6th October 25
Most of us, at some point, have asked ourselves the same question: “How can I earn more money?” Rising living costs, saving for milestones like buying a house, or simply wanting more disposable income to enjoy life can all make the idea of earning extra appealing.
When you already have a full-time job, though, finding ways to make extra money can feel challenging. The good news? There are countless money-making ideas out there, ranging from side jobs and cash-in-hand jobs to creative money-making side hustles you can do from home.
But while these are valid options, the truth is that the best ways to make money often don’t involve burning the candle at both ends. The smartest move is to focus on career progression - getting a promotion or advancing in your current role - so you can earn more money without giving up your free time.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different ways to make extra money, from quick fixes to long-term solutions, and explain why upskilling with learndirect’s online courses is often the most sustainable and rewarding path.
Common ways to make extra money while working full-time
When people look for ways to make extra money, they often turn to side hustles, part-time jobs, or freelancing. Here are some popular options:
1. Weekend jobs or evening work
Picking up cash-in-hand jobs like bar work, retail shifts, or hospitality roles is one of the most traditional ways to make extra money. These jobs are flexible, widely available, and pay quickly.
The downside? They take time away from family, friends, and your hobbies. After a long week in your main job, the last thing most people want is a Saturday night shift that leaves them exhausted for the week ahead.
2. Freelancing and online gigs
Thanks to the internet, there are countless ways to make money online. You can earn extra money by freelancing in areas like writing, graphic design, or tutoring. Many people also search for how to earn money online through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or freelance marketplaces.
While this option can be lucrative, it often takes months (if not years) to build a steady client base. Plus, freelancing adds more screen time to an already busy schedule.
3. Exploring passive income ideas
People frequently ask, “What are the best passive income ideas?” or “How to make passive income?” Examples include renting out property, investing in stocks, selling digital products, or affiliate marketing.
But here’s the reality: true passive income usually requires upfront investment, whether that’s money, time, or specialist knowledge. Without those, it’s difficult to generate reliable results quickly.
4. Side hustles and creative projects
From crafting and selling on Etsy to starting a YouTube channel, side hustles are one of the most popular money-making ideas today. They offer flexibility and creativity, but they also come with risks. Success takes effort, consistency, and sometimes financial investment before you start to make money.
The problem with side jobs and side hustles
Although side jobs and money-making side hustles can help you make extra money, they all come with a cost: time.
The more hours you spend chasing ways to make money, the less time you have for the things that truly matter - family, rest, travel, or hobbies.
This is why the most effective answer to “How to make extra income while working full-time” often isn’t working more hours. It’s working smarter.
Instead of taking on ways to make money that leave you tired and stretched thin, the best long-term solution is often to focus on your current career.
So, the next question should be, “What can I do to get promoted so I can earn more money during my regular workday?”
Why a promotion is the best way to earn more
Climbing the career ladder means you can make extra money without sacrificing your free time. You’ll boost your salary, gain job security, and build a career that offers both financial and personal fulfilment.
Think of it this way: if you take on a side job for an extra £200 a month, you’ll probably have to give up several evenings or weekends. But if you achieve a promotion, your salary could increase by thousands of pounds a year, without adding hours to your schedule.
So, the real question isn’t just “How to make money”, it’s “How to make more money in the job I already have.”
That’s where upskilling comes in.
Upskilling with learndirect: The key to career growth
If you want to know how to earn more money in your current role, the answer is simple: skills. Employers reward those who bring value, leadership, and forward-thinking expertise to their business.
And the best way to gain those skills? Studying an online course with learndirect.
As the UK’s leading online learning provider, learndirect offers accredited qualifications and short courses designed to help you earn money by levelling up your career. You’ll study flexibly around your job, which means you don’t have to give up your evenings, weekends, or family commitments.
Here are two excellent examples of how you can use learndirect courses to accelerate your earning potential:
Generative AI courses: Future-proof your career
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword, it’s shaping the way we work across every industry. Learning AI isn’t just about being ‘tech savvy’, it’s about staying employable and ahead of the curve.
With learndirect’s Generative AI courses, you’ll cover:
- The building blocks of language and vision models.
- Perfecting communication with AI for creative and effective outputs.
- Applying AI for business, productivity, and strategic growth.
- Hands-on experience building AI tools, APIs, and intelligent agents.
- Handling bias and using AI responsibly.
- Practical applications of AI across sales, customer service, data analytics, and more.
Whether you choose one course or the complete AI training bundle, you’ll gain the skills businesses desperately need. This will make you a strong candidate for promotions or higher-paying roles.
So, if you’re wondering “How to earn more money” in your career, AI training could be the answer.
CMI management courses: Become a leader
If leadership is your next step, learndirect also delivers CMI courses accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). These are recognised qualifications that demonstrate your ability to lead, manage, and inspire.
Our CMI courses cover every career stage:
- Level 3: For those starting out in management.
- Level 5: For mid-level managers, including the new CMI Award, Certificate, and Diploma in Sustainability Management and Leadership - ideal for leaders driving sustainable business practices.
- Level 7: A Master’s equivalent for senior leaders and executives.
By gaining a CMI qualification, you’ll show employers that you’re serious about progression, making you a strong candidate for that promotion or pay rise.
Benefits of studying online with learndirect
You might be thinking: “That sounds great, but how can I study when I’m already working full-time?”
That’s exactly why learndirect delivers courses online. Here’s what that means for you:
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
- Balance: Fit learning around your work, family, and social life.
- Support: Access expert tutors and resources whenever you need them.
- Career focus: Every course is designed to help you progress professionally and make more money in the long run.
With online learning, you don’t have to give up evenings or weekends for a classroom course. Instead, you can learn in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Putting it all together
If you’re searching for “How to make extra income while working full-time”, here’s the bottom line:
- Side jobs, ways to make money online, and passive income ideas can help you make easy money in the short term, but they eat into your time.
- The best long-term ways to make extra money usually come from progressing in your existing career.
- To earn extra money and secure a better work-life balance, your focus should be on building skills that make you promotion-ready.
- With learndirect’s Generative AI courses and CMI qualifications, you can do exactly that, on your terms, from home, and at your own pace.
Get promotion-ready with learndirect
When it comes to ways to make extra money, there’s no shortage of options. But instead of spreading yourself thin with endless side jobs and money-making side hustles, why not invest in yourself?
By upskilling with learndirect, you’ll position yourself for promotions and higher salaries - the smarter answer to “How to earn more money”. That way, you can make extra money without sacrificing the time you need to enjoy life.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your career, explore learndirect’s online courses today. Whether you want to future-proof your role with Generative AI training or step into leadership with a CMI qualification, we’ll help you unlock the skills you need to succeed.
Browse learndirect’s online courses today and take your first step towards a bigger pay cheque and a brighter future.
Download our FREE Generative AI Brochure below or our FREE CMI course brochure here.
