10 Side Hustles That Actually Make Money

The Best Career Change Options for Those at 35

Are you in your mid-30s and feeling ready for a career change? It’s a common crossroads—many people in their 30s feel the urge to pivot and try something new. The good news? Side hustles can be a fantastic way to explore new career options without taking a giant leap into the unknown. Whether you’re looking to supplement your current income or completely change careers, side hustles offer the perfect opportunity to earn extra money and gain new skills on your own terms.

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of a side hustle has evolved into a powerful tool for career changers, especially for those around the age of 35. A side hustle not only provides extra income but can also help you transition smoothly into a new field, test the waters of a career shift, or even replace your full-time job entirely. Whether you want to earn extra cash, gain experience in a new field, or explore something you’ve always been passionate about, side hustles are a great way to begin the journey.

In this post, we’ll explore 10 side hustles that can actually make money—ideal for those looking to transition careers at 35 and beyond. These side hustles are practical, profitable, and provide flexibility, allowing you to start earning while learning. Ready to explore your options and make that career change happen? Let’s get started!

What Are Side Hustles?

Side hustles are part-time jobs or businesses you pursue outside of your main source of income. They offer the flexibility to earn extra money, pursue a passion, or explore a new career path without quitting your day job. From freelance work to online businesses, side hustles come in many forms and can be adapted to suit your skills, interests, and time availability.

The key benefit of a side hustle is that it allows you to test out new career ideas while minimizing risk. For example, if you’re looking to change careers at 35, a side hustle can help you gain experience in a new field, build a portfolio, and develop new skills—all without the pressure of jumping into something entirely unknown. Many people use side hustles as stepping stones to transition into full-time businesses or to complement their existing income streams.

How Side Hustles Can Help You Change Careers at 35

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Changing careers at 35 can feel intimidating, especially when you’re established in your current job. But side hustles offer a unique opportunity to explore new career paths without the risk of starting completely over. By taking on a side hustle, you can dip your toes into a new industry or profession while maintaining the stability of your full-time job.

Here’s how side hustles can help ease the transition:

• Test New Fields: A side hustle allows you to experiment with different industries or job roles. If you’re unsure about making a career change, you can test out the waters without making a full commitment.
• Build New Skills: You can develop skills that will be valuable in your new career. For example, if you’re transitioning into digital marketing, managing social media for a side hustle can help you build hands-on experience.
• Financial Flexibility: If you’re worried about financial strain during a career shift, a side hustle provides extra income. This can ease the pressure and give you more time to pursue training or certifications.
• Networking Opportunities: Side hustles often bring you into new networks, helping you meet people in your desired field and open doors to job opportunities.

At 35, you’re not starting from scratch; side hustles simply help you navigate your career transition more smoothly and confidently.

10 Profitable Side Hustles You Can Start Right Now

If you’re looking to change careers at 35, a side hustle can be the perfect way to explore new opportunities and build your skillset without making an all-in commitment. Whether you want to test the waters in a new field or simply earn extra income, these 10 side hustles are ideal for anyone looking to make money while gaining experience.

1. Freelance Writing & Blogging

Freelance writing is one of the most accessible and profitable side hustles out there. Whether you’re passionate about a specific niche or you just enjoy writing, this side hustle offers flexibility and the potential to earn a steady income.

• Pros:
  • Flexible work hours
  • Can be done remotely
  • Growing demand for online content
• Cons:
  • Requires strong writing skills
  • Can be competitive, especially in certain niches

Start-Up Tips:

• Build Your Portfolio: Create a portfolio website or blog to showcase your writing.
• Use Freelance Platforms: Sign up for freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger to find writing gigs.
• Niche Down: Focus on a specific niche to stand out from the competition (e.g., tech, health, finance).
• Set Realistic Rates: When starting, don’t overprice yourself. Focus on gaining experience, then gradually increase your rates.

Potential Income: $500 – $3,000 per month depending on workload and niche.

2. Virtual Assistant

If you’re highly organized and enjoy helping others stay on top of their tasks, being a virtual assistant (VA) could be an excellent side hustle. VAs provide administrative support to busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, making this a flexible and lucrative opportunity.

• Pros:
  • High demand, especially from online entrepreneurs
  • Flexible working hours
  • You can work from anywhere
• Cons:
  • Requires excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Tasks can become repetitive

Start-Up Tips:

• Identify Your Strengths: Are you good at scheduling, email management, or social media? Tailor your services accordingly.
• Build a Profile: Create profiles on platforms like Belay, Time Etc., or Zirtual to find clients.
• Offer Specialized Services: To stand out, offer specialized services, such as social media management, email marketing, or bookkeeping.

Potential Income: $1,000 – $5,000 per month based on experience and the type of services you offer.

3. Online Tutoring

If you have expertise in a particular subject, online tutoring is a great way to make money while helping others learn. With the increasing popularity of remote education, the demand for online tutors is higher than ever.

• Pros:
  • Rewarding and fulfilling
  • You can teach from anywhere
  • High demand for subjects like math, science, and languages
• Cons:
  • Requires subject expertise or teaching certification in some cases
  • May need to adjust to different learning styles

Start-Up Tips:

• Join Established Platforms: Platforms like VIPKid, Chegg, and Tutor.com are great places to start.
• Set Your Rates: Research the going rate for your subject and experience to set competitive pricing.
• Create a Website: If you prefer to work independently, create a website to attract clients directly.

Potential Income: $20 – $80 per hour depending on subject and platform.

4. E-commerce (Dropshipping & Print on Demand)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

E-commerce is one of the most popular side hustles, especially with the rise of dropshipping and print-on-demand services. This business model allows you to sell physical products without holding any inventory, making it an easy entry point into the world of online sales.

• Pros:
  • Low startup costs
  • Scalable business model
  • Passive income potential once set up
• Cons:
  • Requires time to build a customer base
  • Competition can be fierce in certain niches

Start-Up Tips:

• Choose a Niche: Pick a niche product that you’re passionate about or one that fills an unmet need.
• Set Up an Online Store: Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to set up your online store.
• Focus on Marketing: Use social media ads, influencer partnerships, and email marketing to drive traffic.

Potential Income: $500 – $10,000 per month, depending on the niche and marketing efforts.

5. Social Media Management

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Social media management is a highly in-demand service, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow their online presence. If you’re knowledgeable about social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, this could be the side hustle for you.

• Pros:
  • Creative and dynamic work
  • Can be done remotely
  • High demand for services
• Cons:
  • Requires staying updated on social media trends and algorithms
  • Can involve irregular working hours

Start-Up Tips:

• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your social media work and success stories to attract clients.
• Use Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools like Hootsuite and Buffer for scheduling posts.
• Offer Full Services: Go beyond posting and offer services like community engagement, ad management, and content creation.

Potential Income: $1,000 – $5,000 per month depending on client base and services offered.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a passive income side hustle where you promote other companies’ products and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral links. This is a great way to monetize a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following.

• Pros:
  • Low startup costs
  • Potential for passive income
  • Can be done while working on other projects
• Cons:
  • Requires building an audience or platform first
  • Earnings depend on traffic and conversions

Start-Up Tips:

• Focus on a Niche: Pick a niche that aligns with your interests or expertise.
• Join Affiliate Networks: Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank.
• Promote Effectively: Integrate affiliate links naturally into your content, such as blog posts, videos, or social media.

Potential Income: $500 – $5,000+ per month depending on traffic and niche.

7. Transcription Services

If you have excellent listening and typing skills, transcription can be a great side hustle. Transcriptionists convert audio or video files into written text, and there’s a growing demand for these services, especially in industries like legal, medical, and media.

• Pros:
  • Flexible work hours
  • Can be done remotely
  • High demand in certain niches
• Cons:
  • Requires strong typing skills and attention to detail
  • Can be time-consuming, especially for long recordings

Start-Up Tips:

• Sign Up for Platforms: Join transcription platforms like Rev, TranscribeMe, or Freelancer.
• Invest in Good Equipment: A good headset and foot pedal will make the transcription process easier.
• Specialize: Specializing in medical or legal transcription can increase your earning potential.

Potential Income: $10 – $30 per hour of transcription.

8. Photography & Stock Images

If you’re passionate about photography, you can make money by selling stock images or offering photography services for events, portraits, or commercial use. Stock photo websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock allow you to sell your images online.

• Pros:
  • Creative and rewarding work
  • Passive income potential from stock photos
  • Opportunity to showcase your photography skills
• Cons:
  • Requires investment in quality equipment
  • Income may fluctuate depending on demand

Start-Up Tips:

• Sell on Stock Photo Websites: Upload your photos to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.
• Market Your Services: Offer local photography services for events or portraits.
• Create a Portfolio: Build an online portfolio to showcase your work.

Potential Income: $100 – $3,000 per month, depending on the type and volume of work.

9. Personal Fitness Trainer (Online or In-Person)

With the increasing focus on health and wellness, personal fitness training has become a highly sought-after service. You can either train clients in person or offer online fitness programs and coaching.

• Pros:
  • Flexible work hours
  • Rewarding work that helps people
  • Can be done remotely
• Cons:
  • Requires certifications
  • May involve irregular hours or evening/weekend work

Start-Up Tips:

• Get Certified: Consider getting certified through organizations like ACE or NASM.
• Market Yourself: Use social media and fitness apps to attract clients.
• Create Online Programs: Develop online training programs for clients who prefer working out remotely.

Potential Income: $1,000 – $6,000 per month, depending on client base and services.

10. Translation & Language Services

If you’re fluent in more than one language, offering translation or language services can be a lucrative side hustle. You can help individuals or businesses translate documents, websites, and other materials.

• Pros:
  • High demand for translation services
  • Flexible work hours
  • Opportunity to work remotely
• Cons:
  • Requires fluency in at least two languages
  • May require specific certifications for certain industries

Start-Up Tips:

• Join Translation Platforms: Platforms like Gengo or TranslatorsCafe are great places to start.
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your translation work to attract clients.
• Specialize: Specializing in fields like medical or legal translation can increase your earning potential.

Potential Income: $15 – $50 per hour, depending on the language and industry.

These side hustles offer not only a way to earn money but also the opportunity to transition into a new career. Whether you’re looking for flexible work, remote options, or creative outlets, there’s something for everyone. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and explore the side hustle that best aligns with your skills and interests.

Where to Learn These Skills

You don’t need to enroll in a 4-year program. Try:

• Coursera (certified programs from top universities)
• LinkedIn Learning

Many of these platforms offer certificates, practice projects, and even job matching.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for You

Choosing the right side hustle is crucial to ensure it aligns with your goals, skills, and lifestyle. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Time Commitment: How much time can you realistically dedicate to your side hustle without interfering with your full-time job or personal life? Be honest about your availability to avoid burnout.
2. Skills and Experience: Consider what skills you already have and how they can be applied to a side hustle. For example, if you have a knack for writing or social media, freelance writing or social media management could be a good fit.
3. Income Goals: Think about how much you want to earn from your side hustle. Some side hustles, like dropshipping or e-commerce, may take time to build, while others, like tutoring or freelance work, can generate income more quickly.

By aligning your side hustle with your strengths and available time, you’ll set yourself up for success and a smoother career transition.

Related content:

• How to Start a Freelance Business in 2025
• How to Start Freelancing With No Experience
• Passive Income Ideas for Online Entrepreneurs
• Remote Work Ideas You Can Start Today

Tips for Balancing a Side Hustle with Your Day Job

Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely doable. Here are a few tips to help you manage both without burning out:

1. Create a Schedule: Plan your time wisely. Set specific hours each week for your side hustle, treating it like an important meeting. Use a calendar or task manager to stay organized.
2. Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks that will move your side hustle forward. Don’t try to do everything at once. Break big projects into smaller, manageable steps.
3. Set Boundaries: Protect your personal and work time. Avoid overworking, as it can lead to burnout. Schedule time for rest and relaxation to recharge.
4. Use Technology: Leverage tools like project management apps, social media schedulers, and automated email responders to streamline your work and save time.

With careful planning and discipline, you can successfully balance your side hustle and day job while making progress on your career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Can I really make a full-time income from a side hustle at 35?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to transition from a side hustle to a full-time income, especially if you’re dedicated and choose the right hustle. Many people in their 30s successfully build side hustles that grow into full-time careers, but it may take time and consistent effort. Start by focusing on high-demand side hustles, building a strong client base, and scaling your efforts gradually.

2. How much time do I need to dedicate to my side hustle?

The amount of time you dedicate to your side hustle depends on your goals and how much you can realistically commit alongside your day job. For some side hustles, just a few hours per week can yield significant results, while others may require more effort. Start with a manageable amount of time, like 5-10 hours a week, and adjust as needed based on your progress.

3. Do side hustles replace full-time income?

It depends on the side hustle and how much time and effort you’re able to invest. While some side hustles can replace full-time income quickly, others may take time to grow. The key is to choose a hustle that aligns with your skills, passions, and long-term career goals, and be patient as you scale it. Many people use side hustles as a supplement to their full-time income before making the switch to a full-time hustle.

Conclusion

Side hustles are a powerful tool for anyone looking to change careers, especially at 35. They offer the flexibility to explore new paths, earn extra income, and develop new skills without taking the risk of quitting your day job. By choosing the right side hustle and managing your time wisely, you can successfully transition into a career that aligns with your passions and goals.

Ready to start your journey? Choose one of the side hustles from this list and take the first step toward building a fulfilling career today!