Money
Forget the hype and try one of these realistic side hustles instead
Forget the Insta hype and overnight millions and instead try these sensible income earners that fit real lives, real skills and real bank balances.
By Karen Bleakley
It’s easy to get hooked into watching endless Instagram Reels showing people raking in thousands a month with their ‘easy’ side hustles. You’re not alone – I’ve been known to fall down that rabbit hole too.
Open Canva, sell a PDF, become a millionaire. Find a product, promote it on Pinterest, quit your job. It all sounds simple… if you already have a huge audience.
But how realistic are any of these side hustles for the majority of us who don’t have a YouTube channel or Instagram following of 200,000? With the cost-of-living crisis, many of us are genuinely looking for ways to increase our income.
There are lots of opportunities, but it’s about being realistic rather than getting swept away by influencers who make most of their money selling courses about how to make money.
Realistic side hustles that actually work
There may not be a magical side hustle that earns you six figures in the blink of an eye, but there are some real-world opportunities to give things a go. The important thing is to pick one or two and focus.
Here are ideas that should work for most of us.
1. Practical side gigs
Platforms like Airtasker, Tiny Jobs, Fiverr and local community groups are full of everyday jobs. You don’t need a big following, only the willingness to help people.
Jobs include:
- Flat-pack furniture assembly
- Gardening
- Home repairs
- Cleaning
- Building trampolines and cubby houses
- Admin work
It’s flexible, you choose what you apply for and you don’t need a fancy setup.
2. Writing for local and online publications
Writing can be an accessible side hustle, especially if you enjoy storytelling or have marketing experience. If not, a short course in copywriting or SEO can help.
You could:
- Contribute to local magazines, newsletters or newspapers
- Write for online platforms about topics you know
- Pitch on sites like Upwork or Freelancer, or advertise your services on Fiverr (just be prepared that it can be challenging to find people on these sites who are willing to pay a fair fee for your work and it can take time to build your presence with reviews)
- Work with local businesses that need blogs, newsletters or social content
Payment varies, with some people wanting to pay below minimum wage to others offering sizable retainers. The challenge now is that many websites are using AI to replace writers at the lower end. Strong voices and storytellers will always be in demand.
3. Consulting, coaching or mentoring
If you have professional expertise, you can turn it into a side income.
Popular options include:
- Small business consulting and coaching
- Mentoring younger professionals in your industry
- Helping people with technology, career advice, budgeting or confidence
Rates usually range from $30 to $250 an hour, depending on experience. If you want to scale, you could try packaging your knowledge into a course. Websites like Teachable and Thinkific can quickly get you started with this.
4. Selling and flipping items online
Selling second-hand items is one of the most accessible side hustles. You can sell on eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. Sell your own stuff, source bargains from op shops, repair or renovate items for resale or pick up free items to flip. Even a few sales a month can bring in some meaningful extra cash.
5. Pet sitting and dog walking
If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking are flexible ways to earn. List your services on platforms like Mad Paws to offer walks, or provide overnight care. Rates vary, but it’s a simple, steady way to make extra money. Your local Facebook community group is a good place to advertise your services too.
6. Content creation for brands (UGC)
People over 40 have a real advantage in UGC (user-generated content). Brands want relatable, everyday creators. You don’t need a big following, just the ability to make short, engaging videos.
You can:
- Create videos for brands to use as ads and organic content
- Pitch directly or join marketplaces like Creator Flow and Influee
Rates vary from $50 to $1000+, depending on usage rights and volume. Many brands want ongoing monthly content, which can become a steady income stream.
7. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing works, but only if you have – or can build – an audience. You earn a commission when people buy through your link. You can get started on an affiliate platform like Impact, Commission Factory or Rakuten.
Choose products you genuinely love, ideally higher-value products with a high commission percentage. If you can build an audience that wants and needs the product, you’ll be able to scale – and you can add a number of different affiliate links, allowing you to earn from a range of sources to diversify your income streams.
It works, but it’s not a shortcut to quick riches, because building an audience and developing the skills to drive people to your links takes time and experience. It’s definitely something you can learn though and it’s an income stream you can grow if you’re interested in this option.
8. Teaching or tutoring
Teaching and tutoring are in demand – from academic subjects to music, art, cooking or craft classes. You can teach from home, online or at community centres. Rates usually range from $30 to $80 an hour, and you can choose group or one-on-one sessions.
9. Microbusiness from home
Turn your hobby into a microbusiness by selling handmade, digital or personalised items. Ideas include candles, soaps, art, knitted items, clothes, printables or baked goods (check local rules). Sell through Etsy, Facebook, markets or your own website. If you already have a skill in making things, this is a great option to start with.
Tax on extra income
All of this sounds fun, right? But before you throw open the doors to your boutique fishing lure business, ask yourself whether your side hustle is a business or a hobby. Selling a few personal items on eBay is usually a hobby; actively buying items to resell is treated differently.
A few key things to know:
- You must report business income to the ATO – most platforms share their data.
- Earnings up to $18,200 in 2025–26 are tax-free.
- You may need an ABN and GST registration if your earnings pass the threshold.
- Some types of work may require insurance, such as public liability or professional indemnity.
Understanding how extra income impacts your Age Pension
If you’re already retired, it’s important to understand how extra earnings may affect your Age Pension. I’m not a tax agent or financial adviser, so please get professional advice before making any decisions, but here are the basics.
Any extra income counts toward your income test and can reduce your Age Pension. As a guide, singles can earn about $218 per fortnight before the pension starts to taper and couples can earn around $380 combined. Above these limits, the pension reduces, and if your assessable income gets too high, it may stop altogether.
If you rely on the Age Pension, keep this in mind when exploring new income streams.
Putting it all together: A side hustle strategy that goes beyond the Instagram hype
Keep it simple. Choose one or two ideas, set realistic goals and stay consistent. Track your income, stay tax-compliant and lean into the skills you already have.
Forget the Instagram flex. Side hustles probably won’t make you rich overnight, but they can absolutely boost your income in a sustainable, realistic way.
Feature image: iStock/PhotoLife94
This article contains general information only. It is not financial advice and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about any financial products or investments. Readers’ personal circumstances have not been taken into account and they should always seek their own professional financial and taxation advice that takes into account their financial circumstances, objectives and needs.
Tell us in the comments: What’s a hobby you have that you could potentially earn money from?
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