With rising living costs, stagnant wages, and increasing financial goals, more people in the UK are turning to side hustles — small, flexible ways to earn extra money alongside a regular job. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a house, or build a future business, side hustles can offer both financial and personal freedom.
But where do you start? Which side hustles actually work? And how do you stay on the right side of HMRC? This guide breaks it all down.
What Is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is any way of making money outside of your main income. Unlike a second job with set hours, side hustles are usually more flexible, often done in your own time — evenings, weekends, or during spare moments.
They range from freelancing and reselling to running an online shop or offering services locally. Some bring in a few hundred pounds a month; others grow into full-time businesses.
Why Start a Side Hustle?
People turn to side hustles for a variety of reasons:
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Supplement income (especially in tough economic times)
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Pay off debt or build savings
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Pursue a passion project
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Test a business idea
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Increase financial independence
Unlike a traditional job, side hustles offer control — over your time, earnings, and creative direction.
Popular Side Hustles in the UK
Here are some of the most accessible and profitable side hustles right now:
1. Freelancing
Offer your skills in writing, design, marketing, coding, or admin through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour. Many businesses hire freelancers for one-off projects or ongoing support.
2. Online Tutoring
If you’re confident in a subject (English, maths, science, languages), tutoring can pay well. Sites like MyTutor or Superprof connect tutors with students online.
3. Selling Products Online
You can sell handmade items on Etsy, flip vintage finds on eBay, or start a Shopify store for dropshipping. Car boot sales and charity shop bargains often turn a tidy profit online.
4. Delivery Driving or Food Delivery
Work with Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Amazon Flex in your local area. You’ll need a vehicle and sometimes insurance, but hours are flexible.
5. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Busy professionals often pay for reliable pet care. Use apps like Rover, or advertise locally.
6. Print-on-Demand
Design t-shirts, mugs, or posters and sell through platforms like Redbubble or Teemill — no inventory needed.
7. Blogging, YouTube, or Podcasting
Takes time to grow but can bring in income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
8. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Offer admin, email management, scheduling, or customer support for small business owners — often completely remote.
What Makes a Good Side Hustle?
The best side hustle for you depends on your:
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Skills and experience
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Available time
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Upfront investment (time or money)
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Interest and motivation
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Long-term goals (extra cash vs future career)
Start with what you know. For example, if you’re organised, VA work might suit you. If you’re creative, try designing on Canva and selling digital prints.
Side Hustle Do’s and Don’ts
✅ DO:
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Start small and test the waters
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Use your existing skills and networks
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Track your income and expenses
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Set realistic time expectations
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Keep your main job as priority (unless you’re ready to go all in)
❌ DON’T:
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Burn yourself out by overcommitting
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Undervalue your time or work
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Ignore legal/tax responsibilities
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Assume instant success — most side hustles take time to build
Declaring Side Hustle Income
Any income you make from a side hustle must be declared to HMRC if it exceeds £1,000 in a tax year (thanks to the trading allowance). If you go over this threshold, you’ll need to:
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Register as self-employed or as a sole trader
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File a Self Assessment tax return each year
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Pay income tax and possibly Class 2/4 National Insurance
Keep good records from the start — even if it’s just a spreadsheet and a folder for receipts.
Side Hustles vs Passive Income
Side hustles usually involve trading time for money (e.g., tutoring, delivering, freelancing). Passive income, on the other hand, refers to money earned with minimal ongoing effort — for example:
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Rental income
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Dividend-paying shares
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Royalties from a book or digital product
Some side hustles can become passive over time — a blog that earns ad revenue, or a course that sells on autopilot — but this takes upfront effort.
Managing Your Time and Energy
Balancing a side hustle with work, family, and downtime can be tricky. To avoid burnout:
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Set clear boundaries: Choose specific days or hours for your side hustle
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Automate where possible: Use scheduling tools, templates, and auto-responders
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Outsource low-value tasks when your side hustle grows
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Take breaks and avoid the “hustle 24/7” trap
A successful side hustle should add to your life — not drain it.