7 Worst Side Hustles for Busy Professionals That Aren’t Worth Your Time

Balancing a full-time job while trying to earn extra money on the side is challenging. You need side hustles that offer good returns without consuming all your time and energy. Picking the wrong side hustle can lead to stress, financial loss, and wasted effort.

There are many side hustles out there, but not all are worth your time.

Some require too much initial investment or have high risks that aren’t suitable for busy professionals.

By learning which ones to avoid, you can save yourself from unnecessary headaches.

1) Participating in Multi-Level Marketing Schemes

Participating in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes is often touted as a flexible side hustle.

But for busy professionals, it can be more of a hassle than it’s worth.

Most MLM companies try to lure you in with promises of high earnings.

They say you can make money simply by selling products and recruiting others.

In reality, many people end up spending more money than they make.

The business model of MLMs can be confusing.

You might find yourself constantly buying products to stay active in the scheme.

This can lead to stockpiling items you can’t sell, which wastes not just money but also valuable time.

Many MLMs are compared to pyramid schemes.

The main way to make money is by recruiting others, not through actual sales.

This can put a lot of pressure on you to find new recruits, which is time-consuming and stressful.

Even if you’re great at selling, it’s tough to balance this with a full-time job.

Every sale and recruitment requires your time and energy.

This can take away from your focus on your primary career, making it counterproductive.

Furthermore, the reputation of MLMs isn’t great.

Some people think of them as scams, which can damage your personal and professional relationships.

It’s hard to pitch a product or a business opportunity when people are skeptical.

So, while MLMs might seem like an easy way to earn extra cash, the reality is far different.

For busy professionals, the cost in time, money, and stress often outweighs any potential benefits.

Being aware of what you’re getting into can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

2) Selling Low-Demand Handmade Crafts

Selling crafts can be fun, but it might not be the best side hustle if you’re selling items with low demand.

Finding customers for specific handmade items can be tough if they are not trending or widely sought after.

This makes it challenging to turn this hobby into a profitable business.

Researching popular handmade items is essential.

If your crafts don’t align with what customers are looking for, you might struggle to make sales.

For instance, certain niche items may take longer to sell compared to popular crafts like candles and jewelry.

Materials and time add up when making handmade goods.

If you’re creating products that don’t sell quickly, you could end up sitting on unsold inventory.

This not only takes up space but also ties up your money.

Marketing low-demand crafts requires extra effort.

You’ll need to find the right platforms and audiences.

Even with platforms like Etsy, competition can be fierce, and standing out becomes harder if your items aren’t in high demand.

Balancing a side hustle with a busy professional life can be stressful.

Spending your free time creating and promoting crafts that don’t sell quickly can be frustrating.

It’s important to weigh whether this use of your time is worth the potential limited returns.

Always gauge the market and consumer trends before diving into selling handmade crafts.

This way, you won’t waste your resources on items that might not sell as expected.

3) Becoming a Part-Time Influencer

Becoming a part-time influencer might seem glamorous, but it’s a tough gig.

First, you’ll need a lot of followers to start making any money.

This means spending a lot of time creating content and engaging with your audience.

It’s not just about posting photos or videos.

You have to plan your content, shoot it, and edit it.

This can take up a significant chunk of your day.

Then there’s the algorithm game.

Social media platforms change their algorithms often.

This means your reach can fluctuate, making it unpredictable.

Brands want to see high engagement rates.

If your followers aren’t actively liking or commenting, brands might not be interested in partnering with you.

Sponsorship deals aren’t guaranteed.

Even if you have a decent following, landing sponsorships can be competitive and inconsistent.

Lastly, keeping up with trends is essential.

This requires constant attention to what’s popular, and it can be exhausting.

There’s a pressure to always stay relevant.

You may also have to deal with negative comments and trolls, which can take a toll on your mental health.

It’s a job that doesn’t end when you log off.

Enthusiasm and passion can burn out quickly when faced with the constant demands of being an influencer.

For more insights, you might check out the 20 Lucrative Side Hustles for Busy Professionals.

Is becoming a part-time influencer worth it? For some, it might be.

For others, it could turn into a stressful, time-consuming job that doesn’t pay off.

Choose wisely!

4) Driving for Rideshare Services at Odd Hours

Driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft may seem like a flexible gig.

It lets you choose your hours and work around your schedule.

But driving at odd hours, like late at night or early mornings, presents unique challenges.

Nighttime driving can be dangerous.

Reduced visibility and potential encounters with impaired drivers make it risky.

You also might face more distractions, as passengers may be intoxicated or rowdy.

Early morning shifts can be just as tough.

Waking up before dawn disrupts your sleep pattern, making you more tired and less alert.

This can affect your safety and the quality of service you provide.

Customer demand also fluctuates.

While you might think odd hours mean more ride requests, that’s not always the case.

You could end up driving around with little to no passengers, wasting time and gas.

Additionally, there are personal safety concerns.

Waiting in less populated or unfamiliar areas can be unsettling.

This uncertainty can make the job less enjoyable and more stressful.

These factors combined make driving for rideshare services at odd hours one of the less ideal side hustles for busy professionals.

The risks and challenges often outweigh the flexible schedule it offers.

For more information on this, you can check out The Rideshare Guy’s insights.

5) Pet Sitting for Unpredictable Pets

Pet sitting might sound like a perfect gig, but it can be really challenging when dealing with unpredictable pets.

Animals, just like people, have their own personalities, and some can be quite unpredictable.

Imagine a pet that suddenly becomes aggressive or overly anxious.

This can create stressful and potentially dangerous situations.

You may also find pets that don’t get along well with others, which can be a headache if sitting for multiple animals.

Another issue is pets with unknown medical conditions.

Unexpected health emergencies might arise, and you’ll need to act quickly, which is a lot of pressure.

Some pets may require special diets or medications, adding to the complexity.

Unpredictable schedules can also mess things up.

An energetic dog might need more exercise than expected, or a shy cat might hide and refuse to eat.

These scenarios can eat up valuable time and make planning your day difficult.

It’s important to note that, unlike other tasks, pet sitting doesn’t have much room for error.

One mistake can affect the pet’s well-being and your relationship with the pet owner.

For a busy professional, the unpredictable nature of pet sitting makes it a tough side hustle.

If you are considering this, you might want to think twice about the potential unpredictability and how it fits with your busy schedule.

You can read more about pet sitting challenges on Career Sidekick or explore other options for animal lovers that might be more manageable.

6) Providing Unreliable IT Support

When you offer IT support on the side, reliability is key.

If you can’t provide consistent and dependable service, you’re setting yourself up for trouble.

Clients rely on you to fix their tech issues, and if you fail, it can lead to major headaches for them.

Taking on more than you can handle is a common pitfall.

If you already have a busy schedule, squeezing in IT support can mean rushed jobs and missed deadlines.

This can damage your reputation quickly.

Imagine if you’re constantly late in responding to your clients’ urgent requests.

They might start looking for someone else who can do the job better.

This won’t just affect your side hustle, but could also affect your primary job if word gets around.

Additionally, providing IT support means keeping up with tech advancements.

If you’re not updating your skills regularly, you might find yourself struggling to solve newer problems.

This makes you unreliable and less competitive in the field.

For IT support to be a good side hustle, you need to be organized and committed.

Have a clear schedule and stick to it.

If you keep canceling appointments or dropping the ball, it won’t end well for your side gig.

If you’re considering IT support as a side hustle, think about whether you can truly commit the time and effort needed to do it well.

Otherwise, it might not be the best fit for you.

7) Freelance Mystery Shopping

Freelance mystery shopping sounds exciting, but it can be tricky for busy professionals.

You might think it’s easy money, but it often requires a lot of time and effort.

You have to stick to a script and be discreet, which can be stressful.

If you slip up, you might not get paid.

Many mystery shopping gigs, like those with Secret Shopper, pay between $10 to $15 per task.

This might not be worth your time, especially if you have a demanding full-time job.

Sometimes, you’ll need to buy items during a shop and wait to get reimbursed.

This can be a hassle, and it ties up your money until you get paid back.

Mystery shopping companies require detailed reports.

If your reports aren’t thorough, you might not get paid.

This adds more time to each gig, cutting into your free time.

Lastly, there are plenty of scams out there.

If you’re not careful, you could end up losing money instead of making it.

Always research companies thoroughly to avoid getting scammed.

Factors to Consider Before Starting a Side Hustle

When thinking about starting a side hustle, consider how it will affect your time and finances.

Being aware of the demands can help you make a decision that fits your lifestyle.

Time Management

Starting a side hustle means you’ll need to juggle it along with your primary job and personal life.

Track how much time you already spend on daily tasks.

Then, estimate how much time your side hustle will require weekly.

Remember that tasks like marketing, customer service, and managing finances add up.

If your schedule is tight, pick a side hustle that aligns with your work-life balance.

Think about your peak productivity times.

Are you a morning person or night owl? Schedule your side hustle during your most productive hours.

Also, consider if the hustle has flexible hours or specific deadlines.

Setting clear boundaries will help you avoid burnout and maintain your primary job’s performance.

Financial Investments

Some side hustles require significant financial investment upfront.

For example, starting a dropshipping business might need money for website hosting and marketing tools.

On the other hand, blogging or freelance writing mostly needs time and minimal cost.

Always calculate the initial investment and ongoing expenses like materials, software, or travel costs.

Look at potential earnings versus costs.

Are the profits significant or does it barely cover expenses? Factor in hidden costs like taxes or insurance.

Seek advice from financial experts if unsure.

Ensuring your side hustle won’t strain your budget can make the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

To sum up, managing your time and money wisely is key to a successful side hustle that complements your busy professional life.

Balancing Your Main Job and Side Hustle

Juggling your main job with a side hustle can be tricky.

It’s important to avoid burnout and set realistic goals to keep yourself on track.

Avoiding Burnout

Balancing a full-time job and a side gig means staying mindful of your health.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and neglect self-care.

Prioritize sleep, exercise, and healthy eating.

This ensures you have the energy and focus to excel in both roles.

Take breaks during your workday to recharge.

Use tools like the Pomodoro Technique to work in short, focused bursts with regular breaks.

This keeps you productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t forget to schedule downtime.

Spending time with family and friends or engaging in hobbies can help you relax and unwind.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your workload.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals is key to managing both your main job and side hustle.

Start by defining what success looks like for both roles.

Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Use a planner or digital tool to keep track of deadlines and appointments.

This helps you stay organized and ensures you’re making progress on both fronts.

A weekly or monthly review can help you adjust your goals and priorities as needed.

Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically handle.

It’s important not to overcommit, as this can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Focus on quality over quantity, and remember that it’s okay to say no sometimes.

Alternatives to Common Side Hustles

If you’re seeking a side hustle that fits better into your busy lifestyle, there are several less traditional but effective options you might consider.

These alternatives can help you earn extra income without overwhelming your schedule.

Freelancing Opportunities

Freelancing can be flexible and diverse.

For example, if you enjoy writing, freelance writing for blogs or companies might be a great fit.

You can even specialize in areas like technical writing or copywriting.

Graphic design freelancing can also be lucrative if you have an eye for visuals and know how to use tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr make it simple to find clients looking for these skills.

Virtual assistant work is another option.

It often involves administrative tasks like scheduling appointments or managing emails, which you can do remotely.

This type of freelancing can fit easily around your main job.

Passive Income Ideas

Investing in rental property can generate steady passive income.

Being a landlord might take some initial effort, but once you have tenants, the revenue is relatively passive.

Creating an online course about something you’re skilled in is another way to make passive income.

Use platforms like Udemy or Skillshare to reach a wide audience.

You only need to produce the course once, but it can sell indefinitely.

Affiliate marketing lets you earn money by promoting products and earning a commission on sales through your referrals.

Websites and blogs are perfect for this, especially if you have a niche audience that trusts your recommendations.

Each of these alternatives requires an upfront investment of time and effort, but they offer advantages for those looking to earn extra income without excessive ongoing demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important to consider the challenges of balancing a side hustle with a busy professional life.

Some side hustles might seem appealing but can end up taking more time and effort without enough payoff.

Which side hustles tend to be too time-consuming for professionals with busy schedules?

Multi-Level Marketing Schemes often require significant time for meetings and recruitment efforts.

Driving for Rideshare Services at odd hours can also be tough, as it might disrupt your regular sleep schedule and daily routine.

What are the common pitfalls of choosing a side hustle when you have limited free time?

A common pitfall is underestimating the time commitment.

For example, Pet Sitting for unpredictable pets might require more attention and flexibility than you originally planned.

Similarly, Selling Low-Demand Handmade Crafts might involve numerous hours of crafting that don’t justify the small profits.

Are there any side hustles known for not paying off despite significant time investment?

Becoming a Part-Time Influencer often involves a lot of work with little guarantee of success or income.

You might spend countless hours creating content and building a following with minimal monetary return.

Similarly, Cryptocurrency Trading poses high risks and can lead to significant financial losses.

Why do some side hustles that sound easy might actually not work for people with full-time jobs?

Some side hustles, like Participating in Multi-Level Marketing Schemes, may sound straightforward.

However, they often demand more time for networking, sales, and meetings than a busy professional can realistically manage with a full-time job.

Can daily or weekly paying side hustles become too overwhelming for professionals already working 9 to 5?

Yes, side hustles that pay frequently but require consistent attention can be overwhelming.

Driving for Rideshare Services is one example.

You need to be available during peak hours, which can interfere with your regular job and personal life, leading to burnout.

What factors should be considered when evaluating the true cost of a side hustle for a busy professional?

Consider the time investment, potential earnings, and impact on your personal life.

For instance, Pet Sitting unpredictable pets can be time-consuming and stressful.

Also, driving for Rideshare Services often comes with expenses like fuel and maintenance that might offset earnings.