Freelancing, How It Can Add Value To Your Skills

Moonlighting is when a professional holds a second job in addition to their primary employment. This has become increasingly common in today's dynamic and fast-paced world. In today's gig economy, it has become a topic of debate among both employees and employers. While some engage in moonlighting out of financial necessity, others pursue it as a means of personal or professional growth.

Careers360 spoke to two working professionals, each with their unique moonlighting experiences. This article provides valuable insights into the motivations, pros and cons, and challenges of managing dual professional lives.

Graphic Design

Ashok Kumar, is a graphic designer during the day, at a renowned e-learning platform and at night he freelances. On why the need to freelance, Kumar explains, "I started freelancing during the COVID pandemic when I was working from home. After my regular office-work, I had a lot of free time so I chose to freelance in order to hone my skills and getting some money for my skills was an added advantage. Moonlighting allows me to pursue projects that truly excite me and offer good money."

Kumar's experience with freelancing started as a side gig but gradually evolved into a passion project. "I work on a range of projects, from designing book covers to creating visual identities for small businesses and startups. It's fulfilling to see the direct impact of my work on these smaller clients," he says. Moonlighting can be demanding and has its cons, but Kumar believes the trade-off is worth it for personal and professional growth.

On the challenges of moonlighting, Kumar says, "There are times when I'm working on freelance projects late into the night and then have to be at my day job early in the morning. This can be exhausting and draining.” He emphasises that moonlighting requires strong time management skills, setting clear boundaries, and taking care of one's well-being to prevent burnout.

Despite the challenges, Kumar is passionate about his moonlighting. He believes it has allowed him to develop a unique portfolio, connect with like-minded individuals, and open doors to exciting opportunities. "The relationships I've built in the freelance world have been invaluable. Networking and growing my portfolio have allowed me to increase my remuneration and take on more exciting projects," he notes.

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Financial Strategist

Forty one year old Sameer Singh, is a financial strategist at a firm in Bengaluru. However, his evenings and weekends are dedicated to helping small companies and individuals achieve their financial goals. Singh explains, "I started offering personal finance consultations because I wanted to explore personal finance apart from corporate finance that I do for full-time."

Singh's experience with this freelancing journey began when one of his friends started a small business and turned to him for advice on financial matters. "I realised that I had valuable insights to offer, and I decided to turn it into a side hustle. The demand grew, and it became an important part of my life," he says. During his evening hustle Singh helps clients with budgeting, investment planning, and debt management.

Singh admits that moonlighting as a personal finance consultant can be challenging due to the emotional aspect of dealing with clients' financial struggles. "It can be emotionally draining when clients are facing difficult situations. At my day job, I'm working with big numbers and established clients, but in my moonlighting, I'm dealing with people's dreams and fears. I don’t get paid much." However, he believes that the sense of fulfilment he gains from helping individuals overcome financial hurdles outweighs the challenges.

When it comes to balancing his dual roles,Singh emphasises the importance of time management and open communication with his employer. "I've been fortunate to work for a company that values work-life balance. They understand that I have commitments outside of the office, and we've worked together to find a schedule that accommodates my moonlighting without compromising my performance at my day job."

While moonlighting offers various benefits, it also comes with its fair share of drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of moonlighting.

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Pros of Moonlighting

> Supplementary Income: The most obvious advantage of moonlighting is the extra income it provides. Whether you're trying to pay off debts, save for a big purchase, or simply boost your monthly earnings, a second job can be a great way to accomplish your financial goals.

> Skill Diversification: A second job can offer an opportunity to diversify your skill set. For example, if your primary job is in a corporate office, a part-time job in a different industry can help you acquire new skills, which may be beneficial in your career growth.

> Networking: Moonlighting often leads to networking opportunities with individuals outside of your primary workplace. This can broaden your professional circle and create connections that may be useful in the future.

> Entrepreneurship: Many moonlighters use their second job as a stepping stone towards starting their own business. People evaluate the viability of their business idea and gradually transition into full-time entrepreneurship.

> Personal Satisfaction: Moonlighting doesn't always revolve around money. Many people, like Sameer, take on a second job because it's something they are passionate about. This can be an excellent source of personal satisfaction and fulfilment.

Cons of Moonlighting

> Burnout: One of the most significant downsides of moonlighting is the increased risk of burnout. Juggling two jobs can be physically and mentally exhausting, leaving you with little time for rest and personal life.

> Conflicts of Interest: Moonlighting can lead to conflicts of interest with your primary employer. If your second job competes with your first or affects your job performance, it can strain your relationship with your primary employer.

> Legal and Ethical Issues: Many companies have policies restricting or prohibiting moonlighting due to concerns about divided loyalty or competition. Violating these policies can lead to disciplinary action or termination.

> Time Management Challenges: Managing two jobs often requires impeccable time management skills. If you struggle in this area, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of two positions.

Moonlighting is a multifaceted journey that offers a wide range of experiences and challenges. The stories of Ashok Kumar and Sameer Singh demonstrate the diverse motivations and rewards that come with managing dual professional lives. For those considering moonlighting, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons and approach it with a clear plan and a healthy work-life balance in mind.

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