A growing number of people take on supplemental jobs or side hustles these days. They do these second gigs on top of their regular jobs. There are different shapes and forms of supplemental jobs. They could mean baking, crafting, or logging into a computer from the comfort of their home for some.
Groceries, debt payments, medical bills, mortgage—an individual’s list of financial responsibilities can go on forever, and, sometimes, there isn’t much left at every end of the month. The situation becomes stressful, if not devastating, once some unexpected expenses arrive. Taking on flexible jobs to supplement your income is a great way to help ease your financial burden.
Take a look below at some of the reasons why having side hustles to supplement your day job is a good idea.
You’re Currently Living Without Emergency Savings
Ideally, one should have at least three months’ worth of their salary kept in the bank. You actually risk yourself notching up huge debt the next time some unplanned bills come your way if you lack any emergency savings. Getting a supplement job could be what you need to build cash reserves rather quickly if you’re nowhere close to the minimum ideal emergency savings amount. The next time you get slapped with a significant medical bill, your house roofing gets damaged, or your car breaks, you’re going to appreciate having a source of funds even without the need to take out a loan.
You Need To Pay Off A Debt Fast
As already mentioned, medical bills, credit card bills, and personal loans can quickly pile up. How do you think you’re going to pay off any kind of debt if you’re already struggling to make ends meet using your income from your regular job? You need supplemental income, and getting a side hustle is a great way to achieve it. It’s possible to reduce debt and all the stress that comes with it by working on the weekend or in the evenings after your day job shift.
You’re Struggling To Prepare For Your Retirement
If you don’t build a nest egg, chances are you’re going to struggle financially when you get older. The problem is that when your regular income is eaten up by short-term expenses, it’s going to be difficult to amass retirement savings. A second job can be helpful. By having a side hustle, you can reserve your primary salary for your living expenses, then use your supplement income to fund a 401(k) or IRA. The truth is that preparing for retirement is the number one reason why most regular employees take on side gigs.
You Want To Grow Your Career Further
A side hustle can be a source of valuable career experience. Yes, some people actually take on supplement jobs to grow their careers and achieve better future career earnings. While it’s true that most people with second jobs do it purely because of financial purposes, finding a part-time gig is also a great way to obtain new skills and experience that may not be available in your regular job.
Also, a supplement job is a great opportunity to bolster your resume if you plan to make a career change. In this case, it’s best to seek a side hustle that’s aligned with the field where you’d like to venture next.
You Haven’t Taken A Much-Needed Vacation For A Long Time
A vacation is a great escape from stress. However, it isn’t just all about the fun—it plays a crucial role in maintaining a person’s sanity. The problem is that many people commit the mistake of taking out a loan just to achieve their well-deserved vacation. Always remember that while enjoying a getaway is essential, it’s more important to avoid debt. If you currently don’t have the financial means for it, a supplement job could be your ticket to your planned trip.
You’re In Doubt Of The Security Of Your Full-Time Job
Maybe, there’s a continuous restructuring in your department that you fear of soon getting removed from your post. Or, maybe, the revenue generation of your company is shaky because of the pandemic. If you’re in doubt of the security that your full-time work provides, whatever the circumstance, a supplement gig can help. It could be your source of income if you’re let go and need time to look for a new full-time position.
Final Thoughts
A supplement job could be the perfect way to fill those free hours when you’re not at your regular work. It’s free; it won’t cost yourself money. In turn, a side gig could really help your financial situation take a turn in a better direction.