Let’s be honest for a second — most side hustles feel way more stressful than they’re worth. You start with good intentions, then suddenly you’re glued to your phone, juggling deadlines, and wondering why your “easy extra income” feels like a second full-time job. Sound familiar?
I’ve been there. I tried side jobs that promised quick money but delivered burnout instead. Over time, I learned something important: low stress and good money can actually coexist if you pick the right kind of work. And yes, making $1,000 per week without losing your sanity is possible.
So let’s talk like friends and break down 11 low stress side jobs that are realistic, flexible, and actually enjoyable — IMO, that’s the sweet spot 😊.
Freelance Writing (Even If You’re Not a “Writer”)
Freelance writing is one of the most relaxed high-paying side jobs once you get past the beginner stage. You don’t need a journalism degree or fancy words. Clear, helpful writing wins every time.
Why it’s low stress
You work alone, set your own deadlines, and avoid real-time pressure. No meetings. No bosses breathing down your neck.
What makes money here:
- Blog posts
- Website copy
- Product descriptions
- Email newsletters
Earning potential:
Charging $100–$250 per article means 5–10 pieces a week can hit $1,000 easily.
Print-on-Demand Products
This is perfect if you like creative work but hate customer service. You design once, upload, and let platforms handle the rest.
Why it’s low stress
No inventory, no shipping, no packaging. You focus only on designs.
Popular product ideas:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Mugs and tumblers
- Phone cases
- Wall art prints
Platforms to try:
- Etsy
- Redbubble
- Printify + Shopify
Once designs start selling, income becomes semi-passive. FYI, that’s where the stress level drops hard.
Bookkeeping for Small Businesses
Bookkeeping sounds boring, but boring can be beautiful when it pays well and stays calm.
Why it’s low stress
You follow systems, repeat tasks, and rarely deal with emergencies. Most clients just want things organized monthly.
Tasks usually include:
- Categorizing expenses
- Reconciling bank accounts
- Creating simple reports
Earning potential:
$40–$70 per hour. Just 15–20 hours a week can cross $1,000.
Virtual Assistant for Chill Clients
Being a virtual assistant doesn’t have to mean chaos. The trick is choosing long-term, low-demand clients.
Why it’s low stress
You control your services and boundaries. Email support is far calmer than phone-based work.
Easy VA tasks:
- Email management
- Calendar scheduling
- Data entry
- Social media posting
Income tip:
Charge monthly retainers instead of hourly rates. Predictable income = less stress.
Selling Digital Products
This is one of my personal favorites because the work-to-reward ratio gets better over time.
Why it’s low stress
You create once and sell repeatedly. No live interaction needed.
Examples of digital products:
- Printable planners
- Checklists
- Templates
- Guides or mini ebooks
Platforms that work well:
- Etsy
- Gumroad
- Your own website
Once a product gains traction, $1,000 per week becomes very realistic without daily effort.
Tutoring (Without a Classroom)
Online tutoring lets you teach what you already know — no teaching degree required.
Why it’s low stress
You work one-on-one, set your schedule, and avoid classroom chaos.
Popular tutoring topics:
- Math and science
- English conversation
- Test prep
- Coding basics
Earning potential:
$25–$60 per hour. A few focused sessions daily add up fast.
Stock Photography or Video Clips
If you enjoy taking photos or videos, this is a slow-burn, low-pressure income stream.
Why it’s low stress
No deadlines. No clients. You upload content and let it sell.
What sells best:
- Everyday lifestyle shots
- Business-related images
- Simple background videos
Best platforms:
- Shutterstock
- Adobe Stock
- Pond5
This works best as a compounding side job, but consistent uploads can push earnings higher than expected.
Proofreading and Editing
If grammar mistakes jump out at you instantly, this one’s for you.
Why it’s low stress
You’re improving existing content, not creating from scratch. The rules are clear and structured.
Common proofreading jobs:
- Blog posts
- Academic papers
- Marketing emails
- Website content
Income range:
$30–$60 per hour. Fewer hours, solid pay, minimal mental load.
Niche Blogging (The Calm Way)
Blogging doesn’t have to mean posting daily or chasing trends.
Why it’s low stress
You write on your schedule and let search engines do the work.
Low-stress blog niches:
- Personal finance basics
- Simple living
- Tech tutorials
- Hobby guides
With ads, affiliate links, and digital products, $1,000 per week is achievable once traffic grows.
Social Media Management (Without Being “Online” 24/7)
This job sounds stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
Why it’s low stress
You batch content, schedule posts, and avoid real-time engagement.
Tasks usually include:
- Creating captions
- Scheduling posts
- Basic analytics tracking
Best platforms to manage:
- Facebook pages
Managing just 3–5 clients can cross the $1,000 weekly mark.
Reselling Gently Used Items
This is surprisingly therapeutic if done right.
Why it’s low stress
You control inventory and pricing. No rush, no pressure.
Best items to resell:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Small electronics
- Vintage items
Platforms:
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Poshmark
Thrift smart, list consistently, and profits add up faster than expected.
Conclusion
Here’s the big takeaway: making $1,000 per week doesn’t have to feel exhausting. Low stress side jobs exist, and they work best when they match your personality and lifestyle. Some thrive with creative work, others prefer structured tasks, and that’s totally okay.
If you’re feeling stuck, pick one option from this list and test it for 30 days. No overthinking. No pressure. Just consistent action. Who knows — your calmest side job might turn into your favorite income stream
