How Aussies working from home are turning saved commute time into a side hustle

About 300,000 extra businesses have been created across Australia since the pandemic began. See why and how you can start your own side hustle.

The work-from-home revolution has fuelled Australia’s entrepreneurial spirit, allowing workers to spend time previously wasted on the commute instead pursuing a side hustle.

Between mid-2019 and mid-2022, more than 300,000 extra businesses were operating in the country, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics – and exclusive research from MYOB and McCrindle suggests increased work flexibility has been a major driver.

Almost nine in 10 (89 per cent) business owners that started a side hustle in the past two years say they were motivated by the fact they could work from home at least one day a week.

Ellen Woodgate, left, started The Lady Counsel with business partner Hannah Macdonald, right, while running her other business from home. Picture: Supplied

MYOB general manager for small and medium enterprises Emma Fawcett says the pandemic not only provided opportunities for entrepreneurial new businesses but also gave many the chance to start a business that might have been at the back of their minds for some time.

“The ability to work from home was a significant motivating factor in starting a business for many of our survey respondents,” she says.

“The flexibility would be particularly helpful for those who have more time without a daily commute to the office.

“Many Australians also had a lot of time on their hands over the past few years, with restricted travel and lockdowns, to build on business ideas and make them a reality.”

IS NOW A GOOD TIME?

There are about 2.4 million small business owners in Australia so people who decide to start a side hustle now will be in good company, Ms Fawcett says.

“There is a lot of help around and I’d encourage all those thinking of starting a new business to seek out those resources,” she says.

“We have a free online hub dedicated to those starting out – helping register a business, set up business bank accounts, and many of the other basics every business owner needs.

“At the moment we’re also offering a free six-week education program for businesses under two years with new MYOB Business subscriptions.”

In the 2021-22 financial year, sole proprietors had the largest net growth of any type of organisation, increasing by 90,239 businesses or 12.7 per cent, according to the ABS.

This includes creators with online side hustles in areas such as photography, filmmaking, creative writing and graphic design – a group that is increasingly able to monetise passion projects.

A new report from software company Adobe, “Monetisation in the Creator Economy”, finds 46 per cent of Australian creators anticipate earning more money in the next two years.

It shows the global creator economy grew by 165 million in the past two years and is poised for further growth as Gen Z creators (born 1997 – 2012) continue entering the workforce.

Adobe senior vice president for digital media marketing, strategy and global partnerships Ashley Still says the rapid expansion of the creator economy has spurred increasing opportunities to turn passions into a career.

“It’s an exciting time to be a creator,” she says.

ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS

Toowoomba’s Anna Mazzetti, 44, founded clothing label Colour Pop Designs about a year ago and runs the business as a side hustle while working in the education industry.

It is her second business venture, having previously worked as a wedding photographer.

Colour Pop Designs founder Anna Mazzetti, is one of many Australians who started a business during the pandemic. Picture: Supplied

“Definitely choose something you are passionate about because it is something you have to put a fair amount of work into, but if it’s something that you love, it doesn’t feel like work,” she says.

“For me, I actually love spending time in the business because it brings me happiness and joy.

“If it is going to remain a side hustle, then just set boundaries as to how often, how long, how many hours you are going to work on it.”

Brisbane friends Hannah Macdonald and Ellen Woodgate, meanwhile, started The Lady Counsel, in May, 2019 as new mums.

The “modern women’s social club” hosts events to help women connect, shine a spotlight on local business women, and raise money for charity.

Ms Macdonald and Ms Woodgate, both 35, juggle The Lady Counsel with their day jobs as a primary school teacher and beautician, respectively.

Ms Woodgate says her best advice for first-time business owners is to choose something that gives them purpose.

Ellen Woodgate and Hannah Macdonald, founders of The Lady Counsel, say it was important to have the support of their husbands and families. Picture: Supplied

Ms Macdonald says it is also important to have a supportive network.

“We are thankful for the support of our husbands and families that have looked after the kids and helped us pack vans,” she says.

Ms Fawcett says there are also practical tips for first-time business owners to consider, such as making sure they separate work and personal finances, and finding a business management platform to help track business performance and plan for the future.

Originally published as How Aussies working from home are turning saved commute time into a side hustle