Looking to stuff your pockets with extra cash in 2026? Having a side hustle might just be your ticket to financial nirvana—or at least it could help you pay the electric bill without that post-payment dread. It’s like a second job, except you get to do it while wearing sweatpants and avoiding awkward water cooler chats. But before you plunge into the side hustle abyss, let’s take a moment to strategically overthink and ensure you’re not jumping into a pool of regret.
Here are five exquisitely crafted tips, curated from the prestigious teachings of the Forbes X oracle:
1. Research Different Types of Side Hustles
First things first: dive into the endless ocean of side hustle choices. Spoiler alert: there’s no shortage of bizarre options. You could either sell vintage spoons on Etsy or become a professional cat whisperer—choose wisely! Start your research by consuming the wisdom of those who came before you. Browse through Reddit threads, lurk in niche Facebook groups, and watch YouTube creators who make more money in a day than many of us see in a year. Because nothing screams ‘success’ like learning from someone who casually turned their passion for barking dogs into a full-blown career.
To ensure you don’t end up crying into your coffee after three months, ponder these burning questions:
What are the start-up costs? You might need equipment that costs the same as a small spaceship, so be prepared.
How much time will you sacrifice weekly? Think about how many hours you can commit without turning into a zombie. If you can only spare a few hours, maybe avoid dog grooming—as adorable as it sounds, it typically takes more time than you’d expect.
What’s the average revenue? Knowing what others earn will save you from the shock of realizing your side gig nets you less than pocket change.
Is there robust demand? If you’re thinking about selling ice to Eskimos, you might want to reconsider.
2. Research Its Growth Potential
Now that you’ve picked your favorites, it’s time for some serious number crunching. Check industry stats to determine if your chosen gig will thrive in 2026 or if it’s about as promising as a diet soda at a barbecue. Remember, a side hustle that’s thriving today might be next week’s laughable fad (remember fidget spinners?). Look for gaps in the market; they’re your golden opportunity—or a black hole.
3. Consider the Cost and Time Commitment
Before you commit to a side hustle, take a good, hard look at your dwindling schedule. If you’re already working full-time and binge-watching Netflix, you might only have two hours left for your side gig. If that’s the case, steer clear of anything requiring ten-plus hours a week—because let’s be honest, Netflix isn’t going to watch itself.
Ask yourself if your revenue goals are commendably unrealistic. Select a hustle that melds seamlessly with your chaotic life, instead of trying to squeeze blood from a stone (or in this case, a few extra hours from your jam-packed week).
4. Pick a Side Hustle You Enjoy
This one might be surprising: choose something you actually enjoy. Yes, the world hesitates to believe that work can be fun, and shockingly, some prefer to spend their free time doing something other than lamenting their existence. If you’re dedicating precious hours each week, at least make it enjoyable—otherwise, you’ll be counting the seconds until your escape from a drudgery-laden side gig.
5. The Location Factor: Online or Local?
Finally, make a fundamental decision: do you want your side hustle to be online or tied to a specific location? If you fancy dog walking or car detailing, expect to put on some pants and leave your home—unless you want to make really bad audio recordings of barking dogs. But if you prefer being able to work from your couch while simultaneously judging reality TV contestants, seek out online gigs like freelance writing or digital marketing. Because who doesn’t want to be able to earn money in pajamas?
