.
Image: Nappy.co
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Britt Bloch currently serves as the Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition Strategy and Recruiting and joined Navy Federal in April 2021. She previously worked at USAA, where she was Head of Talent Acquisition Delivery
The Fast Company Executive Board is a private, fee-based network of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience.
Larry Brinker Jr. is an award-winning entrepreneur, impact investor, and mentor
Maria Alonso leads Fortune 206´s account management department, creating campaigns and initiatives that engage and empower the community, especially marginalized groups, responding to and resonating with their unique needs and challenges. n nShe’s an accomplished marketing executive with proven success and a passion for leading programs that drive brand growth and enhance customer experiences
Beth Jannery is the Founder & President of Titan Strategic Communications, a boutique advisory firm known for trusted, confidential partnerships and quiet, powerful influence. With experience as a Fortune 50 Bureau Chief and as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for a $1B company, Beth brings executive leadership and communications expertise to her work with CEOs
Milos Eric is the General Manager and Co-founder of OysterLink, a job platform tailored specifically for the hospitality industry. Read Milos’s Executive Profile here.
With over 17 years of experience in the financial and healthcare sectors, I am a seasoned executive, investor, and business builder. I currently lead the Business Banking division at Citizens, one of the nation's oldest and largest financial institutions, where I oversee the strategy, operations, and growth of our commercial banking products and services for small and medium-sized businesses across the country
Gianluca Ferruggia is the General Manager of DesignRush, a leading B2B marketplace and media platform connecting businesses with agencies. Read Gianluca’s Executive Profile here.
Boris Dzhingarov is the founder and CEO of ESBO Ltd, a boutique link-building and digital PR agency helping brands boost visibility and authority through high-impact SEO strategies. With a global client base across industries, Boris leads a fully remote team delivering results-driven campaigns.
Louis Camassa is a seasoned product leader and entrepreneur with two successful SaaS exits and a proven record of scaling platforms that generate billions in annual GMV. As Director of Product at Rithum, he partners with leading global brands and retailers to drive eCommerce success.
Jani is a tech executive with a proven track record of growing, transforming and scaling regional and global businesses. With over 20 years of experience in sales and partnerships, Jani has spent the last 15 years at Google leading the key business functions in Europe and in the US.
I am President and CEO at SharpQuest - a custom software solutions company that is a technology partner to companies looking for a trusted team to help them meet their operational and growth goals with software product development. I started SharpQuest (as AI Software) in 2009 after recognizing a need to offer proactive approach and engineering discipline to software development.
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He has written more than 500 resume guides and deep-dive articles on how to create your resume and cover letter, that inspire job applicants to make a resume to be proud of.
FAST COMPANY