Side Hustles: The Ultimate Guide for Under 25’s

The Side Hustle. You’ve probably heard the word. Maybe even been curious about starting one. But why? The Mix and Experian dig into what the side hustle is, how it can make you a bit more cash, and why it could be the best thing you’ve ever done…

What is a side hustle?

Basically, a side hustle is a job you have outside of your normal employment. For example, you could be working your 9-5 and then commit to a few hours every evening to make a bit more dollar.

Many people treat their side hustle as freelance work – they decide their hours and pay is flexible. However, some consider it a part-time job and this might be how they’re officially recognised when it comes to getting paid.

Nevertheless, the beauty of a side hustle should lie in its flexibility. Whatever it is, it should hope to bring a sense of fun and joy to your life, as well as a paycheck. It’s an opportunity to try new things – things that you’re really passionate about – and should easily fit around your schedule.

Why a side hustle?

Extra income

Side hustles have risen dramatically over the last few years with many young people attracted to the idea of extra income. With a cost of living crisis which refuses to go away, a bit of extra money can go a long way in increasing savings, living the lifestyle you want to lead or just simply pay for the electric.

Passion

A side hustle is a unique opportunity to turn your hobbies and interests into your job! By monetising your passion, you can continue to do it for longer without general life and work getting in the way. Whether you’re into a bit of photography, writing, arts and crafts – there’s always an opportunity to turn your dream into reality with a side hustle.

New skills

If you’re feeling like you’re at a dead end during your 9-5, a side hustle is a perfect chance to boost those skills and eventually plan your great escape. Explore new fields of work while getting paid, or simply learn a new skill to open up new doors for your future career.

The five most popular side hustles (and one side hustle that people are yet to discover)

Freelancing

Perhaps the most popular side hustle is the freelancer. With many websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer offering a platform for many young people to monetise their various talents, the online world truly is your oyster.

Whether you’re a musician with an eye for catchy jingles, a designer ready to bring your work to life for a major brand, or a good reader with an eye for detail. Whatever your niche, there’s a place for it on the internet. It may even surprise you how well you might get paid for something you thought wasn’t very valuable!

Tutoring

Someone said knowledge is the most valuable gift you can give to someone. I can’t remember who it was but they were 100% right! Whether you’ve got a language to share, a skill to pass on or you just generally want to be a good person and help people – tutoring might be the one for you.

There are plenty of places to get started, from teaching English as a foreign language to focusing on more specific and tailored subjects as students battle through their exams.

Make your own magic

Fancy yourself as a bit of an artist? The internet is just the place for you. From handmade crafts to paintings to jewellery – whatever you’re passionate about, sell it!

On Etsy, thousands of people not only make a side hustle from selling their own unique gifts, but they make a living from it too. And the best thing about it – it’s all unique! Just like you. So the virtual shelves are waiting to be filled with whatever you come up with.

Pet sitting

Hang out with animals all day and get paid for it? Where do I sign up? Throughout the UK there are hundreds of pet owners in search of an equally loving pet lover to walk and look after that pussies and pooches. They’ll pay you for your time and, most of the time, they’re flexible too!

Not only is it the perfect side hustle for animal lovers, but it can help prepare you when you eventually have a pet of your own.

Content creation

The world is content – whether we like it or not. The internet is full of the stuff, and it’s a great opportunity to make some money from it too. If you’re passionate about creating videos, blogs, or social media content, you can monetize your platforms through adverts, sponsorships and affiliate marketing (including links to offers on your platform to other websites).

Voiceover artist

Psst…let us tell you a little secret…voiceover artists are becoming HUGE. Yep, that’s right. If you think you’ve got the voice for an audiobook and you know how to tell a good story then being a voiceover artist could be for you.

With the rise of AI, many jobs are appearing for real humans to narrate AI-generated stories.

I know what you’re thinking…‘Why doesn’t AI narrate them instead?’

Well, the creators and employers behind these stories don’t want the obvious robotic voiceovers ruining their masterpieces, so they’re on the hunt for someone like you to tell them instead.

What a strange and beautiful world we live in, hey?

Takeaway tips

Whatever it is, your side hustle is YOUR side hustle. Your main goals should be:

• It makes you money
• It makes you happy

If you follow these two simple rules, the rest is easy.

If you’re looking for a side hustle, have a think about what works for you by answering these questions:

• Does it fit around my current schedule?
• Will it cause potential burnout?
• Am I passionate about it?
• Is it profitable?

While it may take a little time to get started, if you stick to it then the possibilities can be life-changing…from finally landing your dream job to easing off those current money pressures.

Lots of people have dived headfirst into a side hustle and not looked back, now it could be time for you to follow in their footsteps with your own take!

Useful resources

• If you need support and information on all things money, check out our money page, which is full of useful resources.

The Mix would like to thank Experian for their help with this article.