11 Side Hustles from Home and How to Get Started
Discover ideas for launching a successful home business and generating additional income.
A side hustle is a small business or job pursued alongside a primary career to create an extra income stream. Side hustles, also known as side jobs or side gigs, have gained immense popularity. According to CNBC, around 36 percent of Americans have a side hustle.
In this article, we’ll explore various side hustle ideas that you can start from home, as well as important considerations for choosing the right opportunity. Whether you’re interested in dropshipping, freelance writing, digital marketing, or online teaching, there are numerous ways to leverage your skills and time effectively.
At-Home Side Hustle Ideas
As you explore the best business idea for you, consider these side hustles that you can start right from your own home.
1. Dropshipping Business
A dropshipping business operates like a regular online store, but with a unique model. Instead of stocking inventory, a dropshipping retailer partners with third-party suppliers who handle storage and fulfillment. The retailer focuses on customer engagement, product selection, and marketing, while another company manages the inventory and shipping.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Alibaba, Dropship Direct, or Oberlo can help you get started with sourcing products and setting up your online shop.
▶️ View Course: Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce
2. Digital Creative
There are numerous ways to channel creativity using only a computer, such as video editing, graphic design, and digital content creation. You can choose to work with clients who need business assets or monetize your creative work independently. Options include creating YouTube content, selling digital designs, or launching a print-on-demand business.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, YouTube, or Printful can help you start finding clients or selling your creative work online.
▶️ View Course: YouTube Masterclass: Your 2025 Guide to YouTube Success
3. Writing
Many companies hire freelance writers or contract professionals to create marketing materials, social media copy, SEO articles, and editorials without requiring full-time availability. Writing can also be monetized through affiliate marketing blogs, though this approach often requires time to build a substantial readership before generating income.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Indeed, or WordPress can help you connect with clients or launch your own writing-focused website.
▶️ View Course: COMPLETE Creative Writing - All Genres - THE FULL COURSE!
4. Proofreading or Copyediting
If you have a keen eye for detail and strong grammar skills, you can earn money by proofreading or copyediting marketing materials, editorial content, or business documents. Establishing long-term relationships with anchor clients can help create a steady flow of additional income.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or FlexJobs offer opportunities to find clients in need of proofreading and copyediting services.
▶️ View Course: Writing Articles
5. Crafting/Artist
Many people turn their handmade crafts or original artwork into a profitable side hustle by selling them online. You can choose to run an independent online shop or use existing marketplaces to reach potential customers. Each route has advantages, so researching the best platform for your business model is essential.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Etsy, Saatchi Art, or Shopify can help you sell your handmade products or artwork online.
▶️ View Course: The Art & Science of Drawing / BASIC SKILLS
6. Transcription Service
If you have quick and accurate typing skills, working as a transcriptionist can be a great way to earn extra income. Transcribing involves converting audio files into written text. Businesses often require transcription services for closed captions, interviews, podcasts, and editorial content.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Rev, SpeakWrite, or Fiverr provide opportunities for transcriptionists to find consistent work.
▶️ View Course: The Complete Typing Masterclass: Touch Typing Training
7. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants help businesses or individuals with administrative tasks such as managing inboxes, scheduling, data entry, and customer service. Some virtual assistants work independently, while others join third-party companies that match assistants with businesses.
Where to Begin: Platforms like FlexJobs, Time Etc, or Boldly can help you find virtual assistant positions.
8. Language Teacher
Teaching English or another language online can be a rewarding way to earn additional income. Since you may be teaching across different time zones, you can schedule sessions outside of your local business hours. If you are proficient in a non-English language, you can find opportunities to teach that as well.
Where to Begin: Platforms like VIPKid or Skooli provide opportunities to teach students worldwide.
9. Hosting Online Workshops or Classes
If you have a skill to share—such as fitness training, cooking, or business coaching—you can host live online classes or workshops and charge for access. This can be done through various models, such as charging per session or offering subscriptions.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet allow you to host live virtual classes and engage with students directly.
10. Audiobook Narrator
If you have a passion for reading and a good speaking voice, working as an audiobook narrator can be a lucrative side hustle. This job may require specific recording equipment and a soundproof space, but it can be a great opportunity for those interested in voice acting and storytelling.
Where to Begin: Platforms like ACX, Voices.com, or BunnyStudio can help you get started in audiobook narration.
11. Traveler Host
If you have a spare room, guest house, or an entire property, you can rent it out to travelers for extra income. Being a traveler host requires providing a clean and welcoming space and being available to assist guests if needed.
Where to Begin: Platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo allow you to list your space and attract travelers looking for short-term accommodations.
🔷 Read more: 11 Passive Income Ideas to Boost Your Earnings
How to Start Your Side Hustle from Home
Now that you have explored various side hustle ideas, it's time to evaluate which one aligns best with your skills, interests, and home setup.
Defining your motivation for starting a side hustle—your "why"—can be a useful first step. Next, consider the skills you want to leverage and the physical space you need to work effectively from home. Having clarity in these areas will help you establish a productive and enjoyable side business while maintaining a comfortable home environment.
1. Assess Your Skills
Your side hustle doesn’t have to connect to your primary job—but it can if that feels right for you. Consider your current skills, interests, and energy levels to determine what side hustle suits you best. Asking yourself the following questions can help:
What skills do I already use regularly?
Do I have the mental, emotional, and physical capacity to use those skills outside of my other responsibilities?
What other skills would I enjoy using regularly?
2. Consider Your Environment
Setting up an optimal work environment can improve your productivity. Consider factors such as spatial needs, storage, and noise levels. Ask yourself:
What are the spatial needs for my side hustle?
What space in my home can I dedicate to my side hustle?
Do I have any limitations to work around?
Being intentional with these considerations can help you create a sustainable and enjoyable side hustle while maintaining balance with your other responsibilities.
