What makes a good side hustle?

A good side hustle is one you can realistically do given your skills, time, location and circumstances. The best-earning option for someone in London with a car and flexible hours is different from the best option for a rural parent with young children.

This guide rates options on three dimensions: realistic earning potential (not best-case), time flexibility and startup requirements.

Highest earning potential: skilled services

Freelance professional services — writing, design, coding, bookkeeping, marketing, consulting — offer the highest hourly rates for people with relevant skills. Platforms including Fiverr, Upwork and PeoplePerHour connect UK freelancers with clients worldwide.

Realistic earning: £15-£50+ per hour depending on skill and experience. Time to first income: 1-4 weeks. Startup cost: zero.

High flexibility: gig economy and delivery

Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, Deliveroo, DHL Express and similar platforms provide flexible delivery and driving work. You choose your own hours within available slots.

Realistic earning after vehicle costs: £8-£14 per hour. Important to check vehicle insurance covers delivery work — standard policies typically exclude commercial use.

Low barrier to entry: selling

Selling items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Vinted and Depop requires no skill, no ongoing commitment and zero startup cost. Most people generate £100-£500 from an initial clear-out.

For ongoing income: reselling (charity shops, car boot sales, clearance items) can generate consistent income but requires sourcing time. Handmade items via Etsy suit crafts and creative skills.

Local service businesses

Cleaning, gardening, ironing, dog walking, tutoring, childminding and handyman services are in consistent local demand. Low startup cost and reliable word-of-mouth growth.

Realistic earning: £12-£25 per hour. Childminding requires Ofsted registration. Dog walking and pet sitting via Rover or similar platforms provide client sourcing.