Wow....good question. I see things the same as you've said.
Before H & R Block-nem went to offering electronic filing with refunds available in 2 weeks, and stuff like TurboTax was invented, I used to make a few hunned a year doing peoples' income taxes for them. Every year, like clockwork. I charged a flat 10% of their refund. If it turned out that they owed, then I didn't charge them anything. Made respectable pocket change that way for close to 20 years (it's amazing just how many people *fear* filing their taxes on their own, each year. Even the EZ form). I usually declined the 1040, or referred the work to this Brother I knew back when (and he was in it for extra pocket change, himself). In his real life, he was a local truck driver.
I might do 2 to 3 in a given school year--I help prospective students fill out and file their FAFSA for college loans. I do *not* do the little tests, re: loan rules, interest, or sign their promissory notes and etc.--I make them do all that, themselves--it's stuff they need to know they are responsible for (and not me).
I've begun to mix and make up, then *charge* for a few napptural haircare products that I make for my own use. I also used to sell incense (Shahadah) out of Jamaica, NY (best quality incense I've ever had for sale/personal use).
I haven't done it in a while, but I also used to type up research papers for university students. Did that, off and on, since the mid-70's, though I haven't done any more for the past 8 to 10 years. That's decent money that's always *out there* even today, though it's also a pretty tough gig at the same time.
Most recently, though, I've raised quick, easy dough via yard sales. Just a few things, at first. I've actually become pretty good at putting yard sales together. Took me a few times at it before I figured my sales angle, though. Set up just right, yard sales can actually be fun (bargaining with folk first wanting to walk off with my good stuff without paying me a fair price? I don't think so). I even manage to sell a few dinners (though food sales is iffy, at best). Bump good sounds, have bottled water and pop all iced up in a couple of coolers (for sale, no doubt), and when I'm camped in a relative's front yard, I can even sell *camp out space* to others @ $10.00 of their profit (to give immediately to my relative as a thank you, no doubt).
I'm fortunate in that I know this Sister who has 4 to 5 big event sized folding tables (she does professional quality events at conventions to sell her branded, custom artsy-craftsy wares--clothes, jewelry, statuary, incense). Sometimes, she has loaned me 2-3 tables when she's been in town between events.
I wish I knew how to french braid, because I know too many Sisters who braid hair for pay--from teens to mature women. They do as many Brothers' heads as Sisters! I can start folks up with loccs, but not braids (sigh).
CAR WASH! It was for a funeral, but my family once raised $910.00 in less than 5 hours (minimum $5.00 donation) on a Saturday, so we did TWO car washes! The next day, same site, we raised another $600.00 plus. Also, particularly during the spring months here in Phx., it's no big deal to see a young Black couple parked and set-up in front of a mom and pop place (store or restaurant), one or two kids in tow, *busting suds* (washing cars) to make rent.
So, yes indeed! These days especially, it is *real* if you've somehow figured out a hustle, and then turned *entrepreneur* for your sump'n-sump'n extra.
One Love, and PEACE