Living in London has always been expensive. With rent, transport and the occasional pop out for a coffee, that is £6, many people need an extra source of income. This includes the Polish community, who, just like many others, are finding ways to make extra cash.
Unlike some people who take side jobs in hopes of being able to afford luxury, Poles take side jobs for security and for breathing space. Having the extra money means you can spend money on a holiday and be able to save for a house, or not be stressed about the end of the month.
The Polish community is among the biggest immigrant groups in London, and they need this second income. With that said, there are many side jobs that pay well.
Ride Hailing and Private Hire
London is brimming with private hire and ride-hail vehicles, and for many Poles, driving is a means to provide additional income and satisfy the need to be self-employed. You can work nights after your other job, focus on driving on weekends and take days off without having to ask a boss for a holiday.
Of course, driving requires more effort than just hopping in a vehicle and turning on an app. In fact, Transport for London requires all drivers to possess a valid license, and all vehicles must fulfill certain requirements. Some drivers have invested money in getting their own cars, but others take the easier route and use PCO car hire services to save on the huge upfront costs.
Food and Delivery
Driving people around is not for everyone, but there is also the option of driving food instead. London has a large number of takeaway options and lots of food delivery drivers as a result. Driving for delivery is also common for students and people new to London. You can easily use a bicycle, a scooter, or a car to make the delivery.
The times you are able to work are really flexible, as you can choose to work whenever. The downside to this is the awful British weather. Working in the rain during March is not fun.
So, if you like being out and about, this is an easy way to gain some extra money without being tied into a long-term commitment.
Cleaning and Domestic Services
If you ask the Polish community about cleaning jobs, you will likely find some opportunities. It’s a common part-time job and can even turn into something bigger. Many start off with several clients, and from there, they build their business solely from referrals.
For many Poles, what starts out as a part-time job turns into a small business with a lot of clients and consistent pay. While this may be viewed as a low-status job, it is quite useful, especially in London.
Construction & Skilled Trades
London is always building, renovating, extending, or doing some sort of construction. People with construction skills like painting, plumbing, and carpentry are always in demand. If you are experienced, you can take construction jobs on the weekends at a high pay rate. Assisting on a construction site can also bring you a lot of money. It is a physically demanding job, but it still pays more than entry-level jobs.
Because recommendations are so important in this industry, Polish tradespeople should develop strong connections in their own community, as well as the general community.
Freelance and Online Work
Side hustles do not have to be in the freezing cold or involve standing on your feet all day. Freelance and online work have become a lifesaver since the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing numbers of individuals are doing remote jobs like translation, designing, computer problem solving, bookkeeping or social media.
If you are a Polish citizen who speaks both Polish and English, you can start a translation job with relatively little effort. Some people take the online route to retain the most professional job.
Although freelancing offers a lot of advantages, its main downside is the lack of a steady income and job stability, which is more pronounced when starting out.
Things to Consider Before Taking on Side Jobs
When you have a side hustle, you can feel more empowered because of the increased income, and in some cases, you can even become your own boss. However, side hustles do require structure.
After a full day at your job, it is tiring to work nights. Weekends can also get busy, as you can lose all your time to your side hustle. Therefore, burnout is quite common. Once you become self-employed, you need to do things like keep records and pay tax, which are practical but quite boring. Unfortunately, this is one of the most important things to consider when you start making additional money.
The Bottom Line
Side hustles aren’t simply a trend for many Poles living in London; they are a necessary part of life in one of Europe’s most expensive cities. You can try out different side hustles and prefer the one you’re most comfortable with because no option is really better than another. The most suitable option is based on your skills, the time you have available, and your future plans.
