One young Australian has discovered a unique way to turn everyday tasks into a profitable venture in a changing work landscape where flexible schedules and side hustles are on the rise.

At just 24 years old, Amy Coulston has found success in a surprising new career path.

Her innovative approach has caught the attention of many, offering a glimpse into the possibilities of turning routine activities into something much more.


Amy Coulston from the Sunshine Coast has waved goodbye to her office job and is now raking in over $10,000 a month by doing something most of us do regularly: shopping at Woolworths and Kmart.

Amy's journey into the world of mystery shopping began when she decided to leave her remote administration role to focus on her various side gigs.


Her days are now a mosaic of diverse tasks, from running errands for others to proofreading and engaging in market research.

But it's the world of mystery shopping that she champions as a top-tier side hustle, and for good reason—it pays you to do things you'd be doing anyway, like hitting the shops.

For those unfamiliar, mystery shopping is a tool market research firms and companies use to measure the quality of sales, services, and overall performance.

It's a way for businesses to monitor how they stack up against the competition.


Amy, who has amassed over 65,000 followers on social media by sharing her side hustle adventures, was initially sceptical.

'I'd always seen things about mystery shopping...but honestly thought it was all too good to be true,' she said.

'Once I started my TikTok account about side hustles and testing different sites out I decided to just give it a go, and surprisingly, it was actually legit,'

The tasks involved in mystery shopping can vary widely. Amy might be asked to book an experience and evaluate customer service, review a meal, or snap photos of supermarket displays to assess their presentation.

In one assignment, she was paid to purchase a specific brand of mango from Woolworths, taste-test it, and provide feedback—all while being reimbursed for the mango cost on top of her fee for the job.

Amy's mystery shopping gigs range from quick tasks that pay between $5 and $12 to more involved assignments, like test-driving a car, which can net over $100.


She regularly checks platforms like Field Agent to find jobs that pique her interest, such as scoring free Pilates classes or enjoying a paid-for date night at a restaurant.

'For example, I was really keen on getting some free Pilates classes, so I jumped on the Pilates class mystery shop,' she said.

'My partner and I also use the sites a lot to get some paid-for date nights at lunch and dinner venues,'

'It usually covers the fuel going to the place I was already headed to, and usually, I end up with some free products, too.'

According to Amy, what's particularly appealing about mystery shopping is that it doesn't require any special skills—just a keen eye for detail and the ability to complete a thorough report.

It's an accessible way for many Australians to earn some extra cash on the side.

Amy's success in side hustles isn't a recent development. She's been finding ways to make money outside of traditional employment since her university days, driven by necessity and a natural interest in entrepreneurship.

'I remember being 15/16 and looking for ways to make money online,' she shared.

Her persistence paid off when she hit the $10,000 mark in one month from her side hustles, a milestone that encouraged her to leap into doing them full-time.
Now, with her sights set on buying her first home at the age of 24, Amy's story is inspiring and a testament to the changing landscape of work and income generation.

It's a reminder that with a bit of creativity and a willingness to try new things, the mundane task of grocery shopping can transform into a profitable venture.

Here are some other ways Aussies are making extra money through side hustles:

• Uncover secret side hustles this Aussie use to double their income
• This emerging side hustle scam cuts Aussie woman’s income by $200 a week
• Aussie mum turns cans into cash: Discover how this simple recycling side hustle netted her $464!

What do you think of Amy's unique job? Have you ever considered mystery shopping as a way to supplement your income? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.