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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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 (Join to see) , should talk to a financial advisor.....if not then suggest it to whoever needs it....

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

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.

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.

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)!