Second Job Vs. Side Hustle: Which One Is Best For You?

Second Job Vs. Side Hustle

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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas

All people encounter financial problems at least once in a lifetime, so there’s no wonder why they are looking for innovative ways to bring more money into the house. Of course, this task can be difficult at times, considering that a full-time job is quite tiring alone. More money can be used for all sorts of purposes, but first, find methods to make them without much effort involved.

From side hustles to second jobs, you will learn more about this topic and your finances will go up in no time. Here’s a presentation of these two solutions:

Getting a Second Job

In order to achieve your financial goals, you must put in extra effort. Supercharging your financial situation can be done in multiple ways, but if you want to choose the surefire, risk-free method, you need to choose a second job. Yes – after all the work you put in during your main job, it seems hard to believe that you’ll have any energy left for another job. Well, things are milder in reality and second jobs offer flexible schedules and promising salaries if you know where to look.

Second jobs are stricter than side hustles, but they offer you some sort of stability. You know exactly how many hours per week you are going to work, you know the exact amount of money you will earn and there are no seasonal finance problems. You will receive a fixed salary and you’ll know exactly how to organize your time to face all your responsibilities.

Second jobs are great for earning a few hundreds extra each month. This income can help you buy an item you need, pay your debt or any other financial goal you may have at the moment. It will be tiring at times, just as your main job is, but the extra money is definitely worth it. Two full-time jobs are too much, so make sure that you select a second job that allows you to maintain a balance between work and your personal life. Around 4-8 hours a week besides your main job should be enough to avoid overworking yourself.

The stream of income you earn from a part-time job will be more than enough if you know how to manage your money. The main responsibility that comes with a second job is represented by time commitment. You need to be ready to sacrifice some of your free time for this job. Keep in mind that a second job will be less of a burden if it is something you enjoy doing or if is easy to manage. Here are a few examples:

Become a Tour Guide

In case you are a communicative person that likes to travel, you can occupy a few hours a week by offering people guides of your hometown. Most guides work during weekends, so you’ll still have free time for other activities. Remember that you have to be friendly and outgoing. Moreover, you’ll need to have some knowledge about the city you live in. If you’re a foodie, become a food tour guide and recommend people the best places in town.

REMOTE OPTION: create reviews online for places, restaurants or bars and earn money from home

Second Job Vs. Side Hustle

Photographer

In case you are passionate about photography, you can earn some extra money by selling your photos or editing pictures of clients. Event photographers are well-paid and they only need to work during the event, and a few hours after for editing.

REMOTE OPTION: only edit photos from home, there are many freelance jobs that include professional photo editing

Second Job Vs. Side Hustle

Investing in a Side Hustle

Side hustles involve assuming some risks. Starting a business while you work a full-time job will be stressful and you must be prepared for potential failures. More than that, you’ll need to make an initial investment in your business, which can turn profitable or not in the long run. For that, you might have to apply for low interest personal loans to help you start your side hustle on the right foot. Making money outside your 8-hour day job involves effort, and without risking, you won’t be able to pursue your dreams.

Side hustles are not as safe as second jobs, but they offer you the chance to win even more money than you make at your main job. Most 9 to 5 jobs are not enough to pay all bills and save a small amount for emergency situations, so side hustles are just right if you have what it takes. You have the financing, you have the motivation and the time – you only need an idea. Here are the most popular ones:

Dropshipping

This is the most common side hustle for people who need an extra income. Dropshipping involves selling products of your own choice directly to the customers. The great part about such a business is that you don’t need to create your own inventories and supplies, as the products – once ordered – are sent directly to the customer. The risk is kept low and the money you earn is represented by the small amount you add to the initial price of the product.

Good marketers can add a considerable amount to that price, thus earning money without much effort invested. Dropshipping is convenient and easy to manage while producing enough money to cover your financial problems.

Second Job Vs. Side Hustle

Freelancing

Starting your own company as a freelancer while also having a full-time job is a common practice these days. Working one day per week can lead to a great income if you’re good at what you’re doing. Freelancing websites are full of small projects that are paid extremely well, so whenever you have some free time that you want to productively fill, freelancing is your go-to choice.

Second Job Vs. Side Hustle

Slowly, your freelance business might get bigger and bigger, which means you can earn just as much money you earn during your full-time job, or maybe even more. Some people quit their jobs to focus entirely on freelancing immediately after they notice how profitable and easy it is.

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