Polyworking is a thing. Are you doing it?

You are odd.

Hi Oddies,

Jen Glantz here.

A fact that lives rent-free in my head is that the average millionaire has 7 streams of income.

7!!

Most of us only have one, maybe two. I was a full-time job only kind of girl for a while, but then I got bored.

I also wanted to make more money and not rely on my boss giving me a tiny little 1-3% raise a year. So back in the day, I started making extra money freelance writing while working at a start-up.

Then I started a business and made another layer of income. When I got laid off in 2016, I was shocked and heartbroken.

But I wasn't scared that I'd be broke because I had other revenue streams to clutch onto. In today's world, this is a growing trend and it's called polyworking.

It's not the same as side hustling, which is more about one-off gigs. Polyworking is building your book of business, your career, and your earning potential.

Let's dive into what the heck this is and whether you should be polyworking or just...working.

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So What is Polyworking?

Polyworking is the practice of maintaining multiple jobs or income streams at the same time.

Unlike traditional moonlighting or side hustling, polyworking often involves more strategic combinations of employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship, and passion projects.

Why People Are Polyworking?

• Financial necessity: With wage growth barely keeping pace with inflation, many workers need additional income to maintain their standard of living

• Financial security: Multiple income streams provide a safety net if one source disappears

• Skill development: Secondary jobs can help build new abilities that might be valuable for future career moves

• Pursuing passions: Many polyworkers use second or third jobs to engage with interests their primary career doesn't satisfy

Examples of Polyworking in Action

• A marketing professional who manages social media accounts for small businesses on weekends

• A teacher who drives for rideshare companies during summer breaks and evenings

• An accountant who sells handmade crafts through an online store

• A nurse who works per diem shifts at different facilities while also doing health coaching online

• A software developer who creates and sells digital products while maintaining full-time employment

How to Start Polyworking

1. Assess your skills: Identify marketable talents that could generate additional income

2. Consider time management: Look for flexible opportunities that won't conflict with your primary job

3. Start small: Begin with low-commitment side gigs before taking on major secondary roles

4. Leverage digital platforms: Explore freelancing sites, e-commerce platforms, and the gig economy

5. Set clear boundaries: Establish systems to prevent burnout and protect your primary employment

If time is an issue, take on another job that is realistic. For example, when I worked 50+ hours a week at my full-time gig, I’d take on freelance writing work that was around 6-7 hours extra a week. I’d do it before/after work and on the weekend. It was doable.

You’ll burn out and feel super overwhelmed if you’re working a million hours a week. So my biggest pro-tip is to be realistic.

Polywork Ideas for Different Professions

Here are some polywork ideas for various professions, including where to get started with each:

Healthcare Professionals

1. Medical Writing - Start on platforms like Upwork or contact medical publications directly

2. Health Coaching - Get certified through organizations like the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching and create profiles on coaching platforms

3. Telemedicine Consulting - Join platforms like Teladoc or Doctor on Demand

4. Medical Education Content Creation - Create courses on Teachable or YouTube tutorials

5. Expert Witness Services - Register with expert networks like GLG or AlphaSights

Teachers/Educators

1. Online Tutoring - Join Wyzant, TutorMe, or Chegg Tutors

2. Curriculum Development - Create and sell lesson plans on Teachers Pay Teachers

3. Education Consulting - Offer services through LinkedIn or educational consulting firms

4. Creating Educational Content - Develop courses for Udemy, Skillshare, or Coursera

5. Academic Writing/Editing - Find opportunities on Fiverr or specialized academic platforms

Tech Professionals

1. Freelance Development - Join Toptal, Arc, or create a profile on GitHub

2. Technical Writing - Write for tech blogs or platforms like Digital Ocean's Write for Donations program

3. Code Review Services - Offer through platforms like PullRequest

4. Online Course Creation - Develop coding courses for platforms like Udemy or Pluralsight

5. Open Source Contributions - Contribute to projects that offer bounties or sponsorships

Finance Professionals

1. Financial Coaching - Offer services through platforms like The Financial Gym

2. Tax Preparation - Seasonal work through firms like H&R Block or private clients

3. Investment Consulting - Create a profile on advisor networks

4. Financial Content Creation - Start a newsletter on Substack or financial blog

5. Bookkeeping Services - Offer through QuickBooks ProAdvisor or independently

Creatives (Writers, Designers, Artists)

1. Freelance Creative Work - Join platforms like 99designs, Fiverr, or Upwork

2. Digital Product Creation - Sell templates, fonts, or graphics on Creative Market or Etsy

3. Teaching Workshops - Host sessions through Eventbrite or local arts centers

4. Content Licensing - License artwork through platforms like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock

5. Patreon Community - Create exclusive content for subscribers

Marketing Professionals

1. Social Media Management - Offer services through platforms like CloudPeeps

2. SEO Consulting - Create profiles on Credo or MarketerHire

3. Email Marketing Services - Join specialized platforms like Email Marketing Experts

4. Content Strategy - Find opportunities through marketing agencies or direct outreach

5. Analytics Consulting - Offer services through consulting marketplaces

Legal Professionals

1. Legal Document Preparation - Work with platforms like LegalZoom

2. Legal Writing - Create content for legal blogs or publications

3. Mediation Services - Register with local courts or mediation centers

4. Legal Consulting - Join networks like Axiom or Priori Legal

5. Teaching Legal Courses - Develop continuing education materials or teach at local colleges

Hospitality Professionals

1. Event Planning - Offer services through wedding platforms or corporate event sites

2. Food Photography/Content Creation - Create content for restaurants or food brands

3. Restaurant Consulting - Provide expertise to new restaurant owners

4. Recipe Development - Create recipes for food brands or publications

5. Culinary Tours - Partner with platforms like Airbnb Experiences

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🥳 Jen Glantz is the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire and the creator of The Pick-Me-Up newsletter. She offers 1:1 coaching and company workshops. Follow her adventures on Instagram @jenglantz.