Is Prolific Worth It?
It all begins with an idea.
In today’s hustle hungry world, almost everyone is looking for smart ways to earn extra money, especially online. Whether it’s to pay off debt, save for a vacation, or just add some cushion to the monthly budget, side hustles are more popular than ever but not all side gigs are for everyone. Driving for uber or selling crafts takes time and talent, and freelancing can a bit of hit or miss at times.
That’s where a site like Prolific can be great. If you haven’t heard of it yet, Prolific is an online research platform that pays users to take part in academic and scientific studies but the legit kind. It’s an easy, flexible, and surprisingly enjoyable way to make money on the side. Here’s why it might just be the perfect side hustle for you.
Oh and to caveat this, I have been personally using Prolific for a while now. It won’t make you rich but can definitely help you pay some of your bills every month if you are consistent.
1. It Pays Fairly.
Most online survey sites don’t pay that well. You can spend 20 minutes answering questions only to earn the equivalent of 20p/50 cents if you’re lucky.
Prolific is different. It was designed with ethics in mind, especially when it comes to how participants are compensated. Researchers are required to pay at least £6 (or about $8 USD) per hour, and many studies go well above that. The average pay rate is closer to £9-£12 ($11-$15 USD) per hour, and some participants report even higher earnings when stacking quick surveys.
For a few minutes of your time here and there, the money can add up surprisingly fast.
2. No Gimmicks, No Points & No Nonsense
Prolific doesn’t make you jump through hoops or chase cryptic point systems. You see a study, you complete it, and you get paid. It’s that simple.
Payouts go directly to your PayPal account, usually within a few days. This is the only thing I find a little annoying, I would have preferred it to link straight to my bank account but it is what it is. There’s no need to redeem rewards or hit a high minimum balance to cash out. Once you hit £5 or about $6.50), you can withdraw your earnings.
This transparency and simplicity make Prolific feel refreshingly straightforward and trustworthy.
3. It’s Actually Pretty Interesting
Most surveys are mind numbingly boring. Answering repetitive product questions can feel like a slog but Prolific partners with real researchers from universities and institutions around the world, which means the studies are often fascinating. I have done various studies for many universities around the world such at Rotterdam to Oxford and Harvard university.
You might be asked to weigh in on moral dilemmas, complete memory tasks, solve puzzles, or even play games that are part of psychology experiments. Some users say it feels more like a brain workout than work, and honestly each one is so different keeping it fun.
It’s not just about making money, it’s about contributing to real world research.
4. You’re Helping Science
Every time you take part in a study on Prolific, you're contributing to academic and scientific research. Whether it’s a cognitive psychology experiment, a behavioral economics study, or a public health questionnaire, your participation helps researchers gather the data they need to make discoveries and drive change.
That’s a big deal. You're not just filling out forms for a faceless corporation you’re making a real impact in the academic world. And getting paid for it. Some studies are easy whilst others are much more serious such as face to face and recorded interviews.
5. You Control Your Time
One of the biggest perks of Prolific is the total flexibility. There are no quotas, no schedules, and no commitments. Studies are available throughout the day, and you can jump in whenever you have a spare moment between meetings, during lunch breaks, while waiting in line, or winding down in the evening. Many people do this on the side at work (probably not recommended!) and love to know that at least one or two of their bills are covered each month.
There’s no minimum requirement and no pressure. You do what you want, when you want, and you get paid for the time you spend. It’s one of the few side hustles that truly fits around your life instead of the other way around.
6. You Don’t Need Any Special Skills or Equipment
To get started on Prolific, all you need is a device with internet access so your phone, tablet, or computer and a few minutes to create an account and fill out your profile. I recommend using a laptop however, some studies do ask for mobile phones but they are rarer.
That’s it. No resume, no interview, no sales skills, no car, no camera. Unlike freelancing or gig work, there’s zero barrier to entry. Once you’re registered, studies will start appearing based on your profile and demographic information.
It’s one of the easiest and most accessible ways to earn money online.
7. It’s Passive
Okay, it’s not set it and forget it passive income but once your profile is complete and you get into the habit of checking for new studies, you can earn money just by responding to notifications or checking your dashboard throughout the day.
If you install browser extensions or mobile notifications, you can be alerted the moment a new study goes live which I highly recommend meaning less time waiting and more time earning. Just make sure to turn the volume down as the alert sound is quite loud!
Many studies are short, some just a few minutes so can knock them out during downtime and stack up some surprisingly quick earnings.
8. It’s Global and Inclusive
Prolific is available in dozens of countries, and it’s open to anyone over the age of 18. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, a stay at home parent, a full-time worker, or retired. If you can answer questions and follow instructions, you’re good to go, there is an about section which you will need to complete and the more you complete the more trustoworhty you are I have found, which means more studies.
The platform matches studies to your demographic profile, you’re more likely to see surveys you actually qualify for, cutting down on rejections or frustrating screen outs that plague other platforms.
So is Prolific really worth it, and how much did I make?
I’d say yes, especially compared to most other similiar sites. If you're looking for a side hustle that’s low-effort, flexible, fairly paid, and even a little fun, Prolific checks all the boxes. It won’t replace your full-time job, but it can definitely pad your wallet while giving you the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful research.
I can typically make anywhere from £50 - £200 per month but some less. Prolific’s decision making on who gets to do the surveys are still a bit of a mystery unfortunately and is hard to pinpoint why you sometimes get them and sometimes not. Location is certainly a deciding factor but the others are vague and can be a bit frustrating especially when you don’t get any for weeks on end with no clear reason.
If you're curious, give it a try. Sign up, fill out your profile, and start taking studies when they pop up. Your brain and your bank account might just thank you.
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Babysitting As A Side Hustle?
It all begins with an idea.
Why Starting a Babysitting Agency Is the Ultimate Side Hustle.
In today’s gig economy, side hustles are no longer just trendy, they're pretty essential for a lot of people from food delivery to freelance design, having that extra income can relieve a lot of stress. Many options are saturated or require technical skills however there’s one opportunity that remains surprisingly untapped and that’s babysitting agencies and I ran one for a few years.
Now you might be thinking, I just babysit and charge an hourly rate? No, this is actually a different model. A babysitting agency means the management of babysitters rather than doing the babysitting yourself, think of Uber, it’s a similar model, parents come to you and you send out a request to your book of babysitters and arrange the booking acting as the middle party. It’s a low cost, high demand, and scalable business that provides value to both families and caregivers. If you’re looking for a side hustle that offers flexibility, real income potential, and the chance to help your community, here's why launching a babysitting agency could be your best move yet
1. Consistent Demand
Let’s start with the obvious. Parents always need childcare. With millions of working families and a growing awareness of the importance of trustworthy, vetted sitters, demand is only increasing. Whether it’s a date night, weekend errands, or after school coverage, babysitters are indispensable.
As the agency owner, you won’t just be offering your own time, you’ll be connecting multiple families with multiple sitters. This means your income won’t be capped by your availability. You can even do some sits yourself if you want so then you technically have two income streams in one. I personally didn’t do this but I’m sure that’s how many agencies were born.
2. Low Startup Costs
One of the most attractive aspects of starting a babysitting agency is the minimal initial investment. You don’t need office space, expensive equipment, or a fancy website to get started.
At a basic level, your start-up checklist should include:
A website & social media page.
Liability waivers and sitter agreements
Background checks for each sitter
Scheduling software but can easily use your email and a spreadsheet.
You can begin as a solo operator and scale as demand grows with no need to risk large sums of money upfront.
3. Flexible Hours
Unlike many side hustles, a babysitting agency allows you to work on your own schedule. Whether you have a full time job, attend classes, or are raising your own children, you can build and run the agency during your available hours however you may want to make this clear to your clients and sitters.
Most of your time will go toward:
Recruiting and screening sitters
Communicating with families
Coordinating bookings (This often takes the longest)
Marketing and outreach
4. Recurring Clients and Stable Revenue
This is one of the biggest positives. Babysitting isn’t just a onetime service, it’s ongoing. Once a family finds a sitter they trust, they’re likely to become repeat customers and that’s where the magic of recurring revenue kicks in. People often used to ask me, hey could they just not stop using you and go directly to the babysitter? They can, but surprisingly it was actually quite rare. I think many families realised if they did this they wouldn’t have the option to use another sitter if their main one wasn’t available so didn’t want to burn any bridges, that was my theory anyway!
By organizing recurring schedules (e.g. every Tuesday evening or school pickup every Friday), you can also create a more predictable and sustainable income stream than many other side hustles can offer. Over time, you’ll build a network of loyal families and sitters who rely on your service.
You can also introduce membership models charging monthly or charge a booking fee per sit. The options are endless and many agencies do a combination of both. I actually didn’t charge a monthly fee at the time but looking back I wish I had.
5. Positive Social Impact
Starting a babysitting agency isn’t just about the money. you’re genuinely making a difference. You're helping families find reliable childcare. Sitters (often students or part time workers) earn flexible income as well so you are helping the local economy.
Unlike some side hustles that can feel soulless or purely transactional, this one is rooted in real human connection as well. Your work improves lives, and that’s not something every side hustle can say.
6. Scalable Model
Once you’ve nailed the basics and built a small client base, your business can easily scale and expand into new towns or cities. You can also offer different levels of service such as new born care, special needs support, emergency backup care.
Build a team of coordinators to handle logistics
Create digital products like babysitting training or parenting guides
With time, your babysitting agency can evolve from a side hustle to a full blown business possibly even a franchise model if you dream big enough. I have seen one franchise model do this in the UK with success so it’s possible.
7. Low Competition, High Trust
While apps like Care.com or Sittercity exist, many parents prefer local, high-touch options over anonymous platforms. By being the go to community expert, you offer something no algorithm can: trust and human oversight.
When parents know you personally vet each sitter, conduct interviews, and handle bookings with care, they’re more likely to choose you over faceless tech platforms. That’s your edge and it’s hard to replicate.
8. Teaches Valuable Business Skills
Running a babysitting agency will sharpen your entrepreneurial toolkit. You’ll gain hands on experience in:
Marketing and branding
Customer service
Contract negotiation
Financial management
Team building
Whether you stick with it long term or use it as a launchpad for bigger ventures, the skills you gain are universally applicable.
Final Thoughts
In a world of crowded side hustles and unstable gigs, starting a babysitting agency offers a rare combination: meaningful work, flexible hours, recurring income, and room to grow. It’s a business that doesn’t just fill your wallet but it fills a real need in the community.
If you’ve got a knack for organization, a good head for business, and a desire to help others, this might be your sign to start. Your first client could be just one conversation or one social media post away.
Bonus Tips to Get Started:
Offer your first few families a discounted trial to build trust and gather testimonials.
Partner with local schools or parent groups to find both sitters and clients.
Create a simple online form for bookings to streamline communication.
Always prioritize safety—use background checks and reference calls for all sitters.
Side hustles should work for you, not the other way around. A babysitting agency might just be the side hustle that does both.
Web Design Side Hustle.
It all begins with an idea.
Why Web Design is a Great Side Hustle.
Whether you're saving for a big purchase, looking to pay off debt, or just want more financial freedom, a good side hustle can make a big difference. One of the best options out there? Web design.
From its flexibility to its earning potential, web design stands out as one of the most rewarding and sustainable side gigs in the modern economy. Here’s why it’s worth considering especially in 2025.
1. Low Barrier to Entry
You don’t need a college degree or years of experience to get started in web design. Thanks to tools like Wix, Webflow, WordPress, and Squarespace, beginners can create beautiful, functional websites without writing a single line of code.
And if you want to dive deeper into the technical side? Free platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and YouTube tutorials offer everything you need to learn HTML, CSS, and even JavaScript at your own pace.
Bottom line: You can start learning web design today—with little or no upfront cost.
2. Flexible Schedule
One of the biggest perks of web design as a side hustle is the ability to work whenever and wherever you want. If you have a full-time job, you can design websites in the evening or on weekends. If you're a student or stay-at-home parent, you can carve out time around your other responsibilities.
Remote work is the standard in the web design world, so there’s no need to commute or punch a clock. All you need is your laptop, an internet connection, and your creativity.
3. High Demand Across Industries
Nearly every business today needs a website—from coffee shops and personal trainers to startups and nonprofits. And while DIY site builders exist, many people still prefer to hire a professional who can deliver a polished, custom look and functionality.
In 2025, having a strong online presence isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. This creates ongoing demand for freelance web designers who can help brands stand out.
And here's the kicker: Once you design a website for a client, they often need ongoing updates, redesigns, or SEO services. That means repeat business and long-term income potential.
4. Solid Earning Potential
Web design can quickly go from a $200 side job to a $2,000 project—and beyond. Depending on your skills and experience, here's what you could charge:
Basic websites (1-3 pages): $300 – $800
Standard small business websites: $1,000 – $3,000
Custom or e-commerce sites: $3,000 – $10,000+
You don’t need to land huge clients right away. Start small, build your portfolio, and raise your rates as your skills improve. Even if you only take on one client a month at $1,000, that's an extra $12,000 per year—without quitting your day job.
5. Creative and Fulfilling Work
Web design blends technical problem-solving with artistic expression. You get to build something from scratch, use color, layout, and typography to tell a brand’s story, and see your work go live on the internet.
If you enjoy visual design, UX/UI, or branding, web design is a fulfilling outlet that taps into your creativity. It’s also constantly evolving—so you’re always learning something new, whether it's the latest design trend or a new tool like Figma, Framer, or Notion for web project management.
6. Scalable Into a Full-Time Business
Web design doesn’t have to stay a side hustle. Once you've built a client base and developed efficient systems, you can scale up:
Offer monthly maintenance plans
Sell website templates
Start a design agency
Branch into SEO, content writing, or digital marketing
Teach web design through courses or coaching
Many successful designers started freelancing on the side and eventually grew their hustle into a full-time, six-figure business. Whether or not you plan to go that far, it’s nice to have the option.
7. You Control Your Income
Unlike a typical job where your income is capped, web design gives you control. You decide:
How many clients to take on
What services to offer
What your rates are
Whether you want to do hourly work, project-based work, or retainer contracts
This control is empowering. If you want to take a break, you can. If you want to double your income next month, you can hustle for it. You’re not stuck waiting for a raise or approval from a boss.
8. Build Real-World Skills That Stay Relevant
Even if you never turn web design into your full-time job, the skills you learn are incredibly marketable:
Design thinking
Digital tools
Marketing strategy
Client communication
Project management
These can help you in almost any career path—from marketing and tech to entrepreneurship and beyond. You're not just earning money—you’re investing in your own professional development.
9. It’s Fun to Help Small Businesses Thrive
Many freelance web designers work with local businesses, non-profits, or solopreneurs—and making a difference in their success is incredibly rewarding.
You’re not just building a website; you’re helping someone grow their dream, reach their customers, and put their business on the map. That kind of impact is both personal and powerful.
Final Thoughts: Is Web Design the Right Side Hustle for You?
Web design isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, and like any side hustle, it takes time to learn and grow. But if you’re looking for a flexible, creative, in-demand, and highly profitable way to earn extra income, web design checks all the boxes.
You can start with minimal investment, learn as you go, and build a real business on your own terms. Plus, the internet isn’t going anywhere—so web designers will always be needed.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy beginner, a creative with an eye for aesthetics, or someone who just wants a new challenge, web design might just be your perfect side hustle.
Ready to get started?
Explore tools like Webflow, WordPress, and Canva. Build your first site. Offer to help a friend or local business. The journey to your first $1,000 side gig could start today.
Buying And Selling On Facebook Marketplace Side Hustle.
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.