The art of the side hustle is an interesting topic these days. Can I use my hobby, talent, etc., to earn a little extra income, but also reduce stress by doing something that I love? But what about for those of us in the cleared community? Can we still have side hustles that won’t affect our clearances or investigations for being allowed to have one?
How to Avoid the Side Hustle Headache
The overall answer is yes, you can have a side hustle, and you can reduce your stress, and you can have it in your background check without worrying about the outcome. However, you just have to make sure your proverbial ducks are all in a row. That means revealing it in your paperwork when you are starting the investigation, or reporting to the proper authorities.
ClearanceJobs hosts many articles on side hustles that can be considered questionable, including creating on OnlyFans, driving an Uber, and more, but the answers boiled down to a simple set of answers. If you have a side hustle that can be considered questionable, speak to your security team, make sure that it is reported on your taxes, and make sure that it is not left out of your background investigation. As long as your side hustle is legal at all levels, and it is not hidden for personal reasons, then it is not something that can be used to blackmail you and potentially turn you into a security risk.
With all that being said, finding a stress-free side hustle can be a great way to earn extra income without adding too much pressure to your life.
Here are some low-stress options to consider
Here are some of the top side hustles to consider while you have a security clearance.
- Freelance Writing: If you enjoy writing, freelance content creation can be done on your own schedule. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients.
- Online Tutoring: Share your expertise in a subject you’re passionate about. Online tutoring platforms like VIPKid or Wyzant offer flexible schedules.
- Selling Crafts or Art: If you’re crafty or artistic, selling handmade items or digital art on Etsy or similar platforms can be a fulfilling side hustle.
- Virtual Assistant: Provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs from home. Tasks might include managing emails, scheduling, or social media.
- Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a low-stress way to earn extra money. Apps like Rover make it easy to connect with pet owners.
- Renting Out Space: If you have extra space, consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. It can be a relatively passive income stream.
- Online Surveys or Market Research: Participate in online surveys or focus groups to earn money or gift cards. Websites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie offer these opportunities.
- Stock Photography: If you enjoy photography, you can sell your photos to stock photo websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through a blog or social media and earn a commission on sales made through your referral links.
- Teaching or Coaching: Offer coaching or teaching in an area of expertise you’re passionate about, such as fitness, music, or language learning.
Keep it on the Up and Up
The key to a stress-free side hustle is finding something that aligns with your interests and fits well with your current lifestyle. The key to keeping it stress-free when you have a security clearance is ensuring that the appropriate authorities are aware of what you are doing, that you are paying your taxes, and that you are keeping it legal where you live and for whom you work.
With those things checked off on the list, you can enjoy a little extra income and the positive feelings of creating your own little empire.
