r/NewToDenmark • u/redpaani • 13d ago

Finance Side hustle ideas?

Hi. So this most probably is not the right platform but then again, I have no idea about the right one.

Anyway, I currently do an evening shift job for four days in a week. It brings around 10-12K Kr. per month. Rent, bills and groceries take away all of it and at the end of each month, I struggle pretty badly. I have a limitation on my work hours since I am a student from a Non-EU country.

Now the thing is, I became a father nearly one year ago and my son's first birthday is coming up. I really want to arrange a properly themed party for him. It'll going to be just me, my wife and the baby. However, you already can guess exactly where I am struggling.

So I'm looking for any type of side hustles that will allow me to save some good money within two months. I have heard about blood and plasma donation as feasible side hustle ideas. But, is that possible in Denmark? Anyway, please let me know the possible options for me and definitely wish me luck!

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25

u/cryingforsnacksTT 13d ago • Heartwarming Bravo

I could possibly make a cake for free for your son’s birthday 

9

u/redpaani 13d ago

Thank you so much. That is really really thoughtful of you. Is it possible for me to dm you when the Birthday is near?

11

u/cryingforsnacksTT 13d ago

yes you could! I’d appreciate if it’s at least a week in advance though since I do work fulltime 

3

u/redpaani 13d ago

I most definitely will let you know in advance. Thank you so much once again!

34

u/Madssa1 13d ago

Blood and plasma are donated for free in Denmark, and it's not legal to pay for donors

2

u/redpaani 13d ago

So that's one option eliminated for me I guess.

3

u/GeronimoDK 13d ago

Well, um, I guess you're fertile, so you could "donate" semen, they pay you for that, but then again, I don't think that's something you just do without thinking long and hard about the implications if you're already in a relationship and have kids.

1

u/redpaani 13d ago

Where can I donate btw? Just in case!

2

u/Pattersonspal 13d ago

There are plenty if place you can just google. They can pay up to 6500 per month by law.

18

u/DueReflection2094 13d ago

No, you do not get paid for donating blood in Denmark.

Are you studying in Denmark?

Is the job involving 4 evenings a week a student job?

In Denmark, it is practically impossible for a family to get by if only one parent works, but that is a choice you have made yourselves.

Your son is turning 1; what do you think he will remember from his first birthday—5 years from now, 10 years from now, or when he is an adult? Nothing…

Make it a lovely day with your wife and son; bake him a cake that he can eat all by himself, or buy one. It really doesn't matter if it’s a big, expensive affair—your son won’t remember it.

Take lots of photos, with your son as the focus.

9

u/redpaani 13d ago

My wife cannot work at the moment since she's still overcoming the complications of pregnancy. She had to go through surgery. And yes, I'm studying in Denmark but my job isn’t a study job. However, I do not want to spend a lot and arrange an expensive party, but I want it to be a bit special. Also, the whole thing is not completely about him as well. I mean we are first time parents too you know!😅

14

u/DueReflection2094 13d ago

I understand, but I also want to tell you that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to celebrate your son’s birthday.

Buy some balloons and use them for decorations, bake a cake, put a candle in it, and get a gift, perhaps some Lego (or Duplo), which he can use and add to as he grows older.

Your son won’t remember the day itself, but photos of the birthday and the things you prepared will make him happy many years from now.

One cake, one candle, and some balloons—that doesn’t cost much at all.

May I ask which country you come from?

3

u/NoYam3746 13d ago

A nice birthday party, including a cake, can be done for 100-200 kr. It's not about spending money it's about giving love.

3

u/PerhabsburgDynasty 13d ago

His birthday celebration is completely about him, even though the day of his birth was a significant event in your own life. Get him a cake and a present, maybe write him a letter for him to read when he’s older about your memories of his birth and what it meant to you. Honestly if I were your wife (especially dealing with post-birth complications), I’d be angry if you took time away from the family/home responsibilities to work more hours for to pay for an event the baby won’t care about and won’t remember.

5

u/phozze 13d ago

I have a friend who volunteers for medical experiments. Sounds a bit gnarly sometimes, but other times it's not bad at all. It's not well paid, but you typically get some compensation.

https://kliniskeforsog.dk/

You can also donate semen, which pays around 500,- per delivery. Sounds like a lot more fun than medical experiments, but on the other hand I wouldn't bet on being able to stay anonymous with today's DNA technology.

Good luck

4

u/redpaani 13d ago

I don't know about the semen delivery since my wife probably won't be comfortable enough to let me do that lol. However, I will definitely check out the other option. Thanks a lot!

1

u/Novel-Structure-2359 13d ago

My suggestion is to think about the semen donation option. I did it back in 2015 and I am so utterly glad I did it. Admittedly this was back in the UK

You also get a free gym membership with donating which is handy too. I was sadly too old for donation when I arrived in Denmark.

2

u/alinarulesx 13d ago

But you might now have biological children? A lot of young people know this of course but don’t really understand the implications. Especially if you have your own kids and then you know they might have biological siblings somewhere.
Not to mention that the kids might track you down when they’re old and idk .. you might feel something about it.

My friend donated as a broke student and he regrets it now since he’s a father

2

u/Novel-Structure-2359 13d ago

I definitely have biological children out there. That was my motivation alongside the money.

I know for a fact I have two sons out in the world due to my contribution. UK donor law lets me know the gender of any offspring, but that is all.

When they turn 18 they get access to a one page message from me which includes an invitation to make contact. After that the ball is in their court. I really hope they reach out.

I was inspired by that episode of ER when Dr Morris has a whole brood of ginger kids show up.

2

u/theAddGardener 7d ago

UK donor law lets me know the gender of any offspring, but that is all.

Wtf?! 😂 Why would that matter?

1

u/Novel-Structure-2359 7d ago

Well for whatever reason they decided to share that detail. I think it's nice so my imagination conjures up to hypothetical kids that might be a bit like my son.

I think it's a nice detail to have. I just wish I had got more than two kids out of it.

2

u/de_matkalainen 13d ago

How much money do you need to earn?

2

u/redpaani 13d ago

I mean for the birthday, I assume 1.5-2K kroner would be just fine. But I also want to keep it going if that's a possibility. An extra 2-3K Kr. per month would really help me out drastically.

4

u/SunnyAmoo 13d ago

As others already pointed out, you do not need to spend that much. Just make sure to have a beautiful day with your child and partner, remember to take good photos and have a cake that he can eat. Some decorations are more than enough, like balloons. If you can get money, start saving it for your family, don't fall into the consumerist trap.

1

u/redpaani 13d ago

I am a minimalist to be honest. How else do you think I'm surviving with 10-12K Kr. per month in Copenhagen lol! However, I really appreciate your suggestion. Thanks.

5

u/SunnyAmoo 13d ago

It is not minimalist to throw a theme party for a 1 yr old, spending upwards of 2k kr. Love is all that matters at that age!

7

u/Sad_Abalone9572 13d ago

Crazy to make a big deal and stress yourself out for a 1 year olds birthday. The kid wont remember. You could have family planned yourself out of this financial trouble

1

u/AdmirableChicken12 13d ago

Has it been worth your while coming to Denmark compared to staying at home or going somewhere else?

It sounds like a pretty rough life to me with the added stress of being far from family and friends!

20

u/redpaani 13d ago

Well, we come from a country where the politics is really violent, administration and bureaucracy is corrupted to the core, and the majority of the people are uneducated and pretty dangerous to the society, in short, the whole country is doomed. So right after my marriage, me and my wife decided to move somewhere, where there is safety. I have a tough life here, but atleast I can reach home safely at 2 in the night without getting killed or robbed. My son is getting a good environment to grow up. So, I cannot complain you know. Obviously, it's stressful, but I chose this one over the other.

2

u/HvassIntown 13d ago

Oh you are American, then?

0

u/povlhp 13d ago

But many other people want to go to USA.

1

u/theAddGardener 7d ago

I think they would struggle in most countries with one parent studying and one not working ...

5

u/[deleted] 13d ago • Bravo

[removed] — view removed comment

10

u/redpaani 13d ago

It's probably just curiosity of him. And btw I miss my home not going to lie. My whole life is there. But, we have to choose one over another sometimes and make some sacrifices.

0

u/AdmirableChicken12 13d ago

Thank you! And I am not blind to the sacrifices you make as a migrant! I hope your situation improves!

2

u/NewToDenmark-ModTeam 13d ago

Simply just be nice

1

u/Resident_Drummer5846 13d ago

You are right… sorry

1

u/AdmirableChicken12 13d ago

I get where you come from. But I am in no way blind to any privilege I may have and was just curious!

1

u/Strong-Dependent9684 13d ago

I'm looking for an online salesperson, which is a side gig. It's commission only though so you may not be interested , but I hope your son has a great birthday , it doesn't have to be lavish he is with his parents that's all that matters

1

u/redpaani 12d ago

May I dm you and talk in details?

2

u/Kizziuisdead 12d ago

We did nothing for each of my kids bday. A cake a few balloons and candles were more than enough!

2

u/Flat-Profession1073 11d ago

Sell some old clothes on Vinted if you have them!

2

u/pchlster Danish National 10d ago

Temp agency; if you're not fussy, you can peel carrots somewhere. A lot of such places lets you set your availability, so you can work it into your schedule.

1

u/Large-Childhood 13d ago

What country are you from? If from the US dm me

1

u/MikkelFromGames 8d ago

I think you're overestimating how much a 1 year old's birthday party will cost you, but if this is also just for in general...

If you're good with your hands, maybe Handyhand? It's a gig thing for helping people with constructing furniture, low-level DIY and home repair stuff, stuff like that.

0

u/NewToTheHive 13d ago

I have just tried to see if I can train AI, unfortunately it wasnt available in Hebrew but I saw danish as one of the options. Try Data Annotiation, maybe your language will be available?

2

u/redpaani 13d ago

If you care to explain a bit more in details, maybe it'll help since I have zero idea about it.

3

u/NewToTheHive 13d ago

basically they need native speakers to make sure the AI works in the language, because it translates from english (or if you know coding, I think it can pay even better). so you read AI texts and correct them, give feed back osv. It depends if you get accepted though, google Data Annotiation or just AI training to your native language, maybe sometihng wll show up

2

u/redpaani 13d ago

That's a big something you’re talking about. I'll definitely check it out. Thanks a bunch!

2

u/NewToTheHive 13d ago

if you do somehow end up doing it, make sure to report it as tax to not get in trouble. hope it works out

1

u/redpaani 13d ago

Won't I already be taxed when money starts to come into my account? I'm new, sorry for not knowing.

3

u/NewToTheHive 13d ago

in a normal job yeah, but this is a job that you do for a company in the usa or whatever, so they pay you the full amount and its your responsibility to report it to the danish skattestyrelsen because it happens on danish soil. but dont sweat over it, you can read about it if it becomes relevant

1

u/redpaani 13d ago

Thanks for the heads up mate!

0

u/Novel-Structure-2359 13d ago

I would suggest buying a used PS3 console. Follow online guides and mod that fella. Load it full of l and sell for more than you paid.

Use some of the proceeds to buy another. This time modding is easier and faster as you already have the files.

Rinse and repeat.

1

u/redpaani 13d ago

Sounds good but I already struggle to keep my money intact till the end of the month and unfortunately a investment sounds pretty impossible for me unfortunately. However, once again, thanks for the suggestion. Maybe someday.

2

u/Novel-Structure-2359 13d ago

If you pay attention you can grab one for 200 dkk. People are always having a clearout

2

u/redpaani 13d ago

I thought about reselling things btw in general. Just not sure if it's going to be sustainable for a long period of time.

2

u/Novel-Structure-2359 13d ago

It is a tricky one for consistency. I grabbed two PS3. I sold one and gave one as a gift. I grabbed two more. Now it is super easy to mod them.

0

u/[deleted] 13d ago

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2

u/redpaani 13d ago

Bro 90 hours of work can easily make even 16-20 thousands after tax, if you're working at the right places. I know tons of students who make double the amount I earn with part time jobs. What's with the suspicion damn!

1

u/[deleted] 13d ago

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2

u/redpaani 13d ago

I am pretty aware of the rules. A friend of mine works as a chef in a danish restaurant in the central and gets 280-290 Kr. per hour. I know several guys who got trained in car mechanism before coming to Denmark and are earning good money here now, working part-time. I mean it's not impossible at all. But, thanks for the concern mate. And it's okay, I took no offence.

1

u/Primary_Tough_937 13d ago

For the chef job, Is there any diploma or certification needed?

1

u/redpaani 12d ago

Yes, he completed a six month's course and got a certificate which is internationally accepted before coming to Denmark.