There are hundreds of ways to give your career a boost. You can get a new job, go for a promotion, or attend a course. One of the more interesting ways to improve your career is to start a business on the side. Your business might be related to your current profession. However, it could be an unrelated idea you’ve come up with. Some people might have jobs that forbid them from moonlighting. However, if your contract does no such thing, launching a business could be great for your career. It helps you build new skills and reach new heights.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Business

Starting your own business helps you really get behind the scenes of a company. When you work for someone else, it’s harder to see what it takes to run the business. But when you launch your own, you will see how everything works. There are many things you will have to do for yourself, from applying for a business loan to outsourcing some of your work. It can give you a better understanding of your usual job. You might be able to demonstrate new knowledge to your boss and perhaps have the edge when it comes to going for a promotion.

Pick Up New Skills

Launching a business can help you to pick up lots of new skills. You have to do most things for yourself when you get started. You could be applying for funding, marketing and creating a website. Some of the skills you pick up could be great assets at your day job. You might be able to be more productive if you don’t need to ask other people for help on some things. You’ll have more skills to demonstrate at work and to put on your resume when you look for new jobs.

Gain More Experience in Your Field

Having a business on the side allows you to build experience in your current field or your desired field. Perhaps you don’t feel that you get enough room to stretch your wings in your current job. Or maybe you’re working a casual job until something better comes along. Building your experience in your spare time can make it easier to show future employers that you’re skilled. You’ll get to choose your own projects too so you can work on the things you’re good at. You can build your skills so that when you next go for a promotion or change jobs, you’ll be more prepared.

Be Able to Work on Your Passion

Many people who have a business on the side do it to get extra funds. They are often more passionate about their day job, but they like the extra income. In fact, a side gig can help you to concentrate on your passion. Perhaps what you really care about doesn’t pay much, but you love doing it. Having a business on the side lets you concentrate on the job you love and keep money coming in.

Running a business on the side doesn’t have to be forever. If you get to a point where you want to concentrate on your day job, you can.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.