Side Hustle

The world’s economy has gotten more difficult over the past decade. Jobs have become harder to get with the employment levels fluctuating up and down. Resources have become harder to acquire and wages have dropped because of the increase in cost of providing for one’s self, family and dependents. The need for an additional source of income to cushion the needs and problems that arise has become inevitable.

Any activity, job or work that a person engages in for the benefit of making additional income is referred to as a side hustle. This is usually a support income to the regular or main source of income. The term side hustle is not an English phrase; it is an acceptable slang that has gradually become popular over the years.

There are different kinds of side hustles available these days. Some are physical and require your presence, some are online via the use of internet and some are gender related. However, in recent times, gender has become redundant when it comes to work.

Sedentary side hustle: if you are one who is not into hard work and you can spend hours just sitting on your computer then you may prefer these options;

1. Website design: if you are creative, have a web design skills and you are good with computer programming, you can make good money from creating and designing websites for businesses, organizations and individuals as well.
2. Managing accounts on social media: some business owners who need to be making their presence seen on social media seem to know nothing or very little about Facebook, tiktok, instagram, twitter and the rest. You could make some cool money on the side by managing and marketing these accounts for these businesses.
3. Reading online books for money: it always makes sense to make money from something that you love to do. If you are a steady reader, this could be an opportunity to make some extra cash.
4. Writing eBooks and articles:  online books have gradually become a thing people are willing to pay for. If you have an idea you think people will want to read then this is something you could do.  
5. Freelance writing: There is a demand for freelance writers. If you write good content and decent material, this could fetch you some money on the side.

Physically active side hustle:

1. Driving for Uber, Bolt or any other ride sharing company: signing up and driving for these companies can fetch you additional or major cash. This depends on the hours you choose to log in. A driver’s license and good navigation skill is all you need.
2. Teaching: this is not necessarily the classroom method. Most people have talents in music, photography, art and so much more. If you are certain these talents are top notch, invest time in enrolling and coaching people for a fee.
3. Car Wash services: some companies or private car owners are willing to pay for their cars to be washed and cleaned. You could invest in the necessary equipment and engage in this in the evenings or on weekends.
4. Event Services: This includes all kinds of services that are usually needed at events.From photography to cakes to venue decorations to catering services. There is always a market for these services.

Can a side hustle bring more income than the main source of income?

There is no written rule as to how much a side hustle should or can pay a person. A main job may not pay some people as much as their side hustle does but it can still remain and be called their main job. There are several reasons why some people may maintain a lower paying main job and still carry out the higher paying one on the side. Some of these reasons may be:

1. Job security- this could mean a good pension and benefits.
2. Health insurance – A person is likely to remain with a main job that does not bring in a s much money as the main job if the main job provides good health services and insurance.
3. Passion for the profession – some people genuinely love their main jobs and so they may never see the need to leave even when the side hustle brings in more money
4. Avoid being idle – certain people love to have a place to go to.

How will I know what side hustle to go into?

You cannot enjoy or sustain something if you are not interested in or passionate about it. However, you must also put a few other things into consideration.

• Time: If you don’t pick a side hustle right, the time clash will likely interfere with your main job and this could lead to your losing the main job.
• Availability of startup capital: if the side hustle you are interested in and also have time for requires more than the amount to money you have to start it then you may have a problem.