Side Hustle 101: How to Get Started Today

The concept of a side hustle has become quite common for those who need to supplement their income, pay off debt, gain financial independence, or even turn a passion into a source of profit.

With the rising cost of living and the convenience that technology provides, many Americans are finding creative ways to earn extra money outside of their traditional 9-to-5 jobs.

If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle but don’t know where to begin, this guide is for you.

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle is basically a paid activity you do alongside your main job. It can be something you do a few hours a week or just on weekends, and it may or may not be related to your main profession.

The most important thing is that the activity is flexible enough to fit into your routine without interfering with your primary income.

Unlike a fixed second job, a side hustle usually gives you more autonomy. You choose when, how, and how much to work — and that’s one of the biggest draws for people who don’t want to feel tied down.

Why do so many people in the U.S. have side hustles?

According to recent data from Bankrate, over 40% of American adults have some kind of side hustle.

The motivation varies. Some people just want a little extra cash to cover everyday expenses. Others see it as a good way to save for travel or build an emergency fund.

There are also those who treat the side hustle as an experiment — a way to test a business idea on a smaller scale before investing time and money into a full-on career change.

Step-by-step guide to getting started

Identify your motivation and goals.

Before you start anything, ask yourself, why do I want a side hustle? Is it about financial stability? Or is it a test to turn a hobby into a business?

Assess your available time

Not every side hustle requires daily commitment, but they all require at least some consistency and responsibility.

So take a close look at your schedule before committing to anything. And don’t forget to consider your physical and mental health too.

List your skills and interests

This is the fun part. Think about your skills, passions, and hobbies. Often, your ideal side hustle is closer than you think.

Research the available options

• Food delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub)
• Rideshare driver (Uber, Lyft)
• Freelancing (writing, graphic design, programming, translation — platforms like Upwork or Fiverr)
• Online product resale (eBay, Etsy, Amazon)
• Dog walking or pet sitting (Rover, Wag!)
• Social media content creation
• Renting out a room or property on Airbnb
• Online tutoring or mentoring
• Furniture assembly or small home repairs (TaskRabbit)

Start small

Before investing money in tools, materials, or ads, start on a small scale.

See how people respond, how much time the activity takes, and whether it brings in real returns. This helps you avoid frustration and figure out if it’s worth continuing.

Stay on top of legal and tax matters

In the U.S., even a side hustle has to follow some rules, such as registration. Depending on your activity, you might need to register as a sole proprietor or get an EIN (Employer Identification Number).

Also, any extra income must be reported on your taxes. Platforms like TurboTax or H&R Block offer specific services for side hustle earners.

Tips for success

Want to actually improve your finances with your side hustle? Here’s how:

• Organize your finances: open a separate bank account for your side hustle. It’s key for tracking expenses and simplifying your tax filing.
• Invest in personal branding: think about the best platforms and strategies to promote your products or services, if needed.
• Ask for feedback: listening to customers is essential for improving your offer and service. Feedback can also come from your main employer, if it applies.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: every side hustle starts with some trial and error. What matters is starting — and having the drive to keep going.

Written by

Gabriel Gonçalves