14 Side Hustles for People Who Hate Talking to Others

Side Hustles

Not everyone enjoys chatting with customers, making phone calls, or working in a team. If youre an introvert, shy, or just want to make extra money without talking to others, youre not alone! The good news is there are plenty of side hustles that let you work quietly, independently, and sometimes even anonymously. This guide will walk you through 14 realistic side hustles for people who hate talking to others, with honest advice on how to get started, what to expect, and how to avoid scams.

Table of Contents

1. Online Surveys

Online surveys are one of the easiest side hustles for people who hate talking to others. You simply answer questions about products, brands, or your habits. Companies use your feedback for research.

  • Earning expectations: $1“$5 per survey, sometimes more for longer ones.
  • Time commitment: 5“30 minutes per survey.
  • Requirements: Internet access, email, sometimes a smartphone.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: Super easy, flexible, no experience needed.
Cons: Low pay, some sites have payout minimums.

Beginner tip: Sign up for several reputable sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars to maximize your earnings. Never pay to join a survey site.

Real-world example: Sarah, a stay-at-home mom, spends 20 minutes a day on surveys and cashes out $40“$60 a month for gift cards.

2. Microtask Sites

Microtask platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker pay you to do simple online tasks: tagging images, data verification, or categorizing content.

  • Earning expectations: $2“$10 per hour, depending on task availability and speed.
  • Time commitment: As much or as little as you want.
  • Requirements: Computer, internet, attention to detail.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: Flexible, no talking, lots of variety.
Cons: Some tasks pay very little, can be repetitive.

Beginner tip: Start with easy tasks and build up your approval rating to unlock better-paying gigs.

Scam warning: Only use well-known sites; never pay to access tasks.

Design T-shirts, mugs, or stickers and sell them online. Companies like Redbubble, Teespring, and Merch by Amazon handle printing, shipping, and customer service.

  • Earning expectations: $1“$10 per sale, depending on markup.
  • Time commitment: 1“5 hours to set up, then passive.
  • Requirements: Basic graphic design skills, creative ideas.
  • Startup costs: Usually free to start.

Pros: No customer interaction, passive income potential.
Cons: Competition is high, takes time to see sales.

Beginner tip: Use free tools like Canva to make simple designs. Focus on trending or niche topics.

Scenario: Alex uploaded 15 T-shirt designs and earns $30“$100/month in royalties with no customer contact.

4. Selling on Etsy

If youre crafty, you can sell handmade goods, digital downloads, or vintage items on Etsy. Most communication is via messages, and you can automate much of the process.

  • Earning expectations: Varies widely; $50“$500+/month for active sellers.
  • Time commitment: 2“10 hours/week, depending on product and volume.
  • Requirements: Creative skills, digital camera or smartphone for photos.
  • Startup costs: Small listing fees ($0.20/item) and supplies.

Pros: Creative outlet, little direct contact.
Cons: Some customer messages, competition.

Beginner tip: Start with digital products (like printables) to avoid shipping and minimize customer questions.

5. Stock Photography

Upload your photos to sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock. You earn royalties every time someone downloads your image.

  • Earning expectations: $0.25“$2 per download; passive income over time.
  • Time commitment: 1“3 hours/week to upload and tag photos.
  • Requirements: Camera or smartphone, basic editing skills.
  • Startup costs: None if you already have a camera.

Pros: No interaction, passive earnings.
Cons: Takes time to build up a portfolio and see income.

Beginner tip: Focus on popular themes—business, food, travel, and everyday objects.

6. Data Entry

Many companies hire remote workers to input data into spreadsheets or databases. You rarely need to talk to anyone.

  • Earning expectations: $10“$18/hour for legitimate gigs.
  • Time commitment: Part-time or project-based.
  • Requirements: Typing skills, attention to detail.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: Simple work, no calls.
Cons: Scams are common, repetitive.

Scam warning: Never pay for a data entry job. Stick to reputable job boards like FlexJobs or Upwork.

7. Freelance Writing

Write articles, blog posts, or product descriptions for websites. Most communication is by email or project management tools.

  • Earning expectations: $20“$100+ per article, depending on experience.
  • Time commitment: Flexible; project-based.
  • Requirements: Good writing skills, internet.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: Creative, no calls required.
Cons: Can be competitive, deadlines.

Beginner tip: Start on platforms like Textbroker or Medium, or pitch to blogs in your niche.

8. Transcription

Listen to audio files and type what you hear. Companies like Rev and TranscribeMe pay per audio minute.

  • Earning expectations: $0.30“$1.10 per audio minute; $10“$20/hour with practice.
  • Time commitment: Flexible; work as much as you want.
  • Requirements: Good listening and typing skills, headphones.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: No talking, work at your pace.
Cons: Can be tedious, audio quality varies.

Beginner tip: Take free practice tests to improve your speed and accuracy.

9. Website Testing

Get paid to test websites and apps for usability. Some platforms require you to record your screen and voice, but others (like UserTestings written tests) dont.

  • Earning expectations: $4“$10 per test, 10“20 minutes each.
  • Time commitment: Flexible, based on available tests.
  • Requirements: Computer, internet, sometimes a microphone.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: Interesting work, no ongoing communication.
Cons: Limited availability, some tests require speaking.

Beginner tip: Sign up for multiple platforms to increase your chances of getting tests.

10. Selling Used Items Online

Declutter your home and make extra cash by selling on eBay, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace. You can often ship items and avoid meeting buyers.

  • Earning expectations: $20“$500+/month, depending on what you sell.
  • Time commitment: 1“5 hours/week.
  • Requirements: Smartphone for photos, packing materials.
  • Startup costs: None if selling your own stuff.

Pros: Clear out clutter, minimal interaction.
Cons: Occasional questions from buyers, shipping work.

Beginner tip: Offer free shipping and clear descriptions to reduce questions.

11. Pet Sitting (No People, Just Pets!)

If you love animals but not people, pet sitting can be perfect. Use apps like Rover to find gigs where you only interact with pets.

  • Earning expectations: $15“$40 per visit or overnight stay.
  • Time commitment: Flexible; depends on bookings.
  • Requirements: Love for animals, reliability.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: No people, just pets!
Cons: Must meet pet owners once, some responsibility.

Beginner tip: Offer drop-in visits or walks if you want to minimize owner interaction.

12. Delivery Apps (Leave at Door)

Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart let you deliver food or groceries. Most customers now prefer leave at door delivery, so you rarely need to talk.

  • Earning expectations: $10“$25/hour, plus tips.
  • Time commitment: As much or as little as you want.
  • Requirements: Car, bike, or scooter; smartphone.
  • Startup costs: Gas, vehicle maintenance.

Pros: Minimal interaction, flexible hours.
Cons: Wear and tear on vehicle, variable demand.

Beginner tip: Work during peak meal times for higher earnings.

13. Blogging

Start a blog about a topic you love. Monetize with ads, affiliate links, or sponsored posts. Communication is mostly written, and you can stay anonymous.

  • Earning expectations: $0“$500+/month; takes time to grow.
  • Time commitment: 2“10 hours/week.
  • Requirements: Writing skills, basic tech knowledge.
  • Startup costs: $3“$10/month for hosting.

Pros: Creative, passive income potential, no talking.
Cons: Slow to start, requires consistency.

Beginner tip: Choose a niche you enjoy and create helpful content for readers.

14. Remote Moderation

Online forums, Facebook groups, and websites hire moderators to review content and enforce rules. Most work is done behind the scenes.

  • Earning expectations: $12“$25/hour for part-time gigs.
  • Time commitment: 5“20 hours/week.
  • Requirements: Good judgment, attention to detail.
  • Startup costs: None.

Pros: No calls, work independently.
Cons: Can be repetitive, sometimes deal with unpleasant content.

Beginner tip: Look for jobs on sites like ModSquad or Upwork.

FAQ

  • Are these side hustles legitimate?
    Yes, all listed side hustles are legitimate. Always use well-known platforms and never