Just found out my side hustle paid way more than my full time job last month

I've been running a small moving business on weekends for the last two years, and last month I actually sat down and did the math on earnings. My regular 9 to 5 brought in $3,200 after taxes, but my weekend moving gig surprised me with $4,100. That's $900 more for less hours of work, but with way more physical strain and zero benefits. It's got me thinking about whether I should lean harder into the moving company or play it safe with the steady paycheck. The moving work is inconsistent and some weeks I get nothing, while other weeks I'm drowning in bookings. Has anyone else here had a side hustle that outperformed their main job? How did you decide which path to take?

3 comments

3 Comments

joel_hall1717d ago

Man I've been there with my own side thing and honestly the benefits thing is what got me... you really gotta think about what happens if you hurt your back carrying a couch up three flights of stairs. That $4,100 looks great until you're out for two weeks with no sick leave or health insurance through the moving gig. Maybe try running both for another 6 months and see if the moving work stays consistent or if it was just a lucky month. Also start putting aside 25% of the moving money for taxes right now because that surprise bill at the end of the year will hurt way more than missing out on a few slow weeks. If you can build up a 3 month emergency fund from the side hustle cash first, then you've got way more room to take the leap if you want.

the_grace17d ago

I dunno, Joel, you make it sound like the guy's gonna break his back moving one box.

wendy62817d ago

Oh man, you really made me rethink this whole thing. I used to be all "just go for it, you only live once" but the way you broke down the injury risk and tax stuff actually hit hard. My buddy tried the full time side gig route and ended up wrecking his shoulder with no backup plan, it was rough watching him struggle for months. Do you think most people underestimate how much they need that safety net before jumping ship?