6 Lessons Learned – Looking for a Side Job
6 Lessons Learned – How to find a side job that works for you
If you are looking for a side job, weekend job, night job, part-time job, online job, or work from home job via the internet, you maybe landed here…and a lot of other places that will say how easy everything is. This is what I have learned. Learn from my time spent and save yours.
Because sometimes side jobs can be full time jobs. And have perks like enjoying nice days.
1. Do not let people take advantage of you
Or they will.
Watch for some red flags:
- Bad Reviews.
- Reviews Claiming VERY high amounts of money made in short periods of time. Basically, if it sounds too good to be true, it may be.
- *Note: it is not always the case, but read some feedback in the app stores or forums to see if others have similar experiences.
- Unresponsive Support.
- Difficulties Getting Payment (Is it vague on when you get paid? Do others complain about not receiving payment? If you try it, did you have issues getting paid? Is there a high minimum cash-out amount (that you do not think you can reach)? )
- Requiring you to make money to sign up. *some exceptions are for jobs where you pay for the materials to get started, or to get a background check done.
- But if you need to pay just to sign up to use the service, avoid it. After all, you are trying to make money here.
- Clients with demanding and high expectations.
- Little pay for the amount of work and time you put in.
- *Especially if there are promises that you will eventually make more. –> perhaps not always a red flag, but something to consider. Are you willing to wait and see if this does indeed happen?
- Difficulties in signing up. If it seems you are unable to just create an account, or start with the job, then it may be hard to do the work once you get in.
2. It is important to find the right thing for you
Ignore how much other people, posts, graphics, etc., say they made. That was them. With any side job, online job, work from home, weekend job, etc., a lot will have to do with a few factors:
- If those jobs have a need for someone with your background at that moment, and
- Whether you are a good fit for it – or is it something you want to do and can, given other commitments, location, technology, etc.
Both of these can vary a bit. And more importantly, they can vary on the person. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa.
I wish I had realized this earlier.
3. Do Not Burn Yourself Out
Yes a promise of “eventually” making a certain amount sounds great. You may. You may not.
But you probably won’t if you burn yourself out first.
It is good to take time to relax. Read a book. Go for a walk. Check out my post on apps that reward you to move.
Or may listen to an audible. New to audibles? You can sign up for an Audible 30-day free trial via the link below. *Provided by Amazon.
Along with burning yourself out, this leads me to my next part….
4. Temper Expectations
If you are looking for fixed rates, then there ARE part-time job possibilities. See this post for some ideas.
Freelancing is also an option, but may take time to land something. There are options to eventually get that certainty. However, in the beginning, you need to figure out what works for you. And allow yourself time to get familiar with the job(s) you try out. Also, if you like it, consider how much that may motivate you.
It is unlikely that you can make a lot immediately. It is possible. But temper expectations or you will become frustrated. Frustration zaps motivation. A small amount of money is still more than none.
If you find yourself frustrated, do some small thing. Just make that first step.
5. Read forums and comments and pay attention to other people’s experiences
I mention Reddit a lot and consider them a great resource. Why? Well I found it helpful. Also, it is nice to get real opinions on possible side jobs or any type of job.
There are plenty of subreddits, and often some tailored for specific types of jobs or companies:
- /r/freelance
- /r/digitalnomad
- /r/Upwork
- /r/limejuicer
- /r/povertyfinance
- /r/jobs/
- /r/hireaneditor
- /r/hireanartist
- /r/hireawriter
- /r/slavelabour
- /r/beermoney
- /r/WorkOnline
- /r/selfemployed
- /r/uber
- /r/financialindependence
These are just examples of resources and to illustrate how tailored it can be. You can also just search Reddit for your question. Side jobs? Part time ideas? Work from home? You will find some detailed and quality answers on here if you are willing to just look around a bit.
Listen to Real Opinions
Read through the real opinions and ignore the hype. Also, just try things out. Figure out what works for you. If it’s a strain or if you are not making as much as you heard others can make, ask yourself why. Are you putting in the effort and it is not working out at all for you? It may be time to move on to the next one. Do not spend too much energy assuming you need to learn it better. There are plenty of side jobs that can become full time jobs in the sea. And no one knows you better than yourself.
If you are not putting in the effort, then ask yourself why. Are you not enjoying it? Is it running you down? Is it something you do not care about? All these reasons are fine because not every job will be a fit for every person. But just keep it in mind. If it’s a short term obstacle but you genuinely enjoy the job, then I would suggest that you keep at it. If you have the time but just do not want to do that side job or side hustle (or whatever it is), you may never give it your all and it may never make you much money. Or make you happy.
6. Ask Questions
Remember that you are finding what works for both you and whomever is hiring you. It is mutually beneficial for you BOTH to feel comfortable with the job expectations and the ability to meet them with both people happy. If you do not ask the potential employer, then ask in forums. Send someone a message on a blog or other type of social media. Create a post with your question.
Personally, I would search first because there is a wealth of information out there that can get diluted by new posts asking the same question, yet have valuable content in the comments. You may save yourself time by searching for the answer first. If you cannot find it reasonably quickly, ask someone. People can be surprisingly helpful and kind if you give them the opportunity.
Side Jobs have their perks, like these days. And If not, take a turn onto the next one…
Final thoughts
Those are my thoughts. Contact me if you have any questions or feedback!
And check out my master list of money making ideas and my master list of posts on saving money and time.
Mood
Tiger Teeth – WALK THE MOON
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