Laura Shahu, a 29-year-old accountant and mother of two from Surrey, has discovered a lucrative way to supplement her income and afford a magical Christmas for her family: side hustles, particularly reviewing AI bots. In November alone, she earned over £4,600 through various ventures, demonstrating the potential of these alternative income streams. While many opt for traditional side hustles like surveys or game reviewing, Laura identified artificial intelligence as a promising area. This involves evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of AI chatbot responses, a task that aligns perfectly with her analytical skills as an accountant. She highlights the flexibility of this work, allowing her to earn extra income while caring for her two young children, aged two and six months.
Laura’s journey into the world of side hustles began during her maternity leave, driven by a desire to contribute financially to her household. Initially uncertain about her earning potential, she set herself a challenge to see how much she could generate before Christmas. While AI review has proven to be a reliable source of income, her most lucrative venture to date involved cashback offers, where she remarkably earned £1,302.56 in just 30 minutes, including a £1,000 prize. This experience further solidified her belief in the power of side hustles to generate significant income. She emphasizes the enjoyment she derives from training AI, as it allows her to utilize her professional skills in a flexible and engaging manner.
The financial rewards of AI training vary depending on the level of expertise required. General AI training, requiring high school-level skills, typically pays between £12 and £47.50 per hour. However, Laura’s specialized accounting knowledge allows her to command higher rates, further boosting her earning potential. She dedicates a few hours each day to her side hustles after her children are asleep, demonstrating a commitment to balancing work and family life. While she has found success with AI training and cashback offers, Laura cautions against certain side hustles, particularly online surveys. She found them tedious and poorly compensated, yielding minimal returns for the effort invested. Similarly, her attempt to sell stock photos proved unsuccessful.
Laura’s success story has garnered attention on social media platforms like TikTok, where she shared her experience of earning over £1,000 in just 30 minutes. Her story resonated with many, particularly those seeking alternative income sources, including stay-at-home parents and unemployed individuals. Her posts sparked numerous comments from viewers expressing their interest in exploring side hustles and thanking her for sharing her insights. She responded to queries about the legitimacy of her earnings, acknowledging that she herself would have been skeptical when she first started.
Laura’s key advice for aspiring side hustlers is to thoroughly research available options and “leave no stone unturned.” She emphasizes the importance of finding a side hustle that aligns with one’s skills and interests. Furthermore, meticulous financial tracking is crucial to monitor progress and identify the most profitable ventures. She also stresses the importance of protecting personal information by using separate email addresses and phone numbers for side hustle activities. Above all, she encourages individuals to approach side hustles with a sense of fun and experimentation.
For those seeking inspiration, Laura suggests exploring several readily accessible side hustles. These include dog walking, babysitting, selling clothes on platforms like Vinted or Depop, creating content on YouTube or TikTok, and offering tutoring services. These options offer varying levels of income potential and flexibility, catering to a diverse range of skills and interests. By following Laura’s advice and exploring these potential avenues, individuals can discover their own path to supplementing their income and achieving their financial goals. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of side hustles, empowering individuals to take control of their financial well-being and create opportunities for themselves and their families.
