Using Your Side Hustle for Professional Development: 2 Angles to Consider
Since the federally mandated quarantine, many Americans have started to realize the importance of having multiple income streams—similar to what a popular meme exclaims. "Having one income is too close to having none." Securing a part-time gig or side hustle allows someone to generate extra income that they can use to pay down their debt or build up their savings. A 2019 study revealed that more than 49% of Americans under 35 have a side hustle. However, part-time and freelance gigs can also be valuable in other ways! Finding a side hustle can help you develop skills that will help you become a competitive job seeker.
Typically, when people think of part-time jobs, they think of picking up something that will make them easy money without much demand. Examples such as bartenders, the shopping mall, and hostesses come top of mind. However, there are also ways that you can secure a side hustle that generates both income and skillset development. The key is to identify your angle when seeking a part-time position to increase the chances of obtaining your desired results.
Angle 1: "I'm Going to Use What I've Got" --- Strengths-Based Side Hustle
Although many of us focus more on our weaknesses, we all possess strengths that make us successful in our work and personal lives. Now is the time to tap into those skills that people always exclaim, "you're so good at….". By identifying and then leveraging our strengths, you will realize how you can apply it to a side hustle.
Perhaps you are good at proofreading and editing; you might seek opportunities that allow you to proofread others' writing. Maybe you are skilled with your hands and known as the "handy person" amongst your friends. You might want to utilize one of many websites to advertise your tv-mounting or Ikea furniture assembly expertise. Remember, people are looking to pay someone with your strengths.
Choosing your side hustle based on leveraging the skills that you already possess is a great way to hit the ground running. It would help if you practiced articulating your strength while incorporating key accomplishments when you applied the skill. With this angle, you are branding yourself as an expert and beginning to generate extra income for yourself.
Angle 2: “I’m Ready to Put My Work In” --- Skill Development & Experience Side Hustle
When attempting to break into a new field or career sector, the most significant gap in success lies in not possessing any or enough related experience. Side hustles target the lack of experience problem entirely! Obtaining a side hustle to gain specific knowledge is an excellent way to prepare for your anticipated transition.
If you were interested in social media management, you might consider finding a small business's social media account to manage. This first job might require you to volunteer your services, but you will feature the opportunity on your resume and personal portfolio, boasting increased engagement and results. You can also gain experience by accepting an entry-level position at a top-performing company. Entry-level jobs are great ways to network with current employees and gain insight into a field's daily operations.
Utilizing a side hustle to gain additional work/job-specific experience is a perspective that allows you to dip your toe in without needed to jump headfirst into something new. It is an excellent alternative for professionals who cannot quit their current job and start anew. A side hustle that furthers your professional development and growth shows potential employers your commitment to transitioning into a new field and desire to succeed.
Now that you have learned two angles that you can possess during your side hustle search, you must determine the amount of time you have to spare. Overextending yourself and ultimately negatively affecting your main gig is not the objective. Instead, you want to find the time to fit in your extra responsibilities into your schedule. Start by calculating the amount of time you spend traveling to/from work and working. Subtract those hours and the amount of time you need to sleep from the number of hours in the week. This is free time. This is side hustle time.
Diana Williams, Resume Tailor
