How to start a side hustle or find freelance jobs
Starting a side hustle is a smart way to earn extra income and explore new opportunities. Whether you’re looking for freelance jobs or building something of your own, Hustle Mate gives you the guidance and tools to start confidently and manage your money the right way.
Here you’ll find practical advice on different ways to earn, including gig-based work, freelance projects and launching a small business, so you can choose the path that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Gig Hustles
These are entry-level hustles that help you earn extra income with minimal setup.
They won’t make you rich beyond your wildest dreams, but they’re low-risk and require little or no investment.
You can work whenever it suits you, making them ideal for busy schedules.
Examples include testing mobile games, food delivery, or taxi driving with platforms like Uber.
Freelance Jobs
Freelancing is a great option for side hustlers who want to turn their skills into income.
Whether it’s writing, graphic design, programming, or social media management, you can take on projects that match your strengths and schedule.
Freelance jobs let you build a portfolio, set your own rates, and work with clients who value what you do.
Start a Business
Starting a small business you to use your creativity, pursue your passions, and build a long-term income stream.
Along the way, you’ll gain valuable skills in marketing, management, and customer service.
Many small businesses can be flexible too, fitting around family life. Check out our guide to Starting a Bouncy Castle business for inspiration!
Sole trader vs limited company – what’s the difference?
Once you’ve settled on an idea for your hustle, you need to decide whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company. Most people starting a side hustle begin as a sole trader. It’s the simplest way to get going — you register with HMRC, keep basic records, and pay tax on your profits through Self Assessment. You and the business are legally the same, which means you’re personally responsible for any debts.
A limited company is a separate legal entity. This can bring tax advantages and protect your personal finances, but it also comes with more admin and reporting requirements.
Not sure which is right for you? We’ve put together a full guide on the pros and cons of being a sole trader or limited company.
How tax works when you have a side hustle
If you earn money from a side hustle, freelance job, or anything outside of your main job, it usually isn’t taxed automatically through PAYE. You’re responsible for declaring that income and paying the correct tax and National Insurance.
Most people do this through Self Assessment, HMRC’s system for collecting tax on untaxed income. You’ll need to register, keep basic records of what you earn and spend, and file a tax return each year. HMRC then works out what you owe based on your profits.
It might sound complex, but once you understand the steps, it’s easy to stay on top of. You can find more guidance on how UK tax works when you have a side hustle on our blog.
Get support to grow your hustle
Figuring out how tax works when you have a side hustle can feel confusing at first. From knowing what to register for to keeping track of income and expenses, there’s a lot to learn and it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next.
Hustle Mate membership gives you the clarity and support to make sense of it all. For £5 a month, you’ll get accountant-level guidance made simple, with tools and templates that help you understand your tax responsibilities and stay on top of them throughout the year.
Whether you’re just starting out or already earning from your side hustle, Hustle Mate helps you manage your money confidently and focus on growing your business without the stress.
At checkout, you’ll create your Hustle Mate account first, then you’ll be taken to the secure payment page.