Some people say they don't have to pick between 'passion' and 'practicality'
More Australians choose passion and practicality as they work a ‘second hustle’ to chase their creative pursuits. But should employers be worried?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 867,000 Australians work multiple jobs ranging from moonlighting to operating their own businesses as of December 2021.
Passion for fishing
Ben Svenson’s job during the day is at a steel manufacturing business, while his partner Evie Black is a dental nurse, according to ABC News.
The news outlet said that aside from their day jobs, they also earn an income through sponsorship and selling apparel from social media accounts like Northern Addicts, where they share their passion for fishing.
“It’s easier gathering content when it’s something you’re passionate about,” Svenson told ABC News. “At the end of the day you’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing. so fishing is what we enjoy.”
Moreover, Svenson said that his favourite part of the Northern Addicts account is meeting people and building relationships with their followers.
“I love all these people I get to meet and work with, and all the opportunities that come up,” Svenson said.
Art for art’s sake
ABC News also reported on William Upchurch, who currently works at the City of Greater Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, and also creates and sells his own artwork to give time to his creative passion.
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Upchurch told the media outlet that money is just a bonus point in his creative pursuit.
“I really enjoy the creative process,” Upchurch said. “And then being able to sell it and have people appreciate what I’m making is really special.”
Upchurch further said that creating and selling his artworks complements his permanent part-time job at the gallery, and finding the right balance between the two jobs is the key.
“I’m enjoying the balance of regular work three days a week, and then being able to pour the extra time into my creative stuff,” he said. “I think I’d find it too much to do my side hustle full time.”
‘Flexibility’ for other hobbies
Adding up to the list of Australians who have a second job is Brooke Smit, studying social work at the Geraldton Universities Centre, who works at a café and runs her own business as a support worker, ABC News said.
“My job as a support worker complements my study, which is social work,” Smit told ABC News.
“Cafe work is completely different though,” Smit said. “I’m still working with people, but it gives me some diversity in my work and it’s always something interesting to do.”
Smit told ABC News that running her own business allows her flexibility when her other jobs start to become stressful.
According to the media outlet, the most challenging part for Smit is juggling university work and the accompanying pressure to get her requirements on time while being available for her business clients.
“Having my own business as a support worker helps me take time off when needed … so it’s less stressful that way,” Smit told ABC News. “I get burnt out sometimes, but I do love what I do.”
What’s in it for employers?
According to legal expert McDonald Murholme, the power of the employer to terminate an employee for having a second job depends on the terms and conditions indicated in the employment contract.
“The terms and conditions of your contract of employment may prohibit you from engaging in secondary employment,” the law firm said. “If so, engaging in secondary employment may constitute a breach of your employment conditions, placing you at risk of termination.”
Moreover, the law firm said that employers should support employees having multiple jobs so long as it does not constitute a conflict of interest and employees are well aware of their obligations in the workplace.