Lyft offers flexible earnings on your own schedule, but rideshare driving has become less profitable in recent years. Whether you want to keep using your car or try something different, there are solid alternatives worth considering.
Become an Amazon Flex Driver ($18.00 to $25.00 per Hour)
Amazon Flex lets you deliver parcels using your own vehicle, the same one you've been using for Lyft. It suits drivers who prefer working without customer interaction, since deliveries are drop-and-go.
Most drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour, though tips, route length, and local shift availability all affect take-home pay. In areas where shifts aren't claimed instantly, it's a reliable source of predictable income.
Deliver Food with Grubhub or Uber Eats ($10.00 to $25.00 per Hour)
Food delivery works well as a night side hustle, with earnings on a good shift reaching around $100 for active drivers. Apps like Grubhub and Uber Eats give you flexibility on hours, though earnings vary and peak-time competition can be high.
Positioning near popular restaurants between orders helps reduce wait times. Checking for active promotions at nearby takeaways and staying there during busy periods can make a meaningful difference to hourly earnings.
Deliver Groceries with GoPuff ($14.00 to $20.00 per Hour)
GoPuff operates from centralised warehouses rather than pulling orders from restaurants and shops across town. Every delivery starts from the same location, cutting out the unpredictability of hunting for orders.
Shifts are less flexible than app-based delivery, but more consistent. Signing up on the GoPuff site is straightforward, and the structured shift model suits drivers who prefer a predictable schedule.
Do Odd Jobs with TaskRabbit ($20.00 to $60.00 per Hour)
TaskRabbit connects you with local odd jobs ranging from furniture assembly and TV mounting to helping people move house. It works well for drivers who want variety and a reason to get out of the car.
Registering as a tasker is quick, and the platform is flexible. Success depends partly on local demand, but building a strong reputation through consistent work opens up repeat clients and higher-paying jobs.
Walk Dogs for Money ($15.00 to $25.00 per Walk)
Apps like Rover and Wag connect dog walkers with pet owners in their area. Demand is often higher than people expect, and getting paid to walk is a genuine option for those with flexible schedules.
It requires responsibility, as you're looking after someone's pet, and suits people who enjoy animals and outdoor exercise. For those who do, it's one of the more enjoyable ways to earn outside of driving.
Babysit for Local Families ($15.00 to $30.00 per Hour)
Babysitting pays well and tends to generate repeat work once families trust you with their kids. Evening and weekend availability is usually when demand is highest, which works well for those with free nights.
Starting with your existing network, such as neighbours, friends, and local community groups, is the most effective way to find initial clients. For broader reach, platforms like Sittercity and Care.com list local opportunities.
Tutor Students of All Ages ($15.00 to $40.00 per Hour)
Tutoring pays well at the top end, particularly during exam season when demand spikes. Strong knowledge in an academic subject is the main requirement, but factor in unpaid lesson preparation time when calculating effective hourly earnings.
Outside peak periods, client volume drops compared to year-round driving. Building through your personal network first is the fastest route to early bookings. Superprof is a useful platform for listing services and reaching students online.
Lyft offers flexible earnings on your own schedule, but rideshare driving has become less profitable in recent years. Whether you want to keep using your car or try something different, there are solid alternatives worth considering.
Become an Amazon Flex Driver ($18.00 to $25.00 per Hour)
Amazon Flex lets you deliver parcels using your own vehicle, the same one you've been using for Lyft. It suits drivers who prefer working without customer interaction, since deliveries are drop-and-go.
Most drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour, though tips, route length, and local shift availability all affect take-home pay. In areas where shifts aren't claimed instantly, it's a reliable source of predictable income.
Deliver Food with Grubhub or Uber Eats ($10.00 to $25.00 per Hour)
Food delivery works well as a night side hustle, with earnings on a good shift reaching around $100 for active drivers. Apps like Grubhub and Uber Eats give you flexibility on hours, though earnings vary and peak-time competition can be high.
Positioning near popular restaurants between orders helps reduce wait times. Checking for active promotions at nearby takeaways and staying there during busy periods can make a meaningful difference to hourly earnings.
Deliver Groceries with GoPuff ($14.00 to $20.00 per Hour)
GoPuff operates from centralised warehouses rather than pulling orders from restaurants and shops across town. Every delivery starts from the same location, cutting out the unpredictability of hunting for orders.
Shifts are less flexible than app-based delivery, but more consistent. Signing up on the GoPuff site is straightforward, and the structured shift model suits drivers who prefer a predictable schedule.
Do Odd Jobs with TaskRabbit ($20.00 to $60.00 per Hour)
TaskRabbit connects you with local odd jobs ranging from furniture assembly and TV mounting to helping people move house. It works well for drivers who want variety and a reason to get out of the car.
Registering as a tasker is quick, and the platform is flexible. Success depends partly on local demand, but building a strong reputation through consistent work opens up repeat clients and higher-paying jobs.
Walk Dogs for Money ($15.00 to $25.00 per Walk)
Apps like Rover and Wag connect dog walkers with pet owners in their area. Demand is often higher than people expect, and getting paid to walk is a genuine option for those with flexible schedules.
It requires responsibility, as you're looking after someone's pet, and suits people who enjoy animals and outdoor exercise. For those who do, it's one of the more enjoyable ways to earn outside of driving.
Babysit for Local Families ($15.00 to $30.00 per Hour)
Babysitting pays well and tends to generate repeat work once families trust you with their kids. Evening and weekend availability is usually when demand is highest, which works well for those with free nights.
Starting with your existing network, such as neighbours, friends, and local community groups, is the most effective way to find initial clients. For broader reach, platforms like Sittercity and Care.com list local opportunities.
Tutor Students of All Ages ($15.00 to $40.00 per Hour)
Tutoring pays well at the top end, particularly during exam season when demand spikes. Strong knowledge in an academic subject is the main requirement, but factor in unpaid lesson preparation time when calculating effective hourly earnings.
Outside peak periods, client volume drops compared to year-round driving. Building through your personal network first is the fastest route to early bookings. Superprof is a useful platform for listing services and reaching students online.
Do Digital Gig Work with Fiverr or Upwork
Fiverr and Upwork connect freelancers with clients across writing, graphic design, video editing, marketing, and coding. Both platforms suit former Lyft drivers looking to apply existing skills or build new ones outside of driving.
Competition is high, so early success usually means accepting lower rates to build a portfolio and attract the right clients. Repeat work from satisfied clients tends to follow once that foundation is in place. For a closer look at how the platforms compare, see our Fiverr comparison guide.
Pick Up On-Demand Temp Work ($15.00 to $25.00 per Hour)
Platforms like Gigsmart and Wonolo offer paid shifts across customer service, hospitality, warehouse work, and event support. Pay rates are listed upfront and commitment requirements are low, making them a practical replacement for unpredictable driving days.
Many roles are physically demanding, so checking the job description before accepting a shift is worth the habit. For drivers who enjoy working with different people in varied environments, this is one of the more engaging alternatives on this list.
Earn Money Gaming with Freecash (Varies)
Freecash is a free platform where you complete gaming offers, surveys, and app tasks from your phone and earn real money in return. It works well during downtime, whether waiting between jobs or winding down in the evening, and pays out from as little as $5.00.
Gaming offers tend to pay the most per hour, and choosing games you'd enjoy anyway makes the earning feel passive. A sign-up bonus of $10 is available when you create a new account. For tips on maximising your first session, the Freecash earning guide is a good starting point.
Test Websites and Apps ($10.00+ per Test)
User testing platforms like UserTesting pay you to share feedback on websites and apps. Each test typically involves recording your screen and narrating your thoughts as you complete a short task, and payment is per completed session.
It won't replace a full income, but it's a low-effort way to earn during free time. For more options in this category, see our guide to getting paid to test websites.
