How Teachers Are Using Side Hustles to Earn More and Explore New Passions

For too many public school teachers, passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. Between rising costs and frozen pay, you might find yourself taking on extra work just to stay afloat. That reality can feel frustrating and exhausting.

But what if a side gig could offer more than a paycheck?

Many teachers are discovering that working outside the classroom can actually help them explore other talents, express themselves creatively, or even plant the seeds for a future career shift. This article offers tips, inspiration, and firsthand stories from real teachers who’ve found side gigs that work for them.

Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, more control over your time, or just some extra cash to make ends meet, you are not alone and there are options out there that might surprise you.

Why More Teachers Are Working Second Jobs

Let’s be honest. Teaching has never been easy, but the financial pressure many educators feel today is reaching a breaking point. Teacher pay scales haven’t kept up with inflation in many areas, and expectations in the classroom continue to grow. Combine that with rising teacher turnover and concerning teacher shortage statistics, and it’s no surprise that burnout is becoming harder to avoid.

A side job used to be something you took on during summer break. Now, it’s part of the year-round routine for many educators like Chad, an engineering teacher in the Northeast.

“I do Uber and DoorDash. I love it. Most of the time, anyway. The nice thing about them is that you never have to deal with a boss or supervisor. Plus, you choose your own hours and can basically work anytime you want… and quit anytime you want. If I have an extra 20 minutes, I’ll run a DoorDash. If I start and realize I’m not feeling it, I quit. The convenience factor is definitely its biggest selling point.”

Apps like DoorDash and Uber offer flexibility, which can be a lifeline for teachers trying to juggle grading, planning, and recovery time.

Rediscovering Your Creativity Outside the Classroom

A second job doesn’t have to feel like just another obligation. In fact, it can become a space where you reconnect with parts of yourself that don’t always get attention during the school day.

Many teachers start side gigs rooted in something they genuinely enjoy. Maybe it’s photography, baking, graphic design, or music. Others explore skills they’ve always wanted to try but never had time for. Creative outlets like these not only generate income, but also serve as a form of much needed stress relief.

For Stephanie, a high school English teacher, photography started as a hobby, but quickly became something much more.

“I like it because I am my own boss and can be selective about bookings. I think flexibility is important for teachers looking for a side hustle.”

If you’re not sure where to begin, start by asking yourself: What do I enjoy doing when I’m not teaching? Is there something people often compliment me on or ask for help with? These questions can point you toward meaningful, low-pressure ways to earn outside the classroom.

Even if your side gig never becomes a full-time venture, it can still be a source of personal fulfillment and that alone can be worth the effort.

Turning Your Teaching Skills Into Extra Income

You already have the tools to succeed in many roles. The skills you use in your classroom every day are in high demand across a variety of industries.

Communication, organization, leadership, time management, multitasking, and conflict resolution are just a few of the strengths teachers bring to the table. These translate especially well into tutoring, curriculum development, educational consulting, instructional design, and freelance writing. Even non-education roles—like virtual assistant work, social media management, or customer support—value the type of clear, thoughtful communication teachers provide.

If you’re a natural at explaining concepts in different ways, tutoring is an easy entry point. Online tutoring platforms allow you to set your own hours and focus on subjects you love. If you’re tech-savvy or have an eye for design, you might explore designing teaching resources or lesson plan templates to sell on websites like Teachers Pay Teachers.

“I started my writing and consulting side hustle as a means to make extra money,” said Chelly, who teaches English and Learning Support. “What I didn’t anticipate was the sense of self-worth it would bring. After a very stressful teaching day, a consulting call with my colleagues leaves me feeling revived, confident, and appreciated.”

Your experience has value, and sometimes the right side gig is less about starting something new and more about recognizing how useful your existing skills already are.

What to Know About Taxes and Deductions

Once you start earning money from a side hustle, it’s important to understand how that income impacts your taxes. The good news is that side work often qualifies as self-employment, which opens the door to new teacher tax deductions that can make a real difference come tax season.

Expenses related to your side gig, like home office supplies, Wi-Fi, computer equipment, travel for client meetings, and even part of your utilities may be deductible. If you use a room in your home exclusively for your side business, you might qualify for a home office deduction. The key is to keep good records, track income and expenses, and consult with a tax professional who understands self-employment income and deductions.

“While it took some research and learning at first, I’m now able to deduct all sorts of expenses I wouldn’t have been able to deduct before,” Chelly said. “Wi-Fi, utilities, home repairs, electronic devices, mileage to meetings, working lunches, and so much more. This helps a ton come tax time.”

Even if you’re just starting out, it’s worth looking into basic bookkeeping tools or apps to stay organized. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and getting set up early can save you stress and money later.

The bottom line

No one goes into teaching expecting to take on a second job, but for many educators, it’s become a reality. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re doing what it takes to care for yourself and your future.

A side gig can bring more than just financial relief. It can help you tap into other parts of who you are. Your creativity, your curiosity, your leadership, and your love for connecting with people all have value beyond the classroom. Whether you’re earning extra income to cover monthly expenses or building something that could grow into a new opportunity, your time and effort are worth it.