Get Your Side-Hustle On

By Kelly Jamieson, MA

Pilots have always been an interesting and industrious bunch. In my twenty years of flying, I’ve shared the flight deck with hundreds and hundreds of fascinating people, many whose talents have extended far beyond the constraints of our confined cockpits and standard operating procedures.

Thanks to significant time off and scheduling flexibility, it’s easy for airline pilots (and other shift-workers) to embark on part-time endeavors and establish lucrative side-hustles. Below are examples of some “side-gigs” that pilots have successfully balanced while flying their full-time schedule:

As COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated, aviation is especially susceptible to (and slow to recover from) economic downturns. Having a diversified skillset and a second “side-career” can help those in the aviation industry to remain agile (and employed) in the event that the demand for flying drops. As we’ve all seen over the last four months, the landscape and horizon of our current reality can quickly change. If you’ve been forced to recently deviate on the path toward your aviation goals, consider using this time to invest in your side-hustle now, knowing that it has the potential to serve you not only today, but also in the future alongside your successful airline career in the years to come.

Seeking a side-hustle but can’t decide what to do? Check out this ebook by author, Chris Guillebeau, called, “100 Side Hustles” —