So below I am going to discuss some of my potential options, not an end all list for sure. It really is a general overview with some pros and cons. Hopefully by the time this year is over I will establish something. Preferably flexible and enjoyable. Emphasis on enjoy. Also probably not something crafty, because I suck at that stuff.
Odd Jobs:
This is a general category of temporary positions. There is potential in finding one or multiple time gigs. However, it is not always a straightforward process in finding them. Their potential to make me a lot of cash is only okay, albeit that money is likely under the table. Odd jobs are something I would like to avoid, if for no other reason than they are completely unreliable and unpredictable.
Bartending:
This actually has some promise. A friend of mine is working to start his own bar, and once it is started I have already stated I want to work there. Likely one night a week and one weekend night. Now of course this is away off, because his bar is not even built yet and he is still getting funding. Still, the idea is there and there are plenty of other places to work at doing similar stuff. Pros and cons list is pretty long on both sides for this, but part of me wants to hold out for the new place or at least keep my options open.
Local Vineyard / Brewery Style Stuff:
I am sure you are wondering what I mean here, but there are a lot of vineyards near my home. Well one of my friends wants me to work with him at one of the many local vineyards. While that would be cool, most workers (in tasting houses) are actually volunteers, but not all. Plus those establishments typically are an hour or more away from our houses. Not ideal in my mind along with losing most of my weekend Saturdays and Sundays in summer. So this option is not a good one.
However, with breweries there are many better and closer options. Some pay for people to work there as bartenders / servers. Specifically there is one 10 minutes away from my house. Their beer is good, but you work on tips and would probably sacrifice most of my Saturdays or Sundays. There are a few other local choices too.
In addition, some vineyards and breweries are looking for roaming salespeople to represent them at events or stores. This actually has a ton of potential, and its easy money that one can make almost any day of the week for only a few hours. This is a huge front runner for me right now. Because its fun and flexible!
This Website:
It would be foolish of me to state I have not considered putting ads on here at this time. I certainly have, but at the moment I have decided not to. The main reason behind this is I just don't want to do it yet. My goal is to get the site going a little while longer, then I might add them. I want my drive to do this site to be separate from any drive to use it to make money.
True Moonlighting:
My job has given me access to several unique programs and capabilities. It has occurred to me I could use this skill set outside of work; possibly as an independent contractor either for myself or for a company operating in a similar, but non-competing field. There are some definite liability concerns here too. However, this could a very valuable experience in terms of money and learning. Still at this point I want to shelve the yea, because this kind of work is exactly what I want to do less of.
(Updated Section) Sports Reffing:
I should have put this up in the first edition of this. I do it right now and can always do more of it in the future. I could ref soccer and baseball easily. I know all the rules and rules to some other sports, but this is a cruel job. Refs take tons of heat, regardless of who is playing, and for not too much $. On the other hand it is usually decent exercise. I already do it a little, and will continue to do it to offset some sports stuff.
Conclusion:
Well this post took and is longer than I wanted it to be. I have a lot to think about here, but no matter what I do the goal is the same.
What are your thoughts on side jobs?
Gremlin,
ReplyDeleteI too am trying to come up with some side hustle ideas this year. It looks like you have a pretty good list so far. One of my ideas is to buy and sell some cheap cars. It takes some patience, but there are lot of people who have older cars that practically give them away. If you have the patience to wait for the deals to come your way you can pick up $6-8 grand a year on just a few transactions. Good luck!
MDP
MDP,
DeleteIf you could flip cars (kind of like flipping houses I guess) that'd rock. Just like a house I bet it takes loads of patience and skill. If you can pull that off though, that sounds like a fun and great way to make some side money! I bet it is also some what rewarding, selling something you put some good sweat into that really makes them happy or makes you proud.
Thanks for stopping by,
Gremlin
I like the desire to pursue some side hustle income, and think the referee strategy you added at the end is fantastic. Ultimately, especially as a soccer ref, you are getting paid to exercise, which is pretty much an ideal combination.
ReplyDeleteAs for the blog, I agree with your strategy to solidify your writing style, voice, and consistency before pushing to make money. Once you've developed those things, the financial aspect can be explored a bit further. Good luck!
W2R,
DeleteSoccer ref type work definitely has those benefits, but certainly requires thick skin to deal with players and or parents (the worst!). Thanks for the concurrence on the blog too, need to prove I can maintain it first.
Thanks for the comment,
Gremlin
Side hustle incomes are great, especially if it's something you enjoy doing and have fun doing. Bar tending would be a cool side job but it typically means staying up late and dealing with potential drunk people.
ReplyDeleteThanks for comment Tawcan,
DeleteI fully agree with you there. Staying up late and dealing with drunks can be tough. Still I could do it if I had to, not that I would always want to. I certainly am not big or strong enough to be the bar bouncer.
- Gremlin
Those are some great side hustle ideas! I too have thought about sports reffing on the weekends. One of my family members does it occasionally and told me he makes $25-30 for a basketball game! That kind of money would be awesome on the side, and would also help keep you in shape too!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
F2R30
F2R30,
DeleteA basketball ref probably gets a little less flak too from parents, for whatever reason they get more respect. If you do that for 2 or 3 games per weekend it is amazing exercise and you walk away with a good chunk of change. Do that twice a month and you are looking at almost $2000 more per year. Not bad for getting a nice workout in.
Thanks for the comment,
Gremlin
Bartending sounds like a pretty good idea! It would be a pretty cool experience that also practices your social skills too. I guess as a bartender you hear a lot of interesting stories from all sorts of people.
ReplyDeleteIoT,
DeleteI bet it does. The stories and potential day-time business opportunities could be worth more than the money made.
Thanks for the comment,
Gremlin
Hi Gremlin! (love the name BTW) Those are some pretty solid ideas, a very close friend of mine is a bartender and he does very well for himself. The main thing is getting into a busy bar and locking up weekend hours (80% of his week is made on fri and sat nights). I currently work part time at a furniture store for huge discount at a very easy job.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck on the side hustles!
FI Inv.,
DeleteThanks a lot. I see that coming too, if I am going to tend a bar, it would have to be somewhere fun or with improved hours. I do need the weekends to sleep sometimes.
Thanks for the good and hope that job works out!
- Gremlin