With the rising cost of living and ongoing financial uncertainty in the UK, many people looked for new ways to boost their income in May 2025. From selling services online to leveraging passive income streams, side hustles became more than just a trend — they became a necessity. Below are real examples of how Brits earned £500 or more last month through practical and scalable side gigs.
Selling Digital Products on Etsy
In May 2025, a surge in demand for digital downloads like planners, budget templates, and educational worksheets allowed many UK sellers to cash in on Etsy. One Bristol-based freelance designer reported making over £600 from a single Etsy shop by selling printable wedding templates and small business invoice packs. These digital products require only an initial time investment, after which they can generate passive income.
Sellers benefited from Etsy’s global audience and a growing interest in budget-friendly, customizable tools. Most successful sellers promoted their shops through Pinterest and Instagram, driving consistent traffic without paid ads.
Tutoring and Online Coaching
Another standout side hustle in May 2025 was private tutoring and online coaching. With exam season in full swing and university entrance preparations underway, tutors saw a spike in demand. A Leeds-based maths tutor earned just over £580 last month by offering GCSE revision sessions via Zoom.
Similarly, career coaching and wellness mentoring found traction, especially among professionals navigating career shifts. Many coaches used platforms like LinkedIn and Teachable to attract clients and deliver sessions.
Top Side Hustles Generating £500+ in May 2025
| Side Hustle Type | Average Earnings (May 2025) | Tools/Platforms Used | Time Investment (weekly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Product Sales | £600+ | Etsy, Canva, Pinterest | 6-8 hours |
| Online Tutoring | £580+ | Zoom, BitPaper, Facebook | 8-10 hours |
| Local Dog Walking | £500+ | Rover, Bark, Word of Mouth | 12-15 hours |
| Vinted Clothing Resales | ¥700+ | Vinted App, Instagram | 8-12 hours |
| Freelance Content Writing | £550+ | Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn | 10-14 hours |
Reselling Clothes on Vinted
The secondhand fashion market continued to boom in May, and platforms like Vinted offered a goldmine for smart sellers. A 28-year-old from Manchester reported earning £700 by clearing out her wardrobe and flipping charity shop finds.
The key was listing items with clear photos, accurate descriptions, and competitive prices. Brands like Zara, Nike, and vintage Levi’s sold particularly well. Some sellers even took it further by sourcing items at car boot sales or outlets to resell at a markup.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Content creation remained a profitable venture, particularly for those with solid writing skills. One part-time editor from Glasgow made £550 by editing blog posts and LinkedIn articles for small businesses. Freelance writers tapped into niches like sustainability, travel, and fintech to land gigs that paid per article or project.
Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr remained popular, but many writers found better-paying clients through cold outreach on LinkedIn or by maintaining their own content portfolio.
Dog Walking and Pet Services
With warmer weather in May, demand for pet care rose across the UK. In Birmingham, one student turned dog walking into a weekend hustle, earning over £500 just by covering two local areas. Apps like Rover and Bark helped new walkers find clients, while repeat customers provided steady income.
Other pet-related gigs included cat sitting and pet photography, particularly during Bank Holiday weekends when many owners travelled.
Conclusion
May 2025 showed just how varied and accessible side hustles can be. Whether it was selling digital goods or walking dogs, people across the UK found ways to monetize their skills and free time. With consistent effort, many of these side hustles could grow into long-term income streams. As the economic landscape continues to shift, flexibility and creativity remain key assets.
FAQ
What is the most profitable side hustle in the UK right now?
Currently, digital product sales and reselling on Vinted are among the most profitable due to low overhead and high demand.
How can I start tutoring online with no experience?
Begin by identifying your strongest subjects, then create a simple profile on tutoring platforms like MyTutor or Superprof. Offer your first few sessions at a lower rate to build reviews.
Do I need a business license for a side hustle in the UK?
Not necessarily. For most freelance or casual side hustles, registering as a sole trader with HMRC is enough once you earn over £1,000 in a tax year.
How many hours a week do these side hustles take?
It varies. Most people commit between 6 to 15 hours per week, depending on the hustle and their goals.
Can side hustles really become full-time jobs?
Yes. Many people scale their side hustles into full-time businesses with planning, consistent income, and audience growth.
For More Information Click Here