I was in university when I took my first “second” job.   The restaurant I worked at was not open for lunch so in the summers, I always looked for a second day job to compliment my night gig.  Over the years, that second job stuck and came in handy numerous times for various reasons. Eventually my second job morphed into the volunteer positions I held with not-for-profit organizations. I’ve found that many of the benefits of a second job are still applicable even when you aren’t getting paid.  Not to mention, volunteering somewhere you ultimately want to work, is a good way to get in the door and get noticed. 

 A diversified skill set makes you more resilient (and more marketable)

There are a lot of benefits to having more than one job, but one of the greatest advantages is diversifying your skill set.  You get valuable skills, that are often transferable, but can also offer new skills and free training.  I consider myself to be a lifelong learner, so anytime I can learn (and practice) a useful skill for free, that is pure gold to me. 

Up-skilling and re-skilling 

This is not just for young people.  A second job or volunteer role can be a great (and often risk-free) way test-run new skill sets and ultimately change careers.  Having a diversified skill set, along with a second income can help make that transition easier.  Depending on your primary career, a lot of employers are being more flexible in their work offerings so you may be able to negotiate a flexible work schedule to suit your new interests. 

Financial benefits

Of course, there are obvious financial perks to getting a second paid job, but there might be other financial benefits too.  When you are an entrepreneur and working contract work, it can also give you a steady income and a bridge between contracts.  Depending on your industry, contract work is often short-term, which means you are always looking for that next gig.  Having a second source of income can make those transition times easier. 

Moonlighting in the industry you are already in, is also a good gig that can often provide the same learning and beneficial opportunities, not to mention some extra cash.  Anyone in fundraising that knows how to write grants as a side hustle could be (in the words of my younger colleague) making bank.  

Networking and meeting people

Another benefit to a second job (volunteer or paid) is making new connections and expanding your network.  I think we all know the value of being connected.  Depending on your secondary industry, some of your connections may actually help you in your “real” job.  I worked at the Keg when I was in university and made many connections through customers and colleagues that became references and opened doors for me to other roles.  

In the case of taking on a volunteer role as a second job, adding volunteer experience to a resume will set you apart in a competitive job market.  Spending your free time on a worthy cause shows employers that you are selfless, empathetic, and likely a team player with initiative.  All things employers are looking for these days.  

For the fun of it

Let’s not overlook the fact that sometimes a second job is just plain fun and can provide a social component.  Tourist spots can provide some really fun employment opportunities.  A friend’s husband is an accountant and just started a side hustle leading overnight hiking tours along the Bruce Trail.  

Glamping and hiking…what’s not fun about that?  Having a glass of wine after an event at a winery with co-workers? Also, good times. Consider being a host at a theatre venue or concert hall.  Volunteer at mega-sporting event like the Canadian Open Golf Tournament, or the Summer Games.  All offer fantastic opportunities.  I could go on and on.  

Things to consider before committing to a side hustle

1 - Your time 

Make sure you have the time and the energy for what you’re signing up to do.  Sometimes your second job can take up more time than you anticipated.  Honestly, this probably happens more frequently in volunteer roles than paid roles.  But I’ve had it happen in both.  

2 - How it will impact your life (spouse, kids, main job)

If you’re married or in a relationship, talk it over with your spouse or partner.  Is it going to be worth the cost of being gone?  And I don’t just mean financially.  Are you going to miss your kids’ activities?  Will you be available for family functions or for date night?  It doesn’t mean you can’t do it.  Maybe your family will go “all in” with you.  I knew one that did. 

As a hockey board member, I witnessed three generations of the same family be involved with a local minor hockey association.  The grandfather coached, the mom sat on the board with me, the dad was a trainer and the kids (three of them) all became timekeepers.  Sometimes going all in with your family can be a lot of fun and teach valuable life lessons at the same time.  

(Side note: You can still volunteer in youth sports without having kids.  Sometimes, non-parent coaches make the best coaches!)  

3 - Costs – training and travel

Make sure you understand the requirements of the role.  Do you need training?  Who will pay for it?  You? Or you employer/association?  You’ll want to know before you commit and be prepared.  Most employers will offer free training and of course volunteer training often comes free, but not always.  

I worked with a marine rescue organization and found out that their people were/are all volunteers.  Training the volunteers cost $1,500 per person.  They did fundraising and had other revenue to cover the training, but there was still $600 worth of personal equipment (both required and optional) that the volunteer was responsible to pay for. 

Now that may seem unreasonable but if you think about it, volunteers are getting lifesaving training valued at $1,500.  They become fully certified in marine safety.  If you are considering a career in emergency services, this might just be a great place to get your feet wet. Pun intended!  

I also had a friend whose side hustle was delivery at Skip the Dishes.  He raved about the money he made, the flexible schedule and tips.  What he did not rave about was the time he spent driving around and the wear and tear he was putting on his car, not to mention the cost of gas.  

Do your research and get the costs up front before you commit.  In the hockey family, the timekeepers (kids) were paid, and the bench staff (Dad and Grandpa) had to pay for their own certifications. 

4 - Don’t give away all your time

Have you ever met those people who work ALL the time?  We used to call them “go-getters” or a “Type A Personality”.  I think we now call them something much less flattering, and for good reason.  The benefits of scheduling time away from work for a hobby, physical exercise or just time with friends and family, can be seen in our physical, mental and emotional health.  Don’t work too much.  Make sure the second gig also provides some sort of outlet, be it mental or physical. 

5- Know what you want

So, consider what you are looking for in a side hustle.  More money?  New skills? A career change?  Networking and social connections?  If you prioritize what you are looking to get out of your side hustle, bringing it to fruition will be easier and keep you focused on the goal.  

My priority is youth.  

I’ve worked two jobs most of my life.  In university, I worked as a Teaching Assistant and at the Keg.  In my last year of full-time study, I met a Keg customer who worked in corrections at a new young offenders’ facility.  We got talking and he ended up coming back and offering me a job, but not because of my shining personality, education, or work experience.  He hired me to pilot a program for young offenders that involved horses.  Horses and riding had been my hobby for years, and that is what got me the job.  I must have mentioned riding in one of our conversations.  I’m proud to say that program rolled out across the province and I will never forget the first group of kids we put through the program.  

As my kids got older, the tremendous need for volunteers in their youth sports became painfully obvious.  There was need at many levels: coaches, board members and more.  So, it was pretty much volunteering after that for many years in multiple roles.

What do I love most about the side hustle?  The people I meet along the way.  The skills are a fantastic bonus, but there is nothing better than helping others achieve their goals and dreams.  You will be a better person for it and will probably be making bank along the way.  

Michelle Harder has over 20 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit development.  As an author, consultant and public speaker, with a specialty in faith-based fundraising, Michelle is driven by a passion to help organizations large and small achieve their fundraising and strategic goals.  https://michelleharder.com

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