In fact, everyone should have a side hustle, but that’s another post. Most parents encourage their college students to get a job, but a side hustle makes more sense – both now and for the long-term.
First, let’s talk about the difference between a job and a side hustle. The difference is important. A job is work that’s paid for and controlled by an employer. Your employer tells you when to be at work, how long you’ll be working, how much you’ll make and what to do when you’re working. And learning to succeed in an employment environment is an important skill. I recommend that every young person have at least one job during high school and college (paid internships count as well.)
A side hustle, on the other hand, is work that you choose to do. I’ve written before about the three jobs everyone should have: a job that pays the bills, a job that builds your skills, and a job that gives you chills. Your side hustle can be any of these.
Your side hustle can be one that challenges you and builds your skills. It can be a part-time gig, a consulting project, or a sideline that might turn into a startup. This work is focused on your future – your stretch goals for your career. If you’re studying graphic design or web development, build your portfolio with short projects. The great news about starter gigs like this is you can offer a discount and get experience on the job. You get references and samples of work you can use to get more clients. (You may get some work samples from class assignments, but real-world customers are a more powerful marketing tool.) This kind of side hustle has the added benefit of advancing your future career.
You probably have all kinds of skills people are willing to pay for. Organizing (even if you’re just doing the heavy lifting), technology and home network setup, pet grooming, walking, or sitting, concierge services (you could also work for a company like Shipt, which pays shoppers. Landscaping, general handyman work, cleaning, or using your education to tutor – all work that doesn’t take training and can pay pretty well.
You might decide to create a side hustle that feeds your creative side, connects you with people you love or work that changes the world. Create art, bake cupcakes to sell at the local farmer’s market, do face painting at festivals, or sell flower arrangements. Start an Instagram or Tik Tok account and become an influencer. Help people learn how to recycle or start composting. This kind of gig won’t necessarily advance your professional goals, but it will make you (and those who buy your goods or services) happy.
What differentiates a side gig from a job is control. You decide when and how many hours you’re available each week if you’re working for other people. You can choose to work on projects on your own schedule: evenings, weekends, between classes, especially if you’re a creator. If you plan to take a week off for spring break or a special trip, you only have to finish your work and let your customers know. You’re in control of your schedule.
You’re also in control of your earnings. You can work as much or as little as you like. You can charge what the market will bear for your goods or services, and raise prices or increase your hours when you want to.
A side hustle is terrific practice for starting a business, and also for becoming a more valuable employee when you get your first professional job. You’ll learn how to estimate costs and manage your time, set prices, negotiate, market to, sell to, and retain customers – all skills any company will be thrilled to see in an entry-level employee.
A recent CNBC.com article says “Side hustles have become a particularly lucrative pursuit for Generation Z, 59% of whom had a side gig in 2022. Gen Zers made an average of $9,537 annually from their side hustles, according to a May 2022 Zapier survey.” The article also lists some great-paying side hustles.
Students who take on side hustles earn more feel more in control of their work/life balance and become more confident as they start their careers. If you ‘d like to know more about the Gig Economy and the gig worker mindset, here’s a link to my eBook to get you started.
Your Work, Your Way 