Why a Side Job Is Sometimes a Great Option to Change Your Financial Future.

Sometimes, the road to financial freedom starts in an unexpected, more humble way.

Investing in your own business and trying to pursue something in the entrepreneurial field isn't always an option or desire.

Maybe you lack the skill, the money, or simply the want to pursue building something of your own — this is why a side job is a great starting point if you want to make more money.

In the future, once you're more knowledgeable or your goals change, you may want to pursue being your boss. But if that's not you, here's why getting a side job can still significantly impact your financial future.

Extra money.

This one here is obvious.

You have more money in your pocket to put towards the things you've been delaying or simply unable to do because of low cash flow.

I remember I was in this same spot about two years ago.

I remember around this time in 2021, I was looking for a full-time job (a remote one because COVID was still rampant around this time).

A few months later, around November, I accepted a remote position. Then, a month after that, I got the opportunity to start a side job — bartending.

When I got this opportunity right away, I thought of the difference this could make for my finances, and I was right.

In less than two years, I have saved six months' worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account and paid off about five grand of my student loan balance.

This was also done with the help of a budget.

Flexibility

Both because of the extra money and the job's hours.

Depending on the side job that you find, you'll have flexibility in the hours you can work — this is one of the reasons I recommend the restaurant industry, whether you choose to work as a bartender or a server.

The manager or owner can adjust your schedule based on your availability without compromising your other commitments.

There will also be other servers who can cover your shift if you have any last-minute emergencies, and this won't compromise your employment there — this depends on the owner.

I've found most restaurants to be pretty lenient in that regard because most people who work as bartenders or servers have other jobs, families, etc.

I was one of them until I was laid off again in April of 2022 — I turned to bartend full-time then.

The flexibility because of the extra cash flow is an obvious one.

Like I said before, more money meant more options. I used this to set myself up to pay off my student loans early, save money for emergencies, and still have extra to live life.

Sense of accomplishment.

When I was working my 9 to 5, I felt a slight sense of accomplishment.

I felt I was working a lot by not being compensated enough for it — many of you can relate.

When I started bartending and seeing the financial gains from it, I felt I was finally moving forward — I finally felt I was getting over the hypothetical financial valley I was going through.

I also felt a sense of accomplishment because it was clear that I was doing a good job.

Bartending is a physical job, so it's easy to tell whether you're doing the job right or not.

You're either keeping the bar clean, tidy, and organized, or you're not.

You're either tending to customers and taking their orders, giving them a quality product and service, or not.

I felt accomplished because I could see that I was doing a good job. Others complimented me for it, acknowledging the hard work I had put in — hard work also translated to more tips because people appreciate someone who takes pride in their work, no matter what they're doing.

All of this motivated me to continue working — to keep pursuing my personal financial goals.

Sure, I wasn't putting time and money into my own business, but at least I was putting more money in my pocket, which is better than nothing.

Change in routine/activity.

The monotony and continuousness of a 9 to 5 was deadly for me.

Getting up and doing the same thing for five days makes you feel a little stir-crazy — a different version of cabin fever.

Staying in the same place for too long and doing the same thing for too long will drive you crazy.

When I started bartending, I got an outlet. I was able to switch up my routine and felt refreshed because of it.

In the bar/restaurant industry, no day is ever the same — keeping you on your toes and keeping things interesting.

This change of setting or activity can do wonders for your mental health and perception of accomplishment — precisely what it did for me.

I was finally making a difference in my financial life and getting a break from the 9 to 5 routine, socializing with coworkers and other people instead of a laptop.

Building new and different skills.

This is the number one reason I recommend getting a side job in a field completely different from your current job.

You become a powerhouse when you learn new skills.

Do you know what my superpower is? I can talk to anyone.

Working as a bartender has given me the social skillset that many younger people today lack — being able to talk to people and relate to them.

This is how you begin forming relationships — whether professional or personal. Unfortunately, this skill set is dying because everything is done over computers or with AI.

In addition, a new skill set can be used to better your current career path or help you pursue a different one if your current job is not fulfilling or you've lost interest.

New skills can translate to more money, whether in your current field or a different one.

I hope you enjoyed the read, and if there's anything else you'd like to add, please do so in the comments.