5 ChatGPT Prompts To Help You Start A Profitable Side Hustle In 2026

This article originally appeared on Forbes.com.

Side hustles aren’t just about “extra cash” anymore. They have become a legitimate and necessary career diversification strategy to maximize optionality—and manage risk—as economic uncertainty, tariffs and AI continue to impact the overall jobs landscape. While many professionals have no trouble generating ideas for side hustles, determining which ones are worth pursuing, how to test them and when to move on from an idea that’s a non-starter is much harder.

Determining viability quickly matters now more than ever, as the field for side hustlers becomes increasingly crowded. Consider that 64% of employed U.S. adults plan to get a second job or start a side hustle within the next year, according to an April 2025 Workforce Monitor survey of 2,093 adults from the American Staffing Association conducted by The Harris Poll. And given that 95% of workers say their income hasn’t kept pace with cost-of-living increases (as unveiled by Monster’s May 2025 poll of over 1,200 U.S. workers), chances are these figures will only track upward.

If you’ve been considering a side hustle, these five ChatGPT prompts can help you clarify, pressure-test and launch one strategically in a matter of hours or even minutes—so you can hit the ground running with a profitable side hustle in 2026. Simply fill in the bracketed info and copy and paste the prompts into ChatGPT.

1. Identify Monetizable Skills You Already Have

Start with this prompt to avoid wasting precious time and energy chasing random ideas. This prompt will help you see how your past experience translates into future services or products—without feeling like you’re starting from scratch.

ChatGPT Prompt:

"I am a [role or job title] at a [type of organization] in the [industry] with [number] years of experience. The values that matter most to me in my work are [list 3]. My core strengths include [list skills or capabilities]. In professional settings, people often describe me as [fill in].

Ask me up to three thoughtful follow-up questions to better understand my background, constraints and goals. Then, based on my answers, suggest three specific side hustles I could start that build on my existing skills, could realistically generate income within 6–12 months, and don’t require me to quit my full-time role [or job search]. For each option, briefly explain why it fits me and what problem it helps solve."

2. Pressure-Test Demand Before You Build Anything

This prompt filters out ideas that might sound appealing, but that no one will actually pay for. When it comes to side hustles, market demand—not passion—should be the ultimate decision-maker. This prompt will shortcut your market research process by helping you clearly envision what any given side hustle will be like, so you can decide which to pursue first.

Repeat this prompt for each side hustle idea you’re considering.

ChatGPT Prompt:

“For the side-hustle idea of [X], help me pressure-test demand. Tell me who the paying customer is most likely to be (be specific), what problem they’re actively trying to solve, and what they’re currently doing to address this problem. Then, based on what I’ve already shared about my background, explain what would make this idea meaningfully different or more compelling than existing alternatives.”

3. Define A Clear, Paid Offer People Will Want To Buy

This prompt moves you from idea to offer to revenue. Side hustles fail when offers are fuzzy and ROI is uncertain. Use this prompt in tandem with real-world market research for the best results.

ChatGPT Prompt:

“Turn the side-hustle idea of [X] into three clear, viable, paid offers for 2026. For each offer, clearly define what exactly I’m offering, what specific audience it’s for, what tangible outcome or result the [client or customer] should expect, and a realistic price range based on comparable offerings. Avoid buzzwords and keep each offer description concise and concrete.”

4. Design A Low-Risk Launch Plan

This prompt ensures that you, as the side hustler, don’t fall prey to overwhelm, analysis-paralysis or perfectionism. In launching any side hustle, aim for sustainable effort. That should help you avoid falling into a cycle of hustle and burnout.

ChatGPT Prompt:

“I want to test the side-hustle idea of [X] while [working / job searching] full-time. Ask me up to three follow-up questions to understand my time availability, strengths, and capacity. Only after I’ve answered, design a 30-day, low-risk test plan that prioritizes learning over perfection. Keep the plan realistic, time-bound and low-pressure.”

5. Evaluate Whether The Side Hustle Is Worth Continuing

Just as in the world of business, winning the side hustle game means learning how to fail fast and fail cheap. Always remember that failure is a healthy sign of growth and know when to let something go rather than doubling down. Here’s a prompt to ask after you’ve experimented with a specific side hustle idea.

ChatGPT Prompt:

"I’ve taken initial steps to explore this side hustle: [briefly describe what you’ve done so far, even if it feels small].

Help me assess whether this idea is worth continuing. Ask me up to three clarifying questions about my experience so far. Based on my answers, recommend whether I should continue, refine or pause this idea—and explain why."

The side hustle economy shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. With the right approach and strategic use of AI, you can build income streams that provide both financial security and career flexibility in an increasingly uncertain job market.