What is the best side job?

Short answer: one in your own field. Not delivery, not shelf-stacking — unless there's no other option. A side job that builds on what you already know beats a random one on three counts.

1. Your hourly rate is higher

Unskilled work pays the market minimum — anyone can do it, so nobody pays extra for it. Work that uses your expertise easily pays two to four times more per hour. A bookkeeper updating accounts on weekends, a developer maintaining a website one evening a week, a teacher tutoring their own subject: same hours, a multiple of the income.

2. The hours count double

Hours in your field build something that lasts: experience, portfolio, contacts. Today's side job is tomorrow's reference. Delivery hours evaporate; field hours go on your CV and produce people who know what you can do — and who bring you work later.

3. It can grow

A side job in your field is often the start of freelance work at freelance rates. What begins as a favour for a former colleague becomes a second client, and sometimes an income stream that keeps running. A generic side job stays a side job.

How to find one

• Former employers and colleagues first. They already know your work — one message is often enough.
• Offer something concrete. "I have one evening a week available for X" works better than "I'm looking for something extra".
• Look at small businesses. They often have the work but not the budget for a full role — exactly where a few hours a week fit.
• Staffing or gig platforms in your sector if your network is thin — after the first job, referrals follow.

No field that lends itself to this, or need money right now? Then any honest side job beats none. But as soon as you can choose: choose the hours that count double.