We help everyday people earn more on their own terms. Since 2015, our team has tested hundreds of legit side hustles, small business ideas, and income apps to help readers boost their income and gain more financial freedom. Join our 200,000+ community and get proven, actionable ways to make extra money online or offline — no fluff, no hype.
Why most side hustles fizzle — and how to keep yours from burning out
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I’ve started more side hustles than I can count — and burned out on plenty of them. When I was a teenager, I used to buy computer memory wholesale and resell it on eBay. It made money… but daily post office trips (before I could even drive) wore me -- and mostly my mom -- out, fast. Later, I flipped Pokémon cards — still do, actually — but the market’s gotten so volatile that finding inventory feels like gambling. More recently, I tried launching another blog while raising four kids, running my business, and freelancing on the side. The domain’s still active, the hosting’s still paid — but the site itself is basically a blank WordPress theme. Even Jeff once spent thousands launching a candle brand — full branding, products, a custom website, inventory. By the time it was ready to sell, he was so burned out he could barely find the energy to market it. So yeah, I get it. Burnout happens to the best of us. In our latest feature, we dig into why so many side hustles quietly fizzle out — and what actually helps people build ones that last. From creators and freelancers to therapists juggling 15 income streams, their stories hit home. — Ben Huber |
DollarSprout
We help everyday people earn more on their own terms. Since 2015, our team has tested hundreds of legit side hustles, small business ideas, and income apps to help readers boost their income and gain more financial freedom. Join our 200,000+ community and get proven, actionable ways to make extra money online or offline — no fluff, no hype.
Hey Reader,If you earned extra income from a side hustle this year, there’s good news — many of your everyday business expenses will be deductible. From mileage and phone bills to startup costs and supplies, our CPA-approved guide breaks down what you can legally write off for the 2025 tax year (and what you can’t). Even if you’re not filing yet, it’s worth bookmarking this one — a few minutes of prep now can make tax season a whole lot easier. 👉 Read (and save) the full guide:...
When a fire destroyed Brian Watkins’ home, he lost nearly everything — except decades of knowledge about antiques and collectibles. With no savings and two kids to care for, he needed a way to rebuild fast. That’s when he found JustAnswer — a site where real experts get paid to help people online. Today, Brian earns $4K–$10K a month appraising vintage items from home — coins, toys, furniture, you name it — all while being there for his kids. We’re not affiliated with JustAnswer; we just love...
The upcoming tax season doesn’t have to be stressful — but for most side hustlers, it usually is. Unlike a W-2 job, no one’s setting money aside for you. That means if you’re freelancing, driving deliveries, or running an Etsy shop, April can sneak up fast (and with it, a tax bill you didn’t see coming). We put together a simple 9-step checklist to help you stay organized, avoid penalties, and take advantage of new 2025 tax deductions — including: ✅ A $25,000 “No Tax on Tips” deduction for...