Guidance

What's a side hustle

Side hustles are a fun and flexible way to earn extra money, perfect if you’re looking to explore a passion, grow your skills, or boost your income on your own terms. Here’s how to get started.

First published:
22 April 2025
Last updated:
22 April 2025

Contents

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle is any job or project you do outside of your main source of income (like school, a part-time job, or full-time work) to make extra money or pursue something you’re passionate about.

It’s not just about the cash, though that helps! A side hustle can also teach you new skills, build your confidence, and open up future career paths.

Examples of side hustles

Here are some side hustle ideas that are super popular among young people:

  • Freelancing: Writing, graphic design, video editing, coding, or photography.
  • Selling online: Etsy crafts, vintage clothes on Depop, or flipping items on eBay/Facebook Marketplace.
  • Tutoring: Helping younger students with school subjects.
  • Content creation: Starting a YouTube channel, TikTok, or blog.
  • Pet-sitting or dog-walking
  • Food delivery (if you're old enough and have a license)
  • Gaming: Streaming, testing games, or coaching.

Why start a side hustle?

  • Extra Income: More money for savings, travel, or just treating yourself.
  • Skill Building: You’ll learn real-world stuff - time management, marketing, customer service.
  • Freedom: Choose what you do, when you do it.
  • Future Proofing: Many side hustles can turn into full-time businesses or help boost your CV.

What to watch out for

  • Burnout: Don’t overdo it. Balance your hustle with school, work, and rest.
  • Scams: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid “get rich quick” schemes.
  • Legal Stuff: If you're under 18, check with a parent/guardian before starting anything involving contracts or payments.

How to start

  1. Pick something you’re good at or interested in.
  2. Start small: you don’t need a fancy setup or loads of money.
  3. Do your research: see how others are doing it and learn from them.
  4. Set a goal: extra income? Experience? Fun?
  5. Stay consistent: side hustles grow with time and effort.

Final thoughts

A side hustle isn’t about becoming a millionaire overnight. It’s about finding smart, creative ways to grow, personally and financially. Whether it’s earning a bit of extra cash or building your future dream job, you’ve got options.

Start small. Stay curious. And hustle smart.

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