The Nixer Phenomenon: Making Pennies from Your Free Time

Once upon a time in the mythical land of Ireland, there existed a little-known side job known as the ‘nixer.’ But thanks to social media’s relentless quest to make everything sound cooler, we now prefer the term ‘side hustle.’ It sounds a bit like an acrobatic maneuver, but really, it’s just a less glamorous way of saying you’re trying to pay for your coffee habit.

Now, generally, the idea behind this charming concept is simple: grab some extra cash to supplement your PAYE earnings because you just can’t seem to resist buying that third pair of shoes. But don’t let the glossy Instagram posts fool you—these side hustles come with a side of reality checks. Sure, you can start companies from your kitchen while washing your delicates, but when was the last time you saw a TikTok showcasing someone’s attempts at selling handmade soap that just looked like they were playing with a science experiment gone wrong?

Ah yes, the allure of additional income, particularly when you’re living perpetually between paychecks, like a modern-day Cinderella without the fairy godmother. So what kind of side gigs can someone who is already chained to their desk for 40 hours a week realistically take on? And let’s not forget to ask—will it actually merit the extra wrinkles you’re sure to develop?

Enter Deirdre O’Keeffe, a Kildare-based bookkeeper and mentor, who somehow manages to transform the daunting idea of running a side hustle into something almost manageable. As if that wasn’t enough, she also tackles the incredible world of taxes, which is a lot like wrestling an octopus—just when you think you’ve got a handle on it, another tentacle pops up with new rules and regulations. How delightful!

In the latest episode of “Better With Money”—because who doesn’t want their financial advice with a side of sarcasm?—Deirdre spills her secrets on navigating the murky waters of side hustles. She shares tips on how to spot scams, like a pro fisherman avoiding the nets, and discusses how this whole side hustle gig can serve as a ‘valuable exercise’ in testing your (mostly misguided) entrepreneurial spirit.

Of course, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The reality is that many of these vibrant side hustles end up being an elaborate excuse to dodge your laundry on a Sunday. But, hey, if you’re going to convince yourself that selling custom dog sweaters is your calling, then who are we to rain on your parade?

So, take a moment, think about how to turn your current near-psychotic level of busyness into even more busyness. Whether it’s launching the next big app or simply mastering the art of panic-cleaning your home office, there’s no time like the present to explore the nixer—oops, we mean side hustle—life. Just remember, in the end, everyone’s got bills to pay, and sometimes that means giving your old high school hobby a dreadful makeover and selling it on the internet while hiding from your regular job. Cheers to independence!