Starting a side business while holding down a full-time job may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the growth of the gig economy, it's now easier than ever to balance both. Launching a side hustle can provide extra income, offer flexibility, and the possibility to validate your business idea before you quit your job, ensuring a smoother transition into self-employment.

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Many side businesses have relatively low barriers to entry and can be executed online, so with the right planning and approach, you’ll be able to quit your day job and grow your hustle into an empowering self-employed career.

Ready for some inspiration? Below, you will find a list of the 10 most popular businesses you can start while working your regular job.

1. Social Media Manager

We’re all guilty of spending too much time on social media sometimes, so why not get paid to put your expertise to work? If you're already the go-to person in your social circle for social media marketing advice, consider turning that skill into an income. Many business owners or other professionals don't have the time or the skills to manage their own social media accounts, so they hire social media managers for help.

One way of getting noticed is by building up a professional Instagram account and sharing related content on what you do. This will increase your possibilities to be approached by individuals and businesses that sell products or services related to the type of content you share on your profile.

2. Blogging

By starting a blog about your favorite topic, whether it's traveling, food, sports, or anything else you're passionate about, you can attract a loyal audience and monetize your writing skills through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

Blogging has become one of the most popular business ideas for those looking to launch self-employed careers, as it offers revenue potential, and can be done on the side while still working a day job.

3. E-commerce

Online selling has gained immense popularity in recent years, and it provides the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a business while working a full-time job. By selling products online, you can reach customers globally and create a passive income stream. Popular e-commerce businesses include drop-shipping, print-on-demand, and affiliate marketing.

4. Tutoring

If you're looking for a way to earn extra money, consider tutoring in a subject you're knowledgeable in. This is an excellent hustle and a great way to make a solid side income. Whether it's providing academic support or enhancing the learning experience of successful pupils, there's a high demand for tutoring services across a wide range of disciplines.

Starting a tutoring business can be easy and affordable, as it requires little more than a laptop and a workspace. With flexible scheduling, competitive pricing, and the potential for growing the business through referrals, tutoring can offer a rewarding and profitable way to supplement income while making a positive impact on the lives of students. Plus, you can offer your services online or in person.

5. Graphic Design

If you have a design talent, offering your services as a freelance graphic designer is a great way to make extra income. Whether it's designing logos, creating social media graphics, or illustrating for book covers, the demand for great graphic designers is constantly increasing. Many businesses and individuals need help creating marketing materials, which opens up various opportunities to work with different people and bring their visions to life.

You can work from anywhere, set your schedule, rates, and build a portfolio that showcases your talent. So if you're looking for a side job that enhances your creativity, graphic design is an excellent choice that can offer endless possibilities.

6. Copywriting

If you're a skilled writer looking for a side job, copywriting is a hustle to take into account. For one thing, copywriting pays well, as many businesses and entrepreneurs need content for their websites, social media, email marketing campaigns, etc. Secondly, this job is very flexible, allowing writers to work as much or as little as they want.

Additionally, copywriting is a skill that can be learned over time, making it an accessible and lucrative side business for anyone with a knack for writing. Whether you're a freelancer or a full-time employee, copywriting could be the perfect way to supplement your income and enjoy a flexible, fulfilling career on the side.

7. Translator

As communication becomes more global, the demand for translation services increases. This means that translators have many opportunities to generate additional income. If you are fluent in another language, translation is a great side job to develop, besides, it offers the flexibility of working from anywhere without having a fixed-working schedule.

8. Web Design

Web design is a field that allows you to use your imagination and design skills to build beautiful, functional websites and create value-driven experiences for users.

Having web design as a hustle can be a great idea for many reasons. Firstly, the demand for web designers is constantly increasing, as more and more businesses seek to establish an online presence. This means there are always new opportunities to find work and build a portfolio. Secondly, it offers a lot of flexibility in terms of working hours and location, as long as you have a computer and an internet connection, you can work from anywhere at any time. Making it a great option for people who already have a full-time job but want to make some extra money on the side.

9. Web Development

If you're looking to start a side hustle that allows you to work from anywhere without being bound by a tight schedule, web development is the business for you.

One of the main advantages of choosing web development as a side business is that freelance web developers can evaluate the difficulty and time commitment of each project before committing to it, taking on projects they see fit.

Additionally, web development skills can be applied to other areas such as design and marketing, providing opportunities for career progression. So, with a working knowledge of HTML, Ruby, Python, Javascript, or CSS, you can start a freelance project and build your portfolio while working full-time.

10. Online coaching and consulting

Online coaching has emerged as a lucrative career option, especially for those who prefer working from home. If you have expertise in a particular area, you can use this great combination to serve with his one-on-one online coaching and consulting for individuals and businesses.

One of the biggest advantages of this side hustle is the flexibility to practice alongside your main job and eventually grow into a full-time business. You can reach customers in different parts of the world, leading to more growth and revenue opportunities through customer referrals.

Another reason online coaching and consulting is a great side job is that it requires less investment to get started. All you need to work as an online coach or consultant is a laptop, an internet connection, and relevant skills. All of these factors make online coaching and counseling an excellent option for those looking to earn money while working.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Kickstart your own business idea!

Starting your own business, no matter how big or small, can be a lucrative and rewarding experience that provides numerous benefits, such as financial freedom, career growth, and personal fulfillment. In today's economy, starting your own business has become more accessible than ever before. With the right tools and resources, anyone can become an entrepreneur, and the benefits of doing so are numerous.

Plug and Play has been running customized, three-month long programs for almost a decade that nurture our startups and foster groundbreaking solutions. Learn more about our accelerator programs designed to make the relevant introductions to world-leading corporations that your startup idea needs.

By taking the leap and starting your own business, you have the chance to pursue your passion and become your own boss, which can be incredibly empowering. In fact, a survey conducted by Small Business Trends found that 84% of entrepreneurs said that their business was doing well, and 81% felt happier, more fulfilled, and more optimistic about their future.

Moreover, launching a side business can help you build valuable skills that can be applied to any future endeavors, including marketing, financial management, and project management. Plus, starting your own business can significantly diversify your income streams and improve your financial stability. If you’re ready to start your journey toward business ownership, be sure to review our Plug and Play how-to guide on building your own startup using the solutions and tools of select startups in our ecosystem.