A ‘side hustle’ is a second job that’s flexible and allows you to pursue a passion or hobby. Side hustles are usually self-employed or freelance work and can be anything from selling hand-crafted jewellery on Etsy to being an Uber driver.
Side hustling is becoming more and more popular, with around
40% of UK workers ‘moonlighting’, and much of the trend’s increase is being attributed to lack of job security.
However, there are more benefits to having a side hustle than just a financial safety net:
- MENTAL WELLBEING: By doing something that you enjoy and have a passion for, you alleviate some of the stresses that come with working 9-5.
- JOB SATISFACTION: More money means you could be less resentful about your salary, more motivated at work and ultimately have an increased overall life and job satisfaction.
- NEW SKILLS: A side hustle can be a great way to discover a new talent and gain some amazing practical skills, such as business knowledge, negotiation skills, organisation, money handling and more.
- NETWORKING: With the power of the internet, your side hustle can be a way to connect with like-minded people across the globe.
- CAREER PROSPECTS: A successful side hustle could one day flourish into a full-time job!
Want you start your own side hustle? There are a whole host of opportunities, so don’t limit yourself to pursing something related to your current career. After all, a side hustle is about fun and passion! Think about what interests you, what motivates you and what calms you.
Don’t forget to consider the practicalities though. How much time do you have? What set-up costs could there be such as public liability insurance? How long will it take to set up?
We’ve listed a few side hustles to give you some inspiration:
- Make and sell things on sites like Etsy or EBay , such as furniture, art, decorations, cards or jewellery.
- Open a market stall
- Rent out your spare room on airbnb.com
- Become an Uber or Lyft driver
- Become a private tutor
- Start podcasting
- Try babysitting or nannying
- Join a creative freelancing agency such as fiverr.com
- Advertise yourself as a local handyman or woman on taskrabbit.co.uk
- Give music lessons
- Train as a mobile beautician or hairdresser
- Put on your own music events or art shows
Whatever you decide to do, remember that starting a side business doesn’t just bring monetary rewards. However, it shouldn’t negatively affect your full-time job in any way. Unless you’re ready to turn your side hustle into your full-time job, think carefully about how much free time and energy you really have to dedicate to it. Good luck!
