Need side hustles for this year? Are you thinking about exploring a new business idea without giving up your full-time job? Or maybe you just want to make a little extra cash, learn something new, or dive into a passion project? A side hustle could be just what you need.
Of course, you won’t find a job listing labelled “side hustle.” So what exactly does that mean—and how do you figure out which one fits your goals? If you’re considering picking up a second source of income, we’ll walk you through in this post with some popular side hustle options, how to find legit online gigs and practical tips for landing flexible jobs you can do from home.
1. Try Your Hand at Being a Virtual Assistant
Are you naturally organised and great at keeping things on track? You could turn those skills into extra income by becoming a virtual assistant. From handling emails and scheduling meetings to booking travel and placing orders, VAS take care of the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep businesses running smoothly, all from home.
You can take on as much or as little work as you’d like, depending on your availability. To get started, think about what services you’re best at, create a simple website or spruce up your LinkedIn profile, and reach out to business owners or entrepreneurs who could use an extra hand.
2. Drive or Deliver in Your Spare Time
Got a reliable vehicle and a bit of free time? Driving for ride-sharing or delivery platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart is a quick way to bring in some extra money. You’re in control of when and how much you work—whether it’s after your day job or just on weekends.
Want to maximize your earnings? Sign up for more than one app and focus on peak hours, like lunch and dinner times for food delivery, or morning and evening rush hours for ride-sharing. It’s one of the fastest ways to start earning—no fancy setup required.
3. Dive Into Affiliate Marketing
If you enjoy sharing your favourite finds online and have an active social media presence, affiliate marketing might be the perfect fit. You promote products from other companies, and when someone buys through your unique link, you earn a commission. That could be anything from a few per cent to half the sale price, depending on the product.
To make it work, choose a niche you care about—it’s way easier to create authentic content when you like what you’re talking about. Whether it’s fashion, fitness, tech, or travel, the key is being relatable and consistent with your recommendations.
4. Launch a Podcast Around What You Love
Podcasting isn’t just trendy—it’s a fun and flexible way to earn income on the side. You only need a few hours a week to record and upload episodes, and platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music make publishing easy.
With millions of listeners tuning in regularly—and that number still growing—it’s a great time to start. Choose a topic you’re passionate about and build a community around it. Already have a blog or YouTube channel? Repurposing that content into podcast form is a smart move.
Once you’ve built an audience, you can start monetising through ads, sponsorships, affiliate links in your episode descriptions, and even paid subscriptions. Just make sure to check out other podcasts in your niche first, so you can stand out and bring something new to the table.
5. Start a Dropshipping Business
Ever thought about running your online store without dealing with inventory or shipping? That’s the beauty of dropshipping. You act as the go-between for suppliers and customers—once someone places an order, your supplier handles the packing and delivery. You don’t pay for products until after a sale, and you never have to store anything.
To get started, pick a product niche that interests you. Then:
- Look for reliable suppliers with good reviews and fast shipping (especially if you’re using platforms like AliExpress or Oberlo).
- Set up your online store using platforms like Shopify, Amazon, or eBay.
- Promote your products through social media. Pinterest is especially useful for product discovery—create pins using relevant keywords and link them back to your store. You can also market through Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Marketplace, or run Google Ads to expand your reach.
6. Walk Dogs in Your Neighbourhood
Love dogs and spending time outdoors? Dog walking is a low-effort, feel-good side hustle that gets you some fresh air and puts extra cash in your pocket.
Many pet owners can’t make time for daily walks due to their busy schedules—that’s where you come in. Apps like Rover and Wag connect you with pet owners looking for reliable walkers in your area.
If you’re just getting started, offer your services to friends or neighbours first to build up some experience and referrals. You can also post in local Facebook groups or community boards to get your name out there. Best of all, it’s a flexible gig you can easily fit around your schedule—and dogs never take a day off from needing a walk.
7. Give Forex Trading a Go
Forex trading online is one of those side hustles that can be rewarding—but only if you’re prepared to put in the work. You’ll be trading currencies on the global market, which is open 24/5, making it a good fit for people with full-time jobs.
You don’t need a huge upfront investment—some brokers let you start with just $10 or $100. All you need is an internet connection and a platform like MetaTrader 4 to place trades. That said, the forex market moves fast. There’s real risk involved, and without proper strategy and discipline, you could lose your capital quickly.
Start by using a demo account to learn how things work without putting real money on the line. Master the basics, learn risk management, and only scale up once you’re confident. Treat it as a side hustle, not a main income source—at least until you’ve proven you can consistently turn a profit.
8. Offer Freelancing Services
If you have a skill—whether it’s writing, design, coding, marketing, or something else—you can turn it into a freelance gig and start making money on your terms.
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and even LinkedIn are great places to find freelance work. Here’s how to get rolling:
Pick a freelancing platform that suits your industry.
- Check what other freelancers with similar skills charge to get an idea of market rates.
- Set up a profile that clearly explains what you offer and what makes you different.
- Write a solid proposal template you can tailor when applying for gigs.
- Apply to jobs that fit your skillset—and be consistent!
Make sure to read the platform’s rules about client interactions and contracts so you stay professional and protected. Over time, as you build a portfolio and gather reviews, you’ll be able to charge more and attract better clients.
Final Thoughts
When you’re just starting with a side hustle, it’s smart to set small, realistic goals you can stick to. Keep a close eye on how things are going—try out different approaches with your marketing, tweak your pricing, or experiment with your product offerings to see what clicks. Pay attention to key stats like how much you’re earning, how engaged your customers are, and how much traffic your website is getting. The more you track, the easier it’ll be to see what’s working—and what needs a tweak.
