In the bold pursuit of financial security, many have decided to juggle side gigs. Some even refer to this dizzying dance as “polyworking”—which sounds fancy but essentially means picking up a few more jobs to stave off impending doom when that main gig comes crashing down.
Take Katelyn Cusick, for instance, a 29-year-old visual merchandiser for Patagonia who apparently thinks her life isn’t busy enough as she decorates mannequins. Oh no, she also manages social media influencers for a German shoe brand, sells some artwork on Etsy, and ushers at concerts—because who doesn’t want to work through their weekend listening to talented strangers while being underappreciated?
“Every day is different, like a box of chocolates that you can’t afford,” Cusick quips. And really, what better motivation does one need than to pay off student loans and survive in a city where your rent may as well be a second mortgage?
Many are diving into side jobs to combat the persistent specter of job instability. It’s the modern-day “keep your friends close, but your income streams closer” philosophy. While some are fearlessly thrashing away at gig apps like Uber or Grubhub with the fervor of a caffeinated squirrel, others are crafting “portfolio careers” that sound much cooler than they are—kind of like saying you’re a “cultural connoisseur” when all you do is watch Netflix in your pajamas.
“Instead of locking themselves into one job,” says Elaine Chen from the Derby Entrepreneurship Center, “people are assembling an eclectic mix of side hustles, maintaining a kaleidoscope of career options.” Because why not turn your life into a game of income roulette, right?
If you’re jumping into the side hustle arena, there are some tricks to avoid landing face-first into the hard ground of reality. First, pick something you enjoy. Josie White, for example, is combining a full-time gig as a fundraiser with her passion for mental health. After some personal struggles, she decided to become a public speaker, meeting people where they are—literally, at engaging events where the audience desperately wishes they were doing anything else. “I just want to remind people that there’s hope,” she says, likely to a rapt crowd eagerly awaiting the coffee break.
But do keep an eye on the money, because side hustles don’t always pay off—sort of like a diet soda that promises to quench your thirst but leaves you longing for a slice of pizza. White initially volunteered her speaking services, emphasizing that even unpaid gigs can lead to something resembling a paycheck, eventually. Her journey is an inspiring reminder that it’s okay to starve while trying to feed your passions—metaphorically, of course.
Then there’s Kevin Glennon, who turned his frisbee golf woes into an entrepreneurial venture involving a beep-inducing device to retrieve lost discs. Yes, because nothing says “brand new life goal” quite like obsessing over an item that can be easily replaced. He describes his project as a “moonlighting job.” Sure, Kevin, we’re all just one moonlight stroll away from cupcake-flavored profits.
But beware of the gig economy sharks lurking in the waters, ready to pounce when you least expect it. Tom Ritter, who dabbles in delivering groceries, quickly found out that while gig work can be a cash cow, it can also complicate any return to traditional employment. It turns out some employers look down on gig work like it’s a messy, half-eaten sandwich at a business meeting. Ravenelle, a researcher, warns: even if you start to make decent dough, prepare to have your algorithm adjusted faster than you can say “wage cuts.”
And let’s not forget to be skeptical; all that glitters online is not gold. If someone is promising you riches from selling microgreens, it might be time to run—unless, of course, your idea of fun is watching an influencer sell you overpriced grow lights while they cash in.
Ultimately, embarking on the side hustle treadmill can leave you with zero personal time. Glennon, for example, has turned all of his friends into fellow disc golfers, because, apparently, hanging out is too mainstream unless it involves potential profits. White candidly admits her life isn’t “balanced,” but hey, as long as you enjoy the chaos, who cares?
