Is a Side Hustle Worth It? A Guide for Professionals

Why Everyone’s Talking About Side Hustles

In 2025, Malaysians are more tapped into side hustles than ever before. Rising cost of living pressures with essentials such as rent, petrol, and groceries taking a growing chunk out of paychecks are compelling professionals to explore extra income opportunities.

Simultaneously, the gig economy has transformed how people work. Platforms like Grab, Foodpanda, Shopee, Upwork, and Fiverr have lowered the entry barrier, allowing anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection to start earning, whether via food delivery, freelance graphic design, or selling homemade snacks.

This isn't just anecdotal. The gig economy’s share of Malaysia's GDP surged from 18.5% in 2018 to nearly 30% in 2020. And as of 2023, roughly 3 million Malaysians, about 25% of the workforce, are engaged in gig work, up from 2.4 million in 2021.
Yet, as one local blogger cautions, not all hustles are created equal. Some may drain your energy, yield little return, or even be outright scams. The key? Approach with discipline, clarity, and a long-term mindset.

Is a Side Hustle Worth It?

The Upside

• Extra Income for Peace of Mind
Many Malaysians rely on side hustles to stretch their earnings. Even small monthly gains. Whether RM300 or RM3,000 can make a difference in savings, loan payments, or lifestyle flexibility.

• Skill Development and Diversification
Side gigs allow professionals to test new arenas such as writing, tutoring, affiliate marketing, or content creation without quitting their main job.

• Buffer Against Instability
With 62% of Malaysian professionals planning job changes in 2025, more than double the 24% looking in 2024, side hustles act as a strategic fallback.

• Creative Outlet and Autonomy
Many turn to side gigs not just for money, but for creative freedom as outlets to express and explore personal interests.

The Challenges

• Time, Burnout, and Balance
Turning hustle into burnout is a risk. Many report that juggling side work alongside full-time careers leads to stress and fatigue.

• Financial and Legal Clarity
From licensing for F&B businesses to understanding self-employment taxes, compliance matters and going in uninformed can cost more than the hustle earns.

• Inconsistent Earnings
Income from gigs can fluctuate, making budgeting tricky. Profits vary based on time, demand, and competition.

Popular Side Hustles for Professionals in Malaysia

Here are proven and promising options, with potential earnings where available:

1. Freelancing (Writing, Graphic Design, Video Editing)
Malaysians with digital skills can earn between RM500–RM5,000/month part-time through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local communities.

2. Online Tutoring / Teaching
Subjects like English, math, coding, or languages can pay RM30–RM150/hour depending on your expertise.

3. E-commerce & Reselling
Selling via Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop has a booming potential, with earnings ranging from RM1,000–RM10,000/month, depending on strategy and products.

4. Ride-sharing Delivery (Grab, Foodpanda, Lalamove)
Flexible work that fits around full-time hours, earnings may fall between RM500–RM3,000/month.

5. Content Creation & Affiliate Marketing
Blogs, YouTube, TikTok, or affiliate marketing can expand reach and revenue. Some creators earn up to RM50,000/month, though this is more the exception than the rule.

6. Low-Capital, Home-Based Hustles
o Baking, crafts, print-on-demand, and meal kits side hustles that require minimal upfront capital, potentially earning RM300–RM3,000/month
o Virtual assistance, transcription, and data entry are ideal for those short on time, offering RM200–RM2,000/month.

Where to Find Opportunities

• PERSOL GO App
Built for professionals, it matches you with part-time and freelance roles that suit your skills and schedule.

• Freelance Platforms
Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect you with global clients, especially valuable for digital freelancers.

• Facebook Groups & Local Forums
Communities are often buzzing with opportunities—many local businesses post gigs there.

• Networking & Referrals
Professional contact points like LinkedIn and industry circles can uncover consulting, writing, or coaching gigs not publicly listed.

Tips for Starting Smart

Take a thoughtful approach to your side hustle:

1. Define Your Objective
Income, experiment, growth, and knowing your “why” help you stay on track.

2. Start Lean
Begin with small gigs. Validate the idea before committing significant time or money.

3. Invest in Learning
Affordable online courses sharpen digital skills, making you more competitive and confident.

4. Schedule and Boundaries
Treat it like a mini-business; block time, avoid overextending, and protect your main job’s performance.

5. Stay Compliant
If you're selling products or tutoring, understand licensing, taxes, and platform policies.

6. Measure Progress
Track income, effort, and satisfaction. If the hustle isn’t productive or is draining, reassess.

When Should You Go All In?

Turning a side hustle into your main gig is exciting but requires a strategic transition.

Signs You’re Ready:

• Your side income matches or exceeds your salary.
• You have a growing and loyal client base or audience.
• You’ve built a financial buffer to manage income gaps.

Proceed with Care:

Full-time entrepreneurship lacks stability. Assess cash flow, growth potential, and long-term viability before taking the leap.

Final Thoughts

Side hustles today are more than money-making schemes; they’re journeys toward financial resilience, creative fulfilment, and career empowerment. In Malaysia’s dynamic gig economy, they’re practical, attainable, and increasingly commonplace.

To thrive with your hustle:
• Choose opportunities aligned with your skills and interests.
• Stay organised and informed.
• Let real-world benefits, not hype, guide your decisions.

Ready to start smart? Find side hustles that fit your schedule, goals, and skills on the PERSOL GO app.

FAQs

Q1. What is a side hustle?
A1: A side hustle is any income-generating activity you do outside your full-time job. It can range from freelancing (e.g., graphic design or writing) to selling products online, tutoring, or managing social media accounts for local businesses.

Q2. How much can I realistically earn from a side hustle in Malaysia?
A2: Earnings vary widely. Some part-time gigs may bring in RM300–RM1,000/month, while more established hustles—like e-commerce or content creation—can generate RM5,000 or more. Consistency, skills, and demand all play a role in how much you earn extra.

Q3. Do I need to pay tax on my side hustle income?
A3: Yes. Any extra income from freelancing, tutoring, affiliate marketing, or part-time jobs is taxable under Malaysian law. It’s important to declare your side hustle income when filing annual taxes with LHDN.

Q4. What are the easiest side hustles to start with little capital?
• Online tutoring
• Freelance writing or graphic design
• Content creation on YouTube, TikTok, or blogs
• Selling homemade products or crafts
• Virtual assistance or data entry
These options typically require only a laptop, internet connection, and your skills.

Q5. How do I avoid burnout while juggling a side hustle and a full-time job?
• Start small (e.g., 5–10 hours a week).
• Protect personal downtime—schedule rest just like work.
• Choose a hustle that excites you instead of drains you.
• Set realistic income targets rather than chasing “overnight success.”