Side hustles are becoming a familiar part of life – whether it’s a way to top up your income, turn a hobby into a business, or simply have a space to be creative.
We spoke to 2,000 UK adults to understand what the future might look like for people running a side gig alongside their full-time job. Their answers gave us 8 standout insights into what 2026 could hold, from new opportunities to the challenges they expect to face.
What’s clear is that side hustlers are already building something special. And with the right tools and support, 2026 could be the year their budding business really takes off.
1. Side hustles can significantly boost monthly earnings
According to our research, this average amount is roughly 44% of a side hustlers’ full-time job income. Those aged 25-34 earn the most from their ‘other’ job, averaging £507.87 per month. For many, that extra income isn’t just a bonus, it’s fuel for bigger plans.
The majority spend their earnings on the following:
Saving or investing (37%)
Leisure and personal treats (34%)
Bills (32%)
Supporting family (25%)
Reinvesting back into their side hustle (24%)
2. From construction to consulting, UK side hustles span a wide range of industries
Side hustlers are building all kinds of businesses, from digital services and content creation, to practical hands-on work, showing there are opportunities for everyone.
3. Building something brilliant takes time
Running a side hustle takes time, and people are putting in the hours. On average, they spend 9 hours a week managing their venture. Almost a third (30%) give it more than 10 hours, and 10% put in 20 hours or more. It’s a reminder of just how much care and effort goes into building something meaningful on the side.
4. 9 out of 10 have faced hurdles – and that’s completely normal
88% of people with a side hustle said they’ve come up against a few challenges along the way. The most common was balancing their side gig with full-time work (34%). While just over a quarter (27%) found time constraints, like childcare and social plans, tricky to manage.
Beyond time, some of the biggest hurdles were linked to money and confidence:
Managing their money (20%)
Lack of funds (18%)
Not knowing where to start or how to grow (17%)
Lack of confidence (17%)
Platform costs or changing algorithms (16%)
Imposter syndrome (feeling like a fraud despite success) (13%)
These challenges are common – and often just a part of building something new.
5. Helping people feel confident managing their money
All in all, three-quarters (75%) of people were confident in managing their money; but as their businesses grew, 80% admitted to facing money-related challenges, which included:
Irregular income or late payments (24%)
Struggling to save or set money aside (20%)
Spending more than they earned (20%)
Mixing personal and business finances (19%)
High platform fees or commissions (17%)
Unexpected tax bills or expenses (17%)
Difficulty tracking income and outgoings (15%)
In terms of managing their income, only 16% use a business bank account. A third (33%) use their personal current account, and 21% use a separate personal account, just for their side hustle.
With a Monzo business bank account, we make the financial side feel as simple as possible. Real-time balances show exactly where you stand, and in-app payments make sending and receiving money easy. You also get helpful tools like digital receipts, easy invoicing, Tax Pots for putting money aside, and insights to keep track of what’s coming in and going out.
Only sole traders or limited company directors in the UK can apply. Certain features are only available with paid subscriptions. Pro is £9 a month and Team starts from £25 a month. Ts&Cs apply.
6. Most people are already incorporating AI in some way
Side hustlers are already using AI to work smarter, free up time and unlock new ways to grow. While almost a quarter (21%) say they have no intention of using AI for their side hustle, the majority are already using it, or are planning to this year.
Creative inspiration (33%)
Generating content (26%)
Managing their finances (26%)
Analysing data (24%)
Automating admin tasks like invoices (22%)
7. Money is the biggest motivation
The primary motivations for starting a side hustle were financial:
39% started their business to earn extra income and improve their financial situation
18% were looking to pay off debt or manage rising living costs
18% wanted to save for specific goals
15% said they didn’t earn enough money from their full-time role to support their lifestyle
Career and personal development were also important factors, especially to those aged 25-34. 18% were motivated by being their own boss, 17% started in the hopes of opening their own business in the future, and 15% wanted to gain new skills or experiences for their career.
8. 2026: a year of opportunity for side hustlers
2026 is shaping up to be a year full of opportunity for side hustlers. Many new businesses choose to bank with Monzo, and we’re proud to play a role in helping them stay organised, save time and bring their ambitions to life. With new tools and technology, 81% are confident their side hustle will continue into 2026 – and for many, this could be the year to turn a side hustle into a full-time gig.
Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, join 800,000+ businesses banking with Monzo.
Only sole traders or limited company directors in the UK can apply. Ts&Cs apply.
This consumer research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 UK adults with a side hustle. Research took place between 7th – 19th November 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.