- Work Hard
- 23rd Jul 2025
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- 0 minute
Want to make some extra cash? These are the best side hustles right now
Let’s face it – the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone anywhere, and whether it’s affording that dreamy holiday abroad or just keeping your Greggs habit alive (no judgement here), a little extra cash can go a long way.
But what if your side hustle could also be fun, flexible, and maybe even involve dogs? We’ve rounded up the best side hustles for North East locals looking to level up their income without giving up their sanity.
1. Dog sitting with Rover: Get paid to cuddle pups
Yes, this is real. And yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
Rover, the dog-sitting app that’s been making waves nationally, is now picking up pace in Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland and beyond. It connects local pet owners with sitters and walkers. If you’re a dog lover (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you can earn decent money by walking or boarding pups in your own home. Even better? You set your rates and availability.
2. Selling vintage or preloved fashion
Depop, Vinted, eBay – the fashion resale game is booming, and the North East has an amazing second-hand scene to tap into. Whether you’re thrifting in Oxfam on Gosforth High Street, raiding Tynemouth Market on the weekend, or decluttering your own wardrobe, there’s serious cash to be made in reselling.
The trick? Quality photos, quirky styling, and jumping on trends. Y2K? Still going. Oversized blazers? Always. That jacket you bought for your uni nights out and never wore again? Someone wants it.
3. Freelance everything
Freelancing isn’t just for graphic designers and social media gurus anymore. Got a knack for proofreading? Voiceover skills? Can you write CVs or create Canva graphics that actually look good? Websites like Fiverr, Upwork and PeoplePerHour are buzzing with clients – and you can work from anywhere. Including your sofa, in pyjamas, with a cuppa.
4. Sea glass art and coastal crafts
This is a hyper-local hustle and brilliant for anyone living near the coast. Sea glass is a sought-after material for jewellery, frames and art – and guess what? Seaham is world famous for its multicoloured sea glass.
Collect, clean and craft into earrings, pendants or even framed mosaics. Sell online, at Sunday markets, or to tourists in coastal cafés and gift shops.
5. Food and drink pop-ups
If you’ve got culinary skills, Newcastle and the surrounding areas are rich ground for foodie side hustles. Pop-ups, supper clubs and market stalls are thriving, especially in venues like By The River Brew Co, The Grainger Market and STACK Seaburn.
Think small-batch brownies, artisan dumplings or homemade chilli oil. The North East crowd is hungry (literally and figuratively) for new, independent flavours. Don’t fancy running a stall? Sell your creations online through local delivery groups or Instagram.
6. Teaching or tutoring
Got a degree or teaching experience? Parents in areas like Ponteland and Whitley Bay are crying out for qualified tutors in everything from GCSE Maths to piano to Spanish. You don’t need to go it alone either – platforms like Tutorful or Superprof let you list your services and set your prices.
Bonus: this one feels especially rewarding. Helping a student gain confidence and ace their exams? That’s worth more than just the hourly rate.
7. Crafty queen? Etsy awaits…
The North East is full of creative souls – and if you’re one of them, it might be time to monetise those late-night crafting sessions. Whether it’s soy candles inspired by Northumberland’s coastline, silver jewellery stamped with Geordie slang, or custom embroidery, Etsy is the go-to platform for turning handmade goods into cash.
Shout out to local communities like Newcastle Etsy Team and The Northern Lass Lounge, who provide support and awareness for Etsy sellers based in the region.
8. House sitting or Airbnb management
As the North East gets more popular with staycationers, savvy homeowners are outsourcing their Airbnb hosting duties. If you’ve got a flexible schedule and an eye for detail, you can earn decent money managing guest check-ins, cleaning, or even just popping round to water the plants in someone’s Jesmond terrace while they’re off in Majorca.
Check out side hustle Facebook groups or search on apps like TaskRabbit for local opportunities.
9. Photography at Geordie hotspots
If you’ve got a half-decent camera (or a phone and an eye for lighting), photography is a low-barrier entry side hustle. Local Instagrammers are making cash doing mini shoots at iconic locations – think pre-prom shoots at Saltwell Park, proposal shoots on the Quayside, or content shoots at the Angel of the North.
You could even offer “North East content creation sessions” for small biz owners in places like Tynemouth Market, Jesmond Dene or Armstrong Bridge. Everyone wants pretty pics – and many are willing to pay for them.
10. TikTok and Insta side hustling (No, Really)
Okay, hear us out. While becoming a full-blown influencer might feel like a long shot, there’s real potential in content creation – especially if you’ve got a niche. Think dog-friendly café reviews in Newcastle, vegan food tours of Durham, or even hilarious takes on North East dating life.
You don’t need thousands of followers to start earning – many local businesses will pay micro-influencers for content, promotion, or photography. So go ahead, post that dreamy sunrise shot of Roker Beach and tag your favourite brunch spot. You never know where it might lead.
Whether you’re after a few extra quid for cocktails on Grey Street or working towards a long-term goal, the North East has never been a better place to start a side hustle. We’ve got the creativity, the community, and the hustle spirit in buckets.
So go on – try something new. Your next big (side) thing might just be a click, a craft, or a walk in the park away.
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