Chances are, you know someone who has a side gig. In fact, it’s an increasingly regular practice to earn extra income on top of your daily work. According to a June 2019 survey by Bankrate, 45% of working Americans have a side job outside their 9-5 work.
A side hustle is defined as an activity you do that gives you extra cash. It allows you to pursue your interests or passions without quitting your day job or daily commitments like school or raising a family.
Why Side Hustling is Great for You
Whether you’re still figuring out what to do with life after school or have been working a 9-5 job for years, taking on a side hustle may be a smart move. Here’s why:
Financial freedom
Naturally, side hustles provide additional income to your allowance or current salary. For students, having that extra cash can give them a head start on paying student loans. For employees, that’s money they can use to pay bills, allocate for emergency funds, invest, or splurge on things they want.
Valuable new skills
From communicating well to projecting a professional image, a side hustle can help you learn new skills to improve your current or future career. A side job can also help you hone existing talents and abilities that you may not use all that regularly, otherwise.
Long-lasting connections
Getting involved with a side hustle can increase your network more effectively since you’ll meet clients and partners that may or may not be related to your current work. These connections will come in handy for landing your next job or starting a new business.
Sense of security
Having a side job gives you a greater sense of security with the knowledge that you have income—no matter how small—in the event you find your job security on the rocks. That extra income can be used to help you get by while you’re searching for a new job.
Side Hustle Ideas You Can Start
Now that you know how helpful side hustles are to your personal and financial well-being, here are three beginner-friendly options to help you get started.
Blogging
Starting a blog is an excellent choice if you love to write. Share your expertise with people who have the same interests by posting advice, helpful how-tos, and tips. There are a variety of free online tools to help get you started on this exciting side hustle.
For a greater chance at monetizing your blog, ensure that your website is optimized for higher rankings on search engines. Make sure your website loads fast and is mobile-friendly. Take a page from businesses hiring SEO services in the Philippines and other countries so your target readers will be able to find you when they search for the topics you write about.
Virtual Assistance
Companies all over the world now hire people to manage clerical tasks like taking calls, scheduling appointments, and handling their social media accounts. The best part is some of these vacancies don’t require you to go to a physical office. Search freelance sites to find businesses to which you can offer your services.
Online Selling
Have many clothes or unused items? Or, do you like arts and crafts? Whether you are a creator or are in need of decluttering your home, there are plenty of online platforms you can use to sell your stuff.
Although having a side hustle requires time and effort to get the venture off the ground, its advantages definitely outnumber the disadvantages. The key to success is choosing a side hustle that interests you so that you’ll be getting paid while doing something you love. You never know if your side hustle today can turn into a stable source of income tomorrow.
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