Is it better to work the overtime or find a part time job? The taxes are really a killer, and i do injection mold repair work, its not exactly easy on the body either.. just debating the ideas. Overtime im making 30+ an hour but more taxes...or side job?

Does it pay off or even out?

Taxes are the same no matter how you earn it. If your getting a big refund every year change your w2

Side jobs are usually cash. At least for me anyways

You probably won't find a side job that pays as good as our OT rate. A side hustle can make good money if you're doing it yourself but I don't know how to do that without spending time and money advertising and promoting your services.

I've known guys who were not embarrassed to constantly promote their side hustle. Every time you meet them they remind you that they detail cars or pressure wash decks. These guys probably do pretty well with their gig. That's not me.

I've been salary for years and rarely work more than 40 hours weekly. When I was hourly OT was about $40/hr. When I side got I usually quote at between $60 and $80/hr.

Still the law to pay taxes on cash jobs. 22

Side jobs should always be more money and less work, if not, work the OT.

Def OT.
You don't have to travel or expenses so less costs. Taxes being more with OT is a myth. You are only paying more taxes b/c your making more money. It doesn't cancel out the way everyone thinks. Even if it looks like it on your paystub b/c they run your payroll goofy it washes out on your refund. Your check being higher helps you to contribute more % to your 401k. Depending on your job etc working OT may get you closer to your retirement date.

With that said I guess it would depend on the particulars of how much you would make in OT verses how much you would make on the side doing whatever you are thinking. For me OT is the answer. To the point where its more cost effective for me to stay at work and to pay someone to do things around the house sometimes.

Its like my one buddy says. Don't worry about the mule, just load the wagon.

I would also consider what working the OT buys in the eye of the employer. Leadership, dependability, ambition.

I'm with you there. I've been the guy with 2-3 jobs throughout most of my working life and was constantly learning new facility protocols, taking multiple classes to stay employed at each place, and adjusting to their specific way of providing healthcare. I've found myself now down to only one job and I grab as much overtime as I can. Don't work any harder than normal and make enough to live a pretty comfortable lifestyle with the overtime as an added benefit. I've worked at minimum 48 hours and at most 60 hours a week since March without trying very hard. It's nice not having an auto loan, etc. etc.

yeah, not to get out of paying taxes but it just seems like my paycheck is ridicously goofy as if thrown in a higher tax bracket or something wierd,but i agree 100 with both of these statements, just want to double check unless im missing something. lol. i got to thinking about a sec job....the time to travel, etc.. just do the overtime. thanks for the input.

If you need some help spending it MTP, PCS and FnT are having some nice specials this month.

Back in my earlier years with the company, they’d have to tell me to go home. Now, I’m happy with just 40. I remember some weeks I’d be in DT by Thursday and then work 10-12 hours Friday and Saturday. Time is more important now than money. In answer to your question, I have more fun on the side job, but make WAY more in OT.

pfft

Yep , Loyalty goes a long ways

If you're the first to bail out when needed because you have more important things to do .......well someone will remember.

Why not both?

When I see what is being done with my tax money ..... I would suggest a side gig as your main income.

A lot of folks feel the same way, including yours truly. This is why the crooks want to go to the no-cash system.

That's rarely true anymore and hasnt been in a very long time. Employees/Staff are numbers on a spreadsheet. You should view your employer the same way.

Maybe in WI, here in the east it’s still a thing. lol