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Salary vs. Side Hustle Income

why do we hush about one and brag about the other

By Eleanor AnnayPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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The topic of salary has long been a taboo subject in many cultures, and many people are discouraged from talking openly about their earnings. However, it's becoming more common to hear about people's side hustle income and how much they're earning from their part-time business ventures.

This begs the question: why are we encouraged to talk about our side hustle income, but discouraged from discussing our salary?

To understand this phenomenon, we need to explore the cultural and societal attitudes towards money and income. In many cultures, money is seen as a private matter that should not be discussed in public.

This is partly due to the idea that wealth is linked to social status and success, and people may feel uncomfortable revealing their financial situation in case it affects how others perceive them.

Additionally, there's a fear that discussing salary could lead to resentment and jealousy among colleagues. If someone reveals that they earn significantly more than their coworkers, it could lead to feelings of unfairness and undermine team morale. This is why many companies have policies that prohibit employees from discussing their salary with each other.

On the other hand, side hustles are often seen as a more acceptable way to earn extra income. There's a sense of pride in being able to generate money outside of one's main job, and many people view side hustles as a way to gain financial independence and security.

Moreover, side hustles often involve pursuing a passion or hobby, which can be more socially acceptable than simply earning a high salary.

In recent years, the rise of social media has also played a role in the increased visibility of side hustles. Many people share their entrepreneurial journeys and the success they've achieved through their side hustles on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

This has led to a culture of celebrating and applauding those who have found ways to monetize their passions.

However, it's worth noting that not all side hustles are created equal. Some people may be able to generate significant income through their side hustles, while others may only make a small amount of money.

Moreover, side hustles often require a significant amount of time and effort, and not everyone has the resources to invest in a side hustle while working a full-time job.

So, why is it important to talk about income and salary openly? For one, it helps to promote transparency and equity in the workplace. If people are able to openly discuss their earnings, it can help to highlight disparities in pay and bring attention to any issues of inequality.

Additionally, talking about salary can help to break down taboos and stigmas around money and encourage more open and honest conversations about financial matters.

Furthermore, discussing income can also help to break down societal norms and expectations around work and success. For too long, people have been conditioned to believe that success is linked to a high salary and a traditional career path.

However, the rise of side hustles and the gig economy has shown that there are many different ways to generate income and pursue one's passions.

In conclusion, while it's understandable that many people feel uncomfortable discussing their salary, it's important to recognize the value in being open and transparent about income.

By breaking down taboos and stigmas around money, we can encourage more honest and equitable conversations about financial matters. And while side hustles may be more socially acceptable than discussing salary, it's worth remembering that not all side hustles are created equal, and we should be mindful of the privileges and resources that may be required to pursue a side hustle successfully.

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About the Creator

Eleanor Annay

I wouldn't call myself a writer yet, but I'm getting there. I'm a creative soul enjoying writing and photography.

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