Want to Lose Money? Try These Worst Side Hustles of 2025

Let’s face it: the world of side hustles is getting crowded. While some people are thriving with their side gigs, others are throwing their money and time into businesses that are doomed from the start. So, if you want to avoid wasting your time, here’s a comprehensive list of the worst side hustles for 2025. Whether it’s due to oversaturation, impracticality, or just plain bad ideas, these business ventures should be avoided at all costs.

1. Dropshipping (Because Who Doesn’t Love Waiting 3 Weeks for a Package?)

Remember when dropshipping was all the rage? Well, guess what? Everyone and their dog is doing it now, and it’s honestly hard to stand out when you’re selling the same cheap products as thousands of other wannabe entrepreneurs. Plus, the margins are razor-thin. You might make $2 on each sale after spending hours figuring out how to advertise to the right people. And let’s not forget the fun part—waiting for weeks on end while your customers scream at you because their “express” shipment is still stuck on a boat somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Why it’s bad: Oversaturation, low profit margins, long shipping times, and unhappy customers. Sounds like a winning combo, right?

2. Vlogging (For Your Extremely Niche Life, Nobody Cares About)

Sure, we’ve all seen people turn vlogging into a full-time job with millions of followers. But unless you’re doing something truly unique—like skydiving into a volcano while riding a unicycle—no one cares about your “day in the life” of being a freelance graphic designer. With billions of videos uploaded every second, standing out as a vlogger in 2025 is like shouting into a void. You might gain 30 subscribers in a month… and that’s only because your mom and grandma hit the “subscribe” button.

Why it’s bad: Too many people are vlogging about too many things that nobody needs to watch. Unless you’re already an internet celebrity or have a truly original concept, prepare to be lost in the noise.

3. Renting Out Your Car for “Passive Income”

Some people might tell you that renting out your car via platforms like Turo is a great way to make passive income. But let’s be honest: renting your car to strangers is like lending your favourite pair of shoes to a toddler. It’s probably going to come back dirty, broken, or smelling like a combination of fast food and regret. Plus, the wear and tear on your car will add up quicker than you can say “insurance claim.” The worst part? After all the stress of managing your rentals, you’re left with a car that’s worth less and a wallet that’s a little emptier.

Why it’s bad: High maintenance, unpredictable damages, and a potential headache of dealing with renters who treat your car like it’s a demolition derby vehicle.

4. Selling Generic “Inspirational” Products on Etsy

Etsy is full of people selling all sorts of personalised products, from custom T-shirts to wood carvings with the phrase “Good Vibes Only” etched in swirly font. But in 2025, the market is saturated with these cookie-cutter inspirational products, and they’re not exactly flying off the shelves. Unless you’ve got a truly original twist—like T-shirts that predict the weather based on your mood—generic quotes on mugs or pillows are more likely to gather dust than make you a profit.

Why it’s bad: The market is flooded with low-effort, high-competition items, and Etsy’s algorithm doesn’t favour shops with mediocre or uninspired products. If you’re not offering something unique, you’re probably just adding to the clutter.

5. The “Social Media Influencer” Hustle

Becoming a full-time influencer sounds glamorous—until you realise that you need to post five times a day, be on every platform, and somehow manage to look like you have your life together. Let’s be real: unless you’re an expert in a highly sought-after niche (like space travel or time travel, anyone?), it’s nearly impossible to make it big. Plus, the competition is fierce. Everyone’s an influencer now, and the market is flooded with people peddling protein powder and hair gummies. It’s not exactly the most fulfilling way to make money (unless you genuinely enjoy posing with sponsored products every day).

Why it’s bad: Too many people are trying to do the same thing—post sponsored content on Instagram and TikTok—and it’s difficult to stand out unless you have a truly unique persona or niche. And let’s not forget the burnout and pressure to maintain a perfect life.

6. Renting Out Your Backyard for “Glamping”

“Glamping” sounds fun, right? Renting out your backyard as a luxurious camping spot? Yeah, except for the fact that people don’t exactly want to camp next to your neighbour’s barbecue pit, the sound of lawnmowers, and the risk of having your dog run through their tent. Plus, there are so many glamping sites popping up that people can easily find an actual scenic location to pitch a tent. Unless your backyard is next to a beautiful mountain or beach, it might just be a better idea to invest in a barbecue and enjoy your own space instead of dealing with guests who only came for the Insta photo ops.

Why it’s bad: If you’re not offering something unique or in a location people want to visit, your backyard glamping business will have a short shelf life.

7. Flipping Cheap Furniture (You’ll Never Finish the DIY Projects)

Flipping furniture seems like a great way to make money, but let’s be honest—you’re never going to finish that half-sanded coffee table. Most people who get into furniture flipping have great intentions, but the reality is much more difficult. It’s time-consuming, messy, and requires skill to make a substantial profit. That budget table you thought would make a fortune? Yeah, after 10 coats of paint and a bunch of Pinterest DIY fails, it’s just a reminder that maybe you’re better off leaving the refurbishing to the experts.

Why it’s bad: It’s easy to get started but hard to scale, and it can turn into a never-ending cycle of unfinished projects and frustration. Plus, margins are tight unless you have some serious DIY talent.

8. Selling Digital Courses on “How to Make Money Online”

Ah, the classic: teaching people how to make money online by selling them a course about making money online. The irony is delicious, but it’s also a quick way to get lost in the sea of generic, unhelpful advice. In 2025, people are wise to this type of content, and if you don’t have something truly original or value-driven to offer, your course will likely flop. There’s only so much interest in “how I made my first $1000” before it starts to feel like you’re just part of the problem, not the solution.

Why it’s bad: There’s an oversaturation of online money-making advice, and unless you’ve already made millions or have a proven strategy, no one’s interested in buying your vague tips.

Conclusion: Stick to Something Practical (Unless You’re In the Mood for a Laugh)

While side hustles can be a great way to make extra cash, avoid these overly saturated or impractical business ideas at all costs. Whether you’re trying to rent out your car, vlog your way to fame, or teach others how to “make money online,” these ideas are more likely to leave you frustrated and broke. Instead, focus on practical, unique opportunities that align with your skills and passions. Who knows? Your next big success might just be one idea away—just make sure it’s not on this list.

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