Brits are Making £1,000 per Month Via a Side Hustle – Here’s How to Do it
As we start the new year and people look to begin a new chapter, a change or alteration to a career path is popular amongst Brits, with 22,200 average monthly searches for “Side Hustles” since August 2024.
As a result, Adobe Express has conducted an extensive study, to find out the sectors people want to set up side hustles in, and their main reasons for doing it, as well as their concerns for starting the process. Adobe Express also spoke to those with side hustles to share their biggest areas of success, from finances to time management, their marketing tactics and the most successful side hustle industries.
Currently, the most popular sector people want to set up a side hustle in is the creative and arts space, in fact, one in five of those asked want to pursue this area, followed closely by retail and e-commerce. Other industries include Technology and IT services, Health and wellness and Education and tutoring.
| The sectors people want to start side hustles in | Percentage |
| Creative industries (art, design, photography) | 21% |
| Retail and e-commerce | 18% |
| Technology and IT services | 15% |
| Health and wellness (fitness, mental health) | 15% |
| Education and tutoring | 10% |
| Hospitality and events | 6% |
| Finance and consulting | 5% |
People in the UK shared their biggest concerns for venturing into a new project, with 36% confessing that time management and pressure is their biggest worry. Two-thirds (66%), said that generating extra income is their main reason for wanting to explore a side hustle, however 34% agreed it was essential that it was separate from their day job.
To help people start their side hustle journey, Adobe Express also spoke to people that currently have one, to help debunk any myths and showcase realistic guidance and successes from their work and their individual industries:
- To give an idea of financial success, 73% of people with side hustles are earning up to £500 per month, with 20% earning £1,000 or more
- In terms of time management, 72% of Brits are spending up to 10 hours per week on their side hustle project, whilst 18% spend 20 hours or more
- Regarding the success rates, 64% of Brits say their side hustle is a success so far
- When it comes to marketing, 35% of people say social media platforms have been their best way to share the brand, whilst 18% confirmed networking with other entrepreneurs helped grow their project
Which are the most successful industries to start a side hustle up in based on time and income?
- Information Technology is officially the most lucrative side hustle with 24% in this field earning over £1,000 per month, followed by Engineering and Manufacturing (20%) and Science and Pharmaceuticals (14%). The least lucrative side hustles are for those working in the teacher and education industry, with 54% earning less than £100 per month.
- The industries with the most time spent on them (more than 20 hours per week) are Information Technology (20%) and Engineering and Manufacturing (18%). Whilst those with the least amount of time spent per week (less than 5 hours) include Law (50%), Science and Pharmaceuticals (43%) and Healthcare (36%).
What industries are ranked highest for each challenge faced?
Managing marketing and promotion – Media and internet (38%)
Administrative tasks and paperwork – Business consulting and management (44%)
Financial management – Law and Energy and Utilities (50%)
Time management with a main job – Social care (64%)
Finding clients or customers – Law enforcement and security (50%)
Product or service development – Law (25%)
Experts at Adobe Express share their three key steps to follow when starting up a side hustle:
1. Leverage the power of social media
With 35% of people mentioning that social media has been integral in helping them grow, it’s certainly something you’ll need to bear in mind (especially if you’re just starting out). Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok can help you connect with customers and showcase your offerings, enabling you to build a loyal and supportive community.
We’d recommend focusing on building a strong social media presence, creating content that showcases who you are and what you offer. For instance, if you’re in the creative industry making handmade goods, an Instagram Reel detailing the creative process from start to finish is bound to interest shoppers.
And if you’re not new to the world of side hustles, there’s no harm in giving your social media accounts a quick refresh to entice new business.
2. Practice effective time management
With 44% of people spending between 5-10 hours a week on their side hustle, and 9% spending 20 hours or more, balancing a side hustle with a full-time job requires effective planning. Time management skills are therefore a key ingredient for success.
We’d recommend using a paper or digital planner to categorise the time you’ll be dedicating to your side hustle weekly. A clear to-do list will help you stay organised, and you’ll know exactly what needs completing by when.
Also, it’s important to set boundaries to ensure a healthy work-life balance, as failing to do so may lead to burnout— something that will negatively impact your side hustle in the long run. So, set designated working hours and stick to them where possible.
3. Tap into support networks
Running a solo side hustle may lead to feelings of stress or isolation, but tapping into your support networks can be a huge help. One way to do this is to network locally, perhaps attending free events or meet-ups for entrepreneurs in your area. Or, platforms such as LinkedIn are great for virtually connecting with others in your industry. You’ll be able to chat with likeminded people, sharing tips or simply speaking with someone who understands. With 34% of participants mentioning that friends and family have been a great help, don’t forget to look to those closest to you for support too.