Side gigs have become all too common in recent years as more people realize their benefits. However, these jobs aren’t one-size-fits-all, and for creatives, it’s crucial to find a gig that allows for flexibility and, ideally, the ability to work their preferred creative practice into the job. Whether you want something temporary or a gig that will lead to a new entrepreneurial passion, there are several things to consider.

Read on to find out more about how to earn extra money and perhaps even turn it into a new career path.

Choose the right gig for you

There is no one right job for everyone, so it’s important to think carefully about the type of gig you want to pursue. Take into account how much time you’ll have to devote to it, whether it requires you to have your own tools, and what it will take to make the gig profitable. The advantages of working a side gig are numerous, from choosing your own hours to working from home, but there are a few things you’ll need to take care of before you get started. You might need to obtain a business license or find online resources that will make the gig work. Tutoring, creating an e-commerce store to sell art or handcrafted items, writing, and working as a freelance photographer are just a few examples of profitable creative jobs, but they require a website or heavy social media presence in order to garner a customer base.

Research your options

Once you have the right gig in mind, consider whether you want to work from home or find a job locally. There are pros and cons for both, so it’s a matter of your personal preference. There are several sites online dedicated to assisting with finding the perfect side gig, but beware of scams or sites that promise to help you earn lots of money in a short period of time. When you’re just starting out with a side gig, sites like Fiverr can be a great place to get your feet wet. With Fiverr, you can offer specific services, like “edit manuscripts for fiction writers,” giving you a better chance of landing a client. Regardless of where you look for work, freelance opportunities will typically require a resume and have an application and/or interview process, so make sure your resume is top-notch and create a LinkedIn profile if you haven’t already.

Get some help

If you choose to start a side gig from home, think about whether you can make it work on your own or if you’ll want to hire employees to help turn your idea into a business. Nail down the details first–such as accounting and a plan for a business model–so your employees will feel comfortable with signing on. You might want to keep things simple when starting with a small team by using an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of hours worked and payroll info. While an automated system is superior to a spreadsheet in keeping things organized, you can start with an easy template now and choose a payroll solution down the line.

Ask yourself some important questions

No matter what type of side gig you choose, it’s essential to ask yourself a few important questions before getting started. Will you have enough time and energy to devote to the gig to make it worthwhile? What sort of competition will you have? Does the job require training or certification? If so, what are the costs associated with those tasks? Planning ahead now will save you quite a bit of frustration down the road.

Starting a side gig is an exciting opportunity that will allow you to have more financial security while doing something you enjoy. Make sure you have the skills necessary to tackle your new job, and find support online and from friends and family as you get started.