5 Easiest Side Hustles for Women Over 40 ($6,108/week)

If you’re a woman over 40, you’ve probably thought about starting a side hustle for some extra money.

Maybe it’s to pay off debt, retire sooner, or finally have more time and freedom.

You’re not alone.

According to a survey, almost 40% of Americans now have a side hustle, and for 61% of them, that extra income is essential to keep life affordable.

Women are leading the way in side hustle industry.

About 59% of side hustlers in the U.S. are women, and more are turning their skills and passions into real income streams. 

But here’s the kicker!

While men earn an average of $989 monthly from side hustles, women report just $361 on average. 

Still, the side hustle economy is booming, with a market value of over $2.5 trillion, and three-quarters of people say they love their side gig.

In this post, I will share the top 5 easiest side hustles for women over 40.

Using these, you can make an extra $6,108 weekly.

Let’s get started!

5 BEST Side Hustles for Women Over 40 to Make $6,108/week

What’s even more exciting is that you don’t have to spend all your free time hustling.

Most side hustlers spend just 5–10 hours a week, and many earn a median of $1,122 per month. 

Whether you want to supplement your income, explore new interests, or plan for retirement, there’s never been a better time to start.

I’m here to share the easiest and most realistic side hustles for women over 40.

These side hustles can fit your lifestyle, use your experience, and actually work.

Let’s dive in!

1. YouTube: The Surprisingly Flexible Side Hustle

YouTube is my top pick for an easy, high-potential side hustle, especially if you’re over 40 and don’t want to be glued to social media daily.

I totally get it: at this stage, you want something flexible that fits your life, not something that takes it over.

That’s exactly why YouTube stands out.

Why YouTube Works for Women over 40

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, you don’t need to show up daily or churn out endless content.

You can spend just one or two days each month batch-recording your videos.

Here’s your routine: Record four videos in one day (each takes about 20–30 minutes), then schedule them to go live once a week.

After that, you can forget about YouTube for the rest of the month and simply watch the views; eventually, the income comes in.

How You Make Money on YouTube

Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours in a year, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program.

This lets you earn a share of the ad revenue from your videos. Whenever someone watches an ad on your channel, YouTube splits the money with you.

It’s one of the fairest and most creator-friendly programs out there.

But ad revenue is just the beginning. YouTube opens the door to:

• Brand deals and sponsorships
• Affiliate marketing (promoting products you love for a commission)
• Selling digital or physical products
• Offering online courses or workshops

Getting Started is Simple

You don’t need fancy equipment or a huge following to begin.

Most people start with their phones and natural light.

The most important thing is to pick a topic you enjoy that people are searching for, like home organization, budgeting tips, or healthy recipes for busy women.

Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean daily uploads. One video a week is plenty to start.

Batch Recording: The Secret Sauce

Batch recording is a game-changer. On your filming day, you can prep your scripts, set up your camera and lighting, and record all your content in one go.

This saves time, reduces stress, and keeps me from burning out. 

After uploading and scheduling, YouTube works for you in the background while you can focus on other things.

You Don’t Need a Huge Audience

Don’t get hung up on subscriber counts. These days, even small channels can go viral or land brand deals.

The algorithm favors good content, not just big numbers.

Everyone starts from zero. The key is to start and keep going.

YouTube is the perfect side hustle for women over 40 who want more freedom, less stress, and real earning potential.

You can batch your work, set your own schedule, and build a business that grows with you.

If you’re ready to try, free resources and script templates are available to help you get started faster.

2. Brand Deals & User-Generated Content (UGC)

If you want to earn extra money without building a huge social media following, brand deals and user-generated content (UGC) are perfect options, especially for women over 40.

I love this side hustle because it’s flexible, straightforward, and pays surprisingly well.

What Is UGC and How Does It Work?

UGC stands for user-generated content. It simply means creating photos, videos, or reviews for brands to use in their own marketing.

You don’t need to be an influencer or have a big audience.

Brands want real, relatable content from everyday people.

For example, a kitchenware brand might pay you $500–$1,000 for a 30-second video showing how you use their spatula and why you like it.

The brand then uses your video on its website, Instagram, or as an ad.

How to Get Started with UGC

Getting started is easier than you might think:

• Sign up on UGC platforms like Social Cat, Billo, or Trend. These sites connect creators with brands looking for content.
• You can also reach out directly to brands via email or social media. Many brands are open to working with new creators, especially if you already use and love their products.
• Build a simple portfolio. Make a few sample videos or photos with products you already own. This helps brands see your style and what you offer.

How Much Can You Earn?

UGC creators can make anywhere from $1 to $20,000 a month, depending on their experience and how many projects they take on. 

Even as a beginner, earning $150–$1,000 per video is common, especially if you offer packages (like 3 videos for $375 or 5 videos for $600). 

You can also charge extra if brands want to use your content in ads or for longer.

This is called “usage rights,” which can add a nice bonus to your income.

Brand Deals: The Next Level

You can land traditional brand deals if you decide to grow your own following on YouTube or Instagram.

These are short ad integrations in your videos or posts.

Many creators earn $1,000–$3,000 for a 30–90 seconds brand shoutout, depending on their audience size and engagement.

Why I Recommend UGC

• No need for a big following
• Flexible-you choose which brands and products to work with
• Quick turnaround (some videos take just 10–20 minutes to make)
• Great earning potential, even for beginners

If you want a creative side hustle and fun that doesn’t require being “internet famous,” UGC and brand deals are the way to go.

You can start today from home and get paid for sharing your honest opinions about products you already use and love.

3. Automated Shopify Stores

If you want a side hustle that can run itself and doesn’t need you to be an e-commerce expert, an automated Shopify store is a fantastic choice.

It is a perfect choice, especially for women over 40 who want passive income and minimal tech stress.

Why Automated Shopify Stores Are So Easy

Thanks to AI and automation, you can set up a fully functional online store in just minutes, even if you have zero experience.

Tools like Build Your Store AI and Shopify’s own suite of automation features handle almost everything for you.

They will handle everything from picking trending products to writing product descriptions and designing your store layout.

All you do is enter your name and email and pick a niche you’re interested in.

The AI then fills your store with popular products with descriptions and images, so you’re ready to start selling immediately.

No Inventory, No Shipping Hassles

One of the biggest myths about e-commerce is that you need to buy and store inventory.

Not true!

With automated dropshipping, your Shopify store connects to suppliers who handle inventory and shipping for you.

When a customer buys something, the order is automatically sent to the supplier, who ships it directly to your customer. 

You never have to touch a product or worry about packing boxes.

How Automation Makes It Even Easier

• Order Processing: Orders are routed automatically to the right supplier, so you don’t have to manage anything manually.
• Product Updates: Automation tools keep your product listings and stock levels up to date, so you don’t accidentally sell out-of-stock items.
• Store Management: AI assistants like Shopify Sidekick can help you with setup, marketing, and customer service, saving you weekly hours.

What Can You Sell?

You can sell almost anything, such as trendy gadgets, home decor, fashion, or digital products like e-books and courses. 

Print-on-demand is also a great option, letting you sell custom T-shirts, mugs, or journals without buying inventory upfront.

What Does It Cost to Start?

Shopify offers a $1 trial for three months so that you can launch your store with almost no upfront cost. 

Most automation tools have free trials or low-cost plans, so you can test everything before committing.

Who Is This For?

Automated Shopify stores are perfect if you:

• Want a side hustle that doesn’t eat up your time
• Don’t want to deal with inventory or shipping
• Like the idea of earning passive income
• Want to start quickly, with little or no experience

Launching a Shopify store is easier than ever with today’s AI-powered tools and automation.

You can have a professional-looking, fully stocked store online in less than an hour. Tech skills or inventory needed. 

If you’re looking for a side hustle that works for you (not the other way around), an automated Shopify store is one of the best and easiest options.

Read More: 6 Best AI Side Hustles to Earn $500+ Per Day

4. Affiliate Sales

Affiliate sales are one of the easiest and most rewarding side hustles. It is suitable, especially for women over 40 who want to earn extra income without the hassle of creating their own products or handling customer service.

Here’s how it works and why it’s such a smart choice.

What Are Affiliate Sales?

Affiliate sales simply mean you promote brands or products you genuinely use and love.

You earn a commission when someone makes a purchase using your unique affiliate link.

For example, I use a software tool to run my business and share my affiliate link in my articles.

If someone signs up through my link and later upgrades, I get a kickback, usually between 20% and 50% of the sale.

Many companies pay your commissions to your PayPal or bank account monthly.

Why Affiliate Sales Are Perfect for Beginners

No product creation: You don’t need to design, manufacture, or ship anything. Your job is simply to share helpful recommendations.

No customer service: The brand handles all questions, returns, and support.

Flexible and scalable: You can start with a small audience, and a single video or blog post can generate sales if it gets enough views.

High earning potential: Many affiliate programs offer generous commissions. Some pay up to 50% per sale, and top affiliates can earn thousands monthly.

Even beginners can make $500–$2,000 monthly, with experienced marketers earning much more.

How to Get Started

Pick products you trust: Start with brands or tools you already use and love. Authentic recommendations work best.

Sign up for affiliate programs: Many companies have affiliate programs. Some of the best for beginners include ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, Amazon Associates, and more.

Share your link: You can add affiliate links to your YouTube videos, blog posts, emails, or social media.

You don’t need a massive following, but a well-performing piece of content can bring in steady sales.

Be transparent: Always disclose when you’re using affiliate links. This builds trust with your audience and keeps you compliant with legal guidelines.

Tips for Success

Focus on value: Create content that helps your audience solve a problem or decide. Reviews, tutorials, and comparisons work especially well.

Don’t stress about follower count: You don’t need a huge audience. Today’s algorithms can help even small accounts reach thousands of people if your content is helpful and engaging.

Diversify: Promote a few different products or services to increase your earning potential.

Why I Love Affiliate Sales

Affiliate sales are low-risk, low-maintenance, and can fit around any schedule.

You can start today with products you already use.

And as your audience grows, so does your income.

It’s a simple way to turn your recommendations into real money without the stress of running a full business.

Also Check: 7 Easy Side Hustles to Make Money FAST (Beginner Friendly)

5. Digital Products

Digital products are one of my absolute favorite side hustles for women over 40.

Why?

Because you can create them once and sell them repeatedly, there is no inventory, no shipping, and no ongoing hassle.

This kind of side hustle fits into a busy life, and it works whether you have a big audience or are just getting started.

What Counts as a Digital Product?

Digital products can be almost anything you create and deliver online, such as:

• E-books (even short ones-think 10 to 20 pages)
• Mini-courses or online workshops
• Printable planners, journals, or templates
• Guides, checklists, or resource lists

You don’t need to be a tech expert or a bestselling author.

If you have a skill, a solution to a problem, or a passion you can teach, you can turn it into a digital product.

For example, if you love pottery, you could create a beginner’s guide or a video workshop for others who want to learn.

If you’re great at meal prep, home organization, or budgeting, those topics are perfect for digital products, too.

Why Digital Products Are So Powerful

Passive income: You create your product once and sell it as many times as you want, with no extra work for each sale.

No inventory or shipping: Everything is delivered online, so you don’t have to worry about packaging or postage.

Unlimited earning potential: There’s no cap on how many you can sell. Even a simple e-book or workshop can save hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Fits any audience size: You don’t need a huge following. Start selling as soon as you have something to offer. A small, engaged audience can bring in steady sales.

How to Get Started

Don’t wait until you have hundreds or thousands of followers.

The best approach is building your audience and creating your product simultaneously.

As you grow, your sales will increase, too.

Begin with something simple, like a short e-book or a one-hour workshop.

Focus on solving a specific problem for your audience. Do people ask you for advice about it?

What have you figured out that others would pay to learn?

Remember, your digital product doesn’t have to be huge or complicated.

The key is to make it helpful, clear, and easy to use.

In short, Digital products are a flexible, scalable, and stress-free way to earn extra income.

It is perfect for women over 40 who want to maximize their time, skills, and experience.

Start small, keep it simple, and watch your side hustle grow!

Also Check: 6 REALISTIC Side Hustles That Make $100+ Per Day

Final Thoughts

No matter what your age, starting a side hustle after 40 is not just possible.

It’s one of the smartest moves you can make.

Women over 40 are uniquely positioned to succeed because of the experience, resilience, and clarity gained over the years. 

Whether you want more financial freedom, flexibility, or simply a way to explore your passions, these side hustles can fit around your life and help you reach your goals.

You don’t need to sacrifice your full-time job or personal commitments to get started.

Even small steps can make a big difference, from sharing your expertise on YouTube to creating digital products or earning passive income through affiliate sales and investing.

The key is to choose something that excites you and fits your lifestyle. Remember, everyone starts from zero.

Side hustles offer more than just extra cash.

They bring independence, skill development, and the chance to build something of your own. 

With technology and online platforms, getting started is easier than ever, regardless of background or following.

So, don’t let outdated myths hold you back. This is the perfect time to begin. Your next chapter can be your most rewarding yet.