Possible Part-Time Jobs To Do During Barista FIRE

Barista FIRE is one of the 4 financial independence strategies where an individual chose to semi-retire early but continue working part-time for additional income.  Recently, Barista FIRE is also gaining popularity, becoming an appealing option for many FIRE practitioners.  If one is planning to adopt this lifestyle in a few years, choosing the right part-time job is also crucial.  It should align with the individual's interests, offer flexible hours, and allow one to enjoy a balance lifestyle between work and leisure.

Here are some suggestions for possible part-time job options that could fit perfectly into one's Barista FIRE journey (and I am seriously considering some of them):

Part-Time Jobs That I May Consider

1)     Private Tutoring

As I am currently already a full-time private tutor, continuing this role could be a natural choice, but with fewer students and continuing on a part-time basis.  Tutoring is also a popular option as a part-time job for many others because it allow one to:

a)     Set your own schedule.

b)     Choose the number of students based on your availability.

c)     Leverage your expertise in specific subjects.

However, as a current tutor, I would like to caution interested individuals that tutoring nowadays may not be as simple as it seemed to be years ago.  Curriculum has definitely evolved and changed, key terms and answering techniques are also different from the past when we ourselves were students.  As such, for individuals who are interested to be a part-time tutor, do read up the latest syllabus, and self-attempt recent exam papers and read the mark schemes to familiarize yourself with the requirements.  Regardless, the job requires one to deliver results and help students to improve.  If students do not show any improvement, then the part-time tutoring job will not last long too.

2)     Freelance Writing or Content Creation

If an individual enjoy writing, this is a great way to turn one's thoughts and experiences into a viable source of income.  Freelance writing covers areas like blogging, copywriting, technical writing, and more.  Content creation is also an area where more and more individuals are dipping their toes into.  An obvious "job" is becoming a YouTuber.  Recently I have seen more and more individuals venturing into the YouTube/ TikTok sphere.  Being a freelance writer or YouTuber is a popular option as a part-time job or even a side hustle for many others because it offers:

a)     Flexibility, as deadlines are often negotiable, or up to individual how frequently one would like to update their posts.

b)     Scalability, as one can start slow with small projects and gradually grow your portfolio of blogposts or videos.

c)     Platforms to Explore, where websites like Upwork or Fiverr can be viable platforms where one look for assignments, or even turn it into a coaching business, teaching others how to be a successful YouTuber or TikToker.

Personally I am also a part-time blogger, and thankfully able to monetize this blog via Google Adsense.  The journey to monetize this blog is a humbling experience, and through writing my personal finance journey and experiences, it helps to keep me focused on my FIRE goals.  However, do note that the journey to monetization is a rather long journey.  After 2 years and 9 months, a small puny blogger like myself has only earned SGD 295.00 via the blog (not complaining because any income is greatly welcomed, but if you are a successful YouTuber or blogger, you can definitely earn much more!).  However, this is a good side hustle for me to continue with.

3)     Barista or Cafe Work

True to its name, a part-time barista job aligns with the Barista FIRE philosophy.  Working in a cafe can be rewarding if you love coffee culture or enjoy meeting new people because it involves:

a)     Social interaction, thus its great for those who enjoy being around people.

b)     Perks, where depending on employer, staffs may be eligible for discounts on food and drinks and a chance to learn coffee-making skills.

c)     Lower stress level, probably as compared to corporate roles.

However, in Singapore's context, the above may not be entirely true.  To be able to work as a Barista, it is essential for one to attend courses and be certified before one can handle food and beverages (this is also required be law even if one wants to work in fast-food joints like MacDonalds or Burger King).  Moreover, in a fast pace society like Singapore, I do not really think that Barista is a low stress job, but that depends on the customers, colleagues and supervisors, hence making it almost similar to corporate jobs.  I believe its a different type of stress that one has to face.

4)     Pet Care or Dog Walking

If an individual is an animal lover, pet care services can be a fulfilling part-time job.  Individuals can offer services like dog walking, pet sitting, or grooming (if one is trained and qualified).  Pet care or dog walking is also a popular option as a part-time job because it offers:

a)     Flexible scheduling, where individuals can choose the clients and times that is suitable for them.

b)     Low barrier to entry, as little to no upfront investment is needed for jobs like dog walking for dog lovers (but certification is a definite necessity for grooming services).

c)     Growing demand, as there are many busy pet owners seeking reliable caretakers during office hours or when they travel.

As a dog owner and dog lover myself, I would love to help to be a dog walker for anyone who needs my services when I am available.  It also sounds like a great idea when this service can earn some pocket money for myself.

5)     Retail or Hospitality Roles

Part-time positions in retail or hospitality can provide steady income with minimal commitment. Options include:

a)     Boutique or bookstore cashier.

b)     Hotel front desk staff.

c)     Event staff for seasonal functions.

These jobs often require weekend or evening shifts, leaving your weekdays free for leisure or other pursuits.  One such part-time job that piqued my interest is the staff at cinemas.  Checking tickets at the entrance, manning the snack kiosks and cleaning up the cinema theatre after a movie seems very doable and requires minimal interaction, perfect for an introvert like myself.

Part-Time Jobs That I Personally Will Not Consider (Not Suitable for Myself)

6)     Rideshare or Food Delivery

Driving for platforms like Grab or delivering food through apps like Deliveroo offers unmatched flexibility.  Individuals can choose to work as much or as little as one would want, depending on individual's financial needs or time preferences.  Doing rideshare or food delivery work allows one to have:

a)     Control over work hours, where one can work around their existing schedule.

b)     Income variety, as individuals can combine this with other part-time jobs for supplemental income.

Personally, this will not be my choice as I do not drive or ride a motorbike (and I do not know how to ride a bicycle!), so this job may be a stretch for me.  

7)     Fitness or Yoga Instructor

If one is passionate about fitness, becoming a certified trainer or yoga instructor can be an excellent choice.  The benefits of becoming one encompasses:

a)     Health benefits because one can stay active while earning.

b)     Personalized hours as individuals can conduct classes at timings that is suitable.

c)     Community building as it allows one to connect with like-minded individuals.

Personally this is not for me, as I would probably be the one who requires such a service.  Currently I am working out at the comfort of my home, following the various workout videos by various instructors on YouTube.  As such, this may also be a direction where aspiring fitness or yoga instructors can try out, releasing workout videos on YouTube, which, if successful, may venture out as another potential side income!

8)     Seasonal or Temporary Work

Look for temporary jobs during peak seasons, such as:

a)     Tax preparation during tax season (suitable for accounting-trained individuals).

b)     Retail support during holidays like Christmas or Chinese New Year periods.

These roles can offer a financial boost without a long-term commitment.  However, because of its ultra short-term nature, it does not attract me.  I would prefer something longer, ranging from a period of a couple of months to probably a year or more.

9)     Gardening or Landscaping Services

If you have a green thumb, part-time gardening or landscaping could be a relaxing way to earn.  However, I would think that this is more possible overseas, and less likely in Singapore.  Unless you are providing such services for your neighbours who stay in landed properties and who know you well enough.

10)     Freelance Photography

This is very suitable for photography lovers to turn their hobby into a part-time business.  Individuals can focus on events, portraits, or stock photography.  However, I think to be able to do this successfully, one may opt to start to do for free for family members and friends, to build up a portfolio before referrals can start streaming in to slowly build it up into a feasible part-time business.

The beauty of Barista FIRE lies in its flexibility.  Individuals have the freedom to craft a lifestyle that balances purpose and leisure, and that is what attracts me.  Part-time jobs not only supplement your income but also provide opportunities to stay engaged, pursue passions, and connect with others.  As one approaches his or her Barista FIRE goals, it is good to reflect upon one's interests, skills, and the type of lifestyle one envision.  From there, choose the roles that helps to enrich life and not just the wallet.  After all, Barista FIRE is about living intentionally while enjoying the fruits of financial independence.  Barista FIRE, here I come...!