In order to help with mounting expenses, thousands more people have begun selling goods on online marketplaces.
Individual sellers have become more prevalent on websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
This is attributed to rising living expenses.
The head of small businesses at eBay UK, Sarah Bryant, said: "Some are like you and me, the average Joe, who just want to sell some of their items to make a little extra money.
It continues all the way to those side businesses that keep expanding until they take the place of people's regular jobs. ".
Sami Cirant is regarded as one of the "side-hustle sellers.".
He buys and sells high-end trainers, or sneakers as his clients refer to them, out of his parents' Easton, Bristol, residence.
When a pair of sneakers he purchased didn't fit him well, it all started by accident.
He discovered he could easily sell them online, so he purchased more, which he quickly sold.
That's when I realized it might actually be something that could earn me some extra cash, said Mr. Cirant.
For six months the 23-year-old juggled his new business with a full-time job at a local charity.
He said it was a brave decision to try the online sneaker sales full-time after that.
In his own words, "It was a bit of a risk to quit my job, but I figure, if you don't take risks in life, then you might end up on a path that you don't want to be.
Mr. Cirant's expenses are minimal, he continues to reside at home, and his parents are helpful.
Other side businesses, however, have developed into large-scale enterprises.
In Ross-on-Wye, picking flowers from a rainbow of hues, I first met Jade Oliver in a maze of creaky old rooms above a store.
They number in the thousands and are all faux flowers, as she prefers to call them. Additionally, there are silk feathers, scent burners, vintage plant pots, and candles. There are a million different ways to make your home beautiful.
They are boxed and wrapped by a team of packers, who then ship the packages all over the UK.
Heavenly Homes and Gardens, run by 38-year-old Jade Oliver, has been around for ten years.
She began as a side business as well, earning money to cover the cost of her college law course.
She initially managed both her first job and her online sales.
She recalled: "I used to pack packages after work and spend my lunch break responding to customer messages. I used to run the post office every morning. It was a true double life.
"I was working even on my honeymoon. ".
The law firm ultimately had to disappear for something else to remain. Ms. Oliver decided to make the leap after weighing the life of a solicitor against selling home decor.
Being my own boss and getting to pick my own products, she said, was just so much more exciting. ".
Instead of choosing just one, she sold her goods on all the major online marketplaces.
It requires more work because each website requires a unique page, but it has been successful.
People tried to improve their homes throughout the pandemic while they were at home, frequently with extra money. 14 people are now picked and packed by Ms. Oliver due to the growth of her company.
Of course, leaving a salaried position comes with risks, so small business advisors advise people to make a thorough plan.
However, Michelle Ovens, the founder of Small Business Britain, claimed that both the pandemic and the rising cost of living have encouraged more people to go it alone.
So, with everything increasing, can a side business really help with bills?
According to Ms. Ovens.
You can definitely make a business out of something you are passionate about, she said.
Avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket. Sell a variety of goods and make use of all the online markets.
"Ask other people, too. Small businesses are friendly and helpful, and they have acquired knowledge along the way.
There is a ton of free advice available, but get professional assistance. Put it to use.
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