What, if anything, do other E3s of any other branches do for money as side jobs?

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 22:58:51 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2019 11:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 23:19:23 -0500

I know junior enlisted that do Uber or Lyft on their off time.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2019 11:24 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 23:24:44 -0500

Most side jobs in the military as an active duty sailor or soldier require a form to be filled out and your hours regulated. The employer also needs to understand you’re a priority as an active military member and if they call no matter what you’re doing you’ll have to leave. In the army an active soldier may request off duty work as long as his or her commanding officer approves it and you can’t work more than 16 hours per week. You gave to have approval forms and hours documented and signed by the employer to turn in to your command team.

Bottom line most commanding officers won’t sign off on this because you become a liability and if you’re hurt at your non military job you become a detriment to the mission your unit is assigned to do.

Also it’s not an E-3 thing, any soldier or sailor of any rank may at least ask to do a side job pending their CO approval.

My next question is...why do you need a side job? The coast guard provides you with food, a place to sleep, money for incidentals, and a ride to do your job most days and a uniform.

The only reason you would need a side job is if you’re not managing your finances properly or is you’re bored with just being active duty. In that case maybe active duty military isn’t your thing.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2019 11:47 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 23:47:43 -0500

Also update your RallyPoint profile

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 19 at 2019 11:54 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 23:54:53 -0500

Learn how to buy and flip items on ebay etc... see YouTube... I made $5k extra on my last deployment in 2003-4..

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Dec 20 at 2019 12:00 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:05 -0500

Depends on what your specialty is and where you are. I was an ET, and when I was on Nantucket and Long Island (Group Shinnecock back then), I made side money installing and fixing electronics, mostly on fishing boats. Do a good job and the word will get around. When I was at LORSTA Spruce Cape, a lot of guys got pretty good money unloading crab boats at the cannery. I never did it, as we were short on ETs, so the best I had up there was port and starboard 24 hr duty. For a while it was port and report, LOL. Needless to say, I valued any time I had off to just be off.
Look around, and see what there is that you know how to do and would enjoy doing.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 20 at 2019 1:13 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 01:13:08 -0500

- sell plasma
- uber/lyft
- Grub Hub
- Pizza Delivery
- Upworx
- Computer builds and repairs
- a guy ar FT Carson hand paints artillery round tumblers (metal travel mugs painted in ammo markings of your choice, very cool). I think he's a SSG.
- something your rate does that translates, like if you know how to and enjoy fixing outboards. My Dad had turned that into his fishing money/ hobby in retirement.

Really depends on what you are willing to do, what you can do, and what your command approves you to do. I imagine your CO has to approve moon lighting.
-

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 20 at 2019 2:03 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 02:03:46 -0500

“In the day”, I was a projectionist in a movie theatre on North Ft Lewis.

The pay was ? $50 a month, but all you could popcorn was included!

The theme song to start a movie was: “I’ve got your love to keep me warm”.

Not being a musical type, waiting for the right “chord”? was the stressful part of the job. Now, it comes to mind instantly!!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Dec 20 at 2019 7:47 AM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 07:47:41 -0500

That answer is going to depend on your skills and education that you have, your location either CONUS or OCONUS, your command and the job opportunities there.

You could would for AAFES (BX) or the Commissary. You could work for MWR on post, a store or stores off post.

Back in the day I worked for Bike Tech, AAFES and MWR.

A lot of jobs are going to depend on what your MOS hours and days are.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Dec 20 at 2019 8:35 AM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 08:35:49 -0500

I was able to work once Iasked my COC as a doorman at a bar.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Dec 20 at 2019 9:35 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:35:57 -0500

Whatever you want to do, you will need to get the OK from your CoC.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2019 9:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:50:34 -0500

You mean, besides managing their money better by not blowing all their pay on silly things like booze, strippers, and super decked out new cars at 38% interest rate?

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Dec 20 at 2019 9:55 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:55:04 -0500

My wife and I cleaned houses for other service members in order to pass their base housing move out inspections. Pay was good, but back breaking work. I'd probably do the Uber/Lyft thing, now. Good luck.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Dec 20 at 2019 11:50 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 11:50:50 -0500

Concentrate on becoming an E-4. You will make more money doing that.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 20 at 2019 1:53 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 13:53:22 -0500

If your an E3 you really should be focused on learning your job more than expanding your wealth. However, if you are fixated on extra income the easiest way that will not get you into trouble with your chain of command is to learn how the stock market works, setup a trading account and trade stocks in your spare time with money you have saved. Possibly at most 1-2 hours of your time per day that you can spend during just about any portion of the day on a PC or laptop in your Barracks room and it is a skill that will benefit you a lifetime. The best part is you can take a break for a few days or weeks from the activity while waiting for your investments to grow in value. So your never in danger of it monopolizing your time.

Response by PFC Ray Aquila made Dec 20 at 2019 2:44 PM

PFC Ray Aquila — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 14:44:33 -0500

It really depends on what you're good at/know. Others on this page have recommended several good part time jobs, i.e., uber/lyft. wal mart always has opening for stocking shelves. Your local supermarkets have the same. Make sure, and this is very important. Employers, as mentioned, give extra consideration for military personnel. Make sure employers know you can be deployed at any time.
PS uber/lyft requires one has a car/suv, etc., 10 years old or newer. (2010-2020) and in very good running order/clean.
Good Luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2019 7:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 19:52:36 -0500

Get SPC at 18 months.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2019 11:33 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 23:33:10 -0500

Back when I was enlisted many moons ago and needed extra cash I worked as a security guard at night through a security staffing agency. I got paid more per hour doing that than my Navy pay at the time.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 21 at 2019 6:59 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 18:59:27 -0500

I've only seen one junior enlisted member with a side job. She delivered pizzas.
I believe you must get the "permission" from your command, but I'm not 100% certain on that.

Response by SGT Jake Ellison made Jan 5 at 2020 9:23 PM

SGT Jake Ellison — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 21:23:44 -0500

I build furniture and other woodworking projects. It's expensive to get into but I had a nice career before the Army to fund the big purchases. You can get away with buying tools as you need them. It's also a great way to hone a bunch of skills that will help you put down the road. Whether it be to save money renovating your future home or making it into a career, it is definitely a beneficial trade. I was a diesel mechanic before the Army so I also make some money doing side jobs on vehicles. If you are in the barracks you may have to get creative on your side hustle.

Response by SGT Lou Grounds made Jan 8 at 2020 8:22 PM

SGT Lou Grounds — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 20:22:28 -0500

Well Joe C, I'm an active, retired, disabled, Vietnam Vet, SGT E5, finacially set. I think I can help you, so do you have a cell phone and a lap top computer ?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 8 at 2020 11:46 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 23:46:47 -0500

I was a “projectionist” in the movie theatre at Ft Lewis. Benefit was “all of the popcorn” you can eat.

Bro-in-law worked at NCO Clubs thruout his USAF career. (Wife and 4 daughters)!

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Jan 9 at 2020 10:25 AM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:25:03 -0500

I loved cars so I got a job at an auto auction house. Paid off huge because I eventually got my l license to buy and sell cars at auction. Over the first ten (10) years of my career, I had 12 cars that I bought restored or did upkeep and resold at auction making killer profits!

Response by SPC Bill Ratajczak made Jan 15 at 2020 9:04 AM

SPC Bill Ratajczak — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 09:04:55 -0500

I would prepare tax forms for guys in the barracks. I also had a commo hooch, I would sell soup, cigarettes, and other things while in the field.

Response by SGT William Nixson made Jan 18 at 2020 11:52 AM

SGT William Nixson — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 11:52:00 -0500

Back in the day, I delivered pizza on and off base. Work Friday & Saturday nights - lots of tips from the partying barracks rats!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2020 10:01 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 22:01:58 -0500

As I worked in a company orderly room, I was able to get a job at a Channel Home Center. (They are out of business many years now.) When I was done with the office job and working shift work, I would bag at the base commissary for tips. That was a good fit. No schedule and set my own hours.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 2:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:37:59 -0500

First things first. INVEST IN THE TSP. You should be putting in whateever the Army will match into it. That is essentially free money for later. Secondly look into mutual funds and the like. Once you get enough into it you can pull the interest as just as you would another pay check, but you will be taxed.

Too many Soldiers look at immediate solution when you should be playing the long game.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Feb 8 at 2020 10:49 AM

SFC Terry Bryant — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 10:49:21 -0500

Here is an idea. Live within your means. Manage the money you are making as an E-3. Most of us have learned to do the same thing. I am 55 years old and spent 32 years in the Military. I am now retired and successful. Not because of how much money I made but because of how much I saved by managing my money. It is not a high paying job but it is a good one. So learn to manage your money because it is plenty to live a very good life. Make some investments, buy some gold and plan for the future. It will be here before you know it.

Response by SPC Jordan Brown made Feb 8 at 2020 11:53 AM

SPC Jordan Brown — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 11:53:00 -0500

Uber Eats is a good side gig where available.
Not enough to make a living off of, but I made a good $200/week only doing it a few hours a week when I needed extra cash.

Response by SrA Zo Evans Sr made Feb 8 at 2020 3:38 PM

SrA Zo Evans Sr — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 15:38:21 -0500

Lol! What type of Job do you have , that affords you time to take on a second job?
When I was an E3, I was up to my neck in studying for skill level upgrades

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Feb 9 at 2020 7:33 PM

Maj Dale Smith — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 19:33:26 -0500

Actually, if you are an E-3 without a family/spouse, you should be able to survive just fine on your pay. You are living in the dorm/barracks & you have a meal card for 3-4 squares a day. Anything you make is actually disporable income. I can tell you that when I was a junior 0-3, there were many airmen that had better cars and certainly better sound systems than I had. My disposable income after paying for food, mortgage heat, cable and a family of 4 was about $150/mo. Depending on your MOS, I would suggest Pizza delivery, working at an auto parts store, seasonal work such as UPS delivery, telephone solicitation, hunting guide, service industry work, auto/boat/motorcycle/aircraft maintenance depending on your skill level. The economy is booming and there should be plenty of work out there. If you live in the "hinterland", talk to local farmers/ranchers and see if they need day labor to repair fences, carry hay, clean pens, work on tractors etc. Good luck.

Response by MSgt Joseph Holness made Feb 10 at 2020 12:13 PM

MSgt Joseph Holness — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:13:01 -0500

WOW! What a "Loaded-Question"! Should be interesting to see the responses; time to get the Pop-Corn ready for the show-LOL!

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Feb 10 at 2020 5:11 PM

SSgt Russell Stevens — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 17:11:52 -0500

I wouldn't know. In those days I was TDY so often there was never an opportunity for a side job.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 6:45 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 18:45:13 -0500

When I was an E3 back during my time ('78-'82) my net pay was $392 every 2 weeks if I remember correctly and that would last me a looooong time....I'm sure it has risen quite a lot since then and is E3's make a ton more than I did back then....maybe the E3 in question if it is you, SN Private RallyPoint Member , should talk to a financial advisor.....if not then suggest it to whoever needs it....

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Feb 10 at 2020 8:16 PM

SrA Ronald Moore — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 20:16:13 -0500

I used to work for my landlord fixing things around the Trailers

Response by LCpl Russell Potter made Feb 11 at 2020 3:24 PM

LCpl Russell Potter — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:24:28 -0500

I delivered Pizza for Domino's Pizza when I was at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Response by SSgt Karen Jarman made Feb 12 at 2020 6:35 PM

SSgt Karen Jarman — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 18:35:30 -0500

1977, my first permanent assignment, we had an E3 who applied for all the permissions and received approval to work as a female impersonator/stripper over in St. Petersburg. Until his paperwork reached the unit commander s desk. The CO offered him a choice of a military career, or his civilian one. We chipped in and bough him a pair of earrings as a going away present. Honorable discharge.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 6:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 18:42:40 -0500

I clean houses, take pictures, buy stock options and trade Forex, UberEats, Postmates, Doordash, instacart, sell Avon and am a mystery shopper. I’m learning how to dropship. By the way, I’m an E6 Reservist on active duty orders now.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2020 9:34 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 09:34:41 -0500

Ive only read a few responses to this so far and they all seem satirical or rude. So Ill do you a solid and actually answer your question without being a smart@$$.

Be a fly on the wall and figure out what peoples problems are. Someone from another team needs his brakes replaced and cant afford to get a shop to do it? do it on credit and then collect later. Little things like that are great ways to make some extra cash while helping people out; people that may or may not be able to help you later. It also helps build your skillset and good standing in a unit. (very important for an E-3) It can help with networking and open some fun doors later too. Anyone has a problem that you cant fix? Youtube it, you can learn anything on youtube.

I help work on cars (the most), small engine repair, do some minor gunsmithing, babysitting, proofreading, etc. and that brings me a decent chunk of change these days. It's not easy and it takes a minute to get real benefits from it. But i know from personal experience that it can be very rewarding.

An old teamleader I had went hunting and was really tired and didnt want to give his rifle a full once-over after getting back. I offered to clean it for him so he could get some rest. He went to bed and I cleaned it to near perfection. I even polished some of the surfaces for a smoother action. When I gave it back to him the next day, I showed him what I did and he gave me $50. He also spread the word about how good of work I did, and that word reached the CO. I ended up re-blueing his old Ruger 9mm. Got paid for that too and got to have a friendly conversation with the CO. As a SPC, being on the leaderships good side is a good thing.

Keep an eye out for opportunity and stay humble.

Response by SFC Michael Hanke made Feb 14 at 2020 4:20 PM

SFC Michael Hanke — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:20:07 -0500

Train, study, and perform to become E4's, E5's, etc.

Response by Cpl Tom Surdi made Feb 15 at 2020 12:44 PM

Cpl Tom Surdi — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 12:44:55 -0500

I fixed fellow Marine's vehicles in my off time. As long as I didn't make a mess or dump chemicals, my Command didn't care if I did it in the barracks parking lot. Nothing extravagant, lots of basic maintenance and parts swapping, some electrical. Just kept my tools in my truck under lock and key. Pulled in about 3K a month, which for an E-3 way back in the late 90's early 2000's was a lot of money. After I got out, I continued to do that since I lived so close to base, helped pay my way through college since the GI Bill was so crappy back then.

Response by CPL Cord Nipper made Feb 16 at 2020 4:20 PM

CPL Cord Nipper — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 16:20:26 -0500

Not an E-3 but as an E-6 living on post:
My cousin was 63B light wheel mechanic by MOS training but before enlisting had worked as a small engine repairman.
He was at Ft Jackson and noticed a lot of lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws and leaf blowers on the curb on trash day.
He would stop and pick up everything he ran across. Take it home and figure out what was wrong with it. Usually it was fuel lines and carb bowls that had varnished over from ethanol in the gas.
He'd clean them up and replace parts that were needed.
When he had a large amount repaired he'd go rent a stall at a flea market and sell them. $50 for an almost new mower. $100 for a chainsaw.
Anyway he did this two to three times a year and made a few extra thousand per year.

Response by SSgt David Marks made Feb 17 at 2020 11:37 AM

SSgt David Marks — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 11:37:26 -0500

In my off duty time I worked a second full time job at St. Mary's Hosp, Enid, Ok, as an armed Security Guard.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Feb 20 at 2020 3:55 PM

MSG Reid Zohfeld — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 15:55:22 -0500

I know I know But back in my day at 725 a month I lived pretty well You know after I paid my rental on a air conditioner and refrigerator from the post rental shop I could do almost anything I guess besides sensitivity training lower enlisted needs a economic class
Oh by the way I might be a old retired MSG who retired in 2013 Don’t even try getting a outside job I would drop the hammer hard

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2020 6:14 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 18:14:01 -0500

Smiling when I saw this question. When I was an E-3 in the early 80's. I worked in a shoe store. So #AlBundy

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2020 6:15 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 18:15:37 -0500

In the early 80's, I schlubed in a Shoe Store for extra income. #AlBundy

Response by SPC Fred Scholl made Mar 7 at 2020 8:13 AM

SPC Fred Scholl — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 08:13:46 -0500

Teach E-2’s the ropes and technical advisor to new LT’s and Ensigns.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Mar 8 at 2020 11:52 AM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 11:52:12 -0400

The answers I read are a sign of the times. When I was in the Marine Corp 59-63 every thing I owned fit into a seabag. I had a record player in my walllocker. when I shipped out to Okinawa I gave it to another buddie in the barracks. In the army same answer except when I got Married. When I shipped out to Vietnam everything we owned fit into 2 cars. My brother and brotherinlaw and wife came to Ft. Knox in one car and my wife and my old car went back to my parents house about 250 miles away. I didn't have time to take leave because we only had two weeks notice to form the Plt. and Round up the equipment that was going to Vietnam with us. I was designated as the Supply Sgt. of the Plt. and I helped get the equipment together from all over the base. We flew to Oakland boarded the MSTS USS Mann. 3,000 troops on a ship that was designed for 1,500 troops. 17 days later we landed at QuiNhon. I know the younger generation don't care about what I said, but they don't realize how good they have it today. They held up their right hand and swore to defend the country from all enemies foreign and domestic, Not what to do with my stuff when I'm deployed. I can't live off my paycheck even though I have a place to live and 3 meals a day and even get a clothing allowance. We live in the greatest and best country in the world. Semper Fi.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Mar 8 at 2020 5:58 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 17:58:04 -0400

Sorry. I'm old school.
By comparison, E3's of today are a member of the ultra-stinkin-rich and have no excuse for complaining about lack of money. Try living on $110 per month (before taxes) for a few years and learn to manage your finances

Response by Cpl Tim Shive made Mar 8 at 2020 6:43 PM

Cpl Tim Shive — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 18:43:08 -0400

I worked at Dominos as a delivery driver on Camp Lejeune. I was in an instructor position at the time, so I had regular hours. Not everyone can do it. It sucks working around the clock, but if you need the extra money it’s not too terrible. I was also a bouncer, but that one could have gotten me in trouble. I would stay away from that stuff. Young and dumb as they say.

Response by PO2 Shawn Buckendahl made Mar 9 at 2020 12:08 AM

PO2 Shawn Buckendahl — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:08:23 -0400

When I was in, there was hardly time to rest up when we were in port. When we were at sea, we were totally cutoff from the rest of the world. So between those two times, didn't have time for another job. Has the military become a part time job now?

Response by LTC Joe Anderson made Mar 9 at 2020 11:19 AM

LTC Joe Anderson — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:19:47 -0400

I knew a SGT who worked Security and another who worked for Dominos both jobs that knew the Military comes 1st and you may not always be available for a shift.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 4:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 16:09:32 -0400

I worked at the NCO Club calling bingo, and at the enlisted club as a master at arms, barback, and bartender. It fell under Nonappropriated Funds (NAF).

Response by 1SG Thomas Sergent made Mar 10 at 2020 11:57 PM

1SG Thomas Sergent — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 23:57:30 -0400

I taught karate after hours throughout a 21 year career, at one time I was making more doing that than my E7 paycheck brought in.

Response by SSgt Gene Black made Mar 11 at 2020 4:06 PM

SSgt Gene Black — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:06:59 -0400

As a young USAF Airman with a wife/child I delivered newspapers for extra income. If it were now I might think about Uber or Lyft for additional income. The main consideration is your schedule for your primary duty.

Response by CPO Donald Crisp made Mar 12 at 2020 4:20 PM

CPO Donald Crisp — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:20:02 -0400

After reviewing some of the comments I have to say open your own business. You have to keep in mind "your time" is still the military's time. If you open your own business, your time is flexible. I personally opened my own yard landscaping and maintenance business. It didn't require much of an investment to get started and the business transferred when I did. Of course I let my command know and it never interfered with my duty. I would advise against standing extra duty for cash due to the burn out factor and in most cases it is frowned upon by commands.

Response by PO3 Jake Lucid made Mar 12 at 2020 7:45 PM

PO3 Jake Lucid — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:45:16 -0400

As an E3 in the coast guard in Boston back in 99 I worked at a bar as a door guy and a mc Donald's as time permitted as they had a flexible schedule. Made 12 an hour then at mcd's as a fry cook. In Alaska I made some coin working at the local hardware store/gun store

Response by SFC Laurence Anderson made Mar 12 at 2020 8:51 PM

SFC Laurence Anderson — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:51:18 -0400

I recommend not having a side job. If you are going to do it. Get a job that is flexible with availability and hours. Lowes and Home Depot work well with Guard and Reserve troops. Different situation with Active Duty personnel. If you're active, be clear with your manager on what's going on with your military obligations and always remember your service obligations come first.

Response by SSgt David Wilkins made Mar 13 at 2020 12:38 AM

SSgt David Wilkins — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:38:34 -0400

fortunately for me, as a young Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps, they stationed me in 29 Palms, in the middle of no where, without transportation , or friends, at the time, so I spent a lot of time at the gym, and hiking the desert, so I wound up saving most of my money for the year and a half I was there, until I went to my next duty station as a corporal.

Response by MSG David Buehler made Mar 13 at 2020 2:25 PM

MSG David Buehler — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:25:24 -0400

That was cold! I when I was an E-3 I drove a bare-bones pickup, while stationed at Oakland Army Base I worked as a hotel security guard, stock boy at a grocery store and a night club bouncer. Not all at the same time but Ca was crazy expensive in the 80's.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 11:34 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 23:34:33 -0400

Personally, I’m a writer on the side

Response by SN Mike Duffy made Mar 30 at 2020 11:13 AM

SN Mike Duffy — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:13:44 -0400

I was a cook. I did mechanical work on enginemens vehicles at the base hobby shop.

Response by SGT Todd Miller made Apr 14 at 2020 10:54 PM

SGT Todd Miller — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:54:56 -0400

Back in the day, '86 I think, I was a good radio mechanic. I made money on the side working for a local pawn shop installing car stereos and driving soldiers to the air port who were traveling home on leave. I also used to hustle in the field. I had to take equipment to the rear for repairs so I had a 50 cal. ammo can I'd pack with ice and cold Pepsi's. I'd get $5 a can for a Pepsi at Ft. Bliss from the tankers almost all day long. We also used to trade anything for anything. Bullets for bread and apples, commo parts for vehicles parts, Class A uniform and TA-50 gear, Batteries for flashlights, smokes for candy whatever. A resourceful guy can supplement his income and live well.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2020 9:51 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 09:51:36 -0400

-photography
-audio production
-fiver

Find something you have a skill or passion for. All work and no play makes you old and grey.

Just make sure it doesn't interfere with your other duties and is approved by the command.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 12:42 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 00:42:09 -0400

I am new to the Military, Army National Guard.. so, I cannot speak for other branches, but other Soldiers in my RSP unit, work similar Civilian Jobs that mirror their MOS.. I work as a Hospice Nursing Assistant, soon to be a Nurse.. I am not sure if that helps.