Side Hustle Ideas
Our Business Advisor, Susan George, is a highly effective economic development professional with extensive senior management experience in both the private and public sector. We wanted to make the most of Susan’s wealth of experience and she hints and tips on relevant topics throughout the year.
We asked Susan:
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a secondary, part-time job or activity that you do alongside your main job. It serves as an extra source of income while also offering the chance to take on new challenges or engage in something you genuinely enjoy. Think of it as a hobby that pays!
So, what exactly is a side hustle? It’s any job or business venture you pursue in addition to your primary job to earn extra money. Examples include selling products online, freelancing, offering rideshare services, or taking on various small gigs.
How many people in the UK have a side hustle?
In 2024, nearly 43% of Brits have at least one side hustle to supplement their income, according to a nationally representative survey. Currently, side hustles are more common among men, with 49% engaging in them, compared to 37% of women. As the cost of living crisis continues to strain finances, side hustles have become an increasingly popular way for people in the UK to earn extra money, whether to cover essential expenses or boost their savings.
What is the average side hustle income?
On average, Brits earn £207 per week from side hustles, amounting to approximately £900 per month or £10,800 annually. About 25% of Brits have a side hustle that brings in between £1 and £200 each week.
Which generations have a side hustle in the UK?
Interestingly, 68% of Generation Z earn money through a side hustle, making them the most active generation in this trend. Millennials follow closely, with 65% engaging in side hustles, while 40% of Generation X also use this method to boost their income. Side hustles are less common among older generations, with 23% of Baby Boomers and only 7% of the Silent Generation earning extra money this way. The popularity of side hustles among younger generations may stem from factors such as lower average income from primary jobs and greater familiarity with apps and online platforms that simplify side hustles, like selling clothes or creating TikTok content.
Which region of the UK earns the most from side hustles?
Londoners lead the way in side hustles across the UK, with 61% earning extra income through secondary work, averaging an impressive £1,643 per month. In the North East, 39% of people engage in side hustles, bringing in an average of £1,208 monthly. Meanwhile, side hustles are less common in Wales, where only 21% participate, earning an average of £335 per month.
What are the most popular side hustles?
According to external research, the top 3 most popular side hustles are:
Becoming a social media “influencer” on TikTok or similar online platform
A part-time second job
Selling old clothes on Vinted or similar apps
What are the 5 key categories of the most popular side hustles?
Selling old or refurbished items
Creating content
Creating products and selling them
Having a secondary part-time job
Manual labour
Source: finder.com
Now is a great time to reflect on 2024 and to start your side hustle for 2025.
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