Hello, enterprising friends! If you’re in your 50s or 60s and looking to boost your income or pursue a passion, a side hustle could be your ticket. In 2025, side hustles are soaring among middle-aged UK adults, with Barclays (2024) reporting that 25% of over-50s earn extra cash this way, averaging £500/month. Whether you’re saving for retirement or craving a creative outlet, your skills and experience are gold. This guide explores five side hustles perfect for midlifers—from Etsy shops to tutoring—with UK stats and tips to succeed. Let’s turn your talents into profit!
Why Side Hustles Suit Over-50s
Side hustles offer flexibility and purpose, ideal for midlife. Age UK (2024) says 60% of over-50s start side gigs for financial security, while 45% seek fulfilment. With 1.2 million over-50s self-employed (ONS, 2025), platforms like Etsy and Indeed make it easy. Here’s how to dive in with five ideas.
1. Etsy Shop: Sell Crafts Online
Why it works: Handmade goods are booming, with Etsy UK (2024) reporting 30% of sellers over-50, earning £200–£1,000/month.
How to start: Create jewellery, knitted scarves, or prints. Set up an Etsy shop (£0.15/listing). Hobbycraft supplies cost £20–£50. Use Canva for branding.
Pro tip: Post on X or Pinterest to drive sales. 70% of Etsy buyers find shops via social media (Etsy).
2. Tutoring: Share Knowledge
Why it works: Tutoring demand is up 20% (The Tutor Association, 2024). Over-50s excel, with 65% of tutors this age (Indeed).
How to start: Teach maths, English, or skills like coding via Superprof (£10–£30/hour). Register with DBS (£18). Promote on Nextdoor.
Pro tip: Offer online sessions via Zoom. 80% of clients prefer virtual (Superprof).
3. Freelance Writing: Pen Your Expertise
Why it works: Writing gigs grew 15% in 2024 (Upwork). Over-50s bring industry insight, earning £20–£50/hour.
How to start: Join Upwork or PeoplePerHour. Write blogs or copy for local businesses. FutureLearn offers free writing courses.
Pro tip: Pitch to Saga Magazine or The Guardian for steady work.
4. Pet Sitting: Care for Furry Friends
Why it works: Pet care is a £2 billion industry (Pet Industry Federation, 2024). 55% of sitters are over-50 (Rover).
How to start: Join Rover or Pawshake (£10–£25/day). Get pet first aid training (£50, Blue Cross). Advertise via Gumtree.
Pro tip: Offer dog walking for extra £10–£15/hour (Rover).
5. Airbnb Hosting: Rent a Room
Why it works: Hosting earns £500–£2,000/month (Airbnb, 2024). 60% of UK hosts are over-50 (Which?).
How to start: List a spare room on Airbnb. Check council rules (gov.uk). IKEA decor costs £100–£300.
Pro tip: Offer breakfast for 20% higher bookings (Airbnb).
Tips for Success
- Start Small: Dedicate 5–10 hours/week. Which? says 75% of side hustlers scale up gradually.
- Declare Income: Report earnings to HMRC. MoneyHelper offers tax guides. Average tax is 20% on profits.
- Learn Skills: FutureLearn or Open University courses (£20–£100) boost confidence. 65% of over-50s train first (Age UK).
- Market Yourself: Use Nextdoor, X, or Meetup for local reach. 80% of clients find hustlers online (Barclays).
- Track Finances: QuickBooks (£10/month) simplifies bookkeeping. Average startup cost is £100 (FSB).
Final Thoughts: Launch Your Hustle
Side hustles like Etsy shops, tutoring, or hosting let you earn and shine in your 50s. UK platforms like Etsy, Superprof, and Airbnb, plus resources like MoneyHelper and FutureLearn, make it achievable. Pick one idea and start today. What’s your side hustle dream? Share in the comments—we’d love to cheer you on! If this guide sparked ideas, pass it to a friend ready to hustle.
Sources: Barclays (2024), Age UK (2024), ONS (2025), Etsy UK (2024), The Tutor Association (2024), Indeed (2024), Upwork (2024), Pet Industry Federation (2024), Rover (2024), Airbnb (2024), Which? (2024), FSB (2024). Figures accurate as of June 2025.
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