10 Side Hustles to Avoid Doing in 2025 (And What to Do Instead)

Getting past the noise.

Since the pandemic there has been a increase interest in and around the idea of creating a passive income, or working on your side-hustle, with this new gig economy. Search on youtube and there is no shortage of vague how-to’s showing how this latest idea has generated real income.

As the economy slows and the cost of living rises, it is easy for the excitement of the moment and the lure of quick cash to influence our choices.

Which leads to the question that started it all : Are all side hustles created equal?

Absolutely not. In fact, some can waste your time, drain your energy, and leave you with nothing but regret. According to a 2024 survey by SideHustle Nation, over 35% of people said their side gig cost them more than it earned — yikes! I’ve been there too, chasing the hype only to realize it wasn’t worth the hustle.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the side hustles to avoid in 2025, why they’re not as glamorous as they seem, and what you should focus on instead. Let’s save you time, money, and sanity—starting now.

Why Some Side Hustles Just Don’t Work Anymore

Not every opportunity is a golden ticket. Many side hustles that used to work just fine are now plagued with problems:

Oversaturated Markets: Too many people are trying the same thing (like dropshipping), making it harder to stand out.Hidden Startup Costs: That “free” side gig might require hundreds to get off the ground.Poor ROI: You’re putting in hours for pennies.High Competition, Low Pay: Low barriers mean more competition and less earning potential.No Long-Term Growth: Some hustles don’t teach you skills or grow with you.The Top 10 Side Hustles to Avoid in 2025Dropshipping Generic Products from AliExpress

Selling products online without having to hold inventory sounds great! The reality is, the days of throwing up a general store with a trending electronic gadget are behind us. It is extremely difficult to find a product that is unique and in demand. Combine that with the fact you will be competing against thousands of others. This makes this side hustle difficult to become successful. Without a strong niche you will be facing a race to the bottom on price, while burning cash with paid ads. Combine that with the stress of awful shipping times, and customer service nightmares.

Shipping times are awfulMargins are thinCustomer service nightmaresTaking Low-Paying Online Surveys

Earning money for giving your opinion might sound like easy money. But these platforms are notorious for underpaying participants. You could spend an hour filling out forms and walk away with $1 or less. Most survey sites sell your data, waste your time, and rarely offer worthwhile payouts.

You earn cents per hourData often sold to third partiesMulti-Level Marketing (MLMs)

On the surface, MLMs might look like a legitimate business opportunity, especially when pitched by a friend. But they rely heavily on recruitment rather than real sales. The odds of turning a profit are slim, and most participants end up losing money or stockpiling products they can’t sell.

Heavy on recruiting, light on profitOften borderline pyramid schemesGig Apps in Oversaturated Cities

Driving or delivering for apps like UberEats or DoorDash can be convenient, but as more people flood these platforms, competition increases and pay decreases. In busy cities, you’re stuck in traffic, spending on gas, and burning out for barely minimum wage.

DoorDash, UberEats, etc. are flooded with workersWear and tear on your car vs. low earningsSelling Low-Quality Courses Without Expertise

The rise of “edupreneurs” has led to a flood of low-effort online courses. If you lack real experience, selling a course is a quick way to get negative reviews and refunds. Long-term, this damages your reputation and credibility.

Hurts your reputationHigh refund and chargeback ratesFreelance Platforms With Race-to-the-Bottom Pricing

Sites like Fiverr and Upwork are saturated with freelancers from around the world competing for the lowest price. Unless you have a standout portfolio or unique niche, you may find it hard to earn decent money.

Fiverr and Upwork are full of $5 gigsHard to stand out without a strong portfolioReselling Cheap Amazon Products

Amazon reselling sounds easy: buy low, sell high. But between fees, shipping, returns, and cutthroat competition, the margins disappear quickly. You’re often competing against huge sellers with bulk buying power.

Competition with big sellersRazor-thin profit marginsCreating Low-Effort Faceless YouTube Channels

Automated or faceless YouTube channels using AI voices or stolen footage rarely last. YouTube cracks down on reused content, and without a personal brand or original perspective, growth is nearly impossible.

Content ID issuesNo originality = no growthInvesting in Meme Coins or Pump-and-Dump Crypto

Crypto can be exciting, but chasing meme coins and “next big things” often ends in losses. These projects are volatile, easily manipulated, and rarely backed by real value.

Extremely riskyYou’re likely the exit liquidityPaid Mentorship With No Real Credentials

Beware of self-proclaimed gurus offering mentorship for thousands of dollars. Many are just marketers with no real success outside of selling the dream. Always vet your mentors before investing.

Many “mentors” are just marketersYou’re paying for recycled adviceCommon Red Flags to Watch For

Before diving into any side hustle, watch for these warning signs:

Promises of “Guaranteed Income”: Nothing is truly guaranteed.Emphasis on Recruiting: Classic MLM tactic.Hidden Fees or Costs: If you have to “buy in,” be cautious.Bad Reviews or Scam Accusations: Google it before you commit.No Real Value Offered: If it’s not solving a problem, it’s not a business.What Makes a Side Hustle Worth Doing

Successful side hustles share a few key traits:

Provides Real Value: Solves a problem or serves a need.Skill Building: Helps you grow and gain marketable experience.Scalability: Has room to grow over time.Fits Your Lifestyle: Flexible and manageable.Transparent Income Potential: You know how and when you’ll get paid.High-Potential Side Hustle Alternatives in 2025

Instead of chasing trends, focus on high-value, sustainable options:

Niche Affiliate MarketingBuild content around your passionMonetize with honest product recommendationsOffering Specialized ServicesSEO, design, copywriting, consultingCharge premium rates with the right skillsSelling Digital ProductseBooks, Notion templates, online coursesCreate once, sell foreverYouTube Channel with Unique CommentaryPersonality-driven content wins in the long runVirtual Assistance or Remote Customer SupportStable, growing demandEntry-level friendlyMonetizing on Platforms Like Gumroad, Ko-fi, or SubstackBuild a loyal audience and sell directly to themConclusion

Not all side hustles are worth your time—especially in 2025. The online world has changed, and so should your strategy. Avoid the hype, ignore the get-rich-quick promises, and look for opportunities that let you build skills, serve people, and grow over time.

Side hustling can still be powerful, but only if you hustle smart. Focus on value, not vanity. Learn before you leap. And above all, protect your time like it’s your most valuable asset—because it is.

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