Over Time Vs Side Hustle: Which One Should You Choose

When it comes to making money, there are a lot of options available. People with a job may have the opportunity to work over time to make additional money. Others may choose to get a side hustle, like starting their own business. But which one should you choose for your best chance of making money?

In this blog post, we will go over which one you should choose based on a few criteria.

The pros and cons of overtime jobs

The first thing you need to look at is the pros and cons of working over time.

Some of the pros include:

Earnings Are Predictable: You know your hourly rate so if you work overtime, your income will be predictable.
You don’t have to worry about marketing: You will have a set number of customers or clients that you will work with.
You don’t have to worry about overhead: With a job, your employer covers the cost of things like rent, insurance, and utilities.
No Learning Curve: With a job, you already know what is expected of you.

On the other hand, there are also some cons to overtime jobs that you need to keep in mind. These include:

It can be stressful having a busy schedule: You may feel as if you’re always working and never have time for a break.
Less Time with Family: If you’re working overtime, you may miss out on important family events or time with your spouse or kids.
You can be at risk for overworking and illness: Working too much can lead to burnout, which in turn can cause serious health problems.

The pros and cons of side hustles

Now let’s look at the pros and cons of having a side hustle.

Some of the pros include:

You have more control over your schedule: With a side hustle, you can often choose when you work and how much you work. This can be helpful if you have other commitments like family or school.

You can work on your own terms: If you have a side hustle, there are no limits to how much money you can make. You’ll be in charge of setting goals and meeting them.

You get to learn new skills: With a side hustle, you will pick up new skills that can help you with your regular job as well as in your future career.

You Can Be More Creative: A side hustle allows you to be more creative since you’re not restricted by a corporate structure.

More Scalable: A side hustle can grow much more quickly than a regular job since you’re in control of its growth. Eventually, your side hustle can outgrow your regular job and become your main source of income.

Some of the cons of having a side hustle include:

There is a learning curve: When you first start out, there will be a lot to learn about running your own business. This can be overwhelming at times.

You have to worry about marketing: You will need to find ways to market your business and get customers or clients.

You have to worry about overhead: With a side hustle, you will be responsible for covering the costs of things like rent, insurance, and utilities.

Now that we’ve gone over the pros and cons of both overtime jobs and side hustles, let’s look at which one is right for you.

How to Decide which option is best for you

There are many things to consider when deciding which option is best for you. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What are your goals?

Are you looking to make more money or do you want more freedom and flexibility? If you’re looking to make more money, an overtime job may be the better option. If you’re looking for more freedom and flexibility, a side hustle may be the way to go.

Do you like working on your own or do you prefer working with others?

If you enjoy being in charge of everything and having more freedom and flexibility, a side hustle is likely the better option for you. If you’re more comfortable working with other people and reporting to a manager, an overtime job may be the better choice.

Do you have the time to commit to a side hustle?

A side hustle takes time and effort to get off the ground. If you’re not sure you can commit the time necessary to make it successful, an overtime job may be a better option.

Are You a Creative Person?

Creativity is often killed by a corporate structure. If you’re a creative person who wants to flex your creativity muscles, a side hustle may be the better choice for you.

Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your goals, your personality type, and what works best with your schedule. Consider all of these factors carefully before making a final decision.

What Are Some Of The Best Side Hustles To Start

Below we will get into some of the most realistic and best side hustles that you can start.

Freelance Writer:

Becoming a freelance writer is a great way to make extra money. It’s also a flexible side hustle that you can do on your own time. If you’re a good writer, there’s no shortage of businesses and individuals who will pay you for your services.

To get started, create a portfolio of your work and start pitching to businesses and individuals who need content. Once you get a few clients, you can set your own rates and work as little or as much as you want.

Freelance Editor:

If you’re a good editor, there are many businesses and individuals who will pay you to edit their content. This is a great side hustle for those who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for writing.

Blogging Business:

Starting a blogging business can be great way to make extra money. You will need some technical skills and a bit of experience, but if you have these things it’s definitely worth considering.

Blogging can be monetized in many ways, such as through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. If you’re serious about making money with your blog, there’s no reason why you can’t make a full-time income from it.

The best part about blogging is if you know the process, it is highly scalable. You can make a little bit of money with just a few hours per week, or you can make a full-time income if you’re willing to put in the work.

If you want to learn the process of how I learned to blog to make money. Take a look at the passive income geek course by Morten Storgaard.

Youtube Channel:

With billions of monthly users, Youtube is a great platform to start making some extra money. You can create videos on just about any topic, and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find an audience for your content.

You can monetize in many ways including through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort necessary to develop a successful Youtube channel, it’s definitely worth considering as a side hustle option.

Characteristics You Need To Be Successful With a Side Hustle

Persistence:

The biggest characteristic you need to have to be successful with a side hustle is persistence. It’s not going to be easy, and there will be times when you want to give up. But if you’re persistent, you’ll find a way to make it work.

Patience:

Another important characteristic is patience. It takes time for most side hustles to become profitable. You must be willing to put in the time and effort necessary to make it work.

Creativity:

If you’re looking for a side hustle that requires creativity, there are many options available. Whether you choose to blog, freelance writing, or another opportunity, being creative will help you stand out from the crowd.

Flexibility:

Most side hustles require some level of flexibility. You’ll need to be able to work on your eschedule and be willing to put in the extra effort when necessary.

If you don’t have that much flexibility but still want to start one, you need the money to get started.

Determination:

You’ll also need to be determined if you want to make your side hustle a success.

Final thoughts on overtime vs side hustle

If you’re happy and comfortable with the process of your job, then it might not be worth risking that by starting a side hustle. On the other hand, if you’re unhappy with your job or feel like you’re not reaching your full potential, a side hustle may be just what you need to find fulfillment and success.

Only you can decide which route is best for you. Consider all of your options carefully before making a final decision.

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Over Time Vs Side Hustle: Which One Should You Choose