THE BEST SIDE HUSTLE IS THE ONE YOU'LL ACTUALLY STICK WITH (THAT YOUR ALSO OK AT)... OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I RECKON.

So this was actually me for 8 years...I'd start, then quit, I'd purchase courses and products to peddle then give up, I'd start side hustles with friends then feel discontent with my ideas....

All the while, the someday basket reared this kind of pesky feeling...'maybe you should give up, or maybe it's just not going to happen yet!'

From MLM, to sales for social media marketing agencies, to white labelling my own skincare, starting a naturopathy degree and never finishing. Creating funnels for the future, legit, my family were so supportive, with a definite side wink of obligation paired with bts conversations of "heck I hope this one is it!" (yes this wishy washy business ménage à trois was also an ADHD symptom but I've made peace with this and learning more day by day.)

Anyhoo...I have insight on these moments...!

They are the best experiences to have (especially when they don't cost you a F-Ton of money).

Because how I see it is like this.

Einstein - 999 light bulbs before one actually worked. 

Kernal Sanders - hundreds of door knocks before someone said 'we love your chicken seasoning.'

J.K Rowling - SINGLE MUM !! 12 rejections before someone took a chance on her book.

I can happily tell you today, that I have fumbled my way through the nuances of starting a side hustle (full disclosure I am not making much income yet) because I fumbled through 1431 ideas (maybe a slight exaggeration) before I found a path that reflects my values, encapsulates ideas I want to stick with and doesn't drain me or is about quick money. 

Yes one of them is this BLOG!

The other is my Sustainable Activewear Brand - Embodii Activewear.(coming soon and being happily handmade as we speak:)

My 2 loves have come from trial and error and in hindsight, a new found clarity I didn't have then like, what lights me up, what my beliefs are and what ideas can reflect my deeper values and skills to pave the way for me to stick with it...So that I can work towards more joy and sustainability everyday in single motherhood.

Yes there were times that resembled me running into a fluffy cloud, no clear vision for my goals or future, just starting and hoping! 

But that's why I'm writing this blog post!

Whilst we may think that having a side hustle is a great idea and it will add extra $$ to the family bank, there's no denying that for this to happen it takes time and effort. And this should not be at the expense of our health, too much of our budget and ideally not a quick money grab. So before you begin your quest, ask yourself on a scale of 1-10 how much do I want to make this happen for myself and our family? 

If you're hovering under a 7 I'd dig deeper and ask yourself:

1.) Am I choosing money or am i choosing my talents?

2.) Am I simply afraid or is it not the right time? 

3.) Do I want to keep my mind and heart open to more ideas that feel more aligned?

If you have an idea then you must explore first!!

This is an incredibly important step and knowing your why, your deeper values, what lights you up, your talents, what brings you energy, what you remember doing as a kid naturally really well, what makes you smile, and what you can mostly look forward to should IDEALLY from my experience, pave the way for your exploration into starting your own side hustle.

Some key things to consider when looking further into side hustle ideas:

Researching Industries and Niches.

Understanding your values.

The type of people you want to serve.

Utilising current skills and interests.

Your future higher self goals.

What are you willing to learn?

Who you may employ or work with.

Does it feel good in your heart and mind?

Is it authentic and in alignment with your hopes and dreams?

Who are the current experts in your chosen industry or niche or do you have totally new ideas?

Can you see yourself sticking at it for the long term?

Before you sign on the dotted line or pay for that domain, or create your 30 day insta feed, test the waters by creating a mini action plan to start your business journey. 

Some key points to address:

First steps to launch / create.

Financial outlay.

Amount of time you can commit without overwhelm.

Additional ad/hoc work or expenses involved.

Potential Roadblocks.

Check in with your mindset - is your commitment still above a 7?

Additionally:

I would also join chat forums, do some basic marketing research, chat to people in your chosen niche and aim to get a picture of what other people in your industry are experiencing day to day. Ask yourself 'can I see myself doing this long term?'

When deciding on a side hustle, it’s crucial to assess your budget sustainability to avoid unnecessary stress. From my own experience, stretching your budget too far just to get started isn’t worth the pressure, but some initial investment is inevitable. 

To strike the right balance, start with a clear financial snapshot—know exactly what you can afford to invest without jeopardizing essentials. 

Look for low-cost or free alternatives when setting up, such as using organic social media for marketing instead of paid ads. 

Validate your idea before investing heavily by testing it with a small audience or pre-selling a product or service. 

Set a realistic timeframe for profitability so you’re not constantly draining funds with no return. 

Reinvest profits instead of taking on debt to scale gradually and sustainably. 

Lastly, keep an emergency fund intact—having a financial cushion ensures you can handle unexpected expenses without added stress.

Starting a side hustle is just as much a mindset game as it is a strategy, and pushing through challenges requires mental resilience. 

Fear is inevitable, but it shouldn’t be the reason you quit—instead, reframe it as a sign you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and growing. 

Consistency is key for long-term success, so commit to small, steady actions even when progress feels slow. 

Stay in alignment with your own goals and expectations rather than getting caught up in comparison or industry noise—what works for someone else may not be right for you. 

Embrace failure as part of the journey, learning from setbacks rather than letting them derail you. 

Cultivate a problem-solving mindset by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles. 

And most importantly, remember your "why"—keeping your bigger purpose in mind will help you stay motivated even when the kids bob the builder sledge hammer feels more useful on a white plaster wall!

Single Mum or not, the best advice I've heard around town from those who've walked the path to success is to focus on small, consistent steps in the first few months—rather than the entire big picture—this reduces action overwhelm! 

Start by setting aside dedicated time each week to work on your business, even if it’s just an hour or two, and treat it as a non-negotiable commitment. 

Break tasks into manageable actions, like choosing a business name, setting up a basic online presence, or researching your target market. 

Check in with an accountability partner—a friend, mentor, or fellow entrepreneur—to stay motivated and on track. 

Celebrate small wins, whether it’s making your first sale, completing a website, or just sticking to your schedule for the week. 

Finally, stay flexible and open to learning, allowing yourself room to adjust and grow as you gain experience. 

Taking it step by step ensures you build a sustainable, stress-free foundation for long-term success.

Keeping track of your progress is like the seed to the fruit! 

When starting a side hustle, staying motivated and checking in with your progress as you go gives you something to relax about but also be proud of! 

Start by setting clear, measurable goals, whether it’s gaining your first customer, hitting a revenue milestone, or simply showing up consistently each week. 

Use a simple tracking system, like a journal, spreadsheet, or project management app, to log your actions and achievements. 

Check in with an accountability partner at least monthly to reflect on what’s working and where you need to adjust. 

Celebrate small wins along the way, as recognizing progress—no matter how small—keeps you engaged and motivated. 

Review and adjust your strategy every few weeks, making tweaks based on what’s effective and what isn’t. 

Lastly, remind yourself that growth takes time, and tracking your journey will help you stay patient, focused, and committed to your long-term success.

Imperfect action is the key to moving forward in your side hustle, even when things feel like they're resembling burnt toast and beans.

Start before you feel ready, because waiting for perfection only leads to procrastination. 

Accept setbacks, failures, and roadblocks as part of the process, viewing them as lessons rather than reasons to quit. 

Stay adaptable and open to change, knowing that your initial plan will likely evolve as you gain experience. 

Be flexible with your ideas and open to pivoting even if they seem insignificant—every investigative step forward counts. 

Keep a progress log to reflect on your intentions, so you can see how much you’ve learned and grown over time. 

Most importantly, remind yourself that no one has it all figured out from the start, and those who succeed are simply the ones who keep going despite the challenges.

Last but never least! Your side hustle doesn’t have to feel like a chore! It should be something that excites and energizes you...at least some of the time!

Now that you've chosen a business idea that aligns with your passions and or talents and strengths, the work will feel fulfilling rather than draining. 

Infuse creativity and play into the process, whether that’s experimenting with new ideas, designing a fun brand, adding a vision board into the mix or making content you genuinely enjoy. 

Share with people you trust what you're bts creating, and connect with like-minded people who uplift and inspire you. This will turn the journey into a shared experience rather than a solo struggle. 

Reframe challenges as part of the adventure, seeing obstacles as opportunities to learn rather than reasons to stress. 

Most importantly, remind yourself why you started, focusing on the freedom, flexibility, and personal growth your side hustle can bring.

ONLINE AND REMOTE SIDE HUSTLES

1. Freelance writing (blogs, copywriting, ghostwriting) - 

2. Digital products and ebooks

3.Website design (using Wix, WordPress, or Shopify)

4. Social media management

5. Niche Affiliate marketing

6. Creating & selling digital printables (Etsy, Canva templates)

7. Blogging

8. Online Surveys and Market Research

SELLING AND E-COMMERCE

9. Selling white label or original products online.

10. Selling used children’s clothes or toys

11. Selling plants

12. Creating or selling planners or journals

13. Re-selling or upcycling items online

TEACHING / COACHING / EDUCATION

14. Offering online courses (Skillshare, Udemy)

15. Coaching / Mentoring

CREATIVE AND DIY BUSINESSES

16. Candle and soap making.

17. Flipping free items

17. Handmade skincare & beauty products

19. Creating & selling stickers or vinyl decals

20. Personalized gifts business (engraved, embroidered, etc.)

HOME BASED SERVICES

21. Pet sitting and dog walking

22. Decluttering & organizing services

23. House cleaning for busy professionals

SOCIAL MEDIA

24. Creating Social graphic templates & selling them

25. Managing Social accounts for bloggers/businesses

26. Passionate Social Influencer