Copyright Fast Company
Side gigs can serve a number of purposes. They can bring in extra money. They can teach additional skills. And they can help launch a new business, scaling it over time while working in a more stable job. Determining the best side hustles can be hard, though, as some cost money to start and run. The good news is there are many options, and no one needs to reinvent the wheel. Fast Company Executive Board members share ideas for side hustles, along with advice on how to choose one. 1. WHAT SKILLS WILL PEOPLE PAY FOR? Your own passion and skills are the key for the side hustle. Where do you think you have great skills that people can pay you money for? Start that as A side-hustle. do not look for mere profit; look for referrals and you will go long way. –Piyush Bhatt,SharpQuest, Inc. 2. ALIGN WITH YOUR INTERESTS First, stop saying “hustle.” Focus instead on developing income streams that align with your interests, values, and strengths. When your work reflects what you care about, it becomes sustainable, not just profitable. “Hustle” is condescending because it glorifies burnout and cheapens intentional work. So build. Build your new ideas. –Beth Jannery,Titan Strategic Communications Subscribe to the Daily newsletter.Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters 3. TEST THE WATERS WITH PLATFORMS When I first started my agency, I listed my own services on Fiverr to get client traction and build a portfolio. It was low-cost, low-stress, and low-risk—and it worked. If you’re skilled in copywriting, design, or digital marketing, platforms like that can be a great way to test the waters and turn your talent into new income streams. –Sharon Lee Thony,SLT Consulting 4. COACHING CAN IMPROVE LEADERSHIP YOUR SKILLS Side hustles today aren’t just about extra income—they can also be a smart career strategy. The key is leveraging transferable skills in areas you enjoy and where demand exists. For me, leadership and business coaching has worked well: It has expanded my network, added an income stream, and sharpened my leadership skills, making me more effective in my day-to-day role. –Jani Hirvonen,Google 5. LEVERAGE YOUR HOSPITALITY WORK Roles in hospitality teach people skills, salesmanship, and time management—abilities that translate well into side businesses like catering, mixology classes, or content creation. Many have leveraged their networks and experience to launch small food or lifestyle concepts, monetize online content, or even invest in short-term rentals using industry insight. –Milos Eric,OysterLink 6. JOIN A NONPROFIT BOARD Joining a local nonprofit board is a great low-cost side hustle. Many offer stipends or perks, but the real value is in expanding your network, building leadership experience, and giving back. I often recommend this to mentees. It’s high-impact, low-stress, and opens doors professionally and personally. –Louis Camassa,Rithum 7. TECHNOLOGY MAKES IT SCALABLE With AI, mobile technology, and social media at our fingertips, launching a solo venture has never been more accessible. From content creation to consulting, today’s side-hustles are scalable, low-cost, and full of potential. –Mark Valentino,Citizens 8. LOOK FOR GROWTH POTENTIAL Aim for side hustles with growth potential. Focus on learning a skilled trade and finding a mentor to guide your growth. Don’t get stuck in the hustle rut or the endless cycle of temporary side gigs. Mentorship and skill-building create opportunities that last. Investing in skills and relationships compounds over time, turning effort into meaningful, long-term success. –Larry Brinker Jr.,BRINKER advertisement 9. IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES WITH FLEXIBLE HOURS Low-cost, low-stress side hustles include freelance writing or editing, tutoring, pet sitting, virtual assistance, and selling digital products like templates or e-books. These options let you use existing skills, require minimal startup costs, and offer flexible hours, making them ideal for expanding income without overwhelming stress. –Maria Alonso,Fortune 206 10. LOOK FOR LOW OVERHEAD OPTIONS I suggest using skills you already have with little overhead: micro-courses, social media consultant, or designing simple digital assets for marketplaces. These side gigs scale with effort, allow for rapid idea testing, and help turn passions into steady and low-stress income. –Gianluca Ferruggia,DesignRush 11. USE YOUR VOICE Voiceover work is a side gig that is sometimes disregarded. You can record audiobooks, instructional videos, and advertisements at home. You just need a microphone and free editing software. It’s adaptable, requires little setup, and capitalizes on the increasing market for digital audio content. It’s great for individuals who enjoy storytelling and it’s a way to make money while using your natural voice. –Volen Vulkov,Enhancv 12. CONTENT CREATION IS ACCESSIBLE Freelance content creation—such as writing, design, or video editing—remains one of the most accessible side hustles. With platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, people can start small, build a portfolio, and scale. It’s low-cost, flexible, and lets you leverage existing skills to earn extra income without overwhelming stress. –Boris Dzhingarov,ESBO ltd 13. RÉSUMÉ AND LINKEDIN PROFILES Low-cost, low-stress side hustles work best when they align with skills you already have and can be scaled at your own pace. Writing or editing for blogs and newsletters, tutoring online, or offering résumé/LinkedIn profile reviews are all flexible ways to monetize expertise. –Britton Bloch,Navy Federal Credit Union
