Okay, I’m going to ask you three little questions:
- Do you have an emergency fund set up?
- Do you have any credit card or other debt?
- Do you currently save every pay cheque to help you achieve your money goals?
If you answered no to any of these questions, then you should consider working extra hours to make more money. But it should be a temporary strategy, not a long-term lifestyle.
Following the breakdown of my marriage and still new to Canada and trying to get a foothold on my career, I had to do it. I hustled twice over. I got a job at our local ski hill on a Saturday so I could get free skiing for my daughter and me since I sure couldn’t afford to pay for it. I also started teaching English to newcomers to Canada in the evenings. You do what you gotta do.
The extra work hours were hard, especially as a single mum, but it helped me build financial stability faster. If you’re struggling to make ends meet like I was, or you need a safety net, a focused period of extra income—perhaps six months to a year—can make all the difference.
So you already work 35-40 hours a week, maybe you’re going to increase your working hours to 50 or even 60 hours a week. Just know that it’s not forever, give yourself a timeline. Doing the extra work indefinitely is not sustainable. You risk burnout, strained relationships, and declining performance at your main job. But if you set a specific financial goal, such as saving $10,000 for emergencies or paying off high-interest debt, the intense push over that six months can get you there faster. Once you’ve reached your goal, you can return to a more balanced schedule.
Just like I did, look for a side hustle that will give you added value, I got to ski for free! It can certainly make working the extra hours and earning extra money less of a grind and more of an opportunity. Here are some options that can offer financial and personal perks:
- Seasonal Jobs with Benefits – Working at a ski resort, amusement park, theatre or concert venue might come with free passes or discounts while earning extra income.
- Freelancing or Contract Work – Skills like writing, graphic design, and tutoring can help you earn on your own schedule and you can do it from home.
- Rideshare and Delivery Services – Driving for Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart can offer flexibility and quick cash flow.
- Renting Out Possessions – If you own a car, tools, or camera gear, renting them out can create passive income.
- Teaching or Coaching – Whether it’s tutoring, fitness instruction, or an online course, sharing knowledge can be a profitable side hustle.
If you already have a financial cushion and manageable debt (or no debt), working more may not be the best strategy. The trade-off for an extra $800-$1,200 a month is time and energy, which could be better spent advancing your main career. Consider asking for a raise, switching jobs for better pay, or developing a skill that increases your earning potential. Instead, consider other ways to strengthen your finances and keep or start building wealth.
- Reassess Your Budget – Before taking on more work, examine your spending. Cutting non-essentials might be more effective than working extra hours. Use my free budgeting spreadsheet template and see how you can make your money work smarter for you: https://nipitinthebudget.com/resources/free-resources/.
- Invest in Your Career Growth – Using free time to build a high-income skill could pay off more than a temporary side job. Ask at work if there are any professional development opportunities or funds or check at your local library for upcoming courses and skills training opportunities.
- Create Passive Income – Investing in stocks or ETFs, rental properties, or a small business can generate wealth over time without constant effort. Lots of learning to do here though before jumping straight in. Consider buying my book to get started on this: https://nipitinthebudget.com/book/.
So, if you need to get out of a financial pickle or rut, a second job can be helpful—but only as a temporary strategy. Define your goal, maximize your savings, and once you reach financial stability, step back and get your life back in balance. Long-term financial success is about smart money management, not just working more hours.
Good luck!
