Second Job while on Active Duty?

SFC John Brooks — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:29:21 -0500

I'm sure a lot of us have ways of supplementing our monthly income with some sort of work in addition to active duty. For a few years I've been toying with this idea- I have a large family and with our retirement benefits in the crosshairs, I'm seriously thinking about either looking for work that won't interfere in any way with my regular duties or starting up a small business myself. With 14 years IT experience and a degree in game design I'm sure I could be doing more. <br><br>If you are experienced with this, throw your thoughts out there!<br>

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 7 at 2014 3:53 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:53:51 -0500

Looking forward to hearing responses, I've been thinking of a second job m'self..

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 4:20 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 16:20:47 -0500

There are a few actual 'legit' work from home type help desk jobs where you can set what hours and days - that might be something to look at.

Response by 1LT(P) Jan I. made Jan 7 at 2014 4:34 PM

1LT(P) Jan I. — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 16:34:32 -0500

All Guard/USAR should be responding to this discussion. This is one of the central challenges reservists face in balancing their military and civilian careers.<br><br>SSG Brooks - if you want, send me a message, I can look to see if Hewlett-Packard could offer something to fit your situation and skillset. I personally work from home as my civilian career (even though they keep me quite busy) - but it does give me the flexibility to spare whatever time I can during the workday to cover military issues outside of drill.<div><br></div><div>I also like the idea of starting a small business - one of my coworkers has been able to build his over the course of 3 years from the time he's spared from working full-time. However, I feel takes quite a lot of personal investment (both financially and time), NETWORKING, and having the right people to help to get it off the ground.</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 4:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 16:49:10 -0500

I've had the same question for sometime now and I have toyed with the idea of getting a second job. I'm AGR, with a bachelors degree and I am a licensed EMT with 16 years of experience and military service. I just can't figure out what kind of job I'd like to do--ie something "easy" with an instant payoff (like pizza delivery) or something that will help me build skills and a network for the next step (like a hospital or clinic job).

Do you guys have any advice?

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 5:28 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 17:28:08 -0500

I myself am a reservist, currently deployed. Our pay is good, but it really is hard to raise a family only on military pay. I'm big on network-marketing, less overhead, more freedom & you are your own boss.

I've done a lot of research and found the company that works best for me. Got a few battles and my XO on board.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 7 at 2014 5:45 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 17:45:35 -0500

I own 2 business and I also moonlight as a contract nurse. However, because of my nursing license I first have to receive authorization from the Army Hospital first and it is regulated how many additional hours I can work.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 7:29 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:29:36 -0500

My FDNCO owned a pizza shop while on active duty. I did not see any problem with it. He was always focused at work and showed no signs of distraction. He also would bring in pizza for us on occasion. Hard to not like that.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 7:48 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:48:19 -0500

I work a couple days a week at BestBuy the discounts are amazing while I am active duty. 

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Jan 7 at 2014 7:50 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:50:28 -0500

I never did it, but as a soldier in FORSCOM I really don't think its possible. Spur of the moment training, unexplainable schedule (One day your off at noon, next day your sitting your company until 2000 doing nothing etc.. etc...) Night Ranges, FTX's etc... You would have to have an incredibly tolerant second employer...

BUT ... we did have an NCO in my old company who worked for our Brigade Gym. He would go over there and clean (Sweep, Mop, clean Equipment, etc..) after close out for some supplemental income.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 7:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:57:27 -0500

I was a volunteer firefighter when I was stationed at Bragg. I would sometimes work as a paid firefighter on the weekends when our full time guys were in schools. By the way I'm a certified firefighter/emt.

Response by SGT Brendan Beely made Jan 7 at 2014 9:01 PM

SGT Brendan Beely — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 21:01:09 -0500

I am a Respiratory Therapist, and when stationed in San Antonio, I worked at a civilian hospital to make supplemental income. Now that I am stationed in a Combat Support Hospital, spending my days in a motor pool instead of seeing patients, I am strongly considering another civilian hospital job on the weekends just to keep my clinical skills up to par.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 6:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 06:59:22 -0500

I'm currently doing that now SSG Brooks. As much to take care of my family, but also to go ahead and get things running prior to be departing the Army. You have IT experience GREAT-you can get into tons of things, working from home. I dabble in 3 different work from home areas-medical coding, writing (I've published 1 book, working on another now) and voice recording. Things I can do from home, without bothering anyone, on my own schedule and etc.

Best of luck to you with everything Battle!

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 9 at 2014 11:27 AM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 11:27:24 -0500

The only sure-fire 2nd jobs from home would be your own business, most of the so-called work from home jobs are scams or are for products that are related to women's products or geared towards women.

Be careful and ensure it doesn't interfere with primary duty as other consequences could evolve.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Jan 9 at 2014 12:17 PM

CPT Mike M. — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 12:17:58 -0500

Moonlighting can be done as long as you have your Chain of Command's permission. As a 2LT I figured working security at a bar was better than me going out drinking every weekend night so I started working in Louisville. My Company Commander knew, was cool with it, and stopped by from time to time with his Commander buddies. However, word got up to my Battalion Commander who has never drank, smoked, or had a vice in his life and I had to quit. It's a leadership call but as SFC Baber stated, make sure it doesn't interfere with your duties as a Soldier, first.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 12:56 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 00:56:37 -0500

SPC Ricardo I've joined World Ventures, which I plan on utilizing the same as you talking about. What company are you with ?

Response by Cpl Lorenzo LaMantia made Feb 12 at 2014 5:40 PM

Cpl Lorenzo LaMantia — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:40:17 -0500

This is all you need to start making 5 figures next month: http://www.findyourfortunetoday.com

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Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 11:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 23:49:35 -0400

My dad did that a lot and he also fixed cars for money. He had five kids to take care of and my mother. If anything he was devoted to us in his own way. It seems there was always a car in our yard and my dad liked to fix stuff.

He didn't like his kids playing with his tools and then misplacing it. Those tools were important to all of us. Life wasn't easy but both of my parents were resourceful and made things okay for us all.

Many kids today grow up thinking they have to prove something to their peers while missing the most important things like God, family and country.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 5 at 2014 1:48 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 13:48:10 -0400

Moonlighting is very common in the medical community. As long as you get the commander's approval and don't let your second job interfere with your military duties, you are fine.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 12:14 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:14:20 -0400

I had the best side job ever... I worked at XM Radio as a traffic and weather on-air reporter for 8 hours a day. Did T&W for 4 cities at a time. I left the area and came back 2 years later and worked as a board operator at the new Sirius XM, running the controls for MLB, NHL, NBA, and all flavors of NCAA sports. Listened to radio play by play, surfed the free wifi, and watched TV. Made over my base pay as a SFC at the time a month. Great company too.

Response by SGT James S. made Oct 1 at 2014 9:18 AM

SGT James S. — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:18:03 -0400

I don't know about other branches of the military or other units in the Army but getting a second job in my former unit in Germany was nearly impossible. First off, we were a very small base with a lot of families who's spouses (rightly so) got first dibs on employment at our limited facilities. Second, we spent a pretty fair amount of time in the field or deployed which put a damper on finding secondary employment. When I decided to take on extra employment, I was recently divorced at the time and just looking to keep myself busy and my mind occupied on other things.

Not having adequate facilities on base, I asked and got permission from my Squadron Commander and CSM to utilize an empty storage room in the basement of the barracks to use as a workshop, refinishing furniture purchased at our small consignment store on base or for folks in housing that needed work done. Sadly, when the command changed about eight months later, that room was taken away from me even though it was never used for anything for the remainder of my time at the unit.

But, my little story aside, SSG John Brooks has a very good idea for supplemental income, especially in busy units. Starting a small, home based business would be a very good idea. There are plenty of home based business opportunities you could take advantage of if you have the facilities available or the cooperation of your command.

Response by Elizabeth Malkin made Oct 1 at 2014 4:21 PM

Elizabeth Malkin — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:21:11 -0400

SFC John Brooks , have you ever thought about starting/ running your own business through a franchise? RP has recently tagged up with a couple of the franchises that are known for being best-in-class for service members and vets, offering military discounts and training. It is a great way to run your own small team and have a true sense of leadership in a civilian setting.

Check out ACFN: https://www.rallypoint.com/units/acfn-san-jose-ca/civilian_company/jobs

and Homewatch CareGivers: https://www.rallypoint.com/units/homewatch-caregivers--2/civilian_company/jobs

We have also partnered with The Transition Center which is a 100% FREE service for all RP members to help them to figure out if owning a business is the right next step for them to take. You can find The Transition Center here: https://www.rallypoint.com/units/the-transition-center-the-transition-center-llc/civilian_company/jobs

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Response by SPC John Lindahl made Oct 1 at 2014 4:45 PM

SPC John Lindahl — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:45:18 -0400

I have seen some soldiers manage a second job while on active duty. Not impossible however finding a type of job and employer willing to play second fiddle can be harder to find than a wheat penny in a corn field. Kudos if you can swing it, personally after a year I would start looking at deployments as vacations.

Response by FN Broc Afseth made May 6 at 2015 12:04 PM

FN Broc Afseth — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:04:40 -0400

is there any possibilities for a DCFN to do this with permission from my command? i'm needing an income buffer till i can get my pay saved to where i'd like them to be. bills, expenses, and other things have made us drastically look into a second job for myself, since my wife is a stay at home mom, ( we have an autistic child that requires heavy attention). BAH covers basic expenses but just barely.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 2:17 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:17:08 -0400

Try UBER if it is available in your area.

Email me at [login to see]

Response by PO2 Georges Pean made Nov 10 at 2015 10:55 PM

PO2 Georges Pean — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:55:43 -0500

I want to look at this opportunity, which allows you to be your own boss, without interfering with what you're currently doing, and create wealth for your children's children.

Response by TSgt Torrence Harris made Mar 29 at 2016 2:04 PM

TSgt Torrence Harris — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 14:04:50 -0400

With IT experience you can probably find some work. If you still have time use it by getting Defense acquisition certs. That will be a plus when you transition out. Also SBA.gov has modules/certs if you're thinking small business. IT definitely will need certs. All bases have small businesses offices. I landed work to the tune of $80k+. You have to put in the research and WORK. it will pay off. Be driven to succeed. lazy will kill the dream!!

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made Apr 6 at 2016 10:39 AM

MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 10:39:56 -0400

I've always had a second job, while enlisted and as an officer. I was stocking shelves as a Major active duty...

Response by T Barry made Jan 12 at 2018 8:15 AM

T Barry — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 08:15:35 -0500

First, I would like to thank you guy's for your service. I was never in the military but I once worked as a civilian as a bus-boy in the PX at Floyd Bennett Field Naval Air Station in Brooklyn NY back in the middle sixties when the USN owned the property.
Years later I retired from the NYCTA as a conductor back in 2013. There are about 38,000 people who work for the TA, 29/7 and a very good number of them are reservist and Veterans. I would like to share a story with you.
One day in 1994 I was working with a different Train Operator on the "F line" who told me he was an Army reservist so on our break we began to talk about the military and I told him that I was never in the military but I worked at the Naval base in Brooklyn and I live Raeford NC which is next door to Ft.Bragg from 1974-78.
I left the "F line" and started working on the "J line in 1995 and over there were a ton of Vets and reservist who I often talked about the military EVERY day.! So one day I came in off the road from my first trip and in the office Veteran, Freddy told me that there was a Train Operator who was claiming to be ACTIVE military while working FULL-TIME on the job. I told Freddy that is impossible..! So this became a BIG discussion every day for about two weeks.
So one day I decided to make a call down to the military clerk who handles ALL military affairs with TA employee's and after explaining the situation to him this is what he told me. He said he has been working his desk for 17 years and he "never" knew anybody to work TA FULL-TIME and ACTIVE military at the same time and I thanked him for this information. I went back to the terminal and told every VET and Reservist what he said and the room got QUIT all except one Vet who swore he knew another guy who claimed the same thing, BS..!
A week later I was on my way to work and I ran into four Marine Recruiters on my job near the token booth and I explain the situation to them and here's what they told me. I'm not gonna repeat the language that they used but they said when I see that "so and so" ask to see his military ID if it's red, white, pinkish he's a Reservist but if it's DARK GREEN then he's Active, I thanked those guy's and later conveyed this ID information to my co-workers and they later ask this "WANNABE" to show his military ID and he tells them that he forgot it and left it at home.
My department was called RTO, and it is impossible to hold down this job and be on ACTIVE duty in the military at the same time.
I refuse to believe EVERYTHING that I hear and once again I thank you guy's for your service.!

Tyrone Stacey

Response by Angela Benedict made Aug 14 at 2018 5:04 PM

Angela Benedict — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 17:04:29 -0400

This could be of benefit to those looking for a second job including those who are injured or have already exited ...https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/job-alert-mille-active-veteran-your-new-side-hustle-benedict/?published=t

job-alert-mille-active-veteran-your-new-side-hustle-benedict

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 7:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 19:15:12 -0500

If you start your own business, what's your business model like? If you are doing consulting work, what kind of certs do you have?

Response by SMSgt David Dillon made May 18 at 2022 7:01 PM

SMSgt David Dillon — Wed, 18 May 2022 19:01:13 -0400

Worked part-time for airline as i was a licensed A&P Mechanic

Response by SMSgt David Dillon made May 18 at 2022 8:59 PM

SMSgt David Dillon — Wed, 18 May 2022 20:59:56 -0400

A&P License Mechanic