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Have you started the Side Hustle Challenge yet? If not, now is a great time to get started!
One of the things we talk about in the challenge is all the different side hustles that are out there. The Side Hustle Spotlight series are interviews with people who share their side hustles, how they got started, and how their side hustle has helped them achieve their travel dreams. Side hustles are not one size fits all, so these spotlights give a glimpse into the pros and cons of those side hustles.
Previous Side Hustle Spotlights
Our next interview is with me! When I was in college, I spent 4.5 months working for UPS, delivering packages. While it was full-time hours, it was a temporary, seasonal position, so I’m including it as a side hustle 🙂
What was your side hustle?
I delivered packages for UPS one summer in college.
How did you decide on this particular side hustle?
I was home from college, recuperating from the onset of my chronic illnesses. I still wasn’t feeling great physically, but I was also sick and tired of staying home. When I saw the ad in the newspaper (totally dating myself here!) looking for seasonal drivers, I decided to give it a go.
How long did you do it?
About 4.5 months, one summer.
How many hours a day/week did you work?
I had to drive into the main hub in Denver for my training, which lasted a week or two, then I was assigned to a smaller hub closer to where I lived. At the time (this probably hasn’t changed in the 20 years since, but I’m not certain), there was mandatory overtime, so I regularly worked 10-12 hours a day during the week. My supervisor also let me work Saturday mornings, though he technically wasn’t supposed to, but he knew I was saving up to pay my college expenses.
Was the money you earned worth the time you spent on it? Why or why not?
Yes. Overtime hours were mandatory, but they also paid time-and-a-half. So the money was good, but I didn’t have much time for a life outside of work. The long hours combined with my health issues meant I went to bed almost as soon as I got home each night.
Delivering packages does require a lot of driving, but there’s also a lot of moving. You stop at a house or business, grab a package, run it up to the door, hop back in the truck, and drive to the next stop. Repeat for 10-12 hours, and you’re effectively working out all day. I lost weight and gained muscles! By the end of the summer, my overall health had improved a lot.
How long did it take to earn your first paycheck?
I believe it was 3-4 weeks after I started training- the standard delay between when you start working and when you actually get paid.
Are there any requirements or restrictions that might keep others from starting this side hustle?
You must be able to pass a physical, have a cleaning driving record, pass a driving test, etc. You also have to be in decent physical condition and able to lift heavy packages and be able to keep moving all day.
Did you do any training or take any courses before you started?
Yes, I had to attend UPS’ mandatory driver training.
Were there any other costs associated with starting your side hustle?
No, though I did have to have reliable transportation to get me to the UPS hub each morning.
What did you like best about what you did?
I liked that every day was different, even when I drove the same route (which wasn’t always the case- I was mostly filling in for regular drivers out on vacation or medical leave). Once I realized what was happening, I also really appreciated that I was losing weight without trying! (only time in my life that’s happened)
What was your least favorite part?
The long hours were sometimes a challenge, especially since my longest days always seemed to fall on the few days I’d actually made plans for after work. And delivering packages in the pouring rain wasn’t super fun, either.
Would you recommend this side hustle to others?
Yes, though it’s not for everyone. UPS seasonal positions don’t necessarily line up with summer holidays (I started in April and finished in August, the day before I headed back to college) and winter positions will overlap much of the fall semester. However, if you’re a student taking a semester off college like I did, it’s a great fit. It could be a more challenging fit if you have a family, but it could still be a beneficial gig to have.
How did this side hustle help you achieve your travel goals?
It allowed me to save up money for my living expenses at college, which meant I didn’t have to get a job working long hours nights and weekends. This in turn allowed me the time to travel back and forth between college and home, visiting my then-boyfriend, now husband.
Any tips or words of encouragement to share with my readers?
