This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, but there is no additional cost for you. Please see my Disclosure page for more information.
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.
Our first interview is with Jessica, who has used her side hustle not just to pay the bills while in school, but also to travel without worrying about being able to pay the bills back home. Let’s get started!
Share a little about yourself
I currently work as an accountant for a large firm. I run as many Ragnar Relay races as I can, and have traveled around the US and to places such as the UK and Sweden for races.
What was your side hustle?
I worked as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) to put myself through university and then kept working on the weekends after graduation as a way to pay things off faster and earn a little more money. I worked in a variety of settings, including long-term care, rehab, assisted living, Alzheimer’s/dementia, and home health/private home health.
How did you decide on this particular side hustle?
It was initially presented as a way to earn more money than working in retail or a campus job while I was in school.
How long did you do it?
10 years.
How many hours a day/week did you spend on it in the beginning?
40+ as I was working full time. Later, when it became more of a side hustle, 16-24 hours a week.
Was the money you earned worth the time you spent on it? Why or why not?
Yes, because I made more than if I’d work in retail. I also enjoyed meeting new people and the connections I made were worth it.
How long did it take to earn your first paycheck?
2 weeks.
Were there any requirements or restrictions that might keep others from starting this side hustle?
You need to take a CNA training course and pass the state certification. However, this is generally pretty quick and only takes a couple of weeks to complete depending on location, instructor, etc. You also need to be able to lift objects, walk and stand around a lot, etc. I wouldn’t recommend this side hustle if you have a bad back.
Did you do any training or take any courses before you started?
Yes, I took a CNA training course and then passed the state certification.
Would you recommend that course to others wanting to follow in your footsteps? Why or why not?
Yes, a training course is a requirement.
Were there any other costs associated with starting your side hustle?
The cost of the training course, the state certification, and scrubs.
What did you like best about what you did?
I really liked the interaction with residents/patients as they came from all walks of life and I got to hear about their life experiences.
What was your least favorite part?
How physically demanding it was at times and sometimes the smell of poop would get really bad.
Would you recommend this side hustle to others?
Yes.
How did this side hustle help you achieve your travel goals?
It helped give me additional funds that I didn’t have to account for in my budget or feel guilty about using it for travel instead of bills. I felt like I could still travel and not feel trapped in one place. It gave me freedom to explore and live life.
Any tips or words of encouragement to share with my readers?
It can be hard but it’s so rewarding!
