Benefits and drawbacks of side jobs

Looking to save up for a vacation, a new car or some other expense your regular paycheck won’t cover? What about a second job? According to the United States Census Bureau, many Americans see the side job benefits and are going this route. Holding multiple jobs has become more common in the last two decades, and 4.9 percent of 164 million US workers now hold two or more paid positions.

Good news: There are plenty of opportunities in the manufacturing and logistics sector to make extra money through a part-time job or a side hustle. And yes — you can work two positions in the same industry, as long as they aren’t competitors, and you’re aware of any downside potential. Read on for the benefits of working a side job and what opportunities are out there.

4 benefits of working a side job

extra income

Making extra money is the most obvious benefit of taking on a second job or side hustle. You won’t be working full-time on the second job, so try to maximize your earnings by finding a position with the highest hourly wage possible. One way to do this is to train for extra certifications, such as a forklift operator license, or learn to use the Freight+ shipping software application.

more experience

Working a part-time job or finding a side hustle can also boost your career. You might get to take on new responsibilities and sharpen transferable skills like mechanical assembly or soldering that will look good on your resume. Also, if you’re new to working in a warehouse, a part-time or contract position allows you to test the waters to see whether the environment and culture fit your style.

security

A second job gives you peace of mind and financial security. If you have to leave your full-time role, you already have another position to fall back on. You can also use the extra income to bulk up your emergency fund or savings account.

different benefits

Working for a different company could give you access to perks your main gig doesn’t provide. For example, you might get an employee discount at stores if you work for a grocery chain warehouse. Some part-time roles offer paid time off (PTO) and medical benefits. These side job benefits can significantly enhance your overall compensation package and provide additional security and convenience in your daily life.

2 cons of working a side job

time crunch

The biggest drawback of working a second job is the stress it can put on your personal time. Even if it’s a part-time or seasonal role, that means less time for your family, friends and hobbies. Add on the extra time you’ll spend commuting, and you could end up losing a big chunk of your downtime.

physical & mental strain

Constantly having to be “on” while working two jobs can cause stress and exhaustion, so watch out for the warning signs of burnout and take a step back if needed. Working similar physical jobs can also lead to repetitive use injuries. Choose a different kind of labor for your second job if you can.

Working a side job can be a smart way to achieve financial goals, gain new skills, and enjoy additional benefits beyond your primary employment. While the time commitment and potential for burnout are important considerations, the side job benefits often outweigh the drawbacks for those looking to boost their income and career prospects. Whether you're aiming to save for a big purchase or simply want the security of an additional income stream, exploring opportunities in the manufacturing and logistics sector could be the right move.