Having a second job sounds like a bad thing. What’s wrong with the first? Doesn’t it pay enough?
But that’s not the way to look at it. The real value of a second job is the options it gives you. You’re not stuck with a single employer, grinding out one miserable hour after another until you’re allowed to go home.
This post looks at why pretty much everyone should have a second job.
It Diversifies Your Income
Most people don’t have a nice big stock portfolio, generating thousands of dollars every year in passive income. Therefore, the average individual needs a second job to bolster the first.
Side gigs diversify your income. They give you an opportunity to earn extra when your first job isn’t paying so well.
Let’s say, for instance, you are a self-employed tradesperson and you usually get clients through word-of-mouth. That’s great, except there will be times in the year when you don’t get much business at all, leaving you feeling distinctly out of pocket.
With side work, though, that fear goes away. You can increase your hours with your second job if your first one is going down. These days, you just use a small jobs app to tide you over until you’re ready to go back to your original job full-time.
It Helps You Achieve Financial Freedom Faster
Nothing is more annoying than a salary. It’s so limited. You spend hours, days, weeks, and years of your life slogging away for a fixed paycheck.
That’s not the case when you have a second job, though. It provides the additional income you need to achieve financial freedom faster, instead of relying exclusively on one measly paycheck.
Most second jobs are flexible, too. That means you can work as much as you like, as long as there are enough hours in the day. It’s a great option for keen people.
It Shows You The Ropes In A New Industry
Perhaps you’re not quite ready for a full-blown career change just yet. That’s okay. Taking a second job shows you what it’s like working in a different industry. This way, you don’t have to jump into something new with your eyes blindfolded.
Taking a new industry for a test drive is low-pressure and can be a lot of fun. After a couple of months, you can reflect and ask whether you really want to make the shift.
It Lowers Your Risk
Getting a second job also lowers your risk. While your primary job might be a cash cow, a second income can provide you with enough income to get through a tough spot while you find new employment opportunities. You might also be able to switch over to it full-time.
It Improves Your Social Life
Hanging out with the same people all the time at your regular work gets old quickly. Not another Christmas office party.
But when you work for multiple companies, you get to meet new and exciting people. And that can make you want to go to work even more.
