Things to Do When Bored That Could Turn Into a Side Hustle

Stop scrolling, start earning. The average person dedicates over 11 hours a day to digital media, much of it fueled by boredom. This is your untapped potential. Harness that time to launch a fun, creative side hustle. Turn idle moments into your most profitable venture yet.

Everyone gets bored now and then. Whether you're stuck at home on a lazy Sunday or have some free time between meetings, that feeling of boredom can often leave us wondering, "What should I do?" Instead of letting that moment of idle time slip by, why not turn it into an opportunity? 

There are plenty of things to do when bored that could not only entertain you but could also transform into a side hustle. After all, why not make money while doing something you enjoy?

According to a 2014 study by the University of California, Berkeley, boredom can spark creativity and innovation because it forces your brain to come up with new ideas when there’s nothing to distract you. In fact, a report by the Nielsen Company revealed that the average person spends around 11 hours per day interacting with digital media, and a significant chunk of that time is often spent mindlessly scrolling when we’re bored. 

However, instead of letting boredom become a time-wasting exercise, why not turn it into something productive?

In 2021, it was reported that 40% of adults in the UK had started a side hustle in the last two years, often driven by the desire to earn extra income, learn new skills, or pursue personal passions. 

With the rise of online platforms, it’s easier than ever to monetise your interests and talents. Whether you're looking to make a little extra cash or even build a full-fledged business, boredom could be the perfect excuse to start something new.

10 things to do when bored that could turn into a side hustle

1. Start an online store

One of the most exciting things to do when bored is to start your own online store. With platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Shopify, setting up an online shop has never been easier. If you’ve ever thought about selling handmade crafts, vintage items, or even dropshipping products, why not use your boredom as a catalyst for starting a side hustle?

Whether it’s creating custom t-shirts, jewellery, or home décor, starting an online store allows you to channel your creativity into something that could eventually turn into a profitable venture. All you need is an internet connection, a product idea, and a bit of marketing effort. In fact, some entrepreneurs have turned their passion projects into thriving businesses, with online stores generating thousands of pounds in sales.

2. Freelance writing or blogging

If you're into writing and often find yourself doodling on your phone or jotting down thoughts, freelance writing could be a great side hustle to explore. Many businesses and websites are constantly in need of content, and your boredom could be the perfect opportunity to start your writing career.

Whether it's writing articles, blog posts, or even product descriptions, freelance writing can be incredibly rewarding. You can find clients on websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, or start your own blog and monetise it through ads or affiliate marketing. If you have a knack for writing about specific topics—whether it’s food, travel, finance, or tech, why not turn that interest into a blog that generates passive income?

Plus, with the flexibility of freelancing, you can work on your own terms and gradually scale your side hustle into a full-time career.

3. Social media management

Do you spend a lot of time on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter? If so, managing social media accounts could be one of the best things to do when bored that might also turn into a lucrative side hustle. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs don’t have the time or expertise to manage their online presence, so they hire freelancers like you to help build and maintain their profiles.

As a social media manager, you’ll create engaging posts, schedule content, and interact with followers. With a growing demand for social media marketing, it’s a fantastic opportunity to turn your passion for online interaction into a profitable venture. In fact, some social media managers are now earning thousands each month by helping businesses grow their online reach.

4. Photography or videography

Another fantastic thing to do when bored is to explore photography or videography. Whether it’s capturing moments on your phone or investing in a professional camera, you could easily turn your love for photography into a side hustle. There are so many opportunities in this field, from wedding and event photography to real estate and product photography.

Once you build a portfolio, you can start advertising your services locally or even offer stock photos or videos online. Websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock allow photographers to sell their images, turning your hobby into a steady stream of passive income.

If you enjoy editing as well, you could also offer video editing services, working on everything from social media content to YouTube videos. Videography and photography both provide a creative outlet while offering plenty of money-making opportunities.

5. Pet sitting or dog walking

If you love animals and are looking for a way to make extra cash, pet sitting or dog walking could be one of the most fun things to do when bored. This side hustle allows you to earn money while spending time with pets, whether you're taking a dog for a walk, pet-sitting while owners are away, or even offering grooming services.

The pet care industry is booming, and platforms like Rover and Pawshake make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area. It's a flexible side hustle that can work around your schedule, and if you develop a reputation for being reliable and loving towards animals, you’ll find yourself in high demand.

6. Sell your skills on Fiverr or Upwork

If you have a specific skill—whether it's graphic design, video editing, web development, or even voice-over work—offering your services on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork could be an excellent way to turn boredom into a side hustle. These platforms allow you to showcase your skills and connect with clients looking for freelancers.

For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you could design logos, business cards, or social media banners. If you’re a writer, you could offer blog writing, copywriting, or editing services. There’s an almost endless list of services you can offer on these platforms, and they are ideal for turning a hobby or interest into a side hustle.

7. Tutoring or teaching online

Are you an expert in a particular subject? Tutoring can be one of the best things to do when bored, especially if you're looking to make extra income. You could offer online tutoring in subjects you’re passionate about, whether it’s mathematics, science, languages, or even music lessons.

Websites like Chegg, Preply, and Tutor.com offer a platform where you can sign up to teach students around the world. With more people seeking educational support online, this side hustle has significant potential. Plus, tutoring allows you to share your knowledge and make a difference in someone else’s life while earning extra cash.

8. Affiliate marketing

If you spend a lot of time online and enjoy promoting products you love, affiliate marketing could be one of the best things to do when bored. In affiliate marketing, you promote products or services from companies on your blog, website, or social media. Every time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you earn a commission.

Affiliate marketing doesn’t require a lot of upfront investment and can be a passive income stream once set up. Websites like Amazon Associates and ClickBank make it easy to get started. You can start by sharing products you already use or have a passion for, and as your audience grows, so will your earnings.

9. Create an online course or e-book

If you’re an expert in a particular area, why not create an online course or e-book to share your knowledge with others? Online learning has exploded in popularity, and people are always looking for ways to acquire new skills. Whether you’re teaching people how to play an instrument, write effectively, or start a small business, creating a course can be a fulfilling and profitable way to make use of your time when bored.

Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable make it easy to build and sell your courses. Similarly, if writing is your thing, you could compile your expertise into an e-book and sell it on platforms like Amazon Kindle or Gumroad.

10. Start a YouTube channel or podcast

Creating a YouTube channel or podcast can be one of the most exciting things to do when bored if you enjoy talking about your passions. You can create content on virtually any subject: from travel vlogs and beauty tutorials to educational videos or even comedy skits. As your content gains traction, you can monetise your channel through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.

Similarly, podcasts are a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world. Whether you're discussing current events, interviewing guests, or sharing personal stories, podcasting can help you create a loyal audience, and it’s an easy way to start earning with minimal investment. Platforms like Anchor and YouTube provide the tools to get started for free, so why not turn your boredom into a rewarding creative project?

Final thoughts

As you can see, boredom doesn’t have to be a waste of time. In fact, there are plenty of things to do when bored that could turn into profitable side hustles, if not full-time careers. Whether it’s freelancing, starting an online business, or even offering your skills to others, there are endless opportunities to turn your downtime into something meaningful.

The next time boredom strikes, instead of reaching for your phone or watching mindless TV, consider using that moment to explore new ideas or projects that could provide both personal satisfaction and financial rewards. Who knows? Your side hustle might just be waiting to be discovered in that quiet moment of boredom.