Brits are ditching traditional second jobs for online side hustles, as searches for virtual assistant jobs soar past 100,000 a month, almost five times higher than childminding and pet sitting.
New data reveals a structural shift in the UK gig economy, driven by demand for flexibility, low start-up costs, and scalable digital work.
The research, by workplace experts at Furniture at Work, shows people are prioritising greater flexibility, low start-up costs, and remote options.
Search trends show a clear and widening gap between online and traditional side hustles.
- Virtual Assistant – 103,000 monthly searches
Ranking third in earnings, it’s also a winner in popularity. The term “virtual assistant jobs” saw more than a hundred thousand searches in November, more than any other role. It’s remote, it’s flexible, and it’s rising fast. The start-up costs reflect investment in software subscriptions, marketing, and a reliable computer setup.
2. Selling Photos and Media – 77,000 searches
This is a creative way for those with photography skills to turn a passion into extra income. However, investing in quality camera equipment, editing software, and paying platform fees for listing and selling your work make initial start-up costs relatively high.
3. Online Tutor – 21,000 searches
As the highest-earning side hustle in the index, online tutors can earn more than £700 a month, making it the top choice for those wanting to turn specialist knowledge into strong income streams. Start-up costs typically cover training materials, certification, and tech setup, such as new software.
The gap between online and traditional roles is widening. Childminding and pet sitting now lag far behind, with combined searches less than half those for virtual assistants. This shift reflects a clear preference for remote, scalable work that offers better returns and fewer barriers.
Key drivers behind the trend include:
- Stronger earning potential
- Work-from-anywhere flexibility
- Opportunity to scale into full-time ventures
Office experts at Furniture at Work explain:
“The shift to digital side hustles reflects changing lifestyles and the demand for flexible, remote work. Online roles like virtual assistance are thriving because they combine accessibility with strong earning potential, while traditional jobs face barriers that make them less appealing in today’s economy”.
With hybrid and remote working firmly embedded in UK work culture, online side hustles offer the flexibility and earning potential modern workers demand, making them a clear choice for 2026.
Furniture at Work highlights how a well-designed home office can support the growing shift toward online side hustles.
