Your primary occupation might align with your aspirations, yet it may fall short in terms of income or job security, leaving you with a sense of instability. Alternatively, you might have hit a plateau in your professional growth and aren’t prepared to part ways.
Whatever the reasons may be, engaging in a side job could offer a solution to address your concerns, whether it’s about increasing your earnings, acquiring new skills, or expanding your professional network.
According to a Flex Jobs survey conducted in July 2022, which involved over 2,000 employed professionals, nearly one in three respondents revealed that they are already involved in at least one side job, and more than 11% have multiple side gigs. Furthermore, an additional 38% of respondents expressed their interest in seeking a side job. This implies that more than two-thirds (69%) of presently employed professionals either have a side job or aspire to have one.
Nevertheless, there is no official job category labeled as “side hustle.” So, what exactly constitutes a side hustle, and how can you identify the right one for yourself? We have some valuable insights to offer on researching and securing a suitable side gig.
What Is a Side Job?
A side job, often referred to as a side hustle, side gig, or moonlighting, is a supplementary employment opportunity that you undertake alongside your primary job. It can be remote, part-time, seasonal, or occasional in nature. Many individuals pursue side jobs to acquire new skills, explore a potential career change, or follow their passions.
A side hustle typically involves work that enables you to earn income outside the confines of your regular employment. It encompasses freelance work, flexible schedules, or gig-based activities across various industries. Unlike traditional employment, side jobs often offer flexibility, allowing you to set your own working hours. This makes side hustles particularly attractive to individuals with busy schedules seeking additional income on their terms.
Differentiating side hustles from traditional part-time jobs is primarily related to compensation. Side hustles usually do not come with benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. Those engaged in side hustles are typically motivated by the desire for extra income or the opportunity to gain work experience to advance their careers, rather than formal benefit packages.
Moreover, side hustles are distinct from conventional part-time positions, even if the hours worked may be part-time. In traditional part-time roles, employers typically dictate your work schedule, whereas side hustles often grant you more autonomy over your work hours. This autonomy makes it easier to balance a side hustle with a full-time job and personal commitments.
How to Elevate Your Career Through a Side Hustle
Many professionals turn to side hustles not only to supplement their income, pay bills, or boost their savings but also for career advancement. Side hustles offer an excellent avenue for learning new skills that hold value in the job market. For instance, you may acquire skills in digital marketing or coding, which can enhance your employability. If you’re contemplating a career change, side hustles provide an ideal means to build a portfolio while retaining the security of your full-time role.
In addition to skill development, having a side hustle can demonstrate to potential employers that you are ambitious and driven. It showcases your initiative and willingness to go the extra mile for success, setting you apart from other job applicants and potentially giving you an advantage in securing new job opportunities.
Top 25 Lucrative Side Hustles You Can Do From Home
The rise of remote work has opened up numerous opportunities for people to discover flexible and financially rewarding side gigs. Many of these opportunities are available on platforms like Flex Jobs. Here are 25 online side job ideas with active listings on our site, spanning various industries and career levels. (Please note that average hourly wages can vary based on your location.)
- Bookkeeper ($19 per hour)
- Career Coach ($24 per hour)
- Curriculum Writer ($33 per hour)
- Copy Editor ($25 per hour)
- Customer Service Representative ($15 per hour)
- Editor ($27 per hour)
- Executive Assistant ($29 per hour)
- Graphic Designer ($24 per hour)
- Health Coach ($21 per hour)
- Interpreter ($21 per hour)
- Lead Generation Specialist ($15 per hour)
- Medical Coder ($20 per hour)
- Online ESL Teacher ($23 per hour)
- Project Manager ($37 per hour)
- Proofreader ($19 per hour)
- Recruiter ($27 per hour)
- Resume Writer ($24 per hour)
- Search Engine Evaluator ($24 per hour)
- Social Media Manager ($26 per hour)
- Tech Support ($20 per hour)
- Test Prep Instructor ($19 per hour)
- Travel Consultant ($20 per hour)
- Tutor ($19 per hour)
- Virtual Assistant ($17 per hour)
- Writer ($29 per hour)
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