How to make extra money with a side hustle

How to make extra money with a side hustle

Like the thought of making a few quid extra each month? Read Sophie Cole’s guide to the side hustle and let the money roll in

By Sophie Cole

The concept of a side hustle is nothing new. It’s widely regarded as a smart way to line your pockets with extra cash, but what does the phrase actually mean?

Essentially, it is just an edgier way to describe the age-old process of securing additional income on top of your main job.

As a general rule, side hustles shouldn’t require any expensive outlay to get started.  

Rather than the commitment of taking on a part-time role that fits around your full-time hours, side hustles are a more flexible way to bring in extra cash. They’re often things you can do from home, or that flex around the rest of your life.

As a general rule, side hustles shouldn’t require any expensive outlay to get started. And how much time you give yours is entirely down to you. You can commit every spare second to your side hustle or just one hour a week. That’s the beauty of doing something without an employer breathing down your neck.

Lots of people take on side hustles year-round as a way to supplement their income. But as we approach the most expensive time of the year, the appeal of extra cash seems ever stronger.

So how do you find a side hustle that works for you? Here are four smart ideas that are almost guaranteed to give your bank balance a boost.

How to make extra money with a side hustle1. Get crafty

If you’re great at making things, use this to your advantage and find ways to turn your passion into a payday.

If you love to make accessories, knit scarves or crochet cute creations, you could make big bucks from the things you create for fun. Set up an Etsy shop if you’re looking to establish this as a long-running side hustle or try selling on places like Facebook marketplace or eBay if you’re just looking for an ad-hoc earner.

If you’re lucky and your products sell well, you may even be able to turn this into your main business. Launching it as a side hustle first is a great way to test the market and see your creations’ profit potential.

2. Free your lance

Look into freelancing. Though you might think only creatives like writers, artists and entertainers can make a good income from freelancing, employers are looking for an array of skills on a temporary basis.

Check out sites like upwork.com, where you can register yourself as a freelancer in everything from computer development to management, and watch the commissions come rolling in.

Or, if you have connections from your previous roles, don’t be afraid to reach out and offer your services as a freelancer. Just check your current contract for any kind of "exclusivity" clause, which forbids you from working for any competitors in the same role, to make sure you’re not going to land in trouble.

3. Market research

Complete paid surveys and market research. Websites like YouGov and apps like Vypr will actually pay you to share your opinion, with pretty much no catch.

Once you’ve answered a certain number of surveys, they’ll hand you a gift card just for saying what you think. This can have a value of up to £50.

Websites like YouGov and apps like Vypr will actually pay you to share your opinion,...  

Other sites and apps do this, but make sure you conduct your own research before offering your details up. Loads of places are legit, but there’s a good number of scammers out there, too.

4. Get smart with cashback

While not technically an earning tool, cashback sites are still a fantastic way to bring extra money into your household.

All you need to do is sign up, click through to your chosen shopping site (e.g. ASOS) and shop as normal. You’ll get cashback on every purchase you make through the site, ranging from 1% to big cash bonuses that can reach hundreds of pounds. Then, you can take out your cashback to spend as you like.

It’s a brilliant way to earn a bit more money if you know there's a period coming up (like Christmas) where you’ve got no choice but to buy lots of things. Topcashback and Quidco are two of the most generous sites in the UK, but do your own research to find out where you can get the most out of your spending.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
Are you too old to make a career change?
Why smart workers aren’t busy doing nothing

 

Published: 4 August 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

 

Jobs currently available

Export Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913722
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead with the recruitment of an Export Administrator to join their team.

You will be responsible for servicing current and prospective customers by receiving and processing orders, enquiries and general information in a timely and courteous manner.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, and redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Processing and managing export orders, shipments, and documentation in compliance with international regulations and procedures.
  • Providing excellent customer service and handling any queries or complaints related to export operations.
  • Maintaining accurate records and reports of export activities and transactions.

Key requirements include:

  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Export Administrative experience gained within an office environment.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday, 8.30am to 2.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Bench Joiner
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913700
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a Bench Joiner to join their highly skilled and established team.

You will be working on a variety of bespoke projects — the key purpose of this role is to manage your day-to-day duties, including carpentry using hand and power tools, framing and finish carpentry. This is a team role, working collaboratively across the wider business, to create exceptional joinery pieces.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Own set of tools is a must!
  • Experience in a similar role
  • 3D/2D design experience
  • Joinery background
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Effective analytical skills
  • Systematic approach to tasks

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Over time is available.

Free on-site parking is available, along with a great working environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to work with new, automated processes and equipment — full training provided.

This role offers a really competitive package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
CAD Designer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913701
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a successful and growing company based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a CAD Designer to join their experienced and talented team.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of the design process – creating detailed technical drawings for bespoke joinery projects, including cabinetry, furniture, and architectural woodwork. You'll work closely with the internal team to bring custom designs to life, ensuring every piece meets exact client specifications and supports seamless manufacturing.

Key duties include:

  • Technical drawing and design:
  • Create detailed 2D CAD drawings for custom joinery projects using AutoCAD.
  • Develop accurate and detailed technical drawings for manufacturing, including plans, elevations, sections, and detailed joinery components.
  • Interpret and translate client briefs, architectural drawings, and design concepts into technical drawings.
  • Ensure all drawings comply with industry standards, company specifications, and project requirements.

Collaboration and communication:

  • Work closely with the design team to understand project requirements and offer design input.
  • Collaborate with the production team to ensure drawings are feasible and align with manufacturing capabilities.
  • Liaise with Project Managers, Architects, and clients to resolve any design or technical issues.

Quality control:

  • Review and revise drawings based on feedback and ensure the accuracy of all final deliverables.
  • Maintain up-to-date project documentation and version control of drawings.
  • Conduct regular checks to ensure drawings meet company standards and regulatory requirements.

Role requirements include:

  • A degree or diploma in CAD, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Proven experience (3+ years) as a CAD Technician, ideally within the joinery or woodworking industry.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential.
  • Experience with other CAD and 3D modelling software, such as SolidWorks, preferred but not essential.
  • Strong understanding of joinery techniques, materials, and construction methods.
  • Excellent attention to detail and a keen eye for design.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Professional, reliable and willing to learn.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a great team, offering a very competitive package and further development.

Working hours are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Cleaner (part-time)
Sector: Customer Services
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Ipswich
Role: Part Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-IPS-C-0725
About the role

Just Temps is supporting a company in Ipswich, seeking an experienced Cleaner to join their team on a temporary basis. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for short-term evening work.

Hours: 5.00pm to 9.00pm (Monday to Friday)

Role responsibilities include:

  • General office cleaning across multiple floors
  • Cleaning of toilets, canteen areas, and communal spaces
  • Lifting and transporting heavy cleaning equipment up and down stairs
  • Ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the building

Requirements:

  • Previous cleaning experience is essential
  • Capable of handling heavy equipment
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic
  • Comfortable working independently across various areas of the building

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Evening hours – ideal for fitting around other commitments
  • Supportive team environment

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Technical Support Supervisor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913720
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation based in Sudbury to recruit a Technical Support Supervisor to join their long-standing team.

Due to business growth, this newly created position is responsible for supporting technical operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the technical systems, processes and projects under the guidance of the division's business leader.

The role is crucial in aligning the company’s technical capabilities with business goals, ensuring that the products are designed and manufactured/assembled to operate effectively and securely.

You will need to demonstrate experience in project management and implementation, technical experience and industry best practices. You will also need to show knowledge of compliance with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.

Key requirements include:

  • Troubleshooting skills, to investigate and resolve technical issues relating to products
  • Provide technical support and training to other team members, including sales
  • Support the development and implementation of new products
  • Ability to produce accurate bills of materials (BOMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and the ability to produce product drawings
  • Basic software programming skills would be an advantage
  • Sound understanding of electronics

This is a site-based role.

This role offers a very competitive package and a great working environment.


Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more