Reasons to Develop a Side Hustle

Feeling bored with your career but not ready to leave its familiarity and comfort just yet? Many of us look at a job being “just a job,” but there are a growing number of lucky people who seem to truly enjoy what they’re doing. Taking on a side hustle can be a great way to learn new skills, expand personal and professional horizons and earn extra money on the side.

If you’re someone who is skeptical of enjoyment and work co-existing together, think again. A side hustle, also known as moonlighting, is how people are finding new ways to love what they are doing by working a job that is meaningful to them in some way. When it comes to the side hustle, the sky is the limit. For example, this could be a position taking on additional responsibility, a job that promotes learning new skills or expanding on existing ones, or turning a hobby into an income generator.

Millennials Lead the Pack
For Millennials, those born between 1980 and 2000, the side hustle is the new norm. This always-connected generation is constantly looking to expand their horizons with new side gigs such as freelance writing, blogging, and dog walking, babysitting and tutoring. Forty-four percent of Millennials age 25-34 and 39 percent of those 18-24 embrace the side gig, according to a CareerBuilder survey. But don’t assume this is a trend that’s limited to Millennials alone.

Most Popular Industries for Side Hustle Work
Health care – 30%
Sales – 30%
IT – 27%
Financial services – 24%
Manufacturing - 19%
CareerBuilder

More Reasons to Consider a Side Gig
Earn Extra Money – Having a little extra coming in can come in handy in a number of ways. It’s an opportunity to catch up or get ahead on bills, save for the future, or to start a slush fund for travel or fun purchases.
Planning Ahead – Having the income and skill building from a side gig can be a good way to insulate oneself from the trauma of a possible layoff. Extra finances could make it easier to hold out for a job that’s really right rather than leaping at the first offer.
Skill Builder - The side gig is a way to test out a new side of you with less risk. This could be an opportunity to learn new skills in technology or try out sales, skills that could enhance learning and earning potential at your full-time job.
Hobby Income – Do you love cooking or crafting? Turning a hobby or passion into a revenue generator is another way to stretch your mind and wallet.

Looking for your Next Side Gig?
Working a side gig is a great way to try out new jobs and the skills learned are especially attractive to employers and recruiters. If you’re interested in exploring seasonal opportunities on the side, contact the recruiters at Staffing KC.

This article is brought to you by Staffing Kansas City, a full-service Kansas City employment agency that provides contract-to-hire, direct hire and temporary employment placement services.