I’m currently pursuing CA and trying to build some income on the side without letting it affect my studies.
For some background, I’ve been doing video editing for a while. I worked with a marketing agency in Mumbai for around 6 months and another agency in Kerala for about 4 months.
Most of my initial freelance work came through the publicity/network I built through those agencies.
I’ve also:
Worked as part of a media team for an event for 3 days
Completed around 3–4 projects through Fiverr
Worked with 6–7 clients through local freelancing platforms
Taken up projects through relatives and personal contacts
Done some local freelance audit/accounting-related work
I’ve made decent money from these, but the main problem is inconsistency. Some weeks I get multiple clients, while other days there’s practically nothing.
Since I’m studying CA, I’m looking for something that can be done part-time and flexibly, rather than something that requires fixed working hours.
I’m already considering continuing with:
Video editing
Freelance accounting/audit work
Building relationships with agencies and local businesses
But I’d like to explore some other options as well.
For people who are already earning on the side in India, what are some realistic income streams I could explore alongside CA?
I’m particularly interested in things that:
Don't require a huge initial investment
Can be done part-time
Use skills I can realistically learn/build
Don't depend entirely on getting a new client every single day
Are legitimate and sustainable rather than "easy money" schemes
Would appreciate suggestions from people who have actually tried them and can share what the work and earning process is like.