Who doesn’t need a side hustle in these uncertain times? Having a few profitable secondary sources of income can help you build up a nest egg, realize your financial dreams, and provide a security blanket should something happen to your day job. Here are top ideas for a side hustle in the UK, and a look at everything you need to know about getting started.
Being realistic about your side hustle in the UK is important. The idea of a side hustle is promoted everywhere, but it’s not always as easy as those pithy blogs make it seem. First up, this is going to have to be something you will actually enjoy doing. Remember, you already have a 9-5 taking up a big chunk of your life. If you’re going to spend another few hours a week working, it’s going to have to feel both rewarding and bearable.
Secondly, be realistic about earning potential. It’s fine to only want to bring in a little, just like it’s fine to want to find something you can eventually go full-time with. Just make sure your choice aligns with your expectations. Likewise, you need the time you can realistically spend and your side hustles to align. If you’ve already run ragged by work and kids, you probably can’t pick up an online PA job that’s going to need hours. If your kids are at home all day, a call center freelance job needing a quiet background probably won’t work. And so on.
Lastly, you need to consider the start-up costs of the side hustle you choose, and whether you have the income or ability to match that. As a side note, do realize that, while there isn’t a specific side hustle tax in the UK, that doesn’t mean you can make free money. Anything you bring in through your side hustle in the UK needs to be considered as part of your overall income, and tax paid accordingly.
Side Hustle Ideas in the UK
Now you know a little more about how to choose from the many potential profitable secondary sources of income out there, let’s dive into some potential side hustles in the UK.
1) Freelance Writing
The demand for freelance and gig workers in all sorts of fields is high at the moment. Especially the freelance writers, copywriters, proofreaders, editors, and transcription workers are in high demand. Skills you already have can easily be leveraged to make you more profit.
Freelance writing allows you to use your creativity and expertise to earn extra money, and you can set your own hours and work from home. Plus, there is a huge demand for freelance writers, as businesses of all sizes need content for their websites and marketing materials.
2) Delivery
If you own your own car in good condition, you could leverage it as a side hustle in the UK. There are services like Amazon and its many sisters, of course. There are also Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and other services needing a willing deliveryman.
It is a flexible way to earn extra income. Whether you’re delivering food, groceries, or packages, you can usually set your own hours and choose how many shifts you want to work.
Another option is Amazon Flex which is a delivery program that allows you to earn money by delivering packages in your local area. You can sign up for the program through the Amazon Flex app, and choose your own schedule. It’s an good side hustle for anyone who likes driving and wants to earn extra money in their free time.
3) Selling Crafts and Handiwork
Do you not have service-related skills, but you’re an ace in DIY activities? Are you an excellent artist? Platforms like Etsy make it easy to sell your goods to a wide audience.
If you’re handy with a needle and thread, sewing can be a profitable side hustle. Whether you’re hemming pants or creating custom clothing, there’s always a demand for sewing services.
Why not harness those skills to generate some extra income? Selling crafts and handiwork can be lucrative for you. You can embrace the “print on demand” business model in the beginning which would allow you to operate without handling the storage.
4) Data Entry
Data entry may not sound as exciting as some of the other side hustles in the UK we mention here. However, almost everyone with an internet connection and a PC can do it. It could be entering data on a spreadsheet, or moving data between spreadsheets. It could also mean typing information into a database from paper documents and updating or verifying existing data.
Businesses regularly need admin, and not all of those businesses want to employ a staff member full-time to do it. So they are seeking to outsource this kind of tasks. Most of the data entry roles suit online and remote working. You can check out the remote data entry roles on websites such as FlexJobs.
5) Rent Out
You can make money renting out your home or a spare room on websites such as Airbnb or Spareroom. You’ll need to prepare your home ahead of time. This will include cleaning, organizing, and setting up the right rates and rules. Once everything is in order, it’s time to start collecting revenue.
This can be a great way to earn some extra cash, especially if you live in a popular tourist destination. While there are some initial costs involved in setting up your listing, it can be a lucrative way to earn passive income in the long run.
You can start by listing your property on Airbnb and promoting it as much as possible so that potential guests can find it. You can also use Airbnb’s marketing tools to grow your audience and attract new guests.
6) Become a Virtual Assistant
You could look at becoming a virtual assistant for someone who needs an extra hand. A virtual assistant is a person who provides administrative, secretarial, or other types of support to an organization or individual remotely. That means they don’t work in the same office as the person or team they’re supporting. Virtual assistants are usually self-employed and work from home.
Some common duties of a virtual assistant include scheduling appointments, managing social media accounts, answering customer inquiries, and handling general administrative tasks.
7) Complete Microtasks Online
These are small tasks that can be completed in a very short amount of time (less than an hour). Doing microtasks is a viable online side hustle.
One of the main advantages of microtasks is that they can be done at any time. This means that you don’t have to choose between your other responsibilities and making extra money. Another advantage is that it allows you to try out different things without committing too much time. Amazon Mechanical Turk and Clickworker are prominent microtask platforms.
8) Stock Photo and Video
Photography is a great way to earn extra money doing something you love. While having a decent camera would be preferable You can even start with a smartphone. Resolution standards of most of the stock photo and video platforms are met by smartphones.
There are many ways that people can make money with their cameras. You can take pictures of everyday life and sell them as stock photos or images for commercial use. Shutterstock, istockphoto, and Adobe Stock are the most popular platforms.
9) Dog Walker
We all need a little help now and again. If you’re looking for a side hustle that can fit in with your current schedule, dog walking is a great option. It can also be rewarding and enjoyable when you see a dog having fun on their walk. And if you have more than one dog to take a walk together, you can double the earnings during the same timeframe.
There are several ways to make money as a dog walker. You can charge a flat rate for each walk, or you can charge per distance walked.
10) Pet Sitting
If you love animals, pet sitting is another cool side hustle. You can offer your services on websites like Rover or Wag, and get paid to take care of other people’s pets.
Pet sitting can be a great weekend side hustle providing a valuable service to pet owners who may need someone to care for their furry friends while they are away.
Whether you’re looking for a short-term gig or a long-term side hustle, pet sitting can be a rewarding and fun side hustle.
10) Join an Acting Agency
While working as an extra on-set may not be open to people outside of major urban hubs, it’s a fun way to make some extra cash, and you will get fantastic stories out of it too.
Don’t assume you don’t have the look or body for TV, either. Extras of all looks and walks of life are needed for the film and TV industry.
11) Blogging as a Side Hustle
Blogging isn’t a fast way to earn extra cash, but it can be a lucrative one if you create a high-quality blog.
It requires creating high-quality, engaging content that attracts a substantial and loyal audience. While it may take time to generate significant revenue, with consistency, strategic promotion, and a clear niche, blogging can become profitable.
There are many ways to monetize a blog, from paid sponsored posts to affiliate marketing sales and straight-up advertising. It can also be leveraged into a form of passive income that works when you can’t.
12) Teach
The internet has revolutionized the way we learn new skills and access information. In the past, if you wanted to learn something new, you would have to find a class or workshop in your local area. Now, with a few clicks of a mouse, you can access online courses on virtually any topic imaginable. This convenience has made online learning extremely popular, and selling online courses has become a lucrative business.
If you have special knowledge of anything, you could consider making ebooks and tutorials to help others learn. You might even want to create an e-course to sell through Udemy and similar sites.
13) Mystery Shopper
Mystery shopping is a type of in-store research. It involves a customer or participant interacting with a business to provide them with feedback on how well they are doing, how easy it is to do business there, and what they think of the general experience.
In recent years, mystery shopping has become an increasingly popular side job as more businesses are looking for an alternative(and unbiased) way to measure customer satisfaction. Another advantage is that this side hustles with no investment requirement.
14) Graphic Design
Graphic design is a highly in-demand field that can help you make money online while you hone your creative skills.
Businesses need different types of graphic design works such as logo design, packaging design, brochure design, and user interface design. While some of these projects require more experience than others, if you have a passion for design you can start building your portfolio. You can get online courses to improve your skills along the way.
For one thing, you’ll be dealing with deadlines so it’s important to maintain good time management skills.
15) Sell Second-hand Items Online
This is actually two side hustles in one! Selling home goods and, especially, clothing that you don’t need is a fantastic way to clean the house and get cash for doing it. You could even get into ‘flipping’ secondhand clothing on platforms such as eBay and turn that into a full business.
16) Become a Driver
If you’re looking to earn extra cash, you may want to consider becoming an Uber driver. Obviously, having your own vehicle comes quite convenient, if you are planning to become a Uber driver as a side hustle in the UK. However, If you don’t own a vehicle, Uber offers access to rental and leasing solutions.
The best thing about being an Uber driver is that it’s flexible: you can choose your own hours and work part-time if you like. It can be a side hustle evening job if you already work full-time. The flexible schedule can make it easy for you to work around your daily obligations. You need to be older than 21 and hold a valid UK driver’s license to become a Uber driver.
17) Translation
Working as a translator can be a great option for earning extra income from home. This is side hustle with no money start. If you speak another language you can utilize it by translating texts. You can sign up for platforms such as PeoplePerHour or Freelancer to get in touch with people and businesses who need translation services.
Making translations from one language to another not only gets you money, but can also allow you to learn new skills and build a network.
18) Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a business model in which e-commerce businesses sell products without carrying any inventory. When a store owner receives an order from a customer, they simply contact the supplier, who will then ship the product directly to the customer’s door.
Dropshipping businesses can be run entirely online, which makes them easy to set up and manage. In the modern world of e-commerce, dropshipping has become one of the most popular side hustles for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses.
19) Video Game Tester
Video games are a fun way to relax and unwind. However, for some people, video games are more than just a hobby. A video game tester plays new games before they’re released to the public and provide feedback to the developers. For many people, working as a video game tester would be the dream job. After all, what could be better than getting paid to play video games?
However, there is a lot more to being a video game tester than just playing games. Video game testers are responsible for finding and reporting bugs and glitches in games before they are released. This can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but it is essential to make sure that games are of the highest quality before they reach the hands of consumers.
20) Gardening
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people taking up gardening as a side hustle in the UK. With the ever-increasing cost of living, many people are looking for ways to supplement their income, and gardening provides a great opportunity to do just that.
There are many ways to make money from gardening, from selling produce at farmers’ markets to offering landscaping services. And with the current popularity of superfoods and organic produce, there is a growing demand for homegrown fruits and vegetables.
21) Social Media Manager
Social media marketing is a rapidly growing field that can provide great benefits for businesses. Managing and coordinating social media accounts is important for any business. The most successful companies use social media to engage with customers and build a loyal audience. But this isn’t always easy for small to medium-sized businesses(SMBs), which often don’t have the resources or expertise to handle it all themselves. Instead, they choose to outsource social media management.
As the social media pages of most of SMBs don’t need constant attention, social media management is ideal to be a side hustle. Social media managers are responsible for building and maintaining online networks, making sure that the content is relevant and engaging. By successfully managing the social media accounts of SMBs, you can build your reputation by showing that you are reliable, thorough, and professional.
22) Tech Support
A tech support specialist is a person who provides technical support to other people through phone or web chat. There are many different ways that tech support specialists can work. Some tech support specialists might be responsible for answering customer questions or helping customers solve technical problems. Others might be in charge of monitoring servers or networks.
If you have the necessary skills, tech support is one of the most lucrative side hustles. It is also suitable for remote and online work. Job boards such as Indeed and Reed are good places to look for tech support jobs.
23) Online Surveys
Online surveys is a good side hustle for students as they are a flexible and easy way to earn some extra cash in their spare time.
Companies are always looking for consumer feedback, and they’re willing to pay for it. You can sign up for survey websites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie, and earn money by sharing your opinions on various products and services.
24) Coding
Coding If you have coding skills, you can offer your services as a freelancer on websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Frontwork. Whether you’re creating websites or developing apps, there’s always a demand for coding services. It is a suitable hustle for software engineers or anyone who enjoys working with technology.
25) Podcasting
Podcasting is a creative side hustle. It may require a small initial investment in equipment and software, but it is a great way to share your interests and opinions with the world. Another advantage is that it is a side hustle you can do while working full-time at another job. You can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or through Patreon memberships.
26) E-commerce
Starting an e-commerce business can be a lucrative way to earn extra income. You can sell products on websites like eBay or Amazon.
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is an e-commerce platform that allows sellers to leverage the Amazon infrastructure to sell their products. If you have a product that you want to sell, you can use Amazon FBA to reach a wider audience. With Amazon FBA, you can store your products in Amazon’s warehouses and let them handle the shipping, customer service, and returns
You can create your own online store using platforms such as Squarespace or WooCommerce. While there are some initial costs involved in setting up your store, it can be a great way to earn a second income.
27) Car Detailing
Car detailing is the process of cleaning and restoring a car to its original condition. If you love cars and have an eye for detail, you can start a car detailing side hustle. You can offer services such as exterior and interior cleaning, polishing, waxing, and paint correction. You can also offer mobile car detailing services, where you go to the customer’s location to provide the service. This is a profitable side hustle, especially if you offer high-quality services and build a loyal customer base.
28) Side Hustle with AI Tools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field with numerous opportunities for side hustles
ChatGPT is capable of producing high-quality written content for a variety of purposes, from website copy and marketing materials to product descriptions and social media posts. It can also be used for language translation, allowing individuals to offer their services as a freelance translator for various languages.
Another example is utilizing AI-powered image creation tools like Midjourney to generate visual content for social media, blogs, or websites. These images can help businesses and individuals boost their online presence and engagement. With a bit of creativity and skill, there are plenty of ways to turn your knowledge of AI prompting into a profitable side hustle.
29) Vending Machines
Vending machines can be an excellent side hustle idea for those who want to start a business without too much investment. You can purchase a vending machine and stock it with products such as snacks, drinks, or even electronics. The key to success in vending machine business is to find high-traffic locations such as malls, schools, and office buildings where people need quick access to food and beverages. You can negotiate with the owners of these locations to place your vending machine on their premises and earn a commission on every sale. With the right strategy, vending machines can be one of the most profitable side hustles that can generate passive income.
30) Voiceover
Voiceover is a great side hustle for those who have a good voice and can speak clearly. Voiceover artists are in demand for various purposes such as commercials, audiobooks, animations, and video games. You can start by creating a portfolio of your voice samples and offering your services on freelance platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork.
The key to success in voiceover is to develop a unique voice that can stand out from the competition. With time and practice, you can build a reputation in the industry and start earning a substantial income as a voiceover artist.
31) Video Editing
Video editing is for those who have experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. You can offer your services to businesses, content creators, and social media influencers who need professional-quality video content.
With the increasing demand for video content on social media platforms, video editing has become a highly sought-after skill. You can start by creating a portfolio of your work and promoting your services on platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube. With the right marketing strategy, video editing can be an additional income source.
32) Personal Fitness Trainer Online
Fitness industry has transcended the confines of physical spaces, opening up vast opportunities for Personal Fitness Trainers to reach clients globally. Launching a side hustle as an Online Personal Fitness Trainer not only offers the flexibility to work from anywhere but also taps into the growing demand for personalized, accessible fitness solutions.
The market for online fitness services has seen exponential growth, fueled by the convenience of accessing training sessions, nutritional guidance, and personalized fitness plans from the comfort of one’s home. This digital transformation appeals to a wide audience, from busy professionals and stay-at-home parents to fitness enthusiasts seeking specialized training not available locally.
Bottom Line
There you have it! All of these realistic side hustles in the UK can help you have an alternative or passive income source.
They can help you save money, achieve financial freedom and take the strain off your budget while giving you fun ways to make more cash and keep yourself busy in hours you would otherwise waste.
Side Hustle Comparison
| Side Hustle Name | Initial Investment | Potential Monthly Income | Difficulty(1-5) | Hours Required per Week | Skills Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $0 – $100 | $200 – $3000 | 2 | 5-20 | Writing, SEO |
| Delivery | $0 (if you have a vehicle) | $100 – $1500 | 1 | 10-40 | Driving, Time Management |
| Selling Crafts and Handiwork | $50 – $500 | $100 – $2000 | 3 | 5-20 | Craftsmanship, Marketing |
| Data Entry | $0 | $100 – $800 | 1 | 5-20 | Typing, Attention to Detail |
| Rent Out | $0 – High (property ownership) | $200 – $5000 | 2 | 1-5 | Management, Customer Service |
| Become a Virtual Assistant | $0 – $200 | $200 – $3000 | 2 | 10-40 | Organizational Skills, Communication |
| Complete Microtasks Online | $0 | $50 – $500 | 1 | 5-20 | None specific |
| Stock Photo and Video | $500 – $2000 (equipment) | $100 – $2000 | 3 | 5-20 | Photography, Videography |
| Online Personal Fitness Trainer | $100 – $500 | $500 – $5000 | 3 | 5-30 | Fitness Knowledge, Motivational Skills |
| Dog Walker | $0 – $50 | $300 – $2000 | 1 | 5-20 | Love for Animals, Reliability |
| Pet Sitting | $0 – $100 | $300 – $3000 | 2 | 5-40 | Animal Care |
| Join an Acting Agency | $100 – $500 | $0 – Variable | 4 | 10-40 | Acting Skills, Flexibility |
| Blogging as a Side Hustle | $50 – $300 | $0 – $5000+ | 3 | 5-40 | Writing, SEO, Social Media |
| Teach | $0 – $100 | $200 – $4000 | 3 | 5-20 | Expertise in Subject, Patience |
| Mystery Shopper | $0 | $100 – $1000 | 2 | 5-20 | Attention to Detail, Reporting |
| Graphic Design | $100 – $1000 | $200 – $5000 | 3 | 5-40 | Design Skills, Creativity |
| Sell Second-hand Items Online | $0 – $500 | $100 – $3000 | 2 | 2-20 | Sales, Negotiation |
| Become a Driver | $0 (if you own a vehicle) | $200 – $3000 | 2 | 10-40 | Driving, Navigation |
| Translation | $0 | $200 – $5000 | 3 | 5-40 | Fluency in Multiple Languages |
| Dropshipping | $100 – $2000 | $200 – $10,000 | 4 | 5-40 | Marketing, E-commerce Management |
| Video Game Tester | $0 | $200 – $3000 | 2 | 10-40 | Attention to Detail, Gaming Skills |
| Gardening | $50 – $500 | $100 – $2000 | 2 | 5-20 | Gardening Knowledge, Physical Stamina |
| Social Media Manager | $0 – $100 | $300 – $5000 | 3 | 10-40 | Social Media, Marketing, Communication |
| Tech Support | $0 – $500 | $200 – $4000 | 3 | 10-40 | Technical Knowledge, Problem-Solving |
| Online Surveys | $0 | $50 – $500 | 1 | 1-10 | None Specific |
| Coding | $0 – $200 | $300 – $10000 | 4 | 10-40 | Programming Skills |
| Podcasting | $100 – $1000 | $0 – $10,000 | 4 | 5-40 | Content Creation, Audio Editing |
| E-commerce | $100 – $5000 | $200 – $20,000 | 4 | 10-40 | E-commerce, Marketing |
| Car Detailing | $500 – $2000 | $200 – $5000 | 3 | 5-20 | Detailing Skills, Customer Service |
| Side Hustle with AI Tools | $0 – $1000 | $200 – $5000 | 3 | 5-40 | AI Knowledge, Creativity |
| Vending Machines | $2000 – $5000 | $100 – $2000 | 2 | 1-5 | Location Scouting, Maintenance |
| Voiceover | $100 – $1000 | $200 – $3000 | 3 | 5-40 | Voice Talent, Audio Editing |
| Video Editing | $500 – $2000 | $200 – $5000 | 4 | 5-40 | Editing Skills, Creativity |
Side Hustle FAQ
There are several ways to make $2000 a month as a side hustle, including freelance writing, social media management, graphic design, web development, and online tutoring.
A good side hustle is something that aligns with your interests and skills, and can be done in your spare time to earn extra income. It should be flexible and have the potential to grow into a full-time business if desired.
A cheap side hustle is one that requires minimal investment, such as pet-sitting, house-sitting, or doing micro tasks online.
freelance writing, social media management, or selling second-hand items online are some of the side hustles you can start with little money.
You can make a second income through a variety of side hustles, such as freelancing, tutoring, or selling products or services online.
Some easy side hustles that require no skills include dog walking, pet-sitting, running errands for people, or doing small tasks on platforms like TaskRabbit.
A few examples for the highest-paying side hustles are web development, online tutoring, car detailing, and e-commerce stores.
Online side hustles are jobs or businesses that can be done entirely online and remotely, such as coding and podcasting.
To start a side hustle in the UK, you can begin by identifying your skills and researching the market for the demand.
Popular side hustle skills to learn include graphic design, video editing, web design, content creation and AI prompting.
The amount of money you can make from a side hustle varies depending on the job or business. Some side hustles can earn you a few hundred pounds a month, while others can make you thousands.
Yes, in most cases income from side hustles is taxable and should be reported on your tax return if it exceeds £1000.
In the UK, there is a tax-free trading allowance of £1000 for any extra income earned in addition to one’s regular employment. This implies that if someone is working full-time for a company and making less than £1000 from their side hustle, they will not have to pay any extra taxes.
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