If the world of side hustles makes your head spin this article might be the post for you. I will explain what is a side hustle, and how do you get started, as well as some examples of ways you can make money on the side of full time employment.
Introduction to side hustles
What is a side hustle?
People start a side hustle as a way of making a little bit of money on the side of their main job or if they have a bit of free time, e.g., when they are not taking care of their children or might be working part time.
A side hustle has endless possibilities, and they can be tailored to your skills, interests, and available time or based simply on making money on the side without any intrinsic purpose.
Side hustle examples can be anything from walking dogs to baking cakes to designing t-shirts; there is no defined limit to what a side hustle can be. The main purpose is to make a little bit of money while doing something you enjoy.
Why do people start a side hustle?
Financial Reasons
Extra Income: A major driver for people starting a side hustle is because they want to boost their income, save up for a holiday, or simply live a little bit more comfortably.
Financial Security: A side hustle could provide a much-needed safety net if you were to lose your job and may allow you to put food on the table.
Development of their career
It can be daunting to give up work to start a new career or even find a job that pays a good enough salary. With a side hustle, you avoid both.
You get to keep your main job and start a new career path on the side, allowing you to test the water without having to take the plunge and risk everything.
It is also a great opportunity to build a portfolio of work and experience that may open up a new career path or allow you to network in your field of expertise.
Other reasons
People don’t just start a side hustle to make money on the side. People start side hustles because they are passionate about things, such as volunteering to help out in the community or because they want to feel excited about starting a new project that does good.
Are side hustles worth it?
This can be a very tricky question to answer because everyone is different, and no two people are the same in their reasons for starting a side hustle. However, before you embark on this journey, it may help to ask yourself some questions:
1.What are my goals for starting a side hustle?
Are you looking to supplement your income, or do you dream of turning your side hustle into a thriving business that allows you to leave your current job?
Whatever your motivations, knowing your goals will help you understand the level of commitment and resources you are willing to invest in your side hustle.
Additionally, it is important to consider the potential risks and challenges that may arise along the way. Are you prepared to handle the additional workload and potential setbacks that may come with running a side hustle?
2. Do I have the time and energy to commit to a side hustle?
If you already have a full-time job, the possibility of taking on more responsibility and workload should not be underestimated. Of course, this can depend on what you plan on doing as a side hustle; for example, renting out your parking space or walking people’s dogs is going to be very different from launching a new website or business from the ground up.
Will starting a side hustle impact my work-life balance and well-being?
If you are young, free, and single, your available time is going to be very different from that of a stay-at-home mom starting a hustle in her spare time. You may have to give up socialising or hobbies if you need to invest more money and time. Equally, if you are a parent, devoting time to a side hustle might mean that you spend less time at home with your family.
Finding the right side hustle that suits you.
How do you choose a side hustle?
Step 1: Choosing your side hustle
Some people choose a side hustle based on their interests, skills, and available resources. And it can also be favourable to start a side hustle that aligns with your passions and talents, as this will not only make the work more enjoyable but also increase your chances of success.
Consider what you enjoy doing in your free time and how you can turn that into a profitable venture. For example, if you have dogs or enjoy taking care of animals, you could start a dog-walking service or take care of people’s pets while they are away on holiday.
If you enjoy baking, you could sell your cakes on Facebook, or if you have a spare room, renting it out on Airbnb could be a great way of making money on the side.
Think about what skills you may already have. Are you a keen gardener, or do you enjoy crafting? These are both things you can turn into side hustles.
You might be a passionate photographer, which you can turn into people paying you for event photography or portraits. Equally, you may enjoy writing, so you could advertise your skills on Fiverr as a freelance writer or start a blog.
Step 2: Getting your side hustle started
Plan your side hustle: This can be fundamental to the success of your side hustle and help you put your thoughts on paper. Set realistic goals for what you want to achieve and, by when, maybe create a timeline of events and achievements so far.
Starting a side hustle can be pretty daunting, but having a plan allows you to visualise the steps you need to take and how to get there.
Create a side hustle budget: Having an awareness of what things are going to cost to get your side hustle off the ground can help reduce the possibility of failure. Think about what equipment you will need—whether you will need to create and design flyers or set up a website. All of these things can cost money, so it can help to visualise the cost implications of starting a side hustle to maximise the possibility of success.
Start marketing your side hustle: This is the fun part for most people, because at this point, your dream becomes a reality. Start by talking to and telling friends and family about what you are doing with your side hustle. Word-of-mouth is by far the most powerful and effective form of marketing.
In addition to spreading the word to your friendship group, consider using social media platforms like Facebook Market Place to promote your side hustle. Creating a dedicated page or account can help attract a wider audience and generate interest.
Engage with potential customers by sharing updates, photos, and testimonials, and encourage them to share your page with their own networks. Remember, the more people who know about your side hustle, the greater the chance for success.
What resources are available to start a side hustle?
There are a number of resources available to showcase and get your side hustle off the ground, and most importantly, get people to see your products or services:
Shopify
If you have always dreamed of setting up your own online store, Shopify may help. Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to create and customise your own online store and showcase your products or services to a wide audience.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a major network for freelancers to sell their talents in a variety of fields, including writing, graphic design, programming, and others. It’s a fantastic way to promote your abilities to the rest of the world in general.
Etsy: An online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods
If your passion is painting or crafting and you want to sell your products to people across the world, Etsy is a great platform to sell your handmade products.
Upwork
Upwork is another popular freelance platform that connects freelancers with clients looking for specific skills or expertise, such as virtual assistants, web developers, or social media managers.
Planning and preparation for a side hustle
How do you manage a side hustle around other work and family?
Starting a side hustle and managing the ongoing commitment and dedication can be a challenge unless you are prepared and well-planned. Below is a selection of tips and advice to help make your side hustles a success.
Be realistic about how much time you can commit to your side hustle, especially if you have other work or family commitments. It may help by dedicating only so many hours per week or only working weekends. This will help to make things manageable and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Setting goals is important, but being smart about your goal-setting is key. Starting with small, manageable tasks and objectives will help you see progress and avoid feeling like things are unmanageable.
Creating social media content, scheduling posts, and writing or responding to emails may be things you have on your to-do list. Batching these tasks together at a specific time of the day or week can help maximise efficiency.
Do you have friends or family that have offered to support and help with your side hustle? Delegating some tasks from your to-do list will help free up your time and make things more manageable in the long term.
Starting a side hustle from scratch or trying to manage what are effectively two jobs can become quite stressful. To avoid resentment or fatigue, try to carry on doing the things you enjoy or love doing, like exercising or meeting up with friends.
Do I have to pay tax on my side hustle?
If you live in the UK, any income you earn can be taxed; however, whether you are required to pay tax on your side hustle income will depend on certain factors:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: please be aware that there is a recent HMRC tax crackdown from January 2024 where companies that are popular with people starting side hustles, such as Deliveroo, Etsy, Uber, and AirBnB, must share records of what their users are earning with HMRC. This means you must be registered as self-employed and pay any tax that is due. If you are unsure what this means, we would suggest you contact an accountant to discuss how to ensure you are working legally.
1. Side Hustle Trading Allowance:
If your side hustle makes you under £1000.00 per tax year, you do not have to report it to HMRC or pay tax. This is known as your Trading Allowance.
If, however, your side hustle earns you more than £1000.00 per year, you are required to be registered as self-employed and complete a self-assessment tax return. If this still seems a little confusing, we would suggest you speak to an accountant to answer any questions you may have.
2. Side hustle expenses you can claim on your tax return:
Any income you earn from your side may be taxable, but the good news is that you can reduce the amount of tax you have to pay by deducting allowable expenses.
The types of expenses you can claim can be complicated and very specific to the type of side hustle you have, so I would always suggest you speak to an accountant. However, to give you an idea of what expenses you can claim, there are a few suggestions below:
Marketing costs for your side hustle
Travel expenses
Insurance costs
Professional fees, such as accountant or governing body fees
Software fees if you work in IT
Business premises rent
A good practice to start from the beginning of your side hustle is to keep accurate records and receipts of your expenses. This ensures that when you come to file your tax return with an accountant, you have all the information to hand.
How much should I save for my side hustle tax bill?
Assuming that you are a basic rate tax payer earning less than £50,270 per year, it would be a good idea to save 25% of your side hustle income. Saving 25% will allow for income tax and National Insurance contributions.
If, after you have deducted your expenses from your side hustle income, the remaining income is your profits, if your profits are over £5,980 per year, you will need to pay National Insurance contributions.
Side hustle ideas you can start today
Tutoring
If you have a passion for a subject or are a teacher looking for ways to make money on the side, why not tutor in your free time? If you want to pass on your experience of playing a musical instrument or teach budding scientists ready to take their exams in chemistry, biology, and physics, you can do this all from the comfort of your home.
Gardening
If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and have a keen eye for planting, this side hustle might be a good opportunity to make money on the side.As people look to create wonderful outdoor spaces, there is a growing demand for knowledgeable gardeners who can offer their expertise.
Whether it’s helping clients design and maintain their gardens, providing advice on plant selection and care, or even offering landscaping services, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your green thumb into a source of income.
Sell your unwanted gear on Vinted.
You probably have a tonne of clothes in your wardrobe that don’t get worn, so why not kickstart your side hustle for making money by selling all your unwanted clothes for cash?
The app is super easy to use, allowing you to quickly upload photos, set prices, and communicate with potential buyers. Not only that, but you can declutter your warddrop in a sustainable way while making a bit of money on the side.
With Vinted, you can reach a large audience of fashion-savvy individuals looking for unique pieces to add to their wardrobe. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to declutter your closet and make some extra money on the side.
Become a football coach.
Every parent dreams of their son or daughter making it big time, which is why one-on-one football coaching has gone big in recent years. Tik Toc allows you to reach a massive audience of football-crazy kids and parents; just make sure you have the relevant qualifications.
Deliver take-away food with Deliveroo.
A simple side hustle that is low-cost to start is delivering people’s take-away food with Deliveroo. You can get started with just a bicycle in your local area and earn money by delivering meals to customers’ doorsteps.
It’s a flexible way to earn extra income, and you can choose your own working hours. Plus, you get the added benefit of staying active while making money with Deliveroo.
ugoscootersblog.com 
If the world of side hustles makes your head spin this article might be the post for you. I will explain what is a side hustle, and how do you get started, as well as some examples of ways you can make money on the side of full time employment.
Introduction to side hustles
What is a side hustle?
People start a side hustle as a way of making a little bit of money on the side of their main job or if they have a bit of free time, e.g., when they are not taking care of their children or might be working part time.
A side hustle has endless possibilities, and they can be tailored to your skills, interests, and available time or based simply on making money on the side without any intrinsic purpose.
Side hustle examples can be anything from walking dogs to baking cakes to designing t-shirts; there is no defined limit to what a side hustle can be. The main purpose is to make a little bit of money while doing something you enjoy.
Why do people start a side hustle?
Financial Reasons
Extra Income: A major driver for people starting a side hustle is because they want to boost their income, save up for a holiday, or simply live a little bit more comfortably.
Financial Security: A side hustle could provide a much-needed safety net if you were to lose your job and may allow you to put food on the table.
Development of their career
It can be daunting to give up work to start a new career or even find a job that pays a good enough salary. With a side hustle, you avoid both.
You get to keep your main job and start a new career path on the side, allowing you to test the water without having to take the plunge and risk everything.
It is also a great opportunity to build a portfolio of work and experience that may open up a new career path or allow you to network in your field of expertise.
Other reasons
People don’t just start a side hustle to make money on the side. People start side hustles because they are passionate about things, such as volunteering to help out in the community or because they want to feel excited about starting a new project that does good.
Are side hustles worth it?
This can be a very tricky question to answer because everyone is different, and no two people are the same in their reasons for starting a side hustle. However, before you embark on this journey, it may help to ask yourself some questions:
1.What are my goals for starting a side hustle?
Are you looking to supplement your income, or do you dream of turning your side hustle into a thriving business that allows you to leave your current job?
Whatever your motivations, knowing your goals will help you understand the level of commitment and resources you are willing to invest in your side hustle.
Additionally, it is important to consider the potential risks and challenges that may arise along the way. Are you prepared to handle the additional workload and potential setbacks that may come with running a side hustle?
2. Do I have the time and energy to commit to a side hustle?
If you already have a full-time job, the possibility of taking on more responsibility and workload should not be underestimated. Of course, this can depend on what you plan on doing as a side hustle; for example, renting out your parking space or walking people’s dogs is going to be very different from launching a new website or business from the ground up.
If you are young, free, and single, your available time is going to be very different from that of a stay-at-home mom starting a hustle in her spare time. You may have to give up socialising or hobbies if you need to invest more money and time. Equally, if you are a parent, devoting time to a side hustle might mean that you spend less time at home with your family.
Finding the right side hustle that suits you.
How do you choose a side hustle?
Step 1: Choosing your side hustle
Some people choose a side hustle based on their interests, skills, and available resources. And it can also be favourable to start a side hustle that aligns with your passions and talents, as this will not only make the work more enjoyable but also increase your chances of success.
Consider what you enjoy doing in your free time and how you can turn that into a profitable venture. For example, if you have dogs or enjoy taking care of animals, you could start a dog-walking service or take care of people’s pets while they are away on holiday.
If you enjoy baking, you could sell your cakes on Facebook, or if you have a spare room, renting it out on Airbnb could be a great way of making money on the side.
Think about what skills you may already have. Are you a keen gardener, or do you enjoy crafting? These are both things you can turn into side hustles.
You might be a passionate photographer, which you can turn into people paying you for event photography or portraits. Equally, you may enjoy writing, so you could advertise your skills on Fiverr as a freelance writer or start a blog.
Step 2: Getting your side hustle started
Plan your side hustle: This can be fundamental to the success of your side hustle and help you put your thoughts on paper. Set realistic goals for what you want to achieve and, by when, maybe create a timeline of events and achievements so far.
Starting a side hustle can be pretty daunting, but having a plan allows you to visualise the steps you need to take and how to get there.
Create a side hustle budget: Having an awareness of what things are going to cost to get your side hustle off the ground can help reduce the possibility of failure. Think about what equipment you will need—whether you will need to create and design flyers or set up a website. All of these things can cost money, so it can help to visualise the cost implications of starting a side hustle to maximise the possibility of success.
Start marketing your side hustle: This is the fun part for most people, because at this point, your dream becomes a reality. Start by talking to and telling friends and family about what you are doing with your side hustle. Word-of-mouth is by far the most powerful and effective form of marketing.
In addition to spreading the word to your friendship group, consider using social media platforms like Facebook Market Place to promote your side hustle. Creating a dedicated page or account can help attract a wider audience and generate interest.
Engage with potential customers by sharing updates, photos, and testimonials, and encourage them to share your page with their own networks. Remember, the more people who know about your side hustle, the greater the chance for success.
What resources are available to start a side hustle?
There are a number of resources available to showcase and get your side hustle off the ground, and most importantly, get people to see your products or services:
Shopify
If you have always dreamed of setting up your own online store, Shopify may help. Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to create and customise your own online store and showcase your products or services to a wide audience.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a major network for freelancers to sell their talents in a variety of fields, including writing, graphic design, programming, and others. It’s a fantastic way to promote your abilities to the rest of the world in general.
Etsy: An online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods
If your passion is painting or crafting and you want to sell your products to people across the world, Etsy is a great platform to sell your handmade products.
Upwork
Upwork is another popular freelance platform that connects freelancers with clients looking for specific skills or expertise, such as virtual assistants, web developers, or social media managers.
Planning and preparation for a side hustle
How do you manage a side hustle around other work and family?
Starting a side hustle and managing the ongoing commitment and dedication can be a challenge unless you are prepared and well-planned. Below is a selection of tips and advice to help make your side hustles a success.
Do I have to pay tax on my side hustle?
If you live in the UK, any income you earn can be taxed; however, whether you are required to pay tax on your side hustle income will depend on certain factors:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: please be aware that there is a recent HMRC tax crackdown from January 2024 where companies that are popular with people starting side hustles, such as Deliveroo, Etsy, Uber, and AirBnB, must share records of what their users are earning with HMRC. This means you must be registered as self-employed and pay any tax that is due. If you are unsure what this means, we would suggest you contact an accountant to discuss how to ensure you are working legally.
1. Side Hustle Trading Allowance:
If your side hustle makes you under £1000.00 per tax year, you do not have to report it to HMRC or pay tax. This is known as your Trading Allowance.
If, however, your side hustle earns you more than £1000.00 per year, you are required to be registered as self-employed and complete a self-assessment tax return. If this still seems a little confusing, we would suggest you speak to an accountant to answer any questions you may have.
2. Side hustle expenses you can claim on your tax return:
Any income you earn from your side may be taxable, but the good news is that you can reduce the amount of tax you have to pay by deducting allowable expenses.
The types of expenses you can claim can be complicated and very specific to the type of side hustle you have, so I would always suggest you speak to an accountant. However, to give you an idea of what expenses you can claim, there are a few suggestions below:
A good practice to start from the beginning of your side hustle is to keep accurate records and receipts of your expenses. This ensures that when you come to file your tax return with an accountant, you have all the information to hand.
How much should I save for my side hustle tax bill?
Assuming that you are a basic rate tax payer earning less than £50,270 per year, it would be a good idea to save 25% of your side hustle income. Saving 25% will allow for income tax and National Insurance contributions.
If, after you have deducted your expenses from your side hustle income, the remaining income is your profits, if your profits are over £5,980 per year, you will need to pay National Insurance contributions.
Side hustle ideas you can start today
Tutoring
If you have a passion for a subject or are a teacher looking for ways to make money on the side, why not tutor in your free time? If you want to pass on your experience of playing a musical instrument or teach budding scientists ready to take their exams in chemistry, biology, and physics, you can do this all from the comfort of your home.
Gardening
If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and have a keen eye for planting, this side hustle might be a good opportunity to make money on the side. As people look to create wonderful outdoor spaces, there is a growing demand for knowledgeable gardeners who can offer their expertise.
Whether it’s helping clients design and maintain their gardens, providing advice on plant selection and care, or even offering landscaping services, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your green thumb into a source of income.
Sell your unwanted gear on Vinted.
You probably have a tonne of clothes in your wardrobe that don’t get worn, so why not kickstart your side hustle for making money by selling all your unwanted clothes for cash?
The app is super easy to use, allowing you to quickly upload photos, set prices, and communicate with potential buyers. Not only that, but you can declutter your warddrop in a sustainable way while making a bit of money on the side.
With Vinted, you can reach a large audience of fashion-savvy individuals looking for unique pieces to add to their wardrobe. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to declutter your closet and make some extra money on the side.
Become a football coach.
Every parent dreams of their son or daughter making it big time, which is why one-on-one football coaching has gone big in recent years. Tik Toc allows you to reach a massive audience of football-crazy kids and parents; just make sure you have the relevant qualifications.
Deliver take-away food with Deliveroo.
A simple side hustle that is low-cost to start is delivering people’s take-away food with Deliveroo. You can get started with just a bicycle in your local area and earn money by delivering meals to customers’ doorsteps.
It’s a flexible way to earn extra income, and you can choose your own working hours. Plus, you get the added benefit of staying active while making money with Deliveroo.
These are just a few ways to make money on the side from a side hustle. If you want more inspiration, check out the link below.
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