Moonlighting Makes a Comeback
Nearly 2 million American women hold down two jobs, a figure experts say will rise if the economy doesn't rebound soon. While most of these industrious gals do it to make ends meet, some juggle that second gig to indulge a secret love. Here, five moonlighters who made their passions pay off:
SUSI WEGENER
31, PORTLAND, OR
Day job: Yoga instructor
Moonlighting gig: Horse caretaker
Extra cash per month: $500 to $600
Why I love it: "I exercise my body in totally different ways than I do with yoga. I put in a really physical 12-hour day feeding the horses, taking them for a ride, and cleaning out their stalls—it's a great full-body workout."
REBECCA BRISCOE
31, HOUSTON, TX
Day job: Administrator for a state agency
Moonlighting gig: Event planner
Extra cash per month: $1600
Why I love it: "I don't have much creative control at my day job, which involves a lot of paperwork. So I started my own side business a few years ago organizing fundraisers. I control everything from planning to staffing—all on my own terms. I've since expanded to all kinds of events. I've even thrown parties for Diddy!"
NADIA KASHPER
28, NY, NY
Day job: Book editor
Moonlighting gig: Sells goat cheese at farmers' markets
Extra cash per month: $600 to $800
Why I love it: "All week long, I'm cooped up in an office--it's very solitary. On weekends at the farmers' market, I get to be outside all day, meeting tons of new people. And I always have the best stuff to bring to friends' dinner parties."
CAMERON GOODMAN
24, LOS ANGELES, CA
Day job: Actress
Moonlighting gig: Restaurant reviewer
Extra cash per month: Approximately $500, plus $800 in free meals
Why I love it: "Part of my work involves testing how much the waiter knows about the menu—I can't be obvious or I'd blow my cover. I pretend I have an allergy to see if he knows what ingredients are used in the dishes. And while I'm improving my acting skills, I get to eat amazing gourmet food with my girlfriends."
KERRI COTTER
40, STONY POINT, NY
Day job: Personal trainer
Moonlighting gig: Stand-up comic
Extra cash per month: $1100
Why I love it: "There's no bigger rush than getting on stage, talking about my experiences, and hearing people laugh. Sometimes after a set, a woman will come up to me and say, 'I just got divorced, my girlfriends made me come out, and I really needed that laugh. Thank you.' Those are the best compliments—they make my hair stand up."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
'Baby Reindeer' Is Netflix's Latest Viral Hit—Will It Get a Season 2?
The miniseries from Richard Gadd has a very definite ending.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Unisex Perfumes Were Made to Be Shared
Yours, mine, and ours.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
The Spice Girls’ Mini-Reunion at Victoria Beckham’s 50th Birthday Party Is a Precursor for a Forthcoming Tour, Sources Say
“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want”...is this to be true.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Peloton’s Selena Samuela on Turning Tragedy Into Strength
Before becoming a powerhouse cycling instructor, Selena Samuela was an immigrant trying to adjust to new environments and new versions of herself.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Published
-
This Mutual Fund Firm Is Helping to Create a More Sustainable Future
Amy Domini and her firm, Domini Impact Investments LLC, are inspiring a greater and greener world—one investor at a time.
By Sponsored Published
-
Power Players Build on Success
"The New Normal" left some brands stronger than ever. We asked then what lies ahead.
By Maria Ricapito Published
-
Don't Stress! You Can Get in Good Shape Money-wise
Yes, maybe you eat paleo and have mastered crow pose, but do you practice financial wellness?
By Sallie Krawcheck Published
-
The Book Club Revolution
Lots of women are voracious readers. Other women are capitalizing on that.
By Lily Herman Published
-
The Future of Women and Work
The pandemic has completely upended how we do our jobs. This is Marie Claire's guide to navigating your career in a COVID-19 world.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Are Providing a Safe Haven for POC
For people of color, many of whom prefer to WFH, inclusive coworking spaces don't just offer a place to work—they cultivate community.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Where Did All My Work Friends Go?
The pandemic has forced our work friendships to evolve. Will they ever be the same?
By Rachel Epstein Published