In today's fast-paced world, many people are turning to side hustles to supplement their income, pursue passions, or even transition to new careers. Here are some of the most common and successful side hustles, how they work, and the potential income they can generate.
Freelance Work
Freelance Writing and Proofreading: Many businesses and individuals need content for websites, blogs, and marketing materials. Freelance writers and proofreaders can find work on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Earnings can range from £20 to £100 per hour, depending on experience and the complexity of the work.Graphic Design: If you have a knack for design, you can offer services such as logo creation, social media graphics, and website design. Platforms like 99designs and Canva can help you get started. Graphic designers can earn between £25 and £75 per hour.
E-commerce
Dropshipping: This involves selling products online without holding any inventory. You set up an online store, and when a customer makes a purchase, a third party ships the product directly to them. Popular platforms include Shopify and Oberlo. Dropshipping can generate significant income, with some successful entrepreneurs earning thousands of pounds per month.Print-on-Demand: Create custom designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, which are printed and shipped by a third party when sold. Websites like Printful and Redbubble make it easy to start. Earnings vary widely but can be substantial with the right marketing.
Gig Economy
Food Delivery: Companies like Uber Eats and Deliveroo offer flexible work delivering food. Drivers can earn between £8 and £15 per hour, plus tips.Pet Sitting and Dog Walking: Services like Rover and Wag connect pet owners with sitters and walkers. This side hustle is perfect for animal lovers and can bring in £10 to £20 per hour.
Online Services
Tutoring: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services online or in person. Websites like Tutorful and MyTutor can help you find clients. Tutors can earn between £20 and £50 per hour.Virtual Assistance: Provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs from home. Tasks can include email management, scheduling, and social media management. Virtual assistants can earn between £15 and £30 per hour.
Creative Ventures
Photography: Offer photography services for events, portraits, or stock photos. You can sell your photos on platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. Earnings can range from £50 to £200 per session, with additional income from stock photo sales.Handmade Crafts: Sell handmade items like jewellery, candles, or artwork on platforms like Etsy. This side hustle can be highly profitable, with some sellers earning several thousand pounds per month.
Resources
- Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/articles/side-hustles-from-home
- Xero: https://www.xero.com/uk/guides/side-hustle-tax-uk/
- Everlance: https://www.everlance.com/blog/side-hustle-meaning
- GoSimpleTax: https://www.gosimpletax.com/blog/hmrc-crackdown-to-target-side-hustle-income-earners/
- The Portfolio Collective: https://portfolio-collective.com/content/articles/side-hustle-when-to-pay-tax/
- Simply Business: https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2021/11/guide-to-starting-a-side-hustle-uk/
- The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/money-mentor/income-budgeting/tax/side-hustle-tax-uk-need-to-pay-hmrc
- Skint Dad: https://skintdad.co.uk/side-hustles/
- Yell Business: https://www.yell.com/sme-insight/the-most-popular-side-hustles/
- Ownr: https://www.ownr.co/blog/side-hustle-ideas/
- Side Hustle School: https://sidehustleschool.com/ideas/
- UOWN: https://www.uown.co/the-hub/the-top-20-side-hustles-to-earn-some-extra-money
- Countingup: https://countingup.com/resources/side-hustle-ideas-uk/
- Royal Mail: https://www.royalmail.com/business/small-business-support-hub/side-hustles
- Indeed: https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/side-hustle-ideas
- GoSimpleTax: https://www.gosimpletax.com/blog/how-to-keep-track-of-your-side-hustle-income-and-expenses/