Introduction
Many people around us are working on their main business as well as their side business. In fact, it is estimated that one in every four Japanese people works a second job. There are an increasing number of them these days, and an increasing number of people are becoming interested in them. What is it about side jobs that people find so appealing?
Reasons for doing a side job
- To stabilize the economy
When the income from our main business is low or has decreased, we can stabilize the economy by acquiring additional income (Todorov, 2022).
- To discover new talents and passions
It is hard to notice new talent just by doing the same job. By working on a side job, people can expand their opportunities (Morin, 2017).
- To acquire new skills
A side job allows us to learn new skills that were previously unavailable to us. We may be able to increase your chances of success in our main business or find our calling through them (Morin, 2017).
- To build confidence
We are constantly aware that we are working for our clients or someone else. However, when we do a side job for ourselves and see that our actions lead to career advancement, we can have faith in ourselves. Furthermore, when we are more confident in ourselves, we will be able to pursue our goals even when things get difficult (Todorov, 2022).
Types of side businesses
There are many types of side jobs. According to Tretina (2023), the following types are relatively easy to get started with, and allow us to progress at our own pace.
- Grocery delivery
Your responsibility for this job food is delivery service. You can earn money from delivery fees and tips from customers.
- Writing and editing
In this job, you help somebody create content, such as corporate websites and blogs and edit videos.
- Virtual assistant
This is a specialist who supports companies and individuals from afar. A virtual assistant helps with managing media accounts, setting up appointments, providing services, and more.
- Selling handmade products
Through this job, you can earn money by selling handmade illustrations and crafts.
- Sale of photos
People sell photographs of people and landscapes that they have taken. A single photo can be sold to many clients, making it a source of income.
- Writing a blog
We can earn money by writing a blog on our favorite theme, promoting it with advertisements, affiliate marketing, and so on, and selling it.
Characteristics of the side business (Advantages and disadvantages)
Advantages
- Career enhancement
By working on a job other than our main job, we gain experience, acquire new knowledge and skills, and gain an advantage in our careers (Washington Trust Bank, 2023).
- Expand our network
Through a side job, we can get involved with people we have never met before. Being able to share and appreciate our passions with yet another person broadens our relationships (Washington Trust Bank, 2023).
- Increased income
Because people can increase their income by doing a side job, they can respond to emergencies and changes in the employment situation (Washington Trust Bank, 2023).
- Can quit anytime
If our main business goes well, we can quit the side business immediately on our own time (Sim, 2019).
Disadvantages
- Have risks
Side hustles do not always go well, and many fail (Sim, 2019).
- Not easy
When we have deadlines, meetings, business trips, and so on in our main job, it is difficult to juggle two tasks at the same time. Furthermore, some side jobs necessitate knowledge and skills, while others are not easily compensated (Sim, 2019).
- Increased stress
As we spend more time at work, we spend less time with our friends and family. Furthermore, side hustles can complicate tax filing, making even the most passionate projects stressful (Washington Trust Bank, 2023).
Conclusion
There are many different types of side jobs, and many people work on side jobs that suit them in order to make money. Side hustles have many benefits, but they also have drawbacks and risks. We should promote side jobs now that so many people are working on them to enrich our lives.
References
Todorov, G. (2022). 11 Reasons Why You Need a Side Hustle. [online] StartupNation. Available at: <https://startupnation.com/start-your-business/11-reasons-why-you-need-side-hustle-todorov/> [Accessed 31 January 2023].
