Academic side hustles (more than EE work etc)

[Captivatingcapybara]

Hello!

Just wondering if anyone has any successful academic side hustles. Am asking as likely to divorce and outgoings will increase so considering options. Am UK Prof (just) in social science. I was looking to go back to the OU but no vacancies atm. EE work is too little, more thinking something more regular re pay (like OU). Thought about tutoring but my subject is at best GCSE and A Level, I don't feel confident with either at this point (although I guess I could).

A cheeky ask but wondering...

Thanks, CC

I've never heard academics calling other work they do a 'side hustle'. Surely that expression belongs to a different kind of work.

You don't mention your research interests. Do you have any that produce contacts and income? DH has - for example - been invited to teach short courses involving spending a few days in Europe over summer or spring vacs. External exam marking, commissioned project work, this year he's been part of a REF panel in a different country.

Thanks @Denim4ever , I wasn't sure what to call it. Just addiitonal income, that's all. Sadly necessity rather than choice if I don't want to have to sell the house (v v difficult for my DD with SEND).

No, I don't have any real opportunities for short courses/REF panels etc. I also cannot travel sadly (complex child SEND situation etc). But in another life those would be great opps.

Research interests, paediatric, health related, qualitative methodologies etc (psych by background).

A YouTube channel related to your field?

Some things might be doable over zoom etc. DH recently did a panel in the far east online.

I'm a journal editor which gives an honorarium. There are also Advance HE charter mark panels, they recruit fairly regularly for these.
For a more regular income could you do tutoring? Edit/proofread people's work for them if you have a keen eye? There's also GCSE and A-level marking.

I used to proof read articles from international authors, that paid quite well. I worked for Crimson / Enago but I'm sure there are others. It fits very well around children. I am also an editor for a journal which pays £1000 per year and review grants for international panels which pays another £1500 or so, but this is variable.

Thanks all! @Blackcordoroys , I think I am reviewing for the wrong grant people, I am never paid! Really appreciate all of the thoughts. Keen to avoid GCSE/A Level tutoring as I am far from knowing the syllabus but will check out the other ideas. Wondered about diss superivision type of tutoring.

I am grateful, there are things I had never considered so thank you.

Suggest following https://www.facebook.com/groups/altaccareersuk/ on FB - while it's primarily about leaving academia, I've seen some helpful posts on ways to earn additional income as an academic...

Good luck OP. It's a tough time at the moment

What about assessing for relevant apprenticeships? I do some work for City & Guilds. It isn’t massive amounts but is straightforward (and also good for CPD logs, too)

I've done diss/UG/PG tutoring - it's quite well-paid but can be a lot of work depending on the exact topic.