Musings on the side hustle

Over the past month, the term “side hustle” has come up in conversation with increased frequency.

On one occasion, side hustle was referred to during a leadership presentation on generational differences in the workplace. In another instance, a colleague shared that it had come to light that one of their full-time, remote employees also was employed in a side hustle during the workday. In yet a third interaction, someone who was looking for employment opportunities as an independent contractor referred to the additional work he was seeking as a side hustle.

Is it simply a coincidence that this term is being utilized more often these days? After a little bit of research and some reflection, my short answer is no. The side hustle seems to be trending for an array of reasons.

If you’re wondering how a side hustle differs from a second job, here’s a quick description. Side hustles often are temporary, unrelated to someone’s regular job or profession, and result in variable pay which is reported on a 1099 (if reported at all). Side hustles rarely offer traditional benefits but do allow people to boost their earnings. Second jobs are more likely to have set hours and come with a regular paycheck.

Both side hustles and second jobs could be classified as “moonlighting” depending on the specific circumstances. Moonlighting is an older term used to describe jobs that were typically done after hours without the knowledge of one’s primary employer. Back in the day, employees were sometimes “outed” by coworkers, or discovered by their manager, when they struggled to maintain performance standards due to burning the candle at both ends.

Some of these exact same issues arise in workplaces today, especially when the job responsibilities related to a successful side hustle overlap with an employee’s primary employment.

Take for example, a full-time administrative employee who also is an Instagram influencer who earns money generating sales through links showcasing fashionable clothing and accessories. If it’s a slow, work-from-home day at her main job, is it acceptable for her to shoot promotional reels, answer messages from followers, and do outreach to new brands she’d like to endorse? Most employers would say no — she should be focused on her job responsibilities even on slow days, because that’s what she’s being paid to do.

So, is a side hustle ever OK? Sure, there are plenty of examples where employers might find your side hustle perfectly acceptable. Most bosses happily endorse activities that don’t overlap or conflict with your primary job. These tend to be related to an employee’s interests, talents, or passions. They might involve coaching, teaching, performing music, creating and selling art, freelance writing, investing in real estate, landscaping, painting, driving, or many other activities. The list of potential side hustles continues to expand as new ways to supplement income are experimented with.

Some experts have reported that younger workers tend to believe that they will never find full-time employment that is satisfying, engaging, and rewarding, so they pour more time and energy into their side hustles.

While I’m encouraged by their youthful enthusiasm, I’m sad that they’re pessimistic about finding a job, profession, or career that they love. My hope is that some of them eventually will, but if they don’t, side hustles will remain a viable and potentially lucrative option for workers of all ages.

• Mary Lynn Fayoumi is president and CEO of HR Source in Downers Grove.