Moonlight, if you can!
MANY of us have hobbies that we would like to take up on a full time basis; it would be a dream come true to be doing what we love most and get paid for it. Most of us, however, for some reason or the other, cannot make a living out of our hobbies. Says my friend Arthi, who moonlights as a freelance writer while working full time in a nationalised bank, `Hobbies are alright I suppose for the extra cash and emotional gratification. But I don't think it is possible for me to make a living out of freelance writing. My job at the bank offers me financial security and I don't intend quitting it.' Financial security may just be one of the reasons why many people choose to moonlight while still gainfully employed elsewhere.
A lot of people with full- time jobs and lots of energy have a burning desire to break free, move towards independence and do what they really love doing; but due to one or more reasons, including commitments, financial instability, lack of courage and risks involved, they are reluctant to make a complete break from their full- time jobs. Moonlighting or working part time offers the ideal way out.
Shriya, another friend, set up her own web- based software company while still working with an MNC. She faced many challenges, including meeting deadlines, following up with clients, keeping track of projects, getting recognition for her newly formed company even while meeting her boss's requirements and running her household. `It was difficult,' admits Shriya. `Resigning my full time job in the initial stages was out of question. It was risky and financially non-viable. I had to find time to do both. I worked on my business at nights and during the weekends. It was commitment to my home business that kept me going.' She kept her home business secret, till she was ready to jump in full time. She admits to making a few mistakes along the way, including making calls, answering emails and working on portfolios during work hours. `I had to contact clients only during day time and although I limited my calls and networking to the lunch hour or short breaks, I never felt good about it and was always afraid that my boss would find out.'
Time management is the number one challenge you face if you are moonlighting. You have to be efficient and alert to juggle your family, your full -time job and your venture successfully. Family support goes a long way, as Sheela, one of my acquaintances, found out. Sheela worked as an insurance agent apart from her full-time job as a secretary. `My husband was very supportive. He took care of the accounts and correspondence work apart from looking after the kids and running the house when I had to go out on tours to meet clients.' Today she has resigned her full- time job and is taking care of the agency while her husband still moonlights for it, at night and during weekends.
Letting your current employer know that you have a business at home can also be a major undertaking. Advices Sheela, `If the business does not interfere with your day job and is in a different field, you need not go all out to hide it; but don't flaunt it either. Most employers like to think you work only for them and unless you are confident, don't be too vocal about your home business.'
Financial insecurity was what prompted Shriya to moonlight instead of jumping right into her new business. `With a family and other commitments, money was a priority. Also, I was in constant fear that my business would come crashing down. Now though, after a couple of years of experience, a clear business plan and a small but steady customer base, I am ready to quit my job and get into my business full time.'
Sure, moonlighting isn't a cakewalk. It can have a major impact on your day job, health and your family life; but it does have its benefits. `You get time to get used to the idea of doing your own thing and it is good to have a steady pay cheque, when your fledgling business is tottering in the initial stages,' reveals Sheela.
`I am glad I moonlighted, instead of jumping head first into the deep end', says Ashok, whose business did not quite take off. `My full- time job was a financial hedge and is now helping me cope with the losses I made on my personal venture.'
Moonlighting can be a practical way to take a guarded risk. When you have a full -time job that provides you with stability and financial security, you are more willing to take risks and experiment with your business venture. For those of us who are inclined, but wary of throwing caution to the winds, moonlighting is perhaps the safest way to realise our brightest dreams!
BS
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