Finding the perfect side hustle you can squeeze into your life around your job is something around 2 in 5 Brits currently have. According to Finder.com, the average income from a side hustle is around the £900 mark. This is some serious extra cash to boost the bank balance, and in this economy, it’s going to make all the difference to your outgoings and quality of life.

However, not all side hustles are perfect for every lifestyle, and finding something flexible enough to fit around your current employment or that aligns with your lifestyle and skill set can take some figuring out. What should you consider? And how do you choose the perfect side hustle that boosts the bank balance and is something you enjoy?

Let’s take a look at some tips for pinpointing the perfect side hustle for your life.

Your Available Time

Some side hustles can be easily fitted into your free time with the occasional hour here and there. Others require more substantial time periods to be set aside or can only be carried out during certain hours. For example, dog walking, if you opt for this, needs to be done during the day or early morning and evening, while copywriting in your spare time can be done wherever you are free. Once you know what time you have to work with, you can find the perfect side hustle that your lifestyle can easily accommodate.

Just be prepared that starting a side hustle requires a significant time commitment, especially in the early stages. Balancing it with a full-time job or personal responsibilities can be challenging. You’ll need time to research your market, develop your offering, set up systems, and promote your services or products.

Outlay

Common costs include equipment or tools, a website or domain, marketing, and any necessary licenses or permits. Depending on the hustle—such as freelancing, dropshipping, or tutoring—startup expenses can range from almost nothing to a few hundred dollars. Investing in the right software or platforms early can streamline operations and improve efficiency. Time is also a major investment, so budgeting your schedule is essential. With a focused approach and minimal spending, many side hustles can become profitable within a few months of consistent effort.

The outlay you need to invest can be a significant factor in choosing a good side hustle. For example, if you plan to make things like cakes or crafts, do you have the funds to get started, as you can’t work without buying supplies to produce saleable goods? Choosing to be a virtual assistant (VA) for online clients requires the use of a computer and an internet connection and is likely something you can get started with quite easily, with little to no upfront investment. 

Payment Methods 

How you accept payments should be a significant factor. Will you be a cash-only business? Payment via bank transfer or Paypal, for example? Finding the right payment processor can eat into your earnings, and it’s essential to remember that you should report any earnings to HMRC to ensure everything is legal and above board. How people pay for your services can dictate what you ultimately end up adding to your life, allowing you to access the money you make with ease. 

Comfort Levels

Side hustles can be anything and everything, spanning a wide range of sectors and industries. You need to draw a line under the activities you feel comfortable with. Delivery driving jobs can be perfect for you during the day while the kids are at school, but you might feel uncomfortable delivering at night. The same goes for if you decide to drive for Lyft or Uber. You might want to dip your toes into the entertainment industry and identify options for you to create content to sell and make money if this something you are ok with; here’s how to become a webcam model if you want to try this as a side hustle or you can opt for chat services, adult phone lines or selling feet pics for example. Find what you do and feel comfortable doing, and use this to help you find the perfect side hustle for you.