A side hustler who has made money from surveys, digital products, and other gigs shares which ones are fun and easy

In today’s world, more and more people are choosing side hustles as a way to break free from rigid 9-to-5 jobs and create a lifestyle with greater freedom and flexibility. One such person is Rachel Mandex, 31, who turned her spare time into an income stream through a mix of enjoyable and profitable side gigs.

Thompson, who lives in Australia, leveraged side hustles to financially support herself during a one-year academic program. When her schedule allowed, she dove into earning opportunities. When it didn’t, her hustles patiently waited.

She made over $5,000/month through various gigs like online surveys, referral programs, user testing, and selling digital products. Now that she has completed her academic program, she’s doubling down on these flexible income options.

Why Side Hustles Work

Rachel’s experience proves that side hustles can complement your lifestyle — whether you're a student, stay-at-home parent, or full-time employee looking to supplement your income.

“There is going to be something out there for most people,” she says. “You may have to hunt for it a little bit, but you will find something out there that suits your personality, suits your brain, suits your time.”

Side Hustles That Worked for Her (And Might Work for You Too)

1. Product and Service Testing

One of Rachel’s favorite gigs involves testing and reviewing digital experiences. She earned over $400 in a year through platforms like UserTesting, where users get paid to provide feedback on websites, apps, and prototypes — sometimes through video, audio, or written responses.

These sessions are popular for “think-aloud” feedback, where users narrate their thought process while interacting with digital platforms.

Rachel also used User Interviews, where participants can join surveys, focus groups, and even multi-day studies — some paying as much as $50 or more per session, often in the form of gift cards.

“If you like giving your opinion on things, it's the side hustle for you,” she shared.

2. Mystery Shopping

Another fun and fast side hustle Rachel enjoyed was mystery shopping. Through mobile apps, she picked up quick missions like taking photos of store shelves, earning AUD $6 to $8 for just a few minutes of her time.

“They're a great little add-on to your day where it doesn't really have to take you too far out of your way to earn a couple extra dollars.”

3. Selling Digital Products

Rachel monetized her creativity by selling digital items she originally made for herself, such as a meal planner and a budget spreadsheet. In just 7 months, she earned over AUD $1,418 from her digital products.

“If you go with where your interests are, you'll tend to make better products, I think.”

Items like ebooks, printable planners, art, and templates can be sold easily through marketplaces or personal websites — no massive following needed.

4. Online Surveys

Though Rachel admits she finds surveys a bit boring, they still helped bring in extra income — especially on high-paying platforms like Prolific and Octopus Group. Prolific guarantees at least $28/hour, but some studies pay even more.

“If you can watch TV and scroll on your phone at the same time, you’ll be fine,” she said.

✨ RapidoReach Rewarded Surveys:

When it comes to survey-based side hustles, one standout platform is RapidoReach.

RapidoReach is a high-performance survey network that connects users with well-paying market research tasks and rewarded surveys. Unlike many traditional survey platforms, RapidoReach offers seamless integration, real-time tracking, and an intuitive interface that makes it easy to earn on your own schedule. The platform works globally and is known for:

• High-quality survey matches based on demographics

• Transparent earnings and quick withdrawals

• Multiple ways to earn, including referrals and loyalty rewards

• Access via mobile, web, and in-app integrations for games or apps

With an average user rating of over 4.7/5, RapidoReach is a favorite for those looking to monetize spare moments effectively. It’s especially popular among students, part-time earners, and digital nomads across English-speaking markets.

Whether you're doing a 5-minute feedback form or completing a full study, RapidoReach helps you maximize your earning potential — all while keeping things simple and flexible.

Publisher's can explore RapidoReach's offerings to incorporate this strategy into their apps.

RapidoReach Surveys Engagements:

• Average Completion Rate: High (83%)
  
  
• Survey Fill Rate: High (95%)
  
  
• User Retentaion After 7 Days: (60%)
  
  
• Average CPM: (65%)
  
  
• Integration Time: Less (25%)

Monetize Your App with RapidoReach Surveys

RapidoReach’s rewarded surveys provides a high-value, non-intrusive monetization method for publishers.

Ready to Monetize Your App?

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Need help? RapidoReach offers technical support and integration SDK experts to Integration step-by-step guide you through the entire process.

5. Delivery Gigs

Lastly, Rachel also explored food delivery, such as Uber Eats. While this can be a fun gig for those who enjoy driving and flexible hours, she warns of the overhead — fuel, vehicle maintenance, and wear-and-tear add up.

“It can be a side hustle that’s easy to start, but I don’t think it’s as good an option as it used to be.”

Rachel’s journey shows that side hustles can offer freedom, creativity, and financial support, whether you’re in school, working full time, or just looking to try something new.

The key is to choose gigs aligned with your personality and schedule. From testing websites and mystery shopping to selling your own digital templates or using platforms like RapidoReach, there’s an opportunity out there for everyone.

Tips to Get Started With Side Hustles

If you're inspired by Rachel’s story and ready to explore side hustles of your own, here are a few tips to help you begin:

✅ 1. Identify Your Strengths and Preferences

Do you enjoy writing? Are you good with numbers? Do you love interacting with people? Start with side hustles that align with your interests and natural skills. This not only makes the work enjoyable but also increases your chances of earning more.

✅ 2. Start Small, Test Often

Don't commit to one gig right away. Try multiple platforms like RapidoReach, UserTesting, and Prolific to understand what pays well and fits your lifestyle. Over time, you’ll figure out which ones are worth sticking with.

✅ 3. Track Your Earnings

Keep a spreadsheet or use budgeting apps to track how much you’re making per gig. This helps identify the most profitable activities and whether it’s worth scaling them.

✅ 4. Create a Routine

Even though side hustles are flexible, treating them like a part-time job can help you stay consistent and maximize your monthly income.

✅ 5. Stay Safe and Informed

Always read reviews of platforms, understand payment terms, and avoid scams. Trusted names like RapidoReach, User Interviews, and Octopus Group are well-established and offer secure earning opportunities.

| ALSO, READ OUR RECENT ARTICLES:

* Top 10 Consumer Insights Tools for Market Research

* Maximize Game Revenue Rewarded Surveys Offerwalls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While side hustles can be incredibly rewarding, beginners often make a few avoidable errors:

• Spreading Too Thin: Trying 10 platforms at once can overwhelm you. Focus on 2–3 at a time.

• Ignoring Terms: Some platforms have specific payout thresholds or schedule requirements.

• Chasing Every Dollar: Don’t waste time on tasks that pay too little or have a low effort-to-reward ratio.

Rachel's Recommended Platforms At a Glance

Platform	Type of Side Hustle	Approx. Earnings	Best For
RapidoReach	Rewarded Surveys	Varies by survey	Anyone with a mobile or web device
UserTesting	Product Feedback	$400+/year	People who enjoy being on camera
User Interviews	Focus Groups & Studies	$10–$50 per session	Opinionated individuals
Prolific	Academic Research Surveys	$8–$15/hour	Quick surveys, high integrity data
Octopus Group	Survey Tasks (AU-based)	Competitive rates	Australian residents
Uber Eats	Delivery	Varies (after costs)	Those who love driving
Etsy/Gumroad	Digital Product Sales	AUD $1,400+ (7 months)	Creative designers & spreadsheet pros
Field Agent	Mystery Shopping	AUD $6–$8 per task	Regular grocery shoppers

Why Side Hustles Are the Future of Flexible Work

With the rising cost of living, job uncertainty, and a growing gig economy, more individuals are turning to side hustles as a way to take control of their finances and freedom.

From participating in rewarded surveys via RapidoReach to sharing feedback on digital products or selling your own creations, the world of side gigs has something for everyone.

And as Rachel Mandex’s story proves, it doesn’t take a massive audience, tons of free time, or a high-profile platform to start earning real money — just a bit of initiative and the right tools.

Final Takeaway

Rachel’s experience showcases what’s possible when you explore and experiment with multiple income streams. Whether you're a student, a stay-at-home parent, or simply looking to supplement your income, platforms like RapidoReach and others open the door to flexible earning that fits your life.

Start small. Stay consistent. Earn smart.

Sign up to RapidoReach »