How do you start a “side gig” while still employed?

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 9,2023 at 12:01AM UTC

   Corporate America doesn’t really want to invest in younger workers’ career development, either. It only has a preference for hiring younger people because they’re cheaper and often don’t come with the external obligations of caring for a family or elderly parents.

2. Elyse RobinsonJanuary 9,2023 at 12:34AM UTC

   THIS!

3. Elyse RobinsonJanuary 9,2023 at 12:34AM UTC

   A side gig doing what?

4. AnonymousJanuary 9,2023 at 2:43PM UTC

   Consulting - leveraging my skills to fill the gap in an organization. I need to start building a client base so I can turn it into a financially viable solution.

5. AnonymousJanuary 9,2023 at 3:30AM UTC

   This is what I did. I left every job I ever worked at at the top of my game. I kept in touch with leadership and then approached them when I heard they were in between hires or increasing work had staff stretched thin. My solution was to offer to take on extra work as a 1099 consultant or contractor. I knew their operation and knew their processes as well as the staff. I presented myself as a resource at 2. 5x what I was paid as employee but they saved headcount, payroll tax and benfits as well as perks and bonuses. They only used me as needed with no minimum obligation. It worked perfectly.

   As leaders left to joined other companies they reached out with new work. I had built trust based on my quality of work and work ethic.

   The work comes out of nowhere and I can take it or refer others when I'm too busy. I have a nice network of referrals and have set myself up as a professional llc abd have left my full time position so that I can work for myself, less than 25 hours per week for the most part making more money with more control over my time.and life.

   I did it slowly having one, then 2 and now 3 clients.

6. Jackie RukaJanuary 9,2023 at 4:47AM UTC

   Companies are re-visiting employees over 50 who have a great experience, so don't discard yourself just yet. However, it's very common nowadays to have a side gig , personal brand or coach or consultant service that compliments your experience, education and background or do something that makes you unique and different where there is an irresistible need. I teach women this very thing and speak from experience. There is a method to this and it does not have to be difficult. If you have a burning desire to create a side business and even accelerate to six figures to replace your 9 to 5 , I offer a free consultation and have a free workshop this Thursday evening if you want to register? You are welcome to contact me here and I can send on the registration link.

7. AnonymousJanuary 9,2023 at 2:41PM UTC

   That would be great. Please send me the link!

8. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterJanuary 9,2023 at 2:46PM UTC

   I'm a fan of the podcast "side hustle nation" and get lots of ideas there.

   There are definitely lots of routes to take and ways to start - the key - START.

9. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterJanuary 9,2023 at 6:30PM UTC

   My best advice to you is this: Make sure you are passionate about your side gig. Otherwise, it will feel incredibly burdensome to you and will just add to your at-work stress.

10. Jackie RukaJanuary 9,2023 at 7:23PM UTC

    Here is the workshop link for this Thursday night;

    https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcuurqTMjE9xOgeHc8kVi-ep7SjU9UrlM

11. Cindy GreenwoodJanuary 11,2023 at 3:22PM UTC

    I started a side gig and the best thing I did was invest in a coach who would work with me one on one to build my dream. It has gotten me leaps and bounds ahead of where I was. Even though I am in corporate business - there are so many things that I didn't know about building my own business. I knew I needed to set aside my ego to get where I wanted to be. Best investment! If you are interested in who I used let me know :)

12. AnonymousJanuary 11,2023 at 5:58PM UTC

    I had my own non-related biz prior to going into the corporate world. I decided to attend to my business on weekends so it wouldn’t interfere. It’s worked out great, and serves as my creative outlet with constant, positive interaction with my clients, something that remains absent in the corporate world. I also hired a business coach early on in my career, and it was the best thing I ever did.