The Rise of the Side Hustle: Beyond the 9-to-5

Let’s face it: the traditional 9-to-5 just isn’t cutting it for many people in the UK any more. The side hustle is no longer just a trendy phrase; it has transformed how people approach work, money, and even how they bring more variety and enjoyment into their lives.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what’s behind the growing trend of side hustles and whether it's a good idea to take on some extra gigs beyond your regular job.

Why the side hustle took off

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported 4.4 million self-employed individuals in the UK as of October 2024, a jump from 4.2 million just three months earlier. This is only the second time self-employment has reached 4.4 million since the pandemic, showing a clear shift. The sector’s contribution to the UK economy has also increased by 11%, from £331 billion in 2023 to £366 billion in 2024.

This trend gained popularity during the pandemic and has continued to grow amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. For many, it has become a way to supplement their main income, enhance their primary profession, develop new skills, and explore personal hobbies and interests.

Main drivers behind the side hustle trend

It’s no surprise that side gigs are so appealing. They can be easier to start than a full-time job, and often don’t require much motivation to get going. Beyond the appeal of earning extra cash, there are more reasons why more people are turning to side hustles:

• The rising cost of living: The number of side hustlers in the UK shot up by 20% in the last year alone, reaching 460,000. Many (nearly two-fifths of employees just two years ago) were already considering working for themselves, often because they needed more money to cover higher expenses.
• A safety net for financial stability: Relying on just one pay cheque feels challenging these days, especially in a well-developed economy like the UK's. Side hustles might be a backup, diversifying income sources and offering peace of mind if your main job takes a hit.
• Beyond just bills: Side hustles aren't always about necessity. For many, a side project serves as an opportunity to earn extra money or transform a hobby into a source of additional income.
• Tech making it easy: The internet has made it easier than ever for anyone to start something new. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Etsy help you connect with clients, sell products, or automate tasks.

In the next part of the article, I’ll explore the most popular side hustles you can start in the UK, which are gaining popularity and are relatively easy to begin.

Top side hustles to start in the UK

Side hustle opportunities are incredibly diverse, with options suitable for nearly anyone. You can, for example, earn extra money as a freelance writer, dog walker, or online tutor. Whether you prefer working from home or getting out and about, there’s a side hustle to suit your lifestyle, skills, and schedule:

• Online sales & e-commerce: Pootlepress reported that 72% of UK side hustlers are selling online, including general goods, handmade items, and even drop-shipping. Think Vinted, Depop, or setting up your shop.
• Freelancing & services: If you’ve got a unique skill, you can definitely freelance. Writing, graphic design, web development, or virtual assistance are all in high demand.
• Gig economy jobs, such as food delivery and ride-sharing, remain popular due to their flexibility and the ability to earn income on your schedule.
• Content creation: Blogging, vlogging on YouTube, podcasting, social media influencing an all be great ways to monetise your talent. Finder highlights social media influencing as one of the top 3 side hustles in the UK.
• Pet care: In the UK, the increasing number of pet owners has fuelled demand for trustworthy and flexible services that fit around busy lifestyles.
• Tutoring: Leveraging your knowledge to teach others online is another popular and flexible option. Plus, there are some non-obvious things you can teach, such as basic computer skills, conversational English, or even how to use software like Excel or Canva.
• Emerging AI-powered gigs: With AI's growth, new opportunities are popping up for automating tasks or generating content, making it easier to start a side gig with less effort.

The range of side hustles is vast, offering something for nearly everyone looking to boost their earnings—from digital ventures that need only a laptop to hands-on services that engage with your local community.

What do you really gain from a side hustle?

Beyond the noticeable financial boost, side hustles offer a wealth of personal and professional advantages that can contribute to a more fulfilling and resilient life. Let’s have a look at the top benefits of pursuing a side hustle:

• Skills upgrades & career exploration: A side hustle is a low-risk way to develop new skills or hone the ones you already have. It allows you to test the waters in various areas (and industries) without making a full commitment.
• Passion projects & creative outlets: Many side hustles spring from personal hobbies and passions, offering a sense of accomplishment that a traditional job might not offer. One in five Gen Z workers is taking on side hustles solely to pursue personal interests, according to Elite Business Magazine.
• Gaining entrepreneurial experience: Running a small venture provides hands-on experience in everything from marketing and budgeting to customer service. In fact, 70% of UK side hustlers hope to turn their part-time activities into their primary business one day.
• More control & better work-life balance: The ability to set your own hours and be your boss is a massive draw. Side hustles offer a sense of autonomy and can help you craft a lifestyle that truly fits your needs.

Ultimately, side hustles provide a powerful blend of financial empowerment and personal growth, helping you gain greater control over both your career and your life.

3 side hustle success stories to get inspired

I’ve explored real-life side hustle success stories to show just how diverse these ventures can be—and the real impact they have on people’s lives.

Kaz Prakash, Gadget Repair Technician via Airtasker (Hertfordshire, UK)

Kaz began offering repair services, from coffee machines to treadmills, through the Airtasker platform in May 2024. Working just around three hours per day, he now earns approximately £8,550 monthly. His success underscores how skilled individuals can monetise practical experience with minimal expense and maximum flexibility.

Kirsty Quinn, Reseller on eBay, Vinted, & WhatNot (Oxfordshire, UK)

Kirsty, a 35‑year‑old office manager, turned reselling into a profitable side hustle. She makes around £8,000 per year by sourcing items from car boot sales and charity shops—think retro toys, mugs, and branded shoes—and selling them online. She emphasises quality listings, clear photos, and knowing resale value, like rare Tamagotchis selling for £260 each. She spends about 5–7 hours weekly on it.

Jamie Matthias, Painter of Humorous Portraits (Staffordshire, UK)

Jamie, an accountant from Staffordshire, painted a joking portrait for his wife’s wedding and posted it on social media. The painting went viral, leading to 71 commission orders from across the UK. He now spends around two hours each evening producing commissioned works and charges £25 per portrait. Despite keeping his full-time job, his side hustle continues to grow with nearly 2,000 social media followers.

These stories highlight how people across the UK are turning their skills and passions into successful side ventures, and there are many more like them. For example, Sarah Smith transformed her painting hobby during spinal surgery recovery into a thriving business, earning a spot among the UK’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs. Deepak Shukla, a London digital marketer, launched Plant Sumo, a vegan meal delivery service, alongside his day job using Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo. Meanwhile, SEN teacher Hannah Turlington grew her market stall into a creative business offering commissions, workshops, and stationery.

What’s the future of side hustles?

As mentioned earlier, IPSE reported a 20% rise in side hustlers last year, reaching 460,000 and making up 11% of all solo self-employment. This growth shows no signs of slowing down. What’s next?

• Continued growth & evolution: The market is expected to keep expanding, with more innovative ideas and platforms emerging. 47% of UK adults are considering launching a business or side hustle in 2025, a 12% increase on the previous year.
• AI integration: AI's role will only grow, making it easier to automate tasks, generate ideas, and even create passive income streams. Finder stated that 18% of Brits have used AI for side hustle advice.
• Demographic shifts: Younger generations will continue to lead the charge. According to Finder, 61% of Gen Z and 55% of millennials earn money from side hustles, significantly higher than older generations. Working mothers also account for 21% of all side hustles, up 8% since last year.
• Regulatory adaptation: HMRC is adapting to this new reality. There's currently a £1,000 tax-free trading allowance for your side hustle income each tax year (April 6 to April 5). If your gross income from your side hustle is £1,000 or less, you generally don't need to tell HMRC or pay tax on it.

Final points

Side hustles will play a significant and integrated role in both personal finances and the national economy. They also shifted how people approach their careers and finances. Whether you're dipping your toe in for some extra cash or dreaming of building your own brand, side hustles offer a powerful way to build resilience and find more fulfilment. 

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Number of self-employed workers in the United Kingdom from 1st quarter 2000 to 1st quarter 2025. Statista
• Rise of the side hustle. HBB
• The Rise of Side Hustles in the UK. Pootlepress
• Side hustle statistics UK: How many people have a side hustle? Finder
• Almost half of UK adults are thinking about starting a business in 2025. Enterprise Nation
• The rise of the side hustle. Elitebusiness