Darling Hill

After reading that headline, let me guess, the ol' ethics alarm is sounding in your head. Maybe it's even buzzing before you have time to ask yourself, what's a side hustle? and why would I want one (or two, or three)?

A side hustle is typically a part-time gig that runs alongside a regular "day" job, be it a full-time job at a firm or full-time diaper duty. It's that something extra that you might do to make ends meet in a tough economy, pay down student loan debt, or add to the 401K or 529. It's the hobby that turns into a cash generator. The "dream" that gets expressed on the side. Perhaps it's a means to an end, such as a temporary retail job during a busy holiday season. Or perhaps it's a logical outgrowth of what you already do during the day. The Frugal Dad Blog takes the position that everyone--EVERYONE--needs a side hustle.

But what about lawyers??

Gone are the days where becoming a lawyer means giving up on your dreams beyond the law.

And, if we've learned anything recently, it's that pouring everything we've got into one job, firm or company, doesn't promise a job security trophy. Just like doing well in law school doesn't guarantee a sweet clerkship or a job after graduation.

A side hustle, provided it doesn't pose conflicts or raise ethical issues, can offer lawyers the best of all worlds--the opportunity to pursue dreams, explore interests, achieve financial peace, or awaken/renew sense of self. Think lawyer by day, cheerleader on the side. Contract lawyer by day, bartender or server on the weekend. Part-time lawyer during the week, wedding photographer on the weekend. Lawyer mom or lawyer dad during the day, legal journalist by night.

Here are 11 Reasons Why Lawyers Should Have a Side Hustle:

1. No guarantees. Unless (maybe) you work for yourself, such as operating your own solo law practice, there aren't any guarantees. Work can dry up, if only for a short while. Pink Slips can get handed out. A side hustle might just make all the difference and keep you going during lean times.

2. Dreams get squashed. Working full-time in the law, or even as a full-time SAHM or SAHD, can mean your "other" dreams get lost. A side hustle offers the opportunity to re-discover or find dreams, passions or interests.

3. Debt. A side-hustle can help pay off student loans, the mortgage or other debt faster.

4. Savings. A side-hustle can help meet goals, like putting children through college, buying a house or a cool new SmartPhone.

5. Identity. For lawyers who have stepped away from the law, a side-hustle related to the law can help rekindle passion for the law or community service. For lawyers working full-time in the law, it can help them remember why they went to law school in the first place.

6. Charity. A side-hustle can be a great way to give back to the community or to do something meaningful, whether that's in the form of giving your time or cash.

7. Fun. A side-hustle can be fun. Maybe it's even an avenue through which you can spend more time with your family or friends.

8. Network. A side-hustle is a great way to network, which may translate into future "day job" law-related revenue or new opportunities, such as new job offers, invitations or projects.

9. Boredom. A side-hustle can relieve boredom and add spice or meaning to your life. Craft your own schedule, work as much or as little as you wish or need to--quit or take it to the next level on your terms.

10. Self-sufficiency. A side-hustle may create self-sufficiency, stability, or security--beyond finances, this may include psychological peace with life choices and personal paths.

11. Future. A side-hustle might just develop into your future day job--for many, that might mean living a dream life or ideal work/life balance.