Summer Side Hustles: How a Side Hustle Can Grow Your Career This Summer

Have you ever wondered how a summer side hustle could transform your career? With longer days, a more relaxed vibe, and many people on vacation, summer is the perfect season to explore new opportunities, earn extra income, and expand your professional network. 

Whether you’re looking to turn a hobby into a money-maker, gain experience in a new field, or simply boost your savings, a summer side hustle can be the stepping stone you need to grow your career.

Survey Says: More Americans Starting Side Hustles

Are you considering a side hustle this summer? You’re not alone. 

According to a recent survey, more Americans are starting side hustles than ever before. The survey gathered responses from 1,000 individuals aged 18 to 64 across the U.S., revealing that 38% started their side hustle to gain additional income due to economic conditions. The survey also showed that 62% of side hustlers make less than $1,000 a month, 15% earn between $1,000 and $5,000, and another 15% bring in over $10,000 monthly. 

Passion-Driven Success: The Key to a Thriving Summer Side Hustle

The key to side hustle success? Find something you are passionate about-

Eddie Reyes, founder of a successful consignment shop in Jersey City, NJ, confirms the importance of passion in side hustle success. Reyes, who turned his love for thrifting into a profitable business, started by selling his finds online before opening his own store. His retail experience—from store associate to executive—gave him the confidence and knowledge to succeed.

“I always wanted to open a store,” said Reyes. “So working in retail made sense. I learned so much from other companies, so when I started mine, I had confidence in myself that this endeavor would be successful.”

Reyes had a passion for thrifting – something he started doing in high school, relishing in opportunities to find a $4 steal at a thrift store and then selling it online for hundreds of dollars. After four years of selling his finds online, he opened his brick and mortar store that is now the biggest consignment store in Jersey City, NJ.

But before opening his own store, Reyes also worked in retail, holding down roles as a store associate, regional manager, and executive.

Working part-time or pursuing a second job in an industry or field where you want to make a career pivot is one of the best ways to make a career transition.

“For me, I always wanted to open a store,” said Reyes. “So working in retail made sense. I learned so much from other companies, so when I started mine, I had confidence in myself that this endeavor would be successful.”

Treat Your Side Hustle Like a Job

Reyes advises treating your side hustle as a serious job. “If you work a 9-5 and then work 6-9 on your hustle, that’s often how much you will work as an entrepreneur,” he said. This mindset prepares you for the reality of running your own business, where 12-hour days can be common.

“Choosing the mindset of discipline and consistency sets you up for sucess when you take that jump,” said Reyes.

Making Ends Meet and More: The Financial Perks of a Second Job

For many, a second job is a necessity to make ends meet, especially as living costs rise. Todd Lannen, owner of a successful lawn sprinkler system contractor business, found his second job invaluable both personally and professionally.

“Having a second job gave me a safety net and more financial security,” said Lannen. “It was tough missing out on fun times with friends, but it was important for ensuring a good future.”

His experience also proved beneficial in handling heavy workloads and stress as well as managing his time, essential skills for launching and running a successful business.

“People saw me as someone who could be relied on,” said Lannen. “It wasn’t just about the extra money; I learned a lot of different things that made me better at my job. For example, juggling two jobs helped me learn new skills and become more flexible. This made a big difference in my career, and it really helped when I was growing my business.”

Expand Your Skills and Network This Summer

In addition to extra income, a summer side hustle provides an opportunity to develop new skills and enhance your marketability. Taking on a second job exposes you to new challenges and experiences, making you more versatile and valuable to employers.

“For example, if you work in a customer service role during the day and take a part-time job in sales, you gain valuable skills like negotiation and relationship building,” said LogMeOnce CEO Kevin Shahbazi. “These skills are transferable across various industries, increasing your marketability.”

Real Side Hustle Success Stories

Amber Smith turned her love for CrossFit into a part-time job at her local gym, which led to networking opportunities that landed her a higher-paying full-time job in healthcare technology. 

Tanisha Jones was an executive admin at a Fortune 100 company. When the Super Bowl came to her state, she volunteered for the organizing committee. As a result, she built a network that led to multiple part-time opportunities, including working for a local professional sports team.

Tanisha was able to boost her income through her side hustle while doing what she loves most – being around people.

These are both examples of how side hustles and second jobs can lead to unique career paths that open doors to new jobs and experiences.

A Side Hustle Can Turbocharge Your Network

Maxime Bouillon, Co-founder and CEO at a hybrid office and coworking spaces software provider, emphasizes the importance of networking in expanding a side hustle. “Networking opens doors to mentorship, partnerships, and clients,” he said.

Conclusion: Your Summer of Growth Awaits

A summer side hustle or a second job can be a great way for you to pursue your passion, expand your skills, and unlock new career opportunities. There are more ways than ever to find work, make money, and pursue something new, or outside your full-time job. 

Ready to start? Lensa can help you get there. Search our jobs to find that side hustle or second job you need to kickstart your next career adventure.