Side hustles are a big deal in the UK, with nearly one in three people taking on extra work or running small businesses online, earning an average of £200 a month. Whether you’re thinking about starting a business from home, selling clothes, or freelancing, here’s what you need to know to start a side hustle that fits your lifestyle, time, and interests.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a part-time job or business that you take on in addition to your main job, whether that’s full-time or part-time. It’s a way to make extra money, build new skills, and meet new people. For many, a side hustle is a great way to explore creative interests that a regular job might not allow. It can also be a testing ground for starting a full-fledged business.
The best thing about a side hustle is that you control the hours and the type of work, allowing you to earn extra income on your terms.
Finding the Right Side Hustle
To find a side hustle that’s right for you, look for something that aligns with your interests, values, and the hours you can commit.
If you work from home and want to meet more people, try a social side hustle like user testing or participating in focus groups. If you enjoy arts and crafts, selling handmade items online might suit you. Start by searching for ideas online, and be sure to research any opportunities carefully using resources like Trustpilot.
Popular Side Hustle Ideas
There are endless side hustle ideas out there. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Freelance writing and design: Ideal if you have experience in marketing or journalism. Look for gigs on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Indeed, or reach out to past coworkers for advice.
Sell clothes, jewelry, and handmade goods: Use platforms like Vinted, eBay, and Depop to sell items you no longer need, or Etsy and Instagram to market handmade products. Many sites offer streamlined services, and some will even pick up your parcels for free.
Sell household items: Items you no longer use, like kitchen gadgets or sports equipment, may have value. Check eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace.
Resell high-value finds: Search charity shops or car boot sales for items to resell, like unique tableware, clothing, and books.
User testing: Companies need people to test their websites and apps for usability, providing feedback before they go live.
Participate in surveys and focus groups: Many companies pay for consumer opinions on products and services. Focus groups often pay more but may have limited availability.
Create content: Start a podcast or YouTube channel on a topic you love. Once you build an audience, you can monetize with ads.
Tutoring: Offer tutoring in subjects like languages, math, or English. Tutoring is often remote and pays between £15 – £40 per hour.
Pet care: Dog walking or cat sitting is a great option, especially if you’re home during the day.
Babysitting: While babysitting jobs can be harder to find, it can be a good fit if you have a connection with families in your area and meet any necessary requirements, like a DBS check.
What Makes a Good Side Hustle?
To find a side hustle that works well for you, consider these factors:
– Make sure you have the time to manage it without feeling overwhelmed.
– Ensure the income justifies the time and energy required.
– Confirm it doesn’t interfere with your main job.
– Choose something interesting and relatively low-stress.
– Opt for work that lets you use your skills or build new ones.
Side Hustles for Students
Students often have varying schedules, and a side hustle can help cover expenses. Some ideas are:
– Working at a local café or student union bar.
– Giving tours if you live in a historic area.
– Tutoring classmates in subjects you excel at.
While starting a small business is possible, students should be cautious about time commitments, keeping their studies the top priority.
Side Hustles for Full-Time Workers
For those with a 9-to-5 job, side hustles that fit around work hours are ideal. Here are some ideas:
– Freelancing in marketing, writing, or proofreading.
– House-sitting or pet-sitting, especially if you work from home.
– Blogging or creating digital content.
– Web design or coding.
– Event catering on weekends.
Online Side Hustles
There are many online options for those with a laptop and internet connection:
– Freelance marketing or graphic design.
– Video editing and transcription.
– Voiceover work.
– Hosting online classes or workshops.
– Virtual assistant roles, though full-time employees should confirm that hours won’t clash with their day job.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Side Hustles
Side hustles offer many advantages, such as:
– Increased income and financial stability.
– Skill-building opportunities.
– Flexibility and independence.
– A chance to explore passions and meet new people.
However, they also come with challenges, including:
– Less free time for family, friends, or relaxation.
– Time constraints and added pressure.
– Potential for higher taxes.
– Risk of burnout.
– Possible effects on main job performance.
With careful planning and the right choice of side hustle, you can enjoy the benefits while managing the challenges.
