Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think there MUST be a way to top up my income

136 replies

SparklyOpalEagle · 15/07/2025 19:28

I have a job , a career , that has progression. Absolutely love my job but I have a lot of debt. I only work term time so would love to find something, not too time consuming , that I could do on the side during holidays . But not an actual job.

I’ve done a few “ side hustles “ in the past , made a bit extra around Christmas making Christmas gifts. I’m quite handy with design, so I did used to have a small business making stationary but this was during uni when I had more time. I don’t have the space for that now either.

Every time I look online I see surveys or digital marketing and I’m not interested in that. Surveys I’ve made maybe £30 - that’s not enough.

Im not looking for MLM or any get rich quick scheme - does anyone have any advice ?

I've tried :

  • Amazon Flex - I’m on the waiting list
  • Pay per text message - it was just sex talk and it was misleading people so I’m not into it
  • Tutoring - too much time , most people want you in the evening and I can’t commit

Not willing -

  • actual jobs - bar work, care etc - I don’t have the time to commit to set shifts , I have children and I also want to enjoy my time off
  • Mystery shopping / market research - it’s not reliable and I am signed up to loads already anyway and get nothing
  • Cashback - I don’t need to spend anymore
  • switching banks - I have a massive overdraft that I live in
  • Dog walking - too many in my area
  • Ironing - not a thing where I live and also I’m awful at it
  • Matched betting
I’m looking for something I could do with my children around- a hobby I could turn into a venture , I would deliver leaflets etc but I can’t find anything like that .
OP posts:
atiaofthejulii · 15/07/2025 20:21

You could try doing intensive tutoring in the Easter and summer holidays - a daily session for a week for SATS/GCSE revision, get ready for Year whatever.

PennywisePoundFoolish · 15/07/2025 20:19

I'm thinking more about this now, in my area there's a local charity that would jump at having someone who could put on arts and crafts type sessions for kids with SEND, and they have a budget for venue hire. So maybe see if there's any groups like that you could offer service too?
Doesn't have to be limited to children, maybe care homes for the elderly etc

PennywisePoundFoolish · 15/07/2025 20:10

Children's parties doing crafts and making slime etc? But you'd have to pay out for equipment and insurance I guess. I think you'd get a lot of interest in holiday sessions too, but then you'd have venue costs.

ScrewedByFunding · 15/07/2025 20:05

Newmeagain · 15/07/2025 20:03

Holiday childminding? (There would presumably be some admin to set yourself up)

Have you any idea what becoming a childminder actually involves?

Sundaycrunch · 15/07/2025 20:04

I make on average £100-130 a month on market research/ survey sites so I think you've been quite quick to rule this out.
Can you sell anything on eBay?
Also search for the Earn £10 a day threads on here where there may be some more ideas.

Newmeagain · 15/07/2025 20:03

Holiday childminding? (There would presumably be some admin to set yourself up)

LividVermiciousKnid · 15/07/2025 19:59

Are you a teacher? Exam marking is the obvious answer. I make essentially an additional 2-3 months' pay per year.

ItsameLuigi · 15/07/2025 19:53

Mrsttcno1 · 15/07/2025 19:36

You’ve literally ruled out every other job- unless you expect someone to pay you just to exist you’re out of options.

To be fair, sugar Daddy's can pay you to exist 😂(joking!) the only thing I can think of that isn't ruled out on this list is like selling feet pics😭

Upsetbetty · 15/07/2025 19:40

This is pointless!…what you want is money for nothing(or as little effort as possible) if that’s how easy it was don’t you think we would all be doing it!?

NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoBy · 15/07/2025 19:38

Can you rent out a spare room to foreign students? Round here you can make £200 a week for that.

exam marking?

Mrsttcno1 · 15/07/2025 19:36

You’ve literally ruled out every other job- unless you expect someone to pay you just to exist you’re out of options.