In Search For The Perfect Side Hustle

 If you're anything like me, you're no stranger to spending a bit too much on things. Whether they're the must-haves or the nice-to-haves.

Maybe you tend to splurge on your kids during the holidays, your job doesn't pay enough, the city you live in drains your wallet, or you're dreaming of buying a house, a car, or saving for a much-needed vacation or hooker. Let’s face it, we all could do with some extra cash (what does 'extra' even look like? ).

A side hustle can be a game-changer, potentially transforming your primary job into a secondary one.

I've personally dabbled in several of these ventures, so I'll share my insights. For the ones I'm less familiar with, I'll try to provide some valuable information. There's a plethora of side hustle options, but I'll zero in on those kinda relevant to F&B'rs. Keep in mind, that I'm not listing these ideas in any particular order. So, if you're entrenched in the F&B world or simply exploring possibilities, get ready for some potentially lucrative ideas!  

Uber/Lyft Driver

Let's talk about ridesharing with Uber and Lyft, something I have some firsthand experience with, having done it off and on for a couple of years. To start, you need a 4-door car that's not too old (the age requirement varies by area). Your car must pass an inspection, which includes checking the tires &  lights, among other things. You also need to pass a background check and maintain a clean car (which can be annoying)

At first, having unknown passengers in my vehicle was somewhat strange,

but it's actually not so bad especially when you get nice humans in for a ride.   I choose to drive only during daylight hours for safety and to steer clear of drunk assholes.   I imagine that if I were female, I might feel less secure though. I find shorter trips preferable because they involve minimal fake chit-chat. The app functions decently, but on occasion, it might lead you to an incorrect address or add some strange directions.

There are advantages to this work. You develop savvy to earn a good income, navigating a system that often nudges you towards shitty rides or shady neighborhoods.

  Soon, you'll discern which ones aren't beneficial, though sometimes they may lead you to less desirable neighborhoods. The major perk is the flexibility to work on your schedule, with the option for immediate payment at a small initial cost.  

However, the earnings are not particularly great, especially when you factor in gas, wear and tear on your car, constant cleaning, and the fact that ride-share companies take about 60% of the actual fare sometimes even more.

Earnings can vary across the country. If you're doing this for a little extra cash or only occasionally, my advice is not to focus too much on what you earn and let it accumulate over time.

Uber Eats/Door Dash

Following a similar path, there's food delivery through services like Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc. I've tried this too and find it somewhat more to my liking. You don't need to worry about keeping your car spotless, and you can enjoy your music or podcasts while setting your hours. Earnings can be higher during certain times of the day. The income is roughly comparable, but you'll pick up tricks, like knowing which places to take orders from and which to avoid. With food deliveries, you largely depend on tips;    

Uber pays about $2 per trip, which isn't much, but tips can make up for it. The flexibility is a plus. However, if you're looking for just a bit of extra cash, it's fine, but for substantial earnings, it can be disappointing.

Additionally, a potential plus is the solitude of driving alone. Most restaurants have improved their processes, often having the food ready for pickup. Post-Covid, many customers prefer contactless delivery, where you simply leave the food at their door. However, there are downsides, such as the challenge of locating specific apartments and dealing with customers who input incorrect addresses. On the bright side, these mistakes sometimes result in you ending up with free food. If you'd like to sign up Use referral this link     Shitty Uber Link

On-Call Banquets 

Another side hustle idea to consider is working banquets at a nice hotel, which is something I'm currently doing. As part of the banquet team, I'm on a flexible schedule, letting them know when I'm available to work events or special functions. While my main role is bartending, I occasionally take on serving duties as well. The income is ok, but the flexibility of this job is a significant perk.

Tax Preparer 

If you have a knack for numbers and are considering a side hustle, tax preparation is an option worth exploring, though I haven't pursued it myself it is something I've considered. This role requires completing a few tax courses and passing the IRS Enrolled Agent test. With this qualification, you can potentially earn a significant income, especially during tax season. However, be prepared to spend several hours behind a computer. The cost of tax preparation courses varies, typically ranging from $200 to $1,000, and the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) for becoming an Enrolled Agent costs about $185 per part, with three parts in total. This side hustle offers flexibility, making it an excellent choice for supplementing your income alongside your main job.  Potentially even evolving into a primary career. It's a field that not only provides financial benefits but also keeps you engaged with the constantly evolving tax laws. Whether joining a tax preparation firm or starting your own practice, this path presents a considerable opportunity for those ready to invest in the initial training and certification.

Maybe become an F&B tax specialist? We need one!

 

Private Events Specialist

As a Private Events Specialist, the role is quite dynamic, involving bartending, serving, food preparation, and other tasks as needed by the host, typically for home events like birthday or holiday parties. The work is straightforward, you arrive, mix drinks, do some cleaning up, and ensure the event runs smoothly. My journey into this field began through a friend who connected me to a local rich neighborhood moms' Facebook page. After assisting at one event, attendees started asking for my services, and it organically grew into a regular gig.

I typically charge a rate of $50 per hour with a minimum of 5 hours, plus tips, but of course, you can set your rates.

Surprisingly, I find this work enjoyable, and sometimes the events are quite fun.

Illicit Substance Provider

No Judgements, just sometimes you do what you have to do. As I've never personally dabbled in this particular side hustle, I understand the reasoning and know many friends who have. First, with little investment, you can make a surprising amount of money. Picture this: you're working your main gig in a restaurant or hotel, and your target market is all around you. Plus, if you're in a tourist hotspot, you're in luck! Tourists are always asking F&B pros for the inside track, and voila, you've got yourself a 'tourist rate.'  

 It is a cash-only business so you don't have to worry about those pesky taxes. 

 I've also seen, purely as an observer, how the art of flirtation plays out. Members of the opposite (or same) sex sometimes offer 'services' in exchange for a night of fun. It's like barter, but spicier.  Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. First, the hours are, well, whenever.  Your prime customers are night owls, and if you want to cash in, you better be one too.

Then there's this little thing called legality.

You've got to be as discreet as a  cat burglar while still attracting an audience. It's like walking a tightrope over a pool of sharks. And let's not forget: if you're good at this hustle, you're probably carrying a nice chunk of change. That means eyes are on you, and not just for your charming personality. You could get robbed or find yourself in a shitty situation.  It's not my cup of tea, but hey, I get it.  You've got to weigh the good against the potential bad, After all, what's life without a little adventure?"

And there you have it! These are just a few of the myriad options out there for side hustles, kinda tailored for those in the food and beverage industry. I aimed to offer you some unique choices you might not find in your average list, along with a dose of honest insight and mild entertainment. Whether you're looking for a little extra pocket money or a significant income boost, I hope these ideas spark some inspiration. If you enjoyed this and are curious about more, let us know, we might just expand this list or bring fresh updates in the future. So, for now, go out there and start hustling – your next big opportunity might just be around the corner. Go make some $$$!"