Despite the challenges of our times, there’s still money to be made, fun experiences to be had, and people out there you need to meet. If you’re stuck in a career glut, feeling like you’re stagnating, finding a side hustle might be the best thing for you. It’s been great for me.
Two years ago, a friend put a call out on Snapchat asking if any of his friends wanted to do security for Canadian Football League games. I said yes, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve been a fan since childhood and the chance to interact with fans and players and get paid to be at the game is fantastic.
The money is not particularly lucrative, though of course, every bit helps. What really makes the job special is the experience and the people–those I work with and others I interact with. Security is necessary because of people who misbehave, but that doesn’t mean most people we encounter are misbehaving. They’re there for a good time, and, despite the obligation to be responsible, security people have a good time too. (It’s sort of like being a designated driver).
Public relations is the better part of any security job and talking to people I don’t know comes easily to me. Some faces are more familiar, but there are always new people. I like to tease fans, especially those cheering for the visiting team, but sometimes I razz the home team fans also, especially when the team is losing.
A few weeks back, I told a fan, “You’re not cheering loudly enough, that’s why we’re losing.”
She said, “You told us that last year.”
I said, “You’re a slow learner!” which prompted laughter. We ended up winning and these fans could be proud that they made it happen.
As an added perk, our security crew does concerts, too. Every summer, we’re on duty at a major music festival that includes a camp site that swells with people. We also cover the nightly series of main stage performances at the annual exhibition.
Music brings the inner, magical part of people right out, while alcohol takes away their shyness. Watching people take in a band they love in a collective experience is remarkable, amazing, and inspiring. In my short security career, I’ve watched Nickelback, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Ludacris, along with other bands you’ve heard of and some you haven’t.
I usually don’t love the band as much as their big fans do, but that doesn’t keep me from appreciating what it means to them. I get to watch an entire section of people pressed as close as they can to a barrier fence, singing every word to a song with all of their heart at the top of their lungs. It’s amazing. Besides that, they paid to be there, but I get paid to be there, and I get to be even closer to the performers. Not bad!
I won’t forget last year’s Trooper concert, even if the band is like a classic car with brand new replacement parts. Standing at the fence that holds back the general access crowd was a woman and her brother. Their late mother loved Trooper, and it was the first time they had seen the band play since the funeral. Her daughter was in tears listening to the lyrics of “Two for the show.”
Two for the show
And my mother wants to go
It’ll break her heart when I tell her
She’s too old
I’m in my place
I got makeup all over my face
I think I know my lines
But I dunno
One for the money
Two for the show
Three for the lady on the radio
Four might be the one
You’ll never know, you’ll never know
If only there was a better way to go (way to go)
Sometimes the events that go wrong are as memorable as the ones that go well. Last year, we worked at a poorly organized weekend event that endured some last-minute changes. Admittance on the first night opened late and the crowds were underwhelming. When organizers couldn’t front the money to pay for our security for a second night, our boss pulled us out. The chaotic result made social media–and proved the necessity of a security team. Good night or bad, there’s always a memory!
All this to say, a side hustle might make your life better. Hopefully you find one as fun and well-paying as possible. If not, at least take in some fun this summer–sports, music, camping, travel, beaches, and what have you. More people and experiences are out there; all it takes is your initiative.
