The 7 Best Side Hustles to think about starting this year

Photo by Garrhet Sampson on Unsplash

This year the economic landscape continues to make a case for everyone having a side hustle. Technology and changing market demands keeps making them more viable without even quitting your day job. Here are seven of the best side hustles to consider this year.

1. Freelance Tutoring - With the rise of remote learning, online tutoring has become more accessible and in demand. Platforms like TutorOcean, Preply, and WyzAnt make it easy to connect with students globally. Tutors can specialize in subjects ranging from math and science to language arts, making it a versatile option for those with expertise in various fields​​.
2. Selling Digital Products - Creating and selling digital products such as eBooks, online courses, or design templates can be highly profitable. This side hustle leverages your existing skills and allows for passive income. Once the product is made, it can be sold repeatedly without additional effort. Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Gumroad can help you get started​.
3. Delivery Services - Delivery driving for services like Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, and DoorDash offers flexibility and decent pay. This side hustle is ideal for those who enjoy driving and want to set their own schedules. With the continued growth in e-commerce and food delivery, the demand for drivers remains high​​.
4. Starting a Podcast - Podcasting is a growing field with low startup costs.; it's almost free! All you need is a good microphone and a topic you’re passionate about. As your audience grows, you can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations. Platforms like Audacity for recording and hosting services like Podbean or Spotify can help you get started​​.
5. Virtual Assistance - Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. This role can include tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, and social media management. The demand for VAs is increasing, and the work can be done remotely, making it a great option for those with strong organizational skills. Websites like Upwork and FlexJobs are good places to find VA gigs​.
6. Graphic Design - If you have a knack for design, offering graphic design services can be very lucrative. Businesses always need fresh graphics for marketing materials, websites, and social media. Freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork have a high demand for graphic designers. This side hustle can be started with minimal investment in design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.com​.
7. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking - Pet services remain a reliable side hustle due to the constant demand from pet owners. Apps like Rover and Wag make it easier to connect with pet owners in need of pet sitting or dog walking services. This job offers flexibility and the joy of working with animals. It’s especially popular in urban areas where pet owners may have busy schedules​​.