Having A Full Time Job And A Side Business

First Business English know that in today’s dynamic work environment, many professionals choose to have a side business in addition to their full-time job. This growing trend is known as having a “side hustle.” It allows individuals to explore their passions, earn extra income, and even test the waters for future entrepreneurship, all while maintaining job security from their main employment. In this First Business English article we look a why people choose to start a side business and the common types of businesses people start. We also provide you with key vocabulary and common phrases as well as an example paragraph to help you get started talking about your very own potential side-hustle.

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Why People Start a Side Business

There are many reasons why people start a side business:

• Supplemental Income: Extra earnings can help cover living expenses or save for future goals.

• Passion Projects: A side business can be a creative outlet or a way to pursue personal interests.

• Skill Development: Running a side business can improve business skills like marketing, finance, and time management.

• Future Plans: Some use their side business as a step toward full-time self-employment.

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Common Types of Side Businesses

• Freelance Work (design, writing, consulting)

• Selling Products Online (e.g. on Etsy or Amazon)

• Offering Services (tutoring, photography, social media management)

• Investing In Rental Property or Stock Trading

• Blogging, Podcasting, or Content Creation

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Useful Vocabulary

• Side Hustle – a job or business done in addition to full-time employment

• Entrepreneurial Mindset – the attitude of thinking like a business owner

• Cash Flow – the money coming in and going out of a business

• Work-Life Balance – managing time between work and personal life

• Diversified Income – having multiple sources of income

• Freelancing – working independently for different companies or clients

• Time Management – organizing and planning how to divide time between activities

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Common Business Phrases

• “I run a side business in the evenings.”

• “It started as a hobby, but now it generates steady income.”

• “Managing both roles requires good time management.”

• “I’m testing the market before launching full-time.”

• “The extra income from my side hustle helps cover travel costs.”

• “Eventually, I hope to transition into my business full-time.”

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Example Paragraph

Anna works full-time as an accountant at a large company, but in her free time, she runs an online shop selling handmade candles. What started as a creative hobby quickly turned into a profitable side hustle. She uses weekends and evenings to fulfill orders and market her products on social media. Managing both her full-time job and her business has improved her time management and communication skills. Anna says the additional income has helped her save for a house and she hopes to one day focus on her candle business full-time.

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Conclusion

Having a full-time job and a side business is becoming more common, especially in a flexible, digital world. While it can be challenging to balance responsibilities, it also offers new opportunities, skills, and income. If you’re considering starting a side hustle, clear goals, effective planning, and strong motivation are essential for success. To learn more or to practice your business English language skills simply book a lesson with us at First Business English.