A decade ago, the term ‘side hustle’ was barely on anyone’s radar, but now it feels like everyone’s got one.
Whether it’s selling art, flipping furniture or launching an online business, more and more Scots than ever before are jumping on the side hustle bandwagon.
But I can’t help but wonder: what’s really driving this trend? Is it just about making ends meet, or are we all secretly craving a creative outlet?
Take teacher turned artist Dawn Spence, for example. The Ayrshire-based designer recently decided to take the plunge, leaving her stable teaching job to turn her hobby into a fully-fledged career.
In her own words, it was time to stop “juggling two full-time jobs” and finally take the leap – and why? Because she had an insatiable desire to turn her creative flair into a business that she truly loves. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to turn their passion into a pay check?
However, Dawn’s story sums up a major reason why side hustles are booming. Job security isn’t what it used to be, and people are beginning to realise they can’t rely on just one employer to provide financial stability.
Instead, they’re taking control and creating their own opportunities. Whether it’s selling handmade crafts, running an online shop or offering freelance services, side hustles are providing a safety net in uncertain times.
But it’s not just about the money. For many Scots, it’s about having the freedom to work whenever and wherever you like.
Being your own boss, setting your own hours and working on something that actually excites you is an incredibly tempting prospect – and I should know. It’s a feeling of independence that’s hard to match, and for many, it’s a game-changer when it comes to job satisfaction.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Etsy have changed the game. A side hustle no longer means just selling a few bits and bobs to your friends – people are reaching global audiences from the comfort of their own living rooms.
And the best part is you don’t need a fortune to get started. A smartphone, a bit of creativity, and some business knowhow can be enough to launch a successful venture. With so many free resources online, from YouTube tutorials to social media marketing guides, it’s easier than ever to turn a side project into something profitable.
Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that the traditional idea of a so-called “career” is evolving.
The days of working for the same company for decades are long gone, and many people now expect to change jobs multiple times throughout their lives.
A side hustle often acts as a stepping stone, opening doors to new opportunities, building skills, and even leading to a full-time career shift.
In fact, many successful businesses today started as small side projects that grew into something much bigger.
Of course, that’s not to say it’s all smooth sailing. Turning a side hustle into something sustainable takes time, effort, and, let’s face it, a lot of late nights.
The transition from a secure job to full-time self-employment is a big leap, and not everyone will have the business know-how to make it.
But even as a part-time gig, side hustles offer people the chance to build something of their own and somewhat future proof their income. And for those who aren’t ready to go all-in, having that extra stream of revenue can be a huge relief when unexpected expenses pop up.
So, is the rise of the side hustle purely about money? Not entirely. Yes, financial pressure is real, especially with the cost of living continuing to bite.
But there’s something bigger at play here, and I believe it’s a shift in mindset. People aren’t just chasing pay cheques anymore – they’re chasing purpose.
They want flexibility, creativity, and the satisfaction of building something for themselves. And in a world where traditional job security is fading, that might just be the smartest move of all.
Side (237 words)
It’s never easy when there is a cloud of uncertainty over a key employer in your local area.
That doubt is heightened further when you live in a more rural part of Scotland.
That’s why I was concerned last week when I heard about the potential closure of the Strathmore Water plant in Forfar.
Owned and managed by soft drinks giant AG Barr, best known for their iconic Irn-Bru, the small manufacturing site may be forced to close as the group considers axing its Strathmore brand.
The touted move puts 23 jobs at risk and would have an immense impact on the town.
Local economies, workers and populations depend on businesses like this remaining strong and stable, but it seems like a period of doubt lies in store amid employee consultation.
I truly hope there is a positive resolution here, both for the brand and the Angus site, as calls are made for the Scottish Government to step in.
While it may not seem like it should be top of their priority list, protecting small sites like this and encouraging business confidence in our biggest brands surely can only benefit Scotland.
Of course, I do have sympathy with the board of AG Barr. Decisions like this come with many facets to weigh up, not least financial implications for their business long term.
The correct decision will become clear – and for their sake they best not bottle it.
Laugh (127 words)
You know your national sport is box office when American entertainment behemoth the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is utilising it for eye-catching PR opportunities.
I had to laugh when I saw the ongoing feud between Scottish wrestler Drew McIntyre, a Rangers fan, and his American counterpart CM Punk, a Celtic supporter, hit the headlines.
The two appear to be goading each other over their favoured team’s fortunes as a pre-cursor to their in-ring theatrics. Drama, ironically, only rivalled by the Glasgow derby.
Seriously though, it’s great exposure for Scottish brands in the huge US sporting entertainment market.
Our two biggest football clubs are unique and authentic to the core. I’d rather keep my thoughts on the realness of wrestling to myself in case either are reading, though!
Weep (117 words)
I was saddened to hear about the spate of closures facing Morrisons cafés and convenience stores across the UK, not least those in Scotland.
North of the border, the supermarket giant has confirmed it will shut down operations at two stores and 13 cafés.
This, of course, isn’t good for local economies and jobs across the country, but what concerns me just as much is the social spaces which will be disappearing for many.
With that number of cafés closing, a lot of people who rely on them will be left with nowhere else to go.
Business and community go hand in hand, and I feel Morrisons is forgetting a lot of its values with this move.
