As some of you know, my main side hustle is being a brand ambassador. It’s flexible, easy and pays fairly well. I had no work scheduled this past weekend, but I told myself I was going to make it happen somehow. As soon as Friday night hit, I got two gigs confirmed for Saturday! One I found on Craigslist and the other on Taskrabbit. Both were not Brand Ambassador gigs, but just as fun and easy!
The Craigslist gig was so easy and awesome! I worked an event called Urban Dare (have you heard of it?) that is sort of like a one-day Amazing Race. My only job was to sign people in and time-stamp their cards when they got back. It was stupidly easy and the guy paid for our lunches! I got to see people in crazy costumes, look at their clues for the scavenger hunt and generally just see some interesting things.
The second gig I got was from Taskrabbit and it was a Star Trek themed surprise birthday party for this woman’s husband. Essentially, I just made sure the food was out, things were clean and helped put everything away. Taking out garbage, cleaning, etc wasn’t so fun, but most of the gig was really easy—and I got free dinner and wine! Overall, I made an additional $180 in one day of work and got two free meals. The benefits are obvious, but I’d like to share why I love side-hustling!
It gets you out of your comfort zone
Meeting strangers from the Internet is still weird, but oddly thrilling, especially when things work out well. Working a job that isn’t your “job” is like stepping into a different life, even just for a day or a few hours.
Meeting other people you wouldn’t normally meet
As we grow older, we usually hang out in circles that affirm our own interests, which can make it hard to meet new people who you can learn and grow from. I always make it a point to network and have fun when I am doing these gigs. I’ve met some great friends through gigs I’ve gotten off Craigslist. More over, I’ve gotten recurring gigs and referrals for more work.
Be a Fly on the Wall
Before this weekend, I had never heard of Urban Dare in my life. I don’t own a TV, so am only vaguely familiar with Amazing Race and Star Trek (sci-fi really isn’t my thing.) It was really fascinating to be in a new environment around people with different interests. I overheard different conversations, had a great time people watching (favorite hobby ever), and observed two activities I never get to take part in. Working in environments that get you out of your comfort zone, that allow you to quietly observe a situation is a great way to expand your knowledge and make yourself aware of other things going on in the world.
Pay off Debt
My #1 reason I love side-hustling? Paying off debt! (You didn’t see that coming, did you?) This month I’ve put 86% of my day job income towards my debt (or $1600). If I didn’t side-hustle there is no way I’d be able to do that. I only have a little money left over after paying that much, but side-hustle income helps me cover all my bills and still have a good time! For the rest of the year and into 2014, my goal is to ramp up my side-hustle income while still having fun, hanging out with friends and being sane 🙂
What’s your favorite thing about side-hustling? What would you add the to the list?
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21 comments
Without side hustles, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to pay off my debt so quickly. That’s a huge plus!
You are such an inspiration, Michelle. You are the side hustle queen!
I love your motivation for all of your side hustles – 80% of your normal income towards your debt is so amazing!! Did people dress like Trekkies at the party? 🙂 You’re doing an awesome job, M, so proud of you!! xo
Thanks Anna! Love your encouragement. They did dress like Trekkies and even started singing a song in Klingon!!! It was really amazing to watch.
Without side hustles, I’d be completely freaking out over the lack of video work that is happening right now. It’s been a life saver this year!
It can really help when everything else is slow! It’s a confidence booster too.
So far my only side hustle is my blog and that alone is a lifestyle change haha. Congrats on putting 86% of your income towards debt this month. You are killing it M!
I hope to add blogging to my list too! You are an inspiration with your blog 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement.
I’ve done an amazing race before in the city. It was called city chase. The one thing I like about side-hustling is that it keeps me busy. I think I would be really bored if I didn’t have my part-time job.
I almost forget what I did before side-hustling and blogging, lol.
That’s freaking awesome! Way to work the side hustles :).
I really need to break out of my comfort zone a bit. Virtual side hustling is no problem, but I think I’d be really shy as a brand ambassador.
I think you’re totally rad and would do just fine. If you had to make money, know you could do it!
Wow! That is hardcore debt payment! I think your side hustles sound really fun, but I would be such a chicken!
Yeah, it feels pretty hardcore. We’ll see how long I can keep this up.
Wow, that is great work for one weekend! I’m really inspired by your side hustling!
Thanks! I’m glad it’s inspirational. Sometimes it’s exhausting for me, but it’s worth it.
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This is great that you enjoy side hustling and find it so much fun! I know I will love teaching English which is my “potential” side hustle. Keep up the great work, $1600 towards debt in a month is no joke! Well done, lady!
I always tell people around me to find something they like to do and go for it. You might not get rich from these or not even get a proper ‘job’, but still the money and the experience you gain are worth it.
hear, hear! I’m an advocate of side hustling! It keeps me up on my feet and I earn extra money to pay off debt and save for my emergency fund too! Side hustling can be a real life saver!