The idea of working in the gig economy sounds promising. There's a higher chance at a work-life balance. Pursuing side jobs also allows you to learn valuable new skills that could benefit you in the future. However, not everyone feels comfortable to take the leap and give up their traditional job. The benefits, like health insurance, paid vacation and a steady paycheck, are hard to exchange for the unknown.
Yet, if you work smarter, there's a way to do both. You can bring in more income, add flexibility and freedom and even open the door to a leap into a full-time gig career. Here are some strategies to enjoy the benefits of both career paths:
1. Determine feasibility of flex time.
Assess how your traditional job might allow for some telecommuting. That way, you can take the time you spend on commuting to your job and turn that into an opportunity to take on gig work. Even if your company allows for one or two days at home a week, it could still add up to a significant amount of extra time for side projects.
Check your company's telecommute policy or ask your direct supervisor about this option. Once you know the amount of available flex time, identify the side gigs that align with your new extra availability.
2. Identify gigs that fit your hobbies.
Free time during evenings and weekends may already involve some type of hobby, so why not transform that into revenue? While you're making jewelry or artwork, taking photographs or writing, think about turning that talent or hobby into an income stream.
This type of side gig generally doesn't involve any pressure related to deadlines, so you can work on these projects entirely on your terms. Plus, you'll be able to find many online outlets where you can market your projects.
If you create photography, look for stock photo houses that like to buy original visual content. Or, if it's a painting, jewelry, clothing or some other artistic endeavor, there are online marketplaces that get your work in front of the right audience. Writers can find outlets online through freelance sites like Upwork, Guru and iFreelance.
3. Find partners for gig opportunities.
Having a side gig essentially turns you into your own business owner. You're working on producing your product and selling it to a client. This may seem like a big endeavor, especially while you're employed with a full-time job. Yet, if you know others interested in doing the same, partnering up on one of these gigs may offer a mutual benefit.
For example, some people work together on managing vacation rentals. Others start a 'drop ship business' in which they work with companies to market and sell their products without the labor or overhead. By splitting up the time it takes to manage these gig businesses, you can cover all aspects of the operation while splitting the profits.
Before using this strategy to get into the gig economy, make sure that everyone involved is on the same page about what they want to achieve. It's important to establish trust, and create a written agreement on roles and profit sharing, clear communication and terms for an exit strategy. Focus on working with others who respect each other's time, availability and obligations.
4. Use technology to save time.
Even if you think you can stay on top of both jobs with a mental to-do list, there is a good chance you'll end up dropping one or more balls along the way, especially as you try to squeeze in more side work. This is where technology can be a time saver.
Free time during evenings and weekends may already involve some type of hobby, so why not transform that into revenue? While you're making jewelry or artwork, taking photographs or writing, think about turning that talent or hobby into an income stream.
First, use and sync a digital calendar across your devices to receive reminders and alerts about upcoming project deadlines, meetings and other events. Some of these digital calendars use artificial intelligence to double as a virtual assistant and contact meeting participants, schedule events and add or modify items on your calendar.
Second, identify the apps that can help you allocate your time better. There are apps that can take over many tasks that eat into your time. Consider automated invoicing and bill pay to remove all time-consuming paper processes from your life. Small things like using a payment app to receive funds for those side gigs versus going to a bank to do a paper check deposit can save valuable time. And you'll come to realize that every bit counts. Finding ways to open up more free time will leave room for side gigs, and even some time off.
Third, use other technology to shorten the time it takes to get non-paying tasks done. For example, do more shopping online to cut out the time it takes you to shop at the store. Opt for ordering online-store pickup or order online-home delivery for groceries and other supplies. Many of these apps remember your previous orders, which further shortens the time you spend on these tasks.
5. Get buy-in from those around you.
There's no replacement for face-to-face conversations with family, friends and peers. Make sure that you surround yourself with people who believe in you and your career vision. Whether it's a spouse or other family members, their physical and emotional support can provide immeasurable benefits that make both jobs possible. Their buy-in could involve anything from regular encouragement and advice to task and chore sharing.
It also helps to have a regular check-in with your network regarding the progress you're making on your side gig. Ask them how they think you're doing at juggling personal relationships with more professional demands. Those conversations can help you refocus and recharge.
It's not easy pursuing both a traditional job and side gigs. Your first priority should be to remain productive in your traditional job. If time and energy allows, build up more potential side gigs. You may find that you're comfortable with keeping a side gig strictly on the side. Or, you may decide you want the side gig to turn into your full-time career focus. Use these tips to help ensure that you balance your life and gain benefits from both career paths.
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