New Year, New Side Hustle?
New Year’s resolutions are about embracing positive changes, and starting a side hustle ticks all the boxes. Maybe you want to supplement the family budget (especially after the expense of Christmas) or save for a much-needed holiday. Perhaps you’re dreaming of reducing your employed hours, creating a safety net for unexpected expenses, or simply carving out time for something creative and fulfilling.
The beauty of a side hustle is its flexibility. Whether you’re looking to earn a few extra pounds or turn it into something bigger over time, you’re in control. And as it’s the start of the year, you’ve got 12 months to experiment, learn, and grow—so why not start now?
Step 1: Find Your “Thing”
Choosing the right side hustle is key. It needs to work with your skills, your interests, and, of course, your schedule as a parent. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Selling Crafts on Etsy: Whether it’s personalised baby gifts or handmade cards, crafting is a brilliant way to turn your hobbies into profit. Bonus: it doubles as a great excuse to reclaim the kitchen table from the kids’ glitter explosion. Start here: Etsy.
Freelance Writing or Editing: If you’ve got a way with words, you can earn money helping businesses or websites with blog posts, newsletters, or social media content. Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Online Tutoring: Are you a maths whizz or an English expert? Platforms like Tutorful let you teach students online. Plus, you’re already an expert at explaining things—how many times have you taught someone to tie their shoes or use a potty?
Print-on-Demand Products: Design mugs, T-shirts, or tote bags with platforms like Printful or Redbubble. These businesses let you focus on creativity without worrying about stock or shipping.
Virtual Assistance: If you’re an organised parent who thrives on to-do lists, you can become a virtual assistant for small businesses or entrepreneurs.
Need more inspiration? Check out GOV.UK’s guide to working for yourself.
Step 2: Fit It Around Family Life
As a parent, your days are already packed with school runs, meal planning, and refereeing sibling squabbles. The good news? A side hustle can fit into the small pockets of time you do have.
Nap Time Productivity: If you’ve got little ones, use nap time as your golden work hour. Tip: Set yourself one clear goal for each session so you can make the most of that precious quiet.
Evening Hustle: Once the kids are in bed, take an hour or two to focus on your side hustle. Just don’t let it eat into your own downtime—you still deserve to binge-watch your favourite Netflix series.
Weekend Help: If your partner or family can take the kids for a few hours on the weekend, use that time for focused work.
Parenting and side hustling aren’t about perfection. Some days will feel productive; others might not. And that’s okay—progress is what counts.
Step 3: Get the Paperwork Sorted
Before you start earning, there are a few official things you’ll need to sort out:
Register with HMRC: If you earn over £1,000 from your side hustle in a tax year, you’ll need to register as self-employed. It’s easier than it sounds, and you can do it online here: Register for Self Assessment.
Track Income and Expenses: Stay on top of your finances from day one. Apps like QuickBooks or FreeAgent can help.
Check for Insurance: Depending on what you’re doing, you might need public liability or professional indemnity insurance. Better safe than sorry.
If you’re selling online, it’s also worth reading up on UK consumer rights to make sure you’re following the rules: Online and Distance Selling.
Step 4: Use Tech to Your Advantage
Technology can make side hustling as a busy parent a whole lot easier. Here are some tools worth exploring:
ChatGPT: Need help drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, or writing product descriptions? This AI assistant is like having an extra brain on hand. Get started at ChatGPT.
Canva: A user-friendly design tool for creating social media graphics, flyers, or Etsy listings. It’s perfect for non-designers. Visit Canva.
Google Workspace: Keep your documents and calendar organised in one place. Check it out at Google Workspace.
Calendly: Streamline scheduling for clients or calls without the back-and-forth. Learn more at Calendly.
PayPal: For simple and professional invoicing. Start here: PayPal.
Step 5: Shout About Your Side Hustle
Once your business is set up, the next step is finding customers. Marketing might sound daunting, but it’s simpler than you think.
Social Media: Instagram and Facebook are powerful tools for building an audience and showcasing your products or services. Consistency is key—try posting a few times a week.
Word of Mouth: Tell friends, family, and the parents in your toddler group about your side hustle. People are often excited to support someone they know.
Website or Blog: Even a simple site can help you look professional and attract customers. Platforms like Squarespace or WordPress make it easy to get started.
Step 6: Balancing Parenting and a Side Hustle
Balancing a side hustle with parenting is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips:
Set Realistic Goals: Start small and build from there. You don’t need to earn a full-time income overnight.
Set Boundaries: Define work times and family times, and stick to them.
Delegate: If your partner, kids, or even a babysitter can help with household tasks, let them.
Most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate your wins—whether it’s your first sale, a glowing customer review, or even just completing your to-do list for the day.
Step 7: Embrace the New Year’s Momentum
There’s no better time than January to start something new. You’re motivated, the year stretches ahead of you, and by this time next year, you could have built something truly amazing.
Starting a side hustle as a parent is about more than just earning extra money. It’s about carving out a space for yourself, building confidence, and showing your kids what’s possible with determination and creativity.
So, grab a cup of tea (or reheat the one you made earlier), and take the first step. You’ve got this!
