3 Best Side Gigs While on a Work Sabbatical
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
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Taking a sabbatical from work is a great way to recharge and explore new opportunities. But stepping away from your primary job doesn’t mean you have to stop making a living. Many people use their sabbatical to take on side gigs to earn income while they’re on a break.
The right side gig can make your sabbatical even more worthwhile.
Here are three great options for making the most of your time away.
Writing
“There’s an old saying editors use to inspire writers. ‘Write what you know.’ The same is true for side hustles,” said Anthony Termini on behalf of RetireGuide.
The last thing you want to do on your sabbatical is waste precious hours learning a new skill. When you start thinking about how you can get your own side hustle going, remember that you want to take advantage of the skills you already have.
Freelance writing is a great choice for a side gig. You can set your own hours and take on as much or as little as you want, which makes it a perfect choice for a sabbatical.
“If you’re a creative type, then picking up short freelance gigs from the more than 30 part-time work portals is pretty easy,” advised Termini. “This goes for writers, proofreaders, and line editors.”
A knack for storytelling and an eye for detail can make writing and editing a great option. Check websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Reedsy, where freelancers can connect with clients.
Coding
If you have some tech skills, put them to work. There’s a constant demand for these skills, so it’s a nice and flexible way to earn while you have time off.
“Tons of small businesses pop up almost daily in America,” said Termini. “Most of them want or need a website, so folks who can write basic code can pick up work pretty quickly. The same is true of website developers.”
Platforms like Toptal and Freelancer are great places to look for projects that fit your skills.
Deckhand
Now if you love the outdoors and you want something completely different, you might think about working as a deckhand. This can mean maintaining boats, helping out on the dock, and even becoming part of a boat crew.
“If sabbatical means extended vacation and you like the water, then picking up some deckhand work at the local marina is typically pretty easy. Every weekend regatta finds a crew in need of someone who can pull line or weigh down the opposite of the boat as it heels,” said Termini.
This is a hands-on, adventurous, and fun side gig. This is perfect if you love the water and you like physical work. You’ll have the added perk of working in a beautiful environment in the open air. Check local marinas or seasonal job boards for opportunities.
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