In 2024, side hustles have become a cornerstone of financial resilience for British men, with rising living costs, stagnant wages, and evolving work culture driving a surge in entrepreneurial activity outside the 9-to-5 grind. From freelancing and e-commerce to property flipping and content creation, men across the UK are turning skills, spare time, and modest capital into meaningful second incomes—some even replacing their day jobs entirely.
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According to a 2024 report by the Office for National Statistics, over 1.8 million UK men now run a side business, a 34% increase since 2020. The rise of digital platforms, remote work, and flexible finance options has made it easier than ever to start small and scale smart.
Freelancing remains one of the most accessible entry points. Skilled professionals in IT, design, marketing, and engineering are turning to platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour to offer services such as web development, copywriting, and CAD design. A mid-level developer in Manchester can earn £40–60 per hour, while a freelance video editor in Bristol might charge £500 per project. Many use their side gigs to build client portfolios, eventually transitioning to full-time self-employment.
For tradesmen, the side hustle is often an extension of their craft. Plumbers, electricians, and carpenters are leveraging Checkatrade, Yell, and social media to book private jobs outside their regular contracts. With average hourly rates between £35 and £70, a weekend renovation can net over £500—tax-efficient when registered as a sole trader through HMRC’s simplified self-assessment system.
Property flipping has also gained momentum, fuelled by low-interest bridging loans and online auction platforms like Allsop and SDL Auctions. In 2024, savvy investors in cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, and Newcastle are buying undervalued properties, renovating them quickly, and selling for profit. A typical project might involve purchasing a £120,000 terraced house, investing £30,000 in modernisation, and selling for £190,000 within six months. YouTube channels and TikTok tutorials from UK flippers have demystified the process, making it more approachable for first-timers.
Short-term rentals are another lucrative option. Men in tourist-heavy areas—from Edinburgh’s Old Town to coastal towns in Cornwall—are using Airbnb and Vrbo to rent out spare rooms or buy buy-to-let flats. With proper licensing and furnishing, a well-managed two-bedroom flat in central London can generate £2,500–£3,500 per month, far exceeding traditional rental yields.
