If you’re reading this, I’m going to go ahead and assume that you’re a nurse who is thinking about starting a side hustle. Maybe you want to have extra income each month for financial reasons or if you just want to “fill your cup”. You may be sick of picking extra shifts in the hospital to earn money and burnt out from nursing that you want to do something else besides a nursing side hustle. Or, on the flip side, you may not have enough opportunities to pick up that OT (overtime) and worried about making ends meet.
I have done so many side hustle for nurses that are both nursing-related and creative, and whether you pick one or the other, you know that working side hustles has it’s benefits. In today’s economy, having multiple streams of income is not just a luxury but a necessity. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for the future, or pursue a passion project, a side hustle can be the key to financial stability and personal fulfillment. Here are some compelling reasons why nurses should consider starting a side hustle:
Reasons Why You Should Start a Side Hustle as a Nurse
1: Safety Net or Financial Security
In uncertain times, having multiple streams of income can provide a valuable safety net. A side hustle can help you weather unexpected financial challenges, such as job loss or medical emergencies, without having to rely solely on your nursing salary. By diversifying your income sources, you can reduce your financial vulnerability and gain peace of mind knowing that you have other sources of revenue to fall back on if needed.
Generally speaking, nurses have great job security and I would say that at this economy and time, it’s not that hard to find a nursing job (that’s different from a good paying nursing job btw). However, since 2020, COVID has taught me one thing – there’s no such thing as job security and that is even in nursing profession. I remember my friend who is a Nurse Practitioner who was laid off in her clinic job.
In any job, it’s good to have a Plan B for financial security, and as a nurse, let side hustles be your plan B.
2. To Fund Your Lifestyle
Nursing is undoubtedly a rewarding profession, but it doesn’t always come with the highest paycheck. A side hustle provides an opportunity to supplement your income and alleviate financial stress. As someone who lives in California, this is not a big issue but across the country, nurses are relatively underpaid. As we advance in our careers and gain more experience (meaning we’re more valuable to the hospital), our pay raises are minimal and don’t reflect the enormous toll nursing can take on oneself. Even with a decent salary, I still lived paycheck to paycheck as a nurse due to high cost of living in the city where I worked as a nurse. If working extra shifts is what you need to afford a nice car, a nice bag, or a nice vacation- starting a side hustle as a nurse can be a solution for you. This can help you have the flexibility to earn money outside of the hospital and you aren’t reliant on the hospital to pay your bills.
3. Flexibility
One of the most appealing aspects of a side hustle as a nurse is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional 9-to-5 jobs, side hustles often allow you to set your own hours and work from anywhere. This flexibility is especially valuable for nurses, who may have irregular schedules or need to balance work with family obligations. With a side hustle, you can earn money on your terms, fitting work around your nursing shifts.
4. Have More Money To Invest
I always say that the hardest part of investing is “having the money to invest”. It is very critical to increase your income as you are starting in your investing journey. A big portion of your first $100K invested relies on how high your savings rate is. When I was starting out in my personal finance journey, I decided to go back to school to get my Nurse Practitioner Degree and dabble on side hustles. This has allowed me to invest aggressively in the last 5 years.
Read How to Get Started with Investing as a Nurse
5. Pursue Passion Projects
Nursing is more than just a job; it’s a calling. However, it’s essential to have interests and hobbies outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance. A side hustle allows you to pursue your passions and interests outside of the healthcare field. Whether it’s photography, cooking, or starting a blog about travel nursing, a side hustle can provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression that may be lacking in your nursing career.
6. Become a Nurse Entrepreneur
Starting a side hustle can be a stepping stone to entrepreneurship. Many successful businesses started as passion projects or side gigs before growing into full-fledged enterprises. As a nurse, you already possess many of the skills needed to run a business, such as problem-solving, communication, and empathy. Whether you dream of opening your own clinic, launching a healthcare app, or starting a home care agency, a side hustle can be the first step towards realizing your entrepreneurial ambitions.
In Conclusion,
In today’s fast-paced world, nurses are increasingly turning to side hustles to supplement their income, pursue their passions, and build a more secure financial future. Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash, explore new interests, or launch a business, a side hustle offers endless possibilities for personal and professional growth. So why wait? Start your side hustle today and unlock the potential for a brighter tomorrow.
As a nurse, your primary focus is on caring for others, but have you ever considered the benefits of starting a side hustle? In today’s economy, having multiple streams of income is not just a luxury but a necessity. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for the future, or pursue a passion project, a side hustle can be the key to financial stability and personal fulfillment.
