You might think that these two things are the same. In fact, they refer to two different things. The only thing that is the same is that they can add money to your pocket.

After knowing and understanding the differences between the two, you can have a clear view and recognize the passion you have. It could be that you get inspiration to develop a new business and can continue to grow.

3 Differences between Side Hustle and Side Job

1. Time Commitment
   The main difference between the two is the time commitment you make. Side jobs, which can also be said to be second jobs, generally take more time than side hustles which often only last a few hours.
   
   For example, Ronny works as a barista at a well-known cafe in Jakarta. After working hours at the café were over, Ronny switched jobs to become a delivery man. So, you could say that Ronny has a side job as a courier.
   
   But if Ronny, who works daily as a barista, in certain months also works as an MC and singer at weddings, then that job is Ronny's side hustle.
   
   You can calculate for yourself how much time this side job will take. If it is less than 5 hours per week, then it is considered a hustle. But if it is more than that, but still less than the main job, then it is considered a side job.
   
   
2. Income
   First, you need to remember that the income factor here is not about quantity, but about frequency. A side job will pay you according to the contract you have, for example every week or every month. But for freelance or contract work, you will get income as soon as the work is finished.
   
   Another fairly easy example is a builder who also works freelance as an electrician. Although he was able to solve some electrical problems, most of his income came from his main job as a builder.
   
   
3. Required Skills
   Generally, side jobs only require basic skills that are not too draining. This is because a lot of your energy has been spent on your main job. So, many also choose side jobs that are still the same or in the same business as their main job.
   
   Meanwhile, as a freelance worker, you must have special skills or abilities that differentiate you from other freelance workers. For example, you can draw illustrations and offer this capability to the community on social media. To be able to get customers, you must be able to show unique characteristics in the illustrations you have created.

Which is More Profitable?

Nowadays it is quite common for someone to have one more additional income apart from the main job. Apart from fulfilling life's needs, having several side hustles can open up relationships and can also be more flexible than a permanent job.

But, you also have to think about the pluses and minuses of having an income that is sometimes uncertain. It's not impossible that you could lose your main job because you focus too much on side jobs.

Indeed, the income you get from the side can be much greater than your monthly salary. But that doesn't mean you can continue to earn that much in the same period of time.

Getting additional income is indeed an important factor in finding work. Not infrequently this means having several jobs at once, such as an event organizer who also has a side job as a make-up artist. Because these two jobs are in the same field, he can freely choose to focus on one of the jobs.

Can it Replace Your Main Job?

Either on the side or as a freelance worker, it can be your main source of income, especially if you have a passion in that field. For example, you work as a flight attendant and open a shopping delivery service for several products in the destination area and country.

Income from shopping entrustment can far exceed the salary as a flight attendant. But, that doesn't mean you have to immediately resign and focus on this shopping business. Because so far you have made quite a profit because you don't need to pay travel costs and other costs such as visas and hotels.

One thing you should know, not everyone is able to have a main job and become a freelancer. It could be that you are more comfortable having several side jobs or choosing to work freelance as your main job.

You have to be able to consider many things, especially regarding income sustainability. Side jobs or freelance work and contracts that offer much higher income are very rare. So, you really have to calculate all the advantages and disadvantages of being tied to your main job and as a freelance worker.

Even though at first glance they are similar, you can now distinguish which one is worthy of being called a side job and which one is a side hustle. The core differences lie in three important things,

1. The time commitment of a side job is greater than a side hustle but not much more than a main job. Power and flexibility are also quite different.
2. You can get more regular income from side jobs than from side hustles.
3. The abilities or skills required by freelance workers are more specific and unique.

After understanding the differences between these two ways of earning additional income, you can choose which one is more suited to your passion and personality. It is not impossible to continue learning and succeed in achieving financial freedom from having several halal and legal sources of income