The time has never been more ripe for a second career. It’s currently estimated that many of us will be working second jobs by 2030 and will be enjoying it too. The world is swiftly becoming one of workers, grafters, and those devoted to their craft, and getting a second job (and enjoying the income it brings) is just one way to express that trait.
If you’re thinking of getting a second job, there are some right and wrong answers you need to consider. Some careers are simply too time-consuming to warrant taking them up alongside a main job. Others are perfect for additional income because of their setup or time investment. Here are 7 ideal second careers for you to take up if you’re thinking of handling more work.
1. Online trading
Some online traders reckon that you only need to invest around one to three hours per day if you want to be a day trader part-time. The best times to trade aren’t particularly friendly – 9:30 AM and 4 PM EST – but if you’re not working those hours, you could stand to make a very tidy profit from online trading as a second job. This is also one of the best careers to take advantage of extensive online resources to help you. Websites like tradingbeasts offer information and tools to help you become the best trader you can possibly be. All in all, you could definitely make worse choices than becoming an online trader as a second job.
2. Freelance work
Whatever your personal skill might be, there’s bound to be a way for you to ply your trade as a freelancer. If you’re a writer, there are always ways to find freelance writing work. Photographers, artists, and graphic designers always tend to be in demand because corporations need these things to publicise themselves and sell their products. Freelance work is great because you get to dictate your own work hours, you can work when you want to, and it tends to be fairly no-strings; you won’t be beholden to bosses who will constantly tell you what to do. You will need to work to varied briefs, but otherwise this is a good choice for second job work.
3. Service industry work
Many restaurants and other leisure establishments are busiest during hours outside the traditional 9 to 5. If you’re working an office job but you’re craving something a little more active, you could consider a job in the service industry. This work tends to be very fast-paced and active, so if you’re looking for something more sedate then this isn’t the second job for you. If, however, you’re wanting to get some experience in a customer-facing role and looking to expand your portfolio, service industry work is an excellent choice for a second job.
4. Entrepreneurship
Got a killer idea for a business but just don’t know how to get it off the ground? Why not consider getting a job, then setting up your business in your spare time? This way you’ll be earning money to devote to your startup, gaining valuable work experience, and making connections, all while you’re building up your business idea. Once your business is up and running, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from maintaining your main job and running your business on the side. This might be time-consuming, but it’s a good way to chase your dreams while working.
5. Performing arts
Maintaining that dream of becoming a professional musician, comedian, or actor isn’t easy, especially in a world that sometimes discourages artists from doing what they do. The ideal way to balance your dreams with reality is to pursue your desire as a second career. You can work a job in the daytime, then put a band together and perform locally in the evening. Work on your standup set during lunches and try it out on people after work. That way, you’re still earning money, but you’re chasing what you love at the same time.
6. Pet walking
No, really. It might sound a little bit silly, but there are plenty of professionals who don’t have the time to look after their pets and need someone else to help them do it. As a pet walker, you’ll get to spend time with animals, so if you’re an animal lover this is obviously the perfect job for you. A lot of the time, pet walkers need people during work hours, so this might not be the best job to balance with a conventional office gig. Still, if you’re working part-time, taking up pet walking in addition to your other job is a great way to get exercise, spend time with animals, and earn a little cash.
7. Reselling
Websites like Amazon, eBay, and others provide excellent reselling services to those looking to get rid of a few unwanted possessions. While your stuff is just sitting there gathering dust, it makes sense to try and put it to some use. These websites don’t take a huge amount of time or skill to navigate, so this job is ideal for anyone with an excess of stuff they want to shift. You’re clearing out your home, making money, and learning a valuable lesson about marketplaces and doing business with people on a personal basis.