A side hustle is an additional job or venture undertaken to supplement your primary income. Whether you’re working full-time or part-time, you might be looking for ways to boost your income. Maybe your salary isn’t enough to support the lifestyle you want, or perhaps you’re looking to:
- Pay off debts
- Build an emergency fund
- Plan for early retirement
- Save for your children’s education
- Pursue a passion project
Whatever your reason, you’re not alone! 47% of Brits across all age groups now have a side hustle. (Sage Report)
Popular Side Hustles & an Overlooked Industry
Most online resources highlight side hustles such as pre-loved clothing sales, freelancing, and dropshipping. While these are great options, at JANvertise, we champion home services—starting with cleaning, caregiving, and food services. As we grow, we look forward to expanding into even more service-based opportunities. These jobs might not be at the top of mainstream lists, but they are evergreen and irreplaceable by AI or robots (at least for the next 20-30 years!).
Personal Touch & Relatability
Starting a side hustle in home services can be incredibly rewarding. I know someone who started offering meal prep services for busy parents in her neighborhood. At first, she had just a couple of customers, but word-of-mouth spread, and now she runs a small business delivering homemade meals weekly. Her journey shows that with consistency and quality service, a side hustle can grow into a stable income source.
Motivations for Starting a Side Hustle
Your primary reason will likely be financial, but the specific motivations can vary:
- Wanting to quit your current job and explore a new field
- Looking for extra income to afford a better lifestyle.
- Stay-at-home parents wanting to earn while managing family duties.
- People with disabilities who need a more flexible work arrangement.
- Saving for a home, car, or other major financial goal.
- Exploring a passion before committing to it full-time.
A side hustle gives you the freedom to test your ideas and see how far they can take you before making a bigger leap.
Benefits of a Side Hustle
✔ Additional income
✔ Be your own boss
✔ Learn new skills—even if staying within the same industry
✔ Set your own hours
✔ Start small and expand as your business grows
✔ Pursue a passion without quitting your job
✔ Build a professional network
✔ Personal growth and confidence
Challenges of a Side Hustle
⚠ Time commitment – Can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
⚠ Financial risk – If you invest upfront, there’s always a chance of loss.
⚠ Increased stress – Balancing a regular job and a side hustle can be overwhelming.
⚠ Conflict of interest – If your side hustle is similar to your current job, check your company policies.
⚠ Potential for failure – Not every side hustle succeeds, and that’s okay!
⚠ Sacrifice of personal time – Less leisure time, especially in the beginning.
⚠ Tax implications – Any income must be declared and may be taxable. If you earn over £1,000 from a side hustle in the UK, you must declare it to HMRC. Registering as self-employed can help with tax efficiency.
Why In-Home Services Are a Hidden Gem
Who Needs These Services?
People with reduced mobility or poor health.
Busy families and professionals.
This sector will only continue to grow—populations are expanding, medical advancements are increasing life expectancy, and fewer people are staying home to manage household tasks. As we move toward a world driven by speed and convenience, where rapid solutions and immediate results are expected, home services have become more essential than ever. This is a long-term market with steady income potential for you and your family.
Cleaning Services
💡 Did you know? The UK cleaning industry is valued at over £15 billion and continues to grow!
Cleaning is one of the most underrated yet in-demand jobs out there. Many overlook it or think they’re “too good” for it, but the demand is massive! If you already clean your own home, you have the skills to get started—why not turn it into an income stream? With low startup costs and the flexibility to set your own schedule, it’s an accessible and rewarding opportunity for many.
💡 Why is cleaning industry a great career choice?
- You can specialise in deep cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning, or even eco-friendly cleaning.
- Your potential clients include residential homeowners, landlords, property managers, businesses, and commercial establishments—the demand is huge!
- The best part? You can learn advanced cleaning techniques online for free!
- And while robot vacuums exist, they can’t clean bathrooms, mop floors, or handle detailed dusting—humans are essential for thorough, high-quality and hygienic cleaning!
This article will provide insights into the cleaning business and key factors to consider before making your choice: Domestic Cleaning Jobs in the UK: Employed vs. Self-Employed
Caregiving Services
The adult social care sector in the UK is a vital part of the nation’s economy. According to Skills for Care’s 2024 State of Care report, the sector contributed approximately £68.1 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the economy in England.
With an aging population and a rise in disabilities, the demand for caregiving services has never been higher. While governments provide some support, it’s not enough to meet the growing needs—leaving families seeking additional help.
💡 Why is caregiving a great career choice?
- No qualifications needed to start as a companion carer.
- Learn on the job if you are compassionate and willing.
- Already qualified? Offer specialised services for higher pay.
- Live-in care positions offer the advantage of free accommodation while you’re on assignment, perfect for those who want to travel and work in different areas.
This post will help you with the initial understanding of becoming a carer: The Realities of Becoming a Carer: What You Need to Know
Food Services
Food is the way to our hearts! With the UK’s food service industry booming at £87.1 billion—and set to grow—there has never been a better time to get involved. Changing consumer preferences, a rising demand for convenience, and the expansion of diverse food service offerings are fueling this thriving industry.
If you have a passion for food or a natural talent for creating delicious meals—whether it’s healthy dishes, catering, or sweet treats—you’re in the right industry! No robot can replicate the warmth, creativity, and authenticity of homemade taste!
Tap into the £61.65 Billion Events Industry with Your Culinary Skills!
The events industry—including celebrations, corporate functions, and private gatherings—is a massive market offering incredible opportunities for culinary professionals. Valued at £61.65 billion and growing year on year, this thriving sector needs skilled food professionals to provide catering, meal prep, and bespoke desserts.
💡 Why is food service in such high demand?
- ✅ Busy professionals, families, and individuals with physical limitations are looking for meal prep services.
💭 Why? Many people lack the time, physical ability, or ability to cook but still want healthy, home-style meals without the hassle. Meal prep services provide convenience, nutrition, and peace of mind, making them a profitable and in-demand business opportunity - ✅ Catering for small events is a growing market.
💭 Why? More people are opting for intimate gatherings over large-scale events, increasing demand for small-scale catering for birthdays, corporate meetings, and private celebrations. - ✅ Baking and desserts are hugely popular—people love custom cakes, pastries, and homemade treats.
💭 Why? Celebrations, gifting, and personal indulgence keep the baking industry thriving. Custom cakes and artisanal desserts stand out from mass-produced supermarket options. - ✅ Handmade food is in high demand—supermarket meals can’t compare to freshly made, home-cooked food.
💭 Why? Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and crave the quality, authenticity, and fresh ingredients found in homemade food rather than processed, pre-packaged meals.
Beyond Cleaning, Caregiving & Food
This is just the beginning! Other in-home service side hustles include:
- Hair and beauty services
- Massage therapy
- Personal training
- Home organizing
- Pet sitting and dog walking
- Mobile car cleaning
Time vs. Income Reality Check
Many people underestimate the time investment required before seeing significant profits:
🕒 Part-Time Effort (5-10 hours a week): Ideal for supplementary income but expect slower growth.
🕒 Full-Time Effort (30+ hours a week): Higher earnings but requires dedication.
Hidden Costs & Startup Expenses
While home services are generally lower-cost businesses to start, it’s important to be aware of potential startup expenses to avoid unexpected financial challenges. Here’s a breakdown:
- 🧹 Cleaning: Supplies, transport, insurance (optional but recommended)
- 👩⚕️ Caregiving: DBS check, first aid training (optional but helpful)
- 🍽 Food Services: Ingredients, equipment, packaging and hygiene certification (UK food businesses must register with their local council and adhere to hygiene standards)
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Addressing Common Misconceptions. Many people hesitate to enter home services due to common myths. Let’s debunk a few:
- 💡 Misconception #1: “Cleaning jobs don’t pay well.”
✔ Reality: Specialised services like deep cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning, and eco-friendly cleaning can earn £20-£40 per hour. Once you establish trust and offer personalised service, clients are willing to pay premium rates. - 💡 Misconception #2: “Caregiving is only for trained professionals.”
✔ Reality: While some roles require qualifications, many families simply need companionship for elderly relatives rather than complex medical care. Compassion and reliability often matter more than formal training. - 💡 Misconception #3: “You need a professional kitchen to sell food.”
✔ Reality: Many successful food businesses start from home with a passion for cooking. As demand grows, some scale up to commercial kitchens or catering businesses. In the UK, home-based food businesses must register with their local council but don’t need a professional setup to start.
How to Get Started Quickly
You don’t need months of planning—follow these 3 simple steps to get started:
1️⃣ Choose Your Niche – Cleaning, caregiving, food services, etc.
2️⃣ Set Up Your Service – Decide on pricing, hours, and basic tools needed.
3️⃣ Advertise for Free – List your services on JANvertise, local Facebook groups, and community boards.
“What If I Fail?” – Addressing Fear & Failure
Many people hesitate to start because they fear failure. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
✅ Lack of consistency – Set a routine for advertising & networking.
✅ Unrealistic pricing – Research market rates.
✅ Poor customer service – Word-of-mouth is everything in home services.
✅ Giving up too soon – It takes 6+ months to gain traction.
Test your hustle risk-free—try offering services to friends or family before launching publicly!
Mini Case Studies: “Meet a Real Hustler
Real success stories prove that side hustles can grow into successful businesses. The key? Give 100% effort and provide exceptional service—growth will follow! Here are three inspiring examples:
🧹 Cleaner: Started with just a mop and bucket, built a loyal client base, and eventually hired a team to scale the business.
👩⚕️ Carer: Began as a companion for a neighbor, recognized the growing demand for non-medical caregiving, and turned it into a full-time business.
🎂 Baker: A parent who started baking birthday cakes for friends and family, expanded through word of mouth, and now supplies local cafés.
💡 Your turn? Success comes from consistency, passion, and great service—start small, dream big, and watch your side hustle grow!
Real Talk: When NOT to Start a Side Hustle
Not everyone is in the right position to start. Consider this before diving in:
🚨 Already stretched too thin? Don’t expect miracles—burnout is real.
🚨 Hate cleaning/cooking/caring? Don’t force yourself into a hustle you’ll resent.
🚨 Not comfortable interacting with people? Home services require direct customer interaction.
Find a hustle that aligns with your strengths and interests instead.
Expanding Beyond Manual Labor
Home services don’t have to be all physical work. You could:
📚 Teach an online cleaning course (for people starting their own cleaning business).
📞 Offer virtual caregiving support (e.g., dementia coaching for family members).
📖 Sell meal plans or e-books instead of cooking every day.
This provides long-term earning potential beyond hands-on work.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a realistic, sustainable side hustle, in-home services might be perfect for you.
Start small, test the waters, and grow your income while making a real difference in people’s lives.
Will AI replace these jobs? NO.
Will robots take over these services? NO.
Will people always need these services? YES.
🔥 This is an evergreen niche—one that will always be in demand. 🔥
📈 The United Kingdom home services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.90% between 2025 and 2034. (Expert Market Research)
✅ Automatic Exemption: If your self-employed income is £1,000 or less per year, you do not need to inform HMRC or file a tax return.
💡 However, if your total income exceeds £1,000, you must register as self-employed and report it to HMRC (gov.uk).
Use this platform to advertise your services for free!
So, are you ready to start your side hustle?
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