Becoming a dance fitness instructor wasn’t a quick-trigger decision. I had a lot of fear and hesitation. I had other side gig jobs-- gas station, freelancing, skating instructor. But my time is more precious now as I get older and families are growing. Here are a few of the Pros and Cons I considered when pursuing a second job.
Pros of a Side Gig
Money- Obviously the top reason for picking up a second job is to make an additional income.
More than just money- There’s discounts, free product/services, and other perks.
Enjoyment- I really liked working at a gas station. Did I need the money? No. But I liked the social aspect. And the skating instructor position? I loved teaching little kids to skate!
Cons of a Side Gig
Initial investments- Becoming a fitness instructor came with the training and certification costs. A few hundred dollars that I need to recoup before the second job is profitable.
Less free time- All that extra time in the evenings and weekends is now dedicated to your side gig.
Running from problems- Being super busy is a great way to ignore negative feelings.
Your full time employer’s perception- I once had a boss tell me he didn’t understand why people want second jobs. “Why not just work harder at your current job so then you get paid more?” Whether he was right or wrong, your employer may have policies regarding second jobs or moonlighting.
These may cover some of your pros and cons for getting a second job. Now it’s your turn to grab a huge sheet of paper, make a line from top to bottom down the middle, and write Pros at the top of the left column and Cons at the top of the right column. Looking at the above examples for inspiration, start listing your pros and cons.
Consider the weight, or impact, of each pro and con. Even if you have more pros, there might be one con, like the costs to get started, that outweigh the pros. A good way to determine the weight and help yourself from making a biased decision is to ask a good friend or someone in your family you trust to give it to you straight.
The ultimate deciding factor is an answer to the question “Is it worth it?” You have to honestly answer this question with a wise mind that utilizes both your feelings and logic. As for me, a side gig is worth it!
P.s. through my side gig, I get to give you a discount on workout clothes! Go to www.zumba.com and use coupon code: SHAKENBAKE to save $$ on super cute workout clothes.
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