Side Hustle Guide UK: 60+ Ways to Earn
In a world where the cost of living is rising and financial security is top of mind, more and more people in the UK are looking for ways to boost their income outside of their regular jobs. Welcome to the world of side hustles. Whether you're looking to save for a holiday, tackle debt, or build a nest egg, a well-chosen side hustle can make a real difference to your personal finances.
In this step-by-step guide, you'll find everything you need to get started with side hustles in the UK, understand your options, and maximise your earnings while staying compliant with legal and tax requirements.
What Is a Side Hustle – And Why Consider One?
A side hustle is any way of earning extra money outside of your main job or business. It could be something traditional, like babysitting, or something modern, like selling goods online or freelancing.
Why side hustles matter:
Cost of living pressure: From energy bills to food shops, extra funds help soften the blow.
Flexibility: Many side hustles fit around family, studies, or other commitments.
Skill building: Learn new skills that could boost your main career or provide backup income.
Financial resilience: Extra income means more savings, less reliance on credit, and an ability to weather financial shocks.
Step 1: Identify Your Motivation and Goals
Before jumping in, ask yourself:
What do I want to achieve? (e.g., £250 a month to overpay on my mortgage)
How many hours a week can I realistically devote?
Am I looking for something long-term or just a quick windfall?
Example: If you want to top up your ISA each month, a consistent gig like tutoring might be best. If it’s just for Christmas funds, perhaps selling on eBay suits you.
Step 2: Choose the Right Side Hustle for You
There are hundreds of ways to earn extra cash, but not all will suit your skills, lifestyle, or available time. Here are popular and UK-relevant ideas:
Online Side Hustles
Freelancing – Offer writing, design, coding, or marketing services through Upwork or Fiverr.
Online Tutoring – Teach school subjects, languages, or specialist skills with MyTutor or Tutorful.
Sell Products Online – Use eBay, Etsy, or Depop to sell handmade, vintage, or unwanted items. You can even sell your old clothes on Vinted.
Dropshipping & Print-on-Demand – Create a Shopify store and fulfil orders without holding stock using services like Printful or Spocket.
Content Creation – Start a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog. Monetise via Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, or brand sponsorships.
Social Media Management – Run Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn accounts for small businesses via platforms like PeoplePerHour.
Virtual Assistant (VA) – Provide admin support to entrepreneurs remotely. Sites like Time Etc connect VAs with clients.
Transcription & Translation – Work with companies like Rev or Gengo.
Online Surveys & Market Research – Earn small amounts with Prolific, YouGov, or Swagbucks.
Website & App Testing – Give feedback on sites and apps through UserTesting.
Stock Photography – Sell your photos on Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
Self-Publishing eBooks – Publish via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Kobo Writing Life.
Online Coaching/Consulting – Offer expertise in business, fitness, or finance using Coach.me or by creating your own packages.
Matched Betting – With care, use free bet offers to earn profits. See OddsMonkey.
In-Person and Local Side Hustles
Delivery & Driving – Deliver with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or drive with Uber and Bolt.
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking – Sign up to BorrowMyDoggy or Pawshake.
Handyman/Task Work – Offer odd jobs and household help on Taskrabbit.
Childcare/Babysitting – Find work via Sitters or local Facebook groups.
Event Staffing – Get flexible bar or catering shifts through Indeed Flex.
Mystery Shopping – Review customer service with Market Force.
Tour Guide – If you live in a touristy area, list your experiences on Airbnb Experiences.
Seasonal Work – Retail jobs during Christmas, festival staff, or fruit picking. Search on Indeed.
Tutoring in Person – Provide private lessons locally, especially exam prep for GCSEs and A-levels.
Passive & Asset-Based Side Hustles
Rent Out Space – Earn from unused driveways via JustPark or list a spare room on Airbnb.
Investing for Dividends – Build long-term passive income using platforms like Trading212 or Dodl.
Peer-to-Peer Lending – Platforms like Assetz Capital let you lend money for returns (note: higher risk).
Cashback & Rewards Apps – Earn extra via TopCashback or Airtime Rewards.
Selling Digital Products – Create templates, guides, or stock music and sell on Gumroad or Etsy.
Printables & Digital Downloads – Create planners, CV templates, or wall art and sell on Canva + Etsy combo.
Dividend-Generating ETFs – Use Interactive Investor to invest in funds that pay regular dividends.
Vending Machines – Buy machines and place them in local businesses. Guide: Vending Superstore UK.
Step 3: Check Legal and Tax Considerations
Key Points To Know:
Trading Allowance: You can earn up to £1,000 per tax year from self-employment before needing to report it. If you go over, you must register for Self Assessment. GOV.UK: Trading allowance explained.
National Insurance: If you’re self-employed and earn more than £1,000, you may owe class 2 or 4 National Insurance.
Insurance and Regulations: Some hustles (like tutoring or renting out rooms) may require insurance or adherence to specific rules.
Tip: Keep detailed records from day one—dates, amounts, receipts. Consider using a free software like QuickFile for small businesses.
Step 4: Set Up for Success
Make a Plan
Don't overdo it: Choose one or two hustles and stick with it.
Set realistic time commitments: Overcommitting leads to burnout.
Set up necessary accounts. For example, create a business PayPal or open a separate bank account.
Investigate local demand: Use Facebook groups or local forums to research if your service or product is wanted.
Get Started Step-by-Step
Choose a hustle based on your goals and skills.
Register accounts/profiles on relevant platforms.
Complete necessary training or certifications, if required (e.g., food hygiene for baking).
Promote your service: Make use of free advertising, like local community boards or social media.
Deliver your product/service: Focus on great customer service for repeat business.
Step 5: Maximise and Sustain Your Side Hustle Income
Once you’re up and running, focus on improvement and sustainability.
Smart Strategies to Grow Your Side Hustle
Automate and batch tasks to save time (e.g., bulk list items on eBay).
Ask for reviews and referrals. Social proof goes a long way.
Reinvest part of your earnings into better tools, marketing, or learning.
Be mindful of burnout: Take breaks; side hustles should improve your finances, not harm your wellbeing.
Stay organised for tax time: Update your records regularly, and consider quarterly check-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Side Hustles
Do I need to tell my employer?
Check your employment contract. Some restrict outside work or require disclosure, especially if there’s a potential conflict of interest.
Can I have more than one side hustle?
Absolutely—many people combine several to diversify income, but balance is key.
How do I avoid scams?
Stick to reputable platforms, never pay upfront for “opportunities”, and be wary of anything promising guaranteed riches. The list above should give you a good starting point.
Where can I find more ideas or support?
Sites like The Money Panel, Be Clever With Your Cash, and dedicated UK subreddits like r/BeermoneyUK have practical tips and personal stories.
Conclusion: Your Next Step to Boost Your Income
Side hustles are a proven way for UK residents to increase earnings, build skills, and boost savings in a flexible, manageable way. With careful planning, good record-keeping, and a willingness to learn, anyone can start their personal side hustle journey.
Ready to take the next step? Start by deciding what you have to offer, set your income targets, and follow the practical steps outlined here. The journey to greater financial resilience and independence can begin today.
