Side Hustles: Can you combine a job and a personal project without worrying recruiters?

23 July 2025 Read by 9333 persons

 

 

More and more young professionals combine their main job with a personal project: online store, content creation, freelance work, podcast, etc. This phenomenon, called a side hustle, reflects Generation Z's thirst for independence and creativity. But when applying for a job, how do you talk about it without worrying the recruiter about your motivation or availability?

 

1. Why do side hustles appeal to Gen Z?

  • Freedom and autonomy: a side hustle allows you to explore a passion without waiting for the approval of a hierarchy.

  • Financial security: diversifying your income is reassuring in an unstable job market.

  • Development of new skills: marketing, project management, customer relations... many skills that are valuable in a company.

  • Search for meaning: many use their side hustle to get involved in causes they care about (ecology, social, art).

 

2. Why can this worry a recruiter?

Even if it's trendy, some employers fear:

  • Lack of availability: fear that your project will encroach on your main job.

  • Conflict of interest: if your project is in the same sector as the company.

  • A sign of instability: the impression that you are looking for a "way out" rather than a lasting commitment.

 

3. How to present your side hustle without stress?

a) Choose the right time

  • In an interview, wait for a question about your extracurricular activities or skills.

  • On your resume, only mention it if the acquired skills are relevant to the position you are applying for.

b) Highlight the added value

Turn your project into a professional asset:

"My podcast allowed me to develop my communication and scheduling skills, which I also use in my daily work."

c) Reassure about your priorities

  • Specify that you know how to separate professional and personal life.

  • Explain that your side hustle is a complement and not competition.

  • Show that you know how to manage your time and that your project does not impact your work performance.

 

4. The benefits for your career

  • Strengthen your personal branding: your project tells who you are and what you are passionate about.

  • Multiply your opportunities: a recruiter can spot you through your personal project.

  • Show your entrepreneurial spirit: highly sought after in start-ups and innovative companies.

 

Read also: Boost your career with artificial intelligence: essential tips and tools

5. Practical tips for managing your side hustle well

  • Separate channels: dedicated social media accounts, no mixing with your professional ones.

  • Plan your time: keep fixed slots for your project to avoid overflowing into your main tasks.

  • Be transparent if your project is in the same sector as your employer (to avoid any legal or ethical conflict).

  • Highlight your results: quantify your successes (number of clients, revenue generated, audience, etc.).

 

A well-presented side hustle can become a secret weapon in an interview: it proves your creativity, your autonomy and your ability to manage several projects. But the key is transparency and the way you tell your story: make sure your project complements your professional profile instead of blurring it.