We’ve all seen those ‘earn $5,000 a week from home’ ads and thought… ‘scam!’. But some side gigs are just quirky enough to be legit—and surprisingly lucrative. Whether you’re looking to boost your savings or just want a great party story, here are a few wild (but real!) ways people are making money.

1. Rent out your friendship

No, seriously. Sites like RentAFriend let people hire you to hang out—platonically. Think: exploring a new city with someone, going to a concert, or being someone’s +1 to a wedding so they don’t have to explain why they’re still single. Rates vary, but some folks charge $30 to $50 an hour. For chatting.

2. Sell your hair

If you’ve got long, healthy, natural hair and a bit of patience, you could sell it to wig makers or hair extension companies. Virgin hair (meaning never dyed or treated) can go for hundreds of dollars. The longer and healthier, the better. It’s like a savings account growing on your head!

3. Be a human billboard

People have made thousands tattooing brand logos onto their bodies or walking around in sponsored clothing. One guy made $37,000 putting a temporary tattoo on his forehead. You don’t have to go that far—but even wearing branded shirts or wrapping your car can earn you a chunk of change.

4. Watch TV (and get paid)

Yes, this one’s real. Companies like Nielsen will literally pay you to watch television and share your viewing habits. You won’t get rich, but if you’re already bingeing reality TV with popcorn in hand, why not let it pay for your snacks?

5. Sniff out bed bugs

This one’s not for the squeamish. Some pest control companies hire people (or more often, their dogs) to detect bed bugs in hotels or apartment buildings. Training required, but the pay can be surprisingly solid—and your pup gets a cool new skill.

6. Name other people’s babies (or businesses)

If you’ve got a knack for creative names, there’s a market for it. Some parents and entrepreneurs hire freelancers to help name their kids or companies. It’s part psychology, part branding, and a great excuse to finally put your pun skills to work.

TL;DR

Side hustles don’t have to be boring—or even normal. Sometimes the weirdest gigs come with the biggest paychecks (and the best stories). Whether you’re renting your friendship or just binge-watching with a purpose, the right hustle might be hiding in plain sight.

Brigit does not provide personalized financial, investment, or legal advice. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial advice.