How to Start an Ethical Side Hustle

The average student graduates with $30,000 in debt. This burden is so heavy that the average American cannot get out of it through their job alone. With this being said, there are times when you need to look for breakaway opportunities to make more money. One way to do this is by starting an ethically moral side hustle that will also provide some benefits to society.

An ethical side hustle might be right for you if your moral code aligns with veganism, or anti-capitalism. If you have apprehension about participating in capitalism but still want to access greater financial stability, this article is for you.

What is an ethical side hustle?

A side hustle is an additional job or occupation. A lot of people are drawn to the idea because they can make extra money to help make ends meet, but what about those who want to do something that is explicitly in-line with their ethics? The best way to find an ethical side hustle is by looking for opportunities where you don't have to sacrifice your morals in order to make a living.

Starting a side hustle does not have to mean 'starting a corporation'. You may equate the idea of starting a business to participating in unethical exploitation of workers, but this is not always the case. An ethical side business can be as simple as running an Etsy shop! There are many other ways to go about starting an ethical side hustle. A few ideas for an ethical side hustle include: babysitting, walking dogs, grooming pets, plant-based meal delivery services.

What questions should I ask myself before starting a side hustle?

Most people know that entrepreneurship is the best way to create passive income, but starting a business isn't for everyone. If you have free time on your hands, want to take better control of your finances, and are attracted to the idea of being your own boss, there are plenty of ways to start a side hustle. But before you dive in, there are some questions you should ask yourself first.

Before starting your side hustle ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. 🤔 Why do I want or need to start this?
2. 💭 What are my goals with this side hustle?
3. ☝️ How can I ensure that I operate my business with integrity?

Moral Code: what moral code should I follow as a side hustler?

If you are considering starting a side hustle, it may be helpful to consider what moral code you want to follow while working on it. For example, if you do not want any animal products in your product, you will need to research manufacturers that can help meet your needs.

Business Ideas: What are some ideas for side hustles that are not too unrealistic to start?

There are many side hustles that are within reach for most people. They tend to be more physical, but can also focus on skills or knowledge. If you are looking for a more time-consuming side hustle, try freelance work for platforms like Upwork. However, if you are up for something less time-consuming, consider working as a virtual assistant. Side hustles can also be an opportunity to learn new skills in order to break into a new field.

Some Quick Ideas to Consider:

1. Turn your hobby into a business with something like Etsy, RedBubble, or Printify
2. Side-hustle as a photographer and collect royalties for your images or offer your services for hire
3. Have a unique skill? Create a 20 minute course for Skillshare or Udemy
4. Are you a great writer? Offer freelance ghostwriting on Fiverr, Upwork, Reedsy, Freelancer, or Scribd
5. Have an eye for great stuff at garage sales? Flip items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace
   

There are endless ways to help you reach a higher level of financial security. It's all about making sure that you choose avenues that are in alignment with your values. If you're reading this article then you're already on the right path towards building a socially-conscious side hustle for yourself.

So go for it. And make sure that you enjoy the journey!