Want to earn more than your current salary but not yet ready nor interested to look for a different job? Then it’s probably time to get a side job — or as many people call it a “side gig”. While there are various options online or even from your personal connections, it’s still important to make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew. Remember that your goal is to keep your current job while taking on your side gig — all the while performing at your best on both.
So here are pretty basic but tried and tested ways to be 100% in both professions:
Make sure to remember it’s a “SIDE” gig
The moment your side gig starts eating up time, effort, and expenses meant for a main job, you better start looking for a way out. Always remember that your goal is to land a job you can do on top of your daily tasks in your “day job”. The energy and time you put in a side gig, should not, in any way, hinder you from giving your 100% in other things in your life.
If you’re also starting to spend too much on side gigs — like internet connection bills, phone bills, transportation fees, clothing expenses — it’s time to think twice. The best way to stop yourself from forgetting that a side gig is just a side gig is by remembering that unlike your main job, the income you get from side jobs aren’t as reliable. So keep yourself in check.
Understand its true benefits
More than just a way to earn more income, your side hustle should benefit you in other aspects as well. Ask yourself if you’re actually enjoying what you’re doing, if this side gig is helping you reach a specific career goal, if it’s making you feel good about yourself. And while you’re at it, better check if these good things are in perfect ratio with how much time and effort you’re putting in.
We call this the cost-benefit ratio. Always make sure that the pros of the job always outweigh the cons — which usually pertain to long hours and less time for leisure. We suggest you go back to the “why” of your side gigs and only keep those that align with your goals and aspirations.
Be honest about your side gig
Avoid the stress of having to go about your tasks in secret. Make sure you stay away from any form of conflict of interest with your full-time job by not hiding your side gig.
If you’re lucky, this can also trigger a salary increase or a promotion because your employer will know you need more than what you take home, and they can even see how much more you can bring to the table.
It’s always a good thing when you have income coming in from different places. But make sure you’re not overdoing it so as not to make any of the two — or even both — suffer. Also, be wise with where you put the money by setting up a separate saving account for it. So you know how far you’re already going. It always feels good when you see where you’re money is going to, especially if you work that hard.