or two jobs, start today, and watch the cash roll in. Which gig’s your vibe? Share in the comments, and I’ll drop a tip to maximize your week!
Warning About Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: Beware of apps or programs promising “$1,000/day” that demand upfront payments or subscriptions. Legit side jobs, like those above, are free to join and don’t charge for access. Research reviews on Google Play/App Store and avoid sharing sensitive info with unverified platforms. Stick to trusted apps to protect your time and money.