Remote Side Hustles - Earn $10,000 Monthly

Ever wondered if you can earn $10,000 a month without stepping into a cubicle? In this post, we explore three remote side hustles—online courses, group coaching, and freelance writing—that can supercharge your income and transform your career.

A few weeks ago, I read Rachel Wells’ article in Forbes about 3 remote side-hustles that can make you $10,000 in a month.

I’ve been following Rachel’s writing for quite some time. She’s been covering the remote working scene since the middle of 2023, and her insights consistently offer a different take on the shifting landscape of work. From digital nomad hot spots to the psychology of working from home, her articles don’t just spin the usual “remote work is the future” line. They go deeper and remind us that remote work is not just a trend, but a life-altering career move for many.

This particular article has a classic click-baity title: “3 Remote Side Hustles To Make $10,000 A Month.” Let’s be honest: we see numbers like that all the time. It’s easy to wonder if these articles are blowing smoke or peddling a pipe dream. I’m definitely aware of how tricky it can be to achieve that kind of revenue—and to do it consistently month after month. Still, like the curious cat I am, I clicked on the link, and before I knew it, I was fully immersed in Rachel’s piece. Hooked on the bait, line, and sinker.

As someone who’s been self-employed and working remotely since 2007, I definitely relate to the promise and potential pitfalls of working from home—or from wherever I might find myself. For me, remote work began as a necessity. I was tinkering with business ideas and coding and being in the software industry, having to work at a physical place all the time (and having to pay rent for it!) just doesn't make sense. Over the years, however, remote work has evolved into a full-blown global phenomenon.

Now, we all know the big headlines are designed to grab our eyeballs. But there’s some truth behind them. Remote work isn’t just about flexibility or convenience; it’s about redefining what a “career” can look like and how financial independence can be built over a decent Internet connection and a solid plan.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the three side hustles Rachel highlighted. But I won’t just list them out—I’ll dissect them in more detail, adding some of my personal experiences and insights. The goal? To give you enough real-world perspective so you can decide whether any of these opportunities might be worth exploring for yourself. If you’re ready to hustle, let’s dive in.

The Evolving Landscape of Remote Work

Before we get to the side hustles, let’s set the stage by understanding how remote work has transformed in the past decade. Around 2010, “remote work” was often viewed skeptically by traditional employers. Sure, freelancers and some tech workers could do it, but it was hardly mainstream.

Fast-forward a few years, and things started to shift. High-speed Internet became more accessible, digital collaboration tools exploded in popularity, and entire industries realized that they could cut costs and access global talent by allowing employees to work off-site. Add in significant global events that accelerated the acceptance of “work from anywhere,” and you’ve got a remote revolution on your hands.

Today, remote work is no longer just for the rebellious or adventurous. It’s a legitimate career path, recognized by startups and Fortune 500 companies alike. And for those of us who are entrepreneurial, it has opened the doors to side hustles that can complement a day job or even replace it entirely.

However, with opportunity comes competition. The barrier to entry for many remote side hustles has become much lower. This means you don’t necessarily have to jump through hoops to start, but it also implies that standing out and thriving takes more strategy, skill, and persistence.

1. Online Course Creation

How It All Began (for Me)

Let’s jump right in with the first hustle: Online Course Creation. When I started tinkering with Python in 2002, e-learning as we know it today did not exist. No Udemy, no Coursera, no Teachable. My “courses” were basically long nights of rummaging through coding forums, emailing folks who might help me debug a script, and reading O’Reilly programming books cover to cover.

Nowadays, the e-learning industry is massive—valued at $295.9 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a 19% CAGR through 2030. Those are some staggering figures. When something is growing that fast, it’s a good sign there’s room for more players.

The Opportunity

Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, Kajabi, and Thinkific have democratized access to course creation. You don’t need to be a professor or hold fancy credentials. You just need to have a skill or knowledge set that people want to learn—whether it’s painting miniatures, coding microservices, or building a personal brand on social media.

Low Cost of Entry: Creating an online course doesn’t necessarily require a huge capital investment. A decent webcam, microphone, and some screen-recording software, and you’re ready to start filming.
Global Audience: Unlike a traditional classroom, your audience isn’t limited by geography. People from around the world can enroll, which means your potential market is huge.
Scalability: Once you’ve made your course, it can be sold over and over again, even while you sleep. This is the classic “make money while you’re not actively working” scenario that appeals to so many digital entrepreneurs.

Rachel Wells mentioned that some of the top instructors on platforms like Udemy can earn well into six or seven figures. In fact, the top 1% of Udemy instructors earn over $50,000 per year. It’s definitely possible for those with a compelling topic and strong marketing approach.

The Challenges

Of course, there’s a flip side. Most people don’t crack the top 1%. On average, a Udemy instructor earns about $3,306 per year, and 75% make less than $1,000. Some of them might be hobbyist instructors who only uploaded one short course, but it nonetheless illustrates the competition you’re facing.

When you consider that you can learn how to code, paint, or trade stocks for free on YouTube these days, paying for a course might seem unnecessary to many people. So if you want to succeed, you have to bring something unique to the table. Maybe it’s your personality, a fresh approach, or a step-by-step framework that someone can’t easily cobble together from random blog posts.

Differentiation in a Crowded Marketplace

The million-dollar question for aspiring course creators is: how do you stand out? Here are a few ideas:

Niche Down
Everyone and their grandmother is teaching “how to write better.” But what if you specialize in writing compelling email sequences for nonprofits? Or comedic screenwriting for short TikTok videos? The narrower your focus, the less competition you face, and the more likely you are to attract a loyal following.
Practical Assignments and Feedback
Recording video lessons is straightforward, but providing personalized feedback and interactive elements can give your course a premium feel. Think: graded assignments, live Q&A sessions, or even a private Slack channel for your students. This higher level of engagement can justify higher pricing.
Leverage Your Personal Brand
If you have a strong social media presence or a mailing list, that’s a fantastic funnel for potential students. Consistently share valuable tips or “behind-the-scenes” snippets. Give your audience a preview of what they’ll learn in your course, and build that trust factor.
Collaborate with Experts
If you’re not an established guru, that’s okay. You can partner with someone who is. Co-create a course with a recognized authority in your field—someone who brings credibility and an audience. You bring your skills, they bring their reputation.

Getting to $10,000 a Month

Earning $10,000 a month from online courses is no small feat, but it isn’t impossible. The big secret? Marketing. Simply uploading your course and waiting for organic sales rarely cuts it. You’ll want to:

Run paid ads on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Build a proper email funnel where you offer a free mini-course or “cheat sheet” to entice sign-ups.
Use webinars as a platform to give a snapshot of your expertise and pitch the full course at the end.
Encourage student testimonials to build social proof.

Treat course creation like a serious business. Think of each student as a client whose experience matters. Refine your content regularly, keep it updated with the latest information, and find ways to keep students engaged, even after they complete the course.

2. Group Training and Coaching

My Coaching “Detour”

Now let’s talk about Group Training and Coaching. I’ve dabbled in coaching in the past. It wasn’t something I set out to do formally—people just started asking if they could “pick my brain” about entrepreneurship, remote work, or navigating the tech industry. So I helped out.

However, let me be completely transparent: I undercharged. Way too much. I was giving hours of personalized advice that took me years of trial and error to learn, and I was only charging peanuts. For me that's OK (for now at least), because I do not consider that as my main line of work and I enjoy meeting people.

The Global Market for Coaching

As surprising as it may be to some, coaching is a massive industry. The global executive coaching market was valued at $9.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $27 billion by 2032. And that’s just executive coaching. There are coaches for almost every niche: life coaches, fitness coaches, relationship coaches, productivity coaches—you name it.

When you translate that to a remote environment, the possibilities expand. You can coach someone from another continent using Zoom or Skype. You can record sessions and create group programs so you don’t have to repeat the same material one-on-one. The entire logistics side becomes more manageable because you’re not constrained by physical location.

Group Coaching vs. One-on-One Coaching

One-on-One Coaching: Ideal for deep, personalized mentorship. Rates can be higher on a per-client basis, but you can only take so many clients before hitting a time ceiling.
Group Coaching: Allows you to scale. Let’s say you have 20 participants in a session, each paying $50. That’s $1,000 for a single two-hour webinar or workshop. If you do this a few times a month, you can see how it might become a lucrative side hustle.

Building Credibility and Setting Pricing

But here’s the catch: you need credibility. People want to know what qualifies you to coach them. Do you have proven results, certifications, testimonials, or demonstrable expertise? A fancy certification from a coaching institute might help, but it’s not always necessary. Success stories from previous clients can be just as powerful.

In the U.S., the average annual compensation for a business coach is around $88,371. This can fluctuate based on location, specialization, experience, and marketing prowess. Hitting that $10,000 per month mark consistently might require a combination of multiple coaching programs or a higher price point.

Free Discovery Calls: A 15–30 minute call helps potential clients gauge if you’re the right coach for them. It also gives you a chance to filter out those who might not be a good fit.
Niche Down (Yes, Again!): The more specific your coaching niche, the easier it is to market. Instead of being a “career coach,” maybe you’re a “career coach for new immigrants transitioning into the U.S. job market.” Or if you’re in fitness, perhaps you focus on “vegan weight-loss for busy professionals.”
Value-Based Pricing: Rather than charging an hourly rate, consider the value of the transformation you’re delivering. If your coaching can help someone land a higher-paying job, that might be worth thousands of dollars to them.

Leveraging Technology

Technology is your best friend when it comes to group coaching. You can:

Host live sessions on Zoom or Google Meet.
Use Slack, Discord, or Circle to create a community for participants to engage with each other.
Record sessions and create a library of on-demand content that you can repurpose later.

A lot of coaches and trainers underestimate the value of an online community for their practice. The energy and support among participants can be just as transformative as the official content you deliver.

Scaling Up to $10,000 a Month

For group coaching, the math can work in your favor if you plan properly:

Plan an 8–12 week group coaching program: This could be something like “12 Weeks to Your First Investment Property” or “8 Weeks to a Successful Freelance Tech Career.”
Price it at $500 per participant.
If you get 20 participants, that’s $10,000 in revenue for that particular cycle.

Of course, you might face churn or participants dropping out. You also have to market, which can be time-consuming. And don’t forget to invest in refining the program each time you run it, so it remains relevant and results-oriented.

Cautionary Tales and Why People Fail

Overestimating Demand: Many aspiring coaches set up a fancy website, record a few videos, and wait for the clients to flood in. It doesn’t work that way. You need a solid marketing funnel, consistent content output, and a network of people who trust you.
Undervaluing Their Expertise: This is a big one. If you don’t believe in the value of your coaching, you’ll set your prices too low, and prospective clients might question your quality.
Burnout: Coaching is emotionally demanding. Be ready to handle not just the logistics but also the emotional ups and downs of your clients.

Personally, coaching has given me a glimpse into how rewarding it can be to see someone apply your advice and succeed. The money is nice, of course, but the sense of fulfillment can be an even bigger motivator. If you enjoy helping people solve problems, this is one hustle that can be both profitable and gratifying.

3. Freelance Writing

A Lifelong Passion for Words

I’ve always believed in the power of words. For me, writing is a way to connect, to share ideas, and to build relationships. I write for my own ventures like the Kafkai blog (focusing on SEO and AI) and this The Remote Worker Life (focusing on, well, remote work and lifestyle). Writing has been a consistent thread running through my entire career—from emailing prospective clients to drafting business proposals, from blogging about new AI tools to scribbling down ideas in a personal journal at midnight.

Why Freelance Writing?

Freelance writing remains one of the most accessible side hustles out there. You don’t need expensive equipment or specialized software—just a computer, an Internet connection, and a decent command of language. Whether you’re writing blog posts, technical documentation, social media copy, or white papers, companies need content to attract and engage their audiences.

Diverse Opportunities: From ghostwriting books to penning product descriptions, from writing ad copy to creating long-form articles, the demand is vast.
Flexible Hours: Write whenever you want. Early morning, late at night, or on weekends—it’s your call.
Global Client Base: Just like online courses and coaching, freelance writing is boundary-less. You can work with clients from all over the world.

The Financial Side

In her article, Rachel Wells references that over 10% of writers interviewed in 2024 earned more than $10,000 per month. I can confirm that the potential is real, but it usually doesn’t happen overnight. Writers in specialized niches—like medicine, technology, and finance—tend to earn higher rates.

Per-project rates range widely:

Blog Posts/Articles: $50 to $1,500, depending on complexity and word count.
E-books: $2,000+ (and that can go much higher for technical or research-intensive topics).
Per Word: Some established writers charge $0.13–$0.30 per word (or even more).
Hourly Rates: $50–$100+ per hour in some industries.

References

Why Do Many Writers Earn Less?

Market Saturation: There are a lot of writers competing for the same gigs. Low-paying content mills exist, which drives down average rates.
Inconsistent Work: Especially when starting out, securing steady, high-paying clients can be a challenge.
Positioning: Some writers don’t realize the importance of personal branding. If you brand yourself as a “cheap content writer,” you’ll attract clients who want cheap content.

Carving Out Your Niche

If you want to go from “just another freelance writer” to a high-earning pro, you need to stand out. How do you do that?

Focus on a High-Demand Industry
- Tech (e.g., AI, cybersecurity, blockchain)
- Finance (e.g., personal finance, crypto, corporate finance)
- Health and Wellness (e.g., nutrition, mental health)
Develop a Portfolio
Showcase your best work. If you’re just starting, consider creating sample articles or guest-posting on established blogs to build credibility.
Networking
Join freelance writing communities, LinkedIn groups, or specialized forums. Word-of-mouth and referrals can be gold.
Deliver Beyond the Writing
Provide added value by pitching topic ideas, including SEO keywords, or suggesting complementary images and graphics. Many clients appreciate a “one-stop shop” approach.

The AI Conversation

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Artificial Intelligence. AI writing tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Bard have made it easier to churn out content quickly. Does this mean freelance writers are obsolete? Absolutely not—at least not if you’re focusing on analysis, insights, and a personal perspective that AI can’t replicate perfectly.

While AI tools can generate drafts or help with research, there’s still a need for the human touch—the nuance, the storytelling, the empathy, and the brand-specific tone that resonates with readers. Writers who embrace AI as a helper rather than see it as a threat often find they can be more productive and take on more lucrative projects.

For example, using tools like Kafkai allows you to proactively suggest content ideas to clients. These ideas are based on an analysis of their competition, and will be more atractive for your clients to consider.

Hiring Freelance Writers as a Business Owner

Although I haven’t personally freelanced for other businesses as a writer, I do hire freelance writers to help with my business content. From the buyer perspective, finding a writer who can match a particular style and voice is incredibly valuable. If you can demonstrate that you’re able to adapt to a brand’s tone, do diligent research, and reliably meet deadlines, you’ll stand out among the sea of freelancers.

Practical Tips for Side Hustle Success

No matter which of these side hustles speaks to you—Online Course Creation, Group Training and Coaching, or Freelance Writing—there are some overarching principles that can make or break your journey.

These might seem common sense to some, but let me just write down some tips:

1. Treat It Like a Real Business

This is crucial. If you see your hustle as a casual hobby, you’ll likely earn casual-hobby-level income. Develop a business plan, set revenue goals, create marketing strategies, track expenses, and maintain records.

2. Market Your Services Relentlessly

Even the best product or service goes unnoticed without proper marketing. Whether it’s running Facebook ads, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, or guest posting on high-traffic blogs, make sure people can find you.

3. Continuously Upgrade Your Skills

The digital landscape is ever-evolving. Keep learning. Take short courses, read industry blogs, attend webinars. Staying updated is especially critical if you’re teaching or coaching—people expect you to be on top of the latest trends and tools.

4. Build an Online Presence

A simple website, a portfolio, or a blog can do wonders for your credibility. If you’re coaching, show testimonials. If you’re creating courses, show previews. If you’re writing, display clips. Social proof matters.

5. Network Strategically

It can’t be said enough: your network is your net worth. Join relevant online communities, attend virtual conferences, and connect with influencers in your niche. A single introduction can lead to a long-term client or partnership.

6. Time Management and Work-Life Balance

All the passion in the world won’t help if you’re burned out. Setting boundaries is key—especially if you’re juggling a day job with your side hustle. Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion to manage your projects and tasks efficiently.

7. Don’t Give Up Too Soon

Consistency is the name of the game. It might take months or even years before you see the big bucks. This is particularly true for building a reputation in coaching or online courses. Keep at it, refine your approach, pivot when necessary, and stay the course.

8. Experiment and Diversify

Sometimes, you’ll need to try different approaches. Maybe an online course in one area won’t sell as well as you hoped, but pivoting to a different angle or even an entirely new topic could be your breakthrough.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

To give this post a bit more depth, let’s look at a few hypotheticals that illustrate these side hustles in action.

These are just fictional characters which I have created to illustrate my thoughts better.

Case Study 1: The Coding Teacher Turned Course Creator

Imagine Sarah, a mid-level software engineer who’s been working remotely since 2019. She notices that many of her junior colleagues struggle with a particular part of coding: debugging and performance optimization. Realizing there’s a gap in tutorials focusing on these specific issues, Sarah decides to create a niche course titled “Advanced Debugging for Modern Web Apps.”

Steps Sarah Takes:
- She records short videos demonstrating her debugging workflow.
- She sets up a Teachable page with a compelling sales pitch.
- She markets her course on LinkedIn, where her professional network resides.
Results:
- She sells over 200 copies in the first three months at $99 each, earning $19,800.
- She collects student feedback and then updates the course, raising the price to $149.
- Eventually, she adds a live Q&A session and forms a Facebook group for students, creating a sense of community and added value.

Case Study 2: The Life Coach Who Scaled Up

Next, consider Daniel, a life coach who specialized in productivity for creative freelancers. At first, he coached people one-on-one for an hourly rate of $75, working around 20 hours a week in sessions, plus another 10 hours planning and doing admin tasks. Daniel realized that this model capped his earnings and consumed a lot of his time.

Pivot to Group Coaching:
- Daniel designed an 8-week “Productivity Mastery for Creatives” program.
- He priced it at $500 per participant.
- He launched a webinar that attracted 50 sign-ups, out of which 15 decided to join his program, netting him $7,500.
Scaling Further:
- After refining the program based on feedback, he ran it again three months later, this time with 30 participants. That netted him $15,000.
- He built an evergreen funnel with pre-recorded lessons and monthly live group calls, turning it into a recurring revenue model.

Case Study 3: The Freelance Writer Who Merged Tech and Storytelling

Finally, meet Aisha, a freelance writer with a background in data science. She noticed that many tech startups struggled to explain their products in plain English. So, she branded herself as a “Tech Storyteller”—someone who bridges the gap between complex technology and everyday consumers.

Building a Portfolio:
- She wrote guest posts for tech blogs and LinkedIn articles highlighting her knack for translating jargon into engaging narratives.
- She showcased these pieces on her personal website.
Landing High-Paying Clients:
- A mid-sized AI startup saw her work and hired her to write blog posts at $300 per 1,000 words.
- They were impressed and asked her to write a 20-page white paper for $3,000.
- Word spread, and another tech company hired her at even higher rates.
Outcome:
- By her second year, Aisha was consistently hitting $12,000 to $15,000 monthly revenue, juggling multiple clients and sometimes subcontracting smaller tasks to junior writers.

When Reality Strikes: Challenges and Mindset

By now, you might be feeling inspired—or even a bit overwhelmed. Let’s be honest: the $10,000-per-month milestone is significant. For many, it’s life-changing money. It might pay off debt, pad a savings account, or afford you the freedom to travel the world while working remotely.

However, these stories of success are balanced by countless individuals who struggle to make $500 a month. Why the disparity?

Effort vs. Expectation
Some people see those flashy headlines and assume it will be easy. They underestimate the time and energy required to build a business (side hustle or not).
Imposter Syndrome
It’s real, especially for freelancers and coaches. You might doubt your expertise and worry that you’re not qualified enough. This leads to underpricing or failing to market yourself confidently.
Lack of Systems and Processes
If you don’t have a solid workflow, you’ll waste time on repeated tasks—like manually invoicing clients or forgetting to follow up with leads. In a remote environment, you need efficient processes to make sure you don’t let opportunities slip through the cracks.
Inconsistent Marketing
One big lesson from my own experience is that marketing has to be consistent. You can’t just market when business is slow. You also need to do it when you’re busy, so you avoid the feast-or-famine cycle.

Shifting Your Perspective

At some point, you might need to shift from a “freelancer” or “hobbyist” mindset to an “entrepreneur” mindset. That means thinking about scaling, outsourcing tasks that aren’t your core strength, and reinvesting your earnings into better tools or marketing strategies.

Bringing It All Together

The truth is, remote work isn’t just about the freedom to wear pajamas all day (though I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a perk). It’s about embracing a shift in how we view work, productivity, and making a living. The three side hustles Rachel Wells highlighted—Online Course Creation, Group Training and Coaching, and Freelance Writing—are legitimate avenues to achieve substantial income if done correctly.

Online Course Creation can turn your unique knowledge into recurring revenue.
Group Training and Coaching can allow you to leverage your expertise in a personal, impactful way while scaling beyond hourly limitations.
Freelance Writing remains one of the most straightforward paths, but specializing and adding value are crucial to standing out.

Wrapping It Up

So, can you really hit $10,000 a month? Absolutely—people do it every day. But does it happen with zero effort, zero stress, and zero late nights? Probably not. Like any entrepreneurial pursuit, it takes strategy, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.

As someone who has lived the remote work life since 2007, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these opportunities can shift your career trajectory. The key is understanding that remote side hustles are not “get rich quick” schemes. The flashy headline might make them seem simple, but the daily grind still exists—just in a more flexible, potentially more fulfilling format.

If there’s one takeaway I’d leave you with, it’s this: treat these side hustles like serious business endeavors. That means planning, budgeting, marketing, and continuous learning. The freedom and flexibility of remote work can be exhilarating, but it can also lull you into complacency if you’re not careful.

So, what’s stopping you? Pick a path that aligns with your skills and interests. Start small, set realistic goals, and don’t be afraid to pivot or refine your strategy along the way. You might find that the journey itself is just as rewarding as the paycheck. And who knows—maybe you’ll be the next remote worker success story I write about in a future post.

Good luck, and happy hustling!

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This post was inspired by an article by Rachel Wells in Forbes, “3 Remote Side-Hustles To Make $10,000 a Month in 2025.”