Your Side Job: Is It Worth It?

In today’s economy, it is not uncommon for women to work a second job to support the family.

Recently, however, the percentage of women who work a side job (or two) in addition to their skilled position has begun to climb.

A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the number of women with advanced degrees holding multiple jobs has risen to nearly 8 percent. The increase raises the question – are they doing it for the money or for pleasure?

The idea of a second job conjures up pictures of long hours, extra stress and less time with family – all in the name of a little extra cash.

Instead, women have begun taking on the added work to use a talent or explore an interest unrelated to their fulltime job. Some even manage to do it from the comfort of their own home.

Michelle Spicer works fulltime for Advantage Sales and Marketing, LLC, but her true passion is interior design. Initially, Spicer owned a retail store specializing in wall decor, fabrics and custom drapes. When the economy took a turn, she was forced to make the hard decision to sell her business.

With a background in merchandising, Spicer easily transitioned to her current fulltime role in sales, but past clients continued to contact her about interior design services. So, she went into freelance interior design as a side job and to continue pursuing her passion.

Today she works a combined minimum 55-hour week, and says she welcomes the added workload, though it’s not out of necessity.

“Having a fulltime job and a side job actually makes my life less stressful,” says Spicer. “I am able to have a stable career to support my family, but I also pursue something I am interested in on the side.”

Bonus PINK Link: If you’re worried that your job(s) could be taking over your life, here’s how to find balance.

Are you working a side job in addition to your 9 to 5?

By Meghan Miranda

Meghan is a freelance writer based in Atlanta. She also works full-time in corporate sales. Follow her on twitter @meghan_says

“If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting.” Katherine Hepburn