How to Make Money Fast in NYC

These side gigs will pump up your wallet, because let’s face it, this place is expensive

Photo by Marques Jackson/Filles Garcons NY.

Whether you just moved to NYC, have to cover for your disappearing roommates, or need to pay your exorbitant rent, these side gigs will help you keep up with the crazy costs of this city. I moved to NYC with no money (smart, I know) and learning how to make money fast became a necessary art form. Here’s my top choices, based on experience:

Feel free to ask questions or add your tips in the comments below.

1. Dog walk/Petsit. Dogs are kind of a big deal in NYC, and with so many wealthy pet lovers stretching from the Upper East Side to Wall Street, you can definitely make a lot, while having fun meeting all the cute pooches. Focus on one neighborhood and make it your target. You can start out working for a dog walking company, or create your own site and services. Apps like Rover are a great way to get clients too (though to be honest, I recommend getting customers then going off the app because they have generally very low rates and lots of restrictions). You can also ask fellow dog walkers if you can help them out by picking up extra clients they can’t take on. This will help build your client base. I walked dogs on the Upper East Side my first year in NYC and made more than I did as a journalist…