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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 Jeremy, who has served in the National Guard and Reserves. You might not think of the National Guard or Reserves as a side hustle, but since it’s not usually a full-time job, we’re saying it qualifies 🙂
What is your side hustle?
I am currently in the Army Reserves. I was previously in the Army National Guard for fourteen years.
How did you decide on this particular side hustle?
I was looking for a way to pay for school, and the opportunity to get paid to learn a language was appealing. My father and my father-in-law were both in the military so I had a good idea of what to expect when it came to military life. My brothers had also recently joined other military branches.
How long have you been doing it?
17 years.
How many hours a day/week did you spend on it in the beginning?
Basic training took about 3 months, training for my specialty took about 6 months, and language training was about a year and a half. Your mileage will vary based on your specialty.
How many hours a day/week do you spend on it now?
After that initial round of training, my commitment has been one weekend a month and a 2-3 week annual training exercise. Over the years I’ve also attended other training opportunities and been deployed.
Is the money you earn worth the time you spend on it? Why or why not?
In the beginning yes. I received college credits for my military training and was able to graduate with no student loans and very little money paid out of pocket for tuition. However, when I moved out of state and had to return regularly for drill, my travel expenses were not always reimbursed and there were many occasions when I was spending more than I was getting paid.
How long did it take to earn your first paycheck?
4 weeks after I started basic training.
Are there any requirements or restrictions that might keep others from starting this side hustle?
You must be able to pass a physical, a background check, etc. If you want to qualify for a specific specialty, you must have a certain score on the ASVAB. Check with a recruiter for more details, as they’ll have the most up-to-date requirements.
Did you do any training or take any courses before you started?
Yes, I went to basic training, language school, and training for my specialty. Since then I’ve taken leadership, development, and language refresher courses. The training I received in the military provided me the experience and skills I needed to get my civilian job.
Would you recommend that course to others wanting to follow in your footsteps? Why or why not?
Yes, the training is a requirement.
Were there any other costs associated with starting your side hustle?
Not really, but if you have a full-time job, you will have to take a leave of absence so you can complete your initial training. If you live out of state from your duty location, you may be required to pay some or all of your travel expenses out of pocket.
What do you like best about what you do?
I really liked the travel opportunities. My National Guard unit had fantastic annual training opportunities that allowed me to travel around the world. Not all units have that opportunity, though.
What is your least favorite part?
When we moved out of state and we had to pay out of pocket so I could travel to drill. That became a financial burden both in money spent and the time I had to take off work to travel. I stayed with my unit longer than I should have because of the travel opportunities, but it reached a point where it just wasn’t worth it. Thankfully, I was able to transfer to a Reserve unit much closer to home. While they don’t travel around the world for training, it also doesn’t cost me nearly as much money to attend drill.
Would you recommend this side hustle to others?
Yes, though it’s not for everyone. Schools and other training are necessary to move up through the ranks and develop needed skills. Deployments are a part of being in the military, regardless of your specialty. You will spend time away from your family, and that can be difficult.
How has this side hustle help you achieve your travel goals?
It allowed me to get paid to travel around the world. I was also paid to learn languages that I was able to use as I traveled.
Any tips or words of encouragement to share with my readers?
Make sure you know what you’re getting into. Some recruiters will promise things they can’t actually guarantee. Make sure anything you are promised is spelled out in your contract. The military can help you with training, skills, pay for college and so on, but go in with your eyes open. If you can, talk to someone who is doing the specialty you are thinking of signing up for so you can find out what it really entails.
