11 Side Hustles from Home and How to Get Started

A side hustle is a small business that a person pursues alongside another, usually more stable, job, often to earn additional income. Side hustles are called ‘side jobs’ or ‘side gigs.’ According to Sage, as of May 2024, 47 percent of Brits—or roughly 30 million people—have a side hustle [1]. 

Below, you’ll find several side hustle ideas that you can start from the comfort of your own home, alongside some important factors to consider when deciding your side gig.

At-home side hustle ideas

If you're contemplating a side hustle, explore these convenient home-based options to find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.

Lucrative side hustles you can do from home

There are plenty of work-from-home side hustles you can consider, especially as companies continue to implement remote work technologies. Some high-paying side hustles you can do from home include web designer or developer, social media marketer, online tutor, or bookkeeper.

1. Dropshipping business

To the average customer, a dropshipping business looks like a regular online shop, but behind the scenes, the company is a bit less traditional. Dropshipping allows retailers to sell products without holding any inventory. A third-party supplier stores, packages, and ships the products directly to the customer. The retailer manages customer interactions and marketing and curates their product selection. 

Where to begin: Sites like Alibaba, Dropship UK, or ShopWired.

2. Crafting/artist

Many sell handmade items or original artwork online through independent shops or sites like Etsy or Saatchi Art. Both routes have pros and cons, so if you decide to turn your craft into a side hustle, it’s worth researching to see which path works best for you.

Where to begin: Sites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, or Shopify.

3. Digital creative

Whether video editing or graphic design, you can pursue creativity using only a computer. For instance, you might seek clients to hire you to create business assets. Or, if you want to monetise your digital designs independently, you could look into posting videos on YouTube or putting your designs on merchandise with a print-on-demand business.

Where to begin: Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, YouTube, or Printful.

Get started with Canva using a Guided Project on Coursera. With this project-based course, you'll master the popular design tool's key features in just 90 minutes. 

4. Writing

Many companies hire freelance or contract writers to draft marketing materials, social media copy, SEO articles, editorials, and more without requiring full-time availability. As a writer, you can also start an affiliate marketing blog. However, since that path requires building your readership, it can take some time before you start making money from your blog.

Where to begin: Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, Indeed to find jobs, or WordPress to start your blog.

5. Proofreading or copyediting

If you prefer editing to writing, consider offering proofreading or copyediting services for marketing or editorial content. By securing one or two anchor clients or maintaining regular clients, you can establish a consistent stream of side income. 

Where to begin: Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Flexjobs.

6. Transcription service

You could use your deft typing skills to be a transcriptionist. Transcription involves typing spoken or recorded content into written form with exceptional accuracy. Businesses often need audio files for transcription to create closed captions, to extract quotes from speeches, or to interview for editorial features.

Where to begin: Sites like Rev, or Fiverr.

7. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants help businesses or individuals with administrative tasks such as managing inboxes or scheduling. You can search for companies seeking a virtual assistant on regular job sites, like Flexjobs or Indeed. Alternatively, you can apply for a company that pairs virtual assistants with businesses like Time Etc. If you decide to go through a third-party matching process, you may have less flexibility in the number of hours you work per week or the specific hours you work.

Where to begin: Sites like Flexjobs, Time Etc.

8. Online teacher

Teaching English online to students worldwide can be a rewarding side hustle. And since you may be teaching across different time zones, you can schedule sessions outside your local regular business hours. If you have non-English language skills, you can likely find virtual teaching opportunities in your language of choice.

Where to begin: Sites like TeachingEnglish, Skooli, or EF Teach Online.

9. Hosting online workshops or classes

If you have a skill to share with others—for example, a fitness instructor—you can host a live online class or workshop and charge people for access. There are several ways to set up this type of business model. One option could be to create a Zoom link and invite guests once you receive payment.

Where to begin: Video platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

10. Audiobook narrator

This side hustle can require specific recording equipment and an echo-proof space free of background noise. That said, if you enjoy reading a variety of genres and have a knack for voice acting, audiobook narration could be a great way to leverage your skills. 

Where to begin: Sites like ACXor BunnyStudio

11. Traveller host

If you have a private room, guest house, or entire property that you are not currently using, you may be able to rent it out to travellers. As a host, you should feel comfortable welcoming guests into your home. Responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness between occupants and promptly addressing any urgent needs that could arise during a guest’s stay. 

Where to begin: Sites like Airbnb or Vrbo

How to start your side hustle from home

Now that you have some ideas for potential home-based side hustles, consider how to analyse which one is the best fit for you.

Once you have identified your goals in starting a side hustle—or your “why”—it can be helpful to think about the skills you want to leverage in working on your side hustle and the spatial needs that come with working from home. Clarity on both can guide you towards success while maintaining a comfortable home environment.

1. Assess your skills.

Your side hustle doesn’t have to connect to your primary job—but it can if that feels right for you. For example, you may be an accountant by day and a bookkeeper by night. Both roles use similar maths and independent working skills. 

Alternatively, you may be a virtual piano teacher in your spare time, allowing you also to use your music and social skills. Both side hustles offer equal potential for success; the distinction lies in personal enjoyment, depending on your preferences. Since you’ll be starting your side hustle on top of other employment, you may want to take some steps towards something you find fulfilling. This intentionality can help you avoid potential burnout and create a sustainable side business.

Three starting points for considering your skills may be:

• What skills do you already use regularly?

• Do you have the mental, emotional, and physical capacity to use those skills outside of your other responsibilities?

• What other skills would you enjoy using regularly?

Once you’ve assessed your skills, consider turning them into a business that aligns with your goals.

2. Consider your environment.

You may find that you can be more productive with certain tasks if you meet your spatial needs. Determining the best way for you to work from home and recognising your limitations can help you physically set yourself up for success. 

For example, if you decide to start an online jewellery business, you’ll need space for your inventory and supplies—like beads, wire, tools, and packaging—and an area to create your jewellery. Meanwhile, as a virtual assistant, you shouldn’t need an extensive production area; instead, you can do all your work online.

As you consider your environment, some things to think about are:

• What are the spatial needs for your side hustle?

• What space in your home can you dedicate to your side hustle?

• Do you have any limitations to work around?

If you live with others, you may also want to consider how their presence can impact your ability to use your space. For example, you may have to share your workspace or navigate varying noise levels in certain blocks of time.

Prepare to launch your side hustle

With 11 potential side gigs to ponder, hopefully, your creative juices have been piqued. Remember, considering your existing work and your home environment will help you choose the most sustainable path for you.

Beyond the skills you’ll use for your key offerings, you can set your side hustle up for success with some core marketing skills. Learn these skills (and others) with a Professional Certificate from industry leaders on Coursera. Consider taking Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate and Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate.