Reading time: five minutes

More and more of us are now doing things outside of the law because we realise that there are plenty of things that make us happy and energised while making us some extra money.

So, it’s fair to say that side hustles are here to stay.

What’s a side hustle?

Essentially, a side hustle is a way to make money outside of our main job, but it can be much more than that. It provides an opportunity to:

• pursue something we’re passionate about;
• do something that brings us joy; or
• turn a hobby or a skill into a way to make money.

The money you earn could go towards anything – bills, a holiday, a deposit for a house/flat or just extra financial stability.

Typical side hustles for aspiring lawyers might include:

• content creation;
• writing books or articles;
• playing for local sports teams;
• being a driver for delivery and carshare companies;
• tutoring or mentoring;
• website design; and
• baking or cooking.

But what other benefits are there from pursuing a side hustle?

Chance to learn about business and your role in it

In your side hustle, you may find yourself having to wear a number of hats, such as director, marketer, customer service rep, accountant and more. You’ll be working in multiple ‘departments’ this way, so you’re well-placed to learn about the different company roles and how your work as a lawyer can add value to so many different people working at your corporate client.

You enjoy it

When we’re engaging in something we enjoy, we’re happier and more energised. We have the right to enjoy our work, whatever that might be. So, it makes sense for our side hustle to be something we enjoy doing.

Even if your side hustle doesn’t make you money, like a new hobby or playing for a local sports team, the invigoration that we get from pursuing something that we love will be so beneficial for us in our main job.

It might be another career path

Some side hustles can turn into a main source of income over time and may even become our primary source of work and income.

I also know qualified lawyers who’d have side jobs alongside their main job, like coaching. Some of them have since left law and their side job has become their primary job and income source.

I have a friend who, when we worked and trained together, offered personal branding services to lawyers on the side. Now it’s her main source of income while she completes her studies and she loves it.

Although this all sounds great, it’s worth considering the following.

Do they really give you an advantage in applications?

It’s entirely subjective as to whether an employer or recruiter believes that what you’re doing on the side is interesting. Some may admire your drive but others could see it as a red flag and think that you won’t be as invested in your primary job.

If you’re doing a side hustle solely to try to augment yourself in applications, then there’s a danger that you’re setting yourself up to fail because the time spent setting up your side hustle could’ve been invested in improving your applications or technical knowledge and awareness.

Business expenses, compliance and liability

If you earn over a certain amount, you may need to declare those earnings to HM Revenue & Customs and pay income tax on those earnings.

In order to do business, you may need to invest in further training and services like insurance, mandatory awareness courses or licences. These cost money and time!

Be aware of the restrictions of liability, limited companies’ liability is limited, but sole traders’ liability is unlimited, meaning that you could be personally liable for any loss or damage caused to your client/customer.

If you decide to create a limited company for your side hustle, make sure all the paperwork is in order and is sent to Companies House, the executive agency of the British government that maintains the register of companies. This includes any articles, incorporation statements, accounts, and confirmation statements, to name just a few documents!

Time commitment

Being a lawyer is a demanding job, and it can be challenging to find time to pursue a side hustle as well. It’s important to consider how much time, energy and motivation you actually have to take on additional work. If you don’t think you can right now, then right now probably isn’t the right time and that’s ok.

Ethics

You may be required to disclose your side hustle to your employer or clients in case there’s a conflict of interest between your job as a lawyer and your chosen side hustle. You may even have an exclusivity clause in your contract that prohibits you from undertaking other work, so make sure you check your contract carefully.

Cost

There’s a monetary cost involved with any hustle where you’re selling goods or services and investing in necessary training and licences. So it’ll help immensely if you’re financially stable before you start. Many start a side hustle while at their main job and keep it smaller while they establish it.

Personal goals 

Understanding what you want to achieve with your side hustle can help you choose wisely. A side hustle that aligns with your values and priorities, will affirm if you have the motivation and drive to do it alongside your job.

All things considered, whether you pursue a side hustle while working or training is entirely your choice. Of course, it’s worth considering the many aspects that impact this choice, particularly in this current economic climate. As we all deserve to find enjoyment in anything we do at work or in life.

Although my recommendation remains; if a side job drains you too much or brings more stress and anxiety to your day-to-day life then now probably isn’t the right time. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t pursue one if you wish, but a reminder to ensure that you’re able to balance your main job and your life first.