We all know the cost of living is biting hard these days, and it’s not just retirees feeling the pinch—young Aussies are getting creative to make ends meet, too. But one Melbourne university student has taken 'side hustle' to a whole new level, raking in a whopping $1,000 in just one week by picking up odd jobs. Her story has gone viral, and it’s got us wondering: could this be a clever way for anyone—no matter your age—to boost your bank balance?


**Meet Ruby: The Side Hustle Queen**


Ruby Corbett, an 18-year-old student juggling a double degree in international relations and law, found herself in a familiar situation: wanting to go on a holiday with her best friend, but not wanting to dip into her hard-earned savings. Instead of giving up on her dream trip to Singapore, Ruby set herself a challenge—to earn $1,000 in a single week, on top of her regular part-time job as an office assistant and two hospitality gigs with inconsistent hours.


How did she do it? By embracing the gig economy and saying 'yes' to just about any odd job she could find.

**From Letterbox Drops to Catching Cheaters: The Odd Jobs That Add Up**

Ruby’s week was a whirlwind of activity. She sold her old iPhone (cracked screen and all) for $150, picked up extra hospitality shifts using the Supp app, and—most interestingly—turned to Airtasker, a popular platform for finding local odd jobs.

Here’s a taste of what she did:

- **Letterbox drops:** Delivering flyers for $120 a pop (and planning to do more).- **Bin duty:** Taking out and bringing in someone’s bins for $31.- **Parcel delivery:** Dropping off a package near her gym for $35.- **Private detective work:** For $23, she helped a woman catch her cheating boyfriend by signing up to Tinder and seeing if he’d match with her.

By day five, Ruby had already made $785, and with two days left, she was confident she’d smash her $1,000 goal.

**The Gig Economy: Not Just for the Young**

While Ruby’s story is impressive, it’s not just Gen Z who can cash in on the gig economy. Platforms like Airtasker, Supp, Uber Eats, and even Facebook Marketplace are open to anyone with a bit of spare time and a willingness to try something new. In fact, many over-60s are already supplementing their income with side hustles—whether it’s dog walking, gardening, tutoring, or helping neighbours with odd jobs.

And as Ruby’s experience shows, you don’t need specialist skills to get started. Many of the tasks she completed—like delivering flyers or taking out bins—are things most of us could do. Plus, the flexibility means you can pick and choose jobs that fit your schedule and abilities.

**What Other Aussies Are Doing to Make Extra Cash**

Ruby’s story struck a chord online, with plenty of Aussies chiming in with their own side hustle successes:

- 'Some guy gave me $150 to put a pile of leaves in his bin. It took me 20 minutes.'- 'Sell your clothes on Depop & FB marketplace, so worth it.'- 'Try Askable! It’ll really help you bump up your numbers in your spare time.'- 'I did 1,500 flyers for $150. Ask in your local FB groups if anyone needs business cards handed out into letterboxes for a fee.'

Others suggested online surveys, market research, mystery shopping, and food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

**Tips for Getting Started with Side Hustles**

If you’re thinking about giving side hustles a go, here are some tips inspired by Ruby’s experience:

1. **Cast a wide net:** Apply for as many tasks as you can—don’t be discouraged if you don’t get every job.2. **Start small:** Simple jobs like letterbox drops, pet sitting, or helping with household chores are a great way to build up positive reviews.3. **Use your skills:** If you have a knack for gardening, sewing, or even resume writing, there’s likely someone willing to pay for your expertise.4. **Stay safe:** Always meet in public places if you’re selling items or meeting new clients, and let someone know where you’ll be.5. **Check the fine print:** Some platforms take a commission or have specific requirements, so make sure you know what you’re signing up for.

**Is It Worth It?**

While side hustles won’t replace a full-time income for most people, they can be a handy way to top up your pension, save for a special treat, or simply keep busy and meet new people. And as Ruby’s story shows, a little effort can go a long way—she’s planning to keep hustling even after her challenge is over.


Have you picked up any odd jobs or side hustles to make extra cash? What worked for you—and what didn’t? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. Who knows, you might inspire a fellow member to try something new.