With the development of the internet and the push from the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have become less constrained by time and space, opening up possibilities for "side jobs." The rise of side jobs not only helps companies address talent shortages but also provides job seekers with opportunities to increase their income and develop skills!
However, in Taiwan, the trend of taking on side jobs is not prevalent yet. Some companies even implement part-time clauses to ensure employees focus their efforts on the company. Given this, let's look at the example of Japan, a country that entered an aging society 30 years ahead of Taiwan. How do they view and utilize "side jobs"?
Content:
- Why Side Jobs: The Japanese Government's Solution to Low Birth Rates
- 4 Advantages of Taking on Side Jobs
- 6 Recommended Side Job Options for Beginners
- How Can I Start a Side Job?
Why Side Jobs: The Japanese Government's Solution to Low Birth Rates
In the past, many Japanese companies explicitly prohibited side jobs in their employee regulations. However, in January 2018, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare published the "Guidelines for Promoting Side Jobs and Part-Time Work," removing the rules that prohibited employees from engaging in other business activities without permission. They also added an article that states "workers may engage in other business activities outside of working hours."
This can be seen as the Japanese government actively encouraging the public to use their off-duty time to pursue side jobs. In Japan, where a declining birth rate has led to severe labor shortages, such a policy not only addresses the issue of staffing shortages of companies but also revitalizes the labor market.
4 Advantages of Taking on Side Jobs
Accumulate Diverse Career Experience
Without having to quit your main job, you can accumulate more diverse work experiences and develop skills. This not only helps expand your career but also allows you to apply skills learned from your side job to your main job.
Generate Extra Income
Engaging in side jobs allows you to make use of your productivity after regular work hours. As long as you have the energy after work, you can make extra money additional to your regular salary!
Freedom to Try Out Other Career Options
The part-time nature of side jobs allows talents to freely challenge different fields of work and pursue their dreams without being restricted by their primary company, helping them achieve self-fulfillment.
Lower Risk and Cost
Compared to that of quitting and starting a new business, the cost and risk of taking on side projects are relatively low. You can try it in a safe environment before considering the possibilities of starting a business or switching careers.
6 Recommended Side Job Options for Beginners
Being digitally capable gives you an advantage when it comes to side jobs because digital part-time work typically requires only a laptop, offering greater freedom in terms of time and location compared to other forms of part-time work. Depending on the project content and skill level, digital side jobs can also offer higher income. Here are a few recommended side job options for digital talent:
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Video Editing
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Graphic Design
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Content Writing
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Translation
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System Development
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Website Building
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➤ Want to Start a Side Business? 5 Recommended Freelance Platforms
➤ A Beginner's Guide to Freelancing: Where Do I Start?
How Can I Start a Side Job?
The difficulty in running a side business typically occurs at the beginning when it is hard to find clients due to a lack of established reputation. At this time, taking on projects from online platforms can be a more beginner-friendly approach. On Yourator, when searching for a job, simply select the "Side Job/Part-Time" option in the "Job Type" section to find side job vacancies on the platform. Choose the projects you like, submit your resume and portfolio, and join the community of freelancers!
➤ Check out the side job opportunities on Yourator now!
