Midlife Women Embrace Side Hustles: From Dog Breeding to Divorce Coaching
Explore how women in their 40s and 50s are diversifying their income and pursuing passions through side businesses. From travel planning to flower pressing, these entrepreneurs share their motivations and experiences.
In recent years, a growing number of midlife women in the UK have been exploring side hustles to supplement their income and pursue new passions. This trend reflects a broader shift in the workforce, with Generation X individuals seeking additional revenue streams and personal fulfillment.
A recent report by Finder.com reveals that approximately 40% of British people have at least one side hustle, with 37% of these enterprises run by women. Among female business owners, 40% belong to Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980.
One such entrepreneur shared her experience with dog breeding as a side hustle. While initially motivated by potential profits, she quickly realized the significant upfront costs and challenges involved. Despite the difficulties, she found joy in the experience and plans to use the earnings for a family vacation.
"Coming downstairs each morning to find a Jackson Pollock-esque array of puppy poop in the whelping box sometimes makes me regret my decision. But they have brought us so much fun."
Other midlife women have found success in various niches:
- Amanda Gardiner, 53, established a divorce support hub after her own experience. She now earns nearly £10,000 annually as a divorce coach, helping women rebuild their lives post-divorce.
- Lisa Francesca Nand, 49, leveraged her travel writing experience to become an independent travel agent. Since April 2024, she has earned over £2,000 in commissions, with potential for significant growth.
- Vanessa Grzywacz, 53, turned her passion for gardening into a flower pressing business. She creates unique artworks for brides, preserving wedding bouquets, and earns between £225 and £500 monthly.
- Florence Achery, 49, started organizing wellness retreats during the COVID-19 pandemic. She now runs up to ten retreats annually, earning £10,000 to £12,000 and donating a portion to animal rights charities.
These women cite various motivations for their side hustles, including financial necessity, personal fulfillment, and the desire to diversify their skills. Many appreciate the flexibility and autonomy that comes with running their own businesses.
While juggling multiple responsibilities can be challenging, these entrepreneurs find their side hustles rewarding. As Lisa Nand notes, "I'm only sorry I didn't find it sooner."
As the gig economy continues to grow and traditional career paths evolve, more midlife women may find themselves exploring side hustles as a means of financial security and personal growth.
