Side Hustles for Mums in the UK: How to Boost Your Family Income Without Burning Out

Being a mum is already a full-time job — except it doesn’t come with a salary, annual leave, or a pension plan. Yet, many mums in the UK are looking for ways to earn extra income while still being present for their children. Whether you’re on maternity leave, working part-time, or a full-time stay-at-home parent, finding a flexible side hustle can make a real difference to your household budget.

At MumMakingMoney, we believe mums should have access to opportunities that fit around school runs, nap times, and family priorities — without sacrificing their sanity. In this guide, we’ll explore the best side hustles fo rside hustles for mums UK, along with tips on getting started and making them work for your lifestyle.

Why Side Hustles Are Perfect for Mums

The UK’s cost of living has soared in recent years, and many families are feeling the pinch. A side hustle can:

• Increase financial security — Even a few hundred pounds extra per month can help with bills, savings, or family outings.
• Boost confidence — Using your skills to earn money is empowering.
• Offer flexibility — Many modern side hustles can be done remotely or during non-traditional hours.
• Provide a creative outlet — For some mums, side hustles are a chance to pursue passions outside of parenting.

The key is finding something that pays well and fits your schedule — which is where MumMakingMoney’s recommendations come in.

Top Side Hustles for UK Mums

1. Freelance Writing and Content Creation

If you’ve got a way with words, freelance writing could be your ticket to flexible income. From blog posts to social media captions, UK businesses are constantly seeking content creators. Websites like Fiverr or Upwork make it easy to find clients, and you can work entirely from home.

Pros:

• Completely flexible hours
• Can build into a full-time career
• No commuting required

Tips from MumMakingMoney: Start with topics you already know — such as parenting, home organisation, or local events — and pitch to small UK businesses or online magazines.

2. Virtual Assistance

A Virtual Assistant (VA) provides administrative, social media, or customer service support for clients online. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners in the UK outsource tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry.

Pros:

• Growing demand in the UK
• Can be done entirely from home
• Variety of tasks keeps things interesting

MumMakingMoney tip: Offer packages, not hourly rates — clients value clarity, and you can plan your time better.

3. Selling Handmade Goods

If you’re crafty, platforms like Etsy or Not On The High Street allow you to sell jewellery, candles, home décor, or baby accessories. Handmade products often fetch premium prices because buyers value unique, UK-made items.

Pros:

• Creative and enjoyable
• Potential for high profit margins
• Can involve older children in the process

MumMakingMoney advice: Start small to avoid overwhelming yourself — test demand before investing heavily in supplies.

4. Childminding or Babysitting

If you already spend your days looking after little ones, why not get paid for it? In the UK, registered childminders can earn steady income while staying home with their own children.

Pros:

• Combines childcare with earning money
• Social interaction for your children
• Consistent demand in most UK towns

Note: In the UK, you’ll need to meet Ofsted requirements, so factor in registration time and costs.

5. Online Tutoring

Tutoring isn’t just for maths and English — you can teach music, art, coding, or even cooking online. Many UK parents now prefer virtual lessons for convenience.

Pros:

• High hourly pay potential
• Choose your own schedule
• Rewarding work helping others learn

MumMakingMoney tip: Platforms like Tutorful or Superprof can connect you with local students.

6. Social Media Management

Small UK businesses often lack time to manage their social media pages. If you know your way around Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you could offer management packages.

Pros:

• Creative and engaging work
• Can be done remotely
• Growing demand

MumMakingMoney bonus: Use free tools like Canva for design and Later for scheduling to save time.

7. Reselling Pre-Loved Items

Got a knack for finding bargains? Many UK mums make money by selling second-hand clothes, toys, and homeware on Vinted, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly income stream
• Turns clutter into cash
• Minimal start-up costs

Tip: Focus on quality items in good condition — and take bright, clear photos.

8. Blogging or YouTube Channel

Sharing your life experiences, parenting tips, or UK lifestyle content can eventually turn into a source of income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Pros:

• Creative freedom
• Potential for passive income
• Can grow into a personal brand

MumMakingMoney insight: It takes time to monetise — so start as a passion project and be consistent.

How to Make Side Hustles Work Around Family Life

While the idea of earning extra money is exciting, the reality for mums is that time and energy are limited resources. Here’s how to make it work:

1. Set Realistic Goals — Instead of aiming for a full-time salary immediately, start with a target like £100–£300 extra per month.
2. Use Small Time Blocks — Work during nap times, school hours, or evenings rather than trying to find huge chunks of free time.
3. Outsource Where Possible — If your side hustle grows, don’t be afraid to outsource small tasks to other freelancers.
4. Keep Family First — Choose a side hustle that supports your lifestyle, not one that takes you away from it.
5. Track Income and Expenses — Use simple spreadsheets or apps to keep your finances in order and prepare for UK tax requirements.

Pitfalls to Avoid as a Mum Side-Hustler

At MumMakingMoney, we’ve seen many mums fall into the same traps when starting out:

• Undercharging — Know your worth and research UK rates in your niche.
• Taking on Too Much — Burnout is real. Start with one side hustle, master it, then consider expanding.
• Ignoring Taxes — In the UK, even small amounts of extra income need to be declared to HMRC.
• Comparing Yourself to Others — Every mum’s circumstances are different; focus on your own progress.

The Future of Side Hustles for UK Mums

The UK’s work landscape is changing. Remote and flexible work options are becoming more accessible, and more companies are realising the value of hiring talented mums who need non-traditional schedules.

In the next few years, side hustles are likely to become even more common, especially as technology makes it easier to work from anywhere. For mums, this means more opportunities to create income streams that fit perfectly around family life.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here

A side hustle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, it can be a rewarding way to bring in extra income, build your confidence, and even spark a new career path.

At MumMakingMoney, we’re passionate about helping UK mums find and succeed in side hustles that fit their skills, passions, and family needs. Whether you want to start small with online selling or jump into freelancing, the key is to take that first step.