Is your current job’s salary not meeting your needs, or not enough to cover all your expenses? Why not consider take on a side activity around your at home ? But how do you find a job allowing you to earn an extra of salary ?
Elora, one of the leading networks of independent home-based fashion consultants, inspires you with ideas and guidance to enjoy a fresh start and boost your income... all while staying within your comfort zone!
WHAT IS AN ADDITIONAL SALARY?
The term "additional income" has historically referred to all allowances, benefits, and supplementary payments that are added to the base salary and paid by the employer. This can be a financial supplement (overtime pay, performance bonus, reimbursement of professional expenses) or benefits in kind (such as a company car or even access to fitness classes, etc.).
In France, it can also come from an external organization, such as the CAF (activity bonus, housing assistance), Pôle Emploi (unemployment benefits), or even Health Insurance (daily allowances) if the employee is on leave .
But for all these individuals facing today's crisis and rising cost of living, an additional activity means income that comes from a secondary job , as a freelancer or through regular collaboration with one or more employers, with growing enthusiasm for additional salary part-time.
Choosing the right legal status is essential for effectively managing additional income, as it determines the contributions owed and the associated rights, which form a "safety bubble" (health insurance, daily allowances in case of sick leave, income maintenance in case of accident, supplement to the minimum pension, etc.). It's a careful calculation, as all components must be optimized, balancing net income and the security of the status!
In reality, more than three-quarters of self-employed people in France carry out their activity through a micro-enterprise , whose appeal has grown with the successive increases in the authorized turnover ceiling. This status is favored by young people and new entrepreneurs, especially for the simplicity of administrative procedures. Also worth noting: to register as self-employed, your home address is always accepted. Whether you rent or own your home, in the city or the countryside, it doesn't matter!
Often, micro-entrepreneurs then transition to sole proprietorships, which continue this type of organization in a similar way, or they create a traditional company when their professional income becomes more substantial.
Business creation has significantly increased in recent years, largely driven by micro-enterprises (self-employed status), as well as by intermediation platforms, which boost activity by providing crucial support for the relationship between employer and service provider in an interactive, selective, and immediate way.
The number of auto-entrepreneur businesses doubled (+100%!) between 2009 and 2022, compared to a 45% increase for other categories. The number of new micro-enterprises saw jumps of over 25% in 2018 and 2019, following the doubling of the authorized turnover ceiling.
This growth continued at a steady pace, even well after the COVID crisis, reflecting for many in France the challenges of finding a job, the desire to radically change careers through retraining, and/or the wish to become their own boss, even without access to business training support.
STORIES FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY EARNED EXTRA INCOME
There are many stories from people who have earned extra income as independents, and all recent industry studies and surveys on this topic summarize these experiences. According to a survey conducted by Odoxa for Union Indépendants, 85% of independents chose this path deliberately. In the vast majority of cases, they were employed before making the switch, while 13% were actively seeking work.
For more than half of former employees or business leaders, their current job is, at least in part, the same as the one they previously held, allowing them to stay within their field. For others, on the contrary, becoming independent marked a clear break from their previous careers and a new beginning, embracing a change in direction.
However, while working independently is increasingly appealing to those looking for a fresh professional start or to supplement their income, the freedom to be your own boss comes with many risks and obstacles that need to be considered carefully. Don't hesitate to compare options online using specialized websites, or even consult a chartered accountant... that's the safe choice!
Private sector executives, seeking stability, particularly highlight the unpredictable amount of compensation (no guaranteed income for freelancers and fear of a drop in activity, which can result from situations like sick leave) and the negative perception of support from URSSAF, CPAM, and CAF (insufficient unemployment benefits, sickness allowances that are often delayed, especially with no coverage for the waiting period, low supplementary pensions, no guaranteed income in case of accident, disability, etc.).
Moreover, the exposure of freelancers to changes in the economic climate is a significant factor to consider. Indeed, as soon as there is a downturn, company employees are better protected—depending on their seniority, of course—than independent freelance contractors.
According to a survey conducted by Odoxa for Union Indépendants, 41% of freelancers hesitated to take the leap because of insufficient social protection. This is also the main obstacle highlighted by French people who have considered it—they may have great ideas to bring to life, but haven't 'taken the plunge.' For them, this factor even outweighs essential questions before getting started, such as doubts about the success of the project. Younger generations, for whom money is no longer the only argument, are also looking for innovative ideas to achieve a better work-life balance.
According to the same survey, being a freelancer comes with a certain level of insecurity regarding protection. In fact, no social risk covers more than 50% of freelancers, except for sick leave benefits (provided by the CPAM), medical expenses (supplementary health insurance), and professional liability insurance (which is sometimes mandatory or required by clients). Few of them have taken out additional insurance or retirement plans that could guarantee better compensation, mainly due to cost concerns. Often, they save on social coverage to put money aside and protect themselves against uncertainties related to their activity. Again, it's important to check, as this isn't always the best approach.
WHY CAN HAVING AN ADDITIONAL INCOME IMPROVE YOUR LIFE?
In a rapidly changing job market, more and more people are choosing to take on a side activity as a source of additional income.
This choice also responds, in a working world where employees don't always receive all the expected benefits from their company, to aspirations for independence: gone is the heavy-handed hierarchical role of the employer! It also meets the need for flexibility and freedom in choosing clients, activities, and products to sell.
It also allows individuals to enjoy a more varied daily life and find a better balance between personal and professional life—in short, to escape the daily pressures of a time-consuming job, while still receiving a comfortable payment in their account each month.
Given these advantages, most people who work 100% independently in their various professions are completely satisfied and have no desire to become or return to being an employee. This is confirmed by a Malt-BCG study (Freelancing in Europe 2022), which found that 95% of respondents cited independence, 83% flexible working hours, 78% the desire to align with their values, 77% the ability to choose their clients and projects, 74% the wish for a more varied daily life, and finally, 51% the opportunity to earn more money.
HOW TO FIND EXTRA INCOME TO REGULARLY BOOST YOUR EARNINGS?
You’re not alone in looking for ways to supplement your income from home—and it’s not just about chasing a one-off bonus! More and more people are choosing to take on a second job and find a new employer (sometimes to work alongside them as an independent), in order to top up their base salary and reach the level of income that matches their needs.
According to an INSEE publication (Employment and Income of the Self-Employed), having multiple jobs affects several hundred thousand people! Of nearly 3.5 million self-employed individuals, 3.2 million contribute to the self-employed social protection scheme, 0.3 million to the general employee scheme, and there has been a 33% increase in self-employed contributors over 10 years. Nearly a third (29%) of micro-entrepreneurs and 9% of traditional self-employed people are also salaried employees! Note that for three-quarters of people with multiple jobs, self-employment is a secondary activity and often different from their main salaried job (except in health and education). But what are the legal constraints?
WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN EMPLOYEE OF A COMPANY?
Starting your own business and working independently is absolutely possible alongside salaried employment, contrary to popular belief, no matter your contract type (permanent, fixed-term, or temp) or area of expertise. To remain legally compliant, your employment contract must not include a clause prohibiting independent activity, and your side business must not conflict with your employer’s interests. You must respect rules regarding non-competition, exclusivity, loyalty, confidentiality, and any waiting periods between jobs at similar or potentially competing companies, as set out in the agreement between you and your employer.
Before creating your status, signing up on web platforms, or offering your services to companies, it is essential to carefully check—by reading every line (even the fine print!)—that your employment contract currently does not include a non-compete or exclusivity clause. It is also your duty to inform your employer if you decide to take on assignments similar to those you already perform within their company. It can therefore sometimes be easier to move towards another area of expertise, for example selling radically different products, to avoid any issues.
Let’s remember that there is no single definition of a self-employed worker. However, it can be specified that a self-employed worker is above all characterized by the absence of a hierarchical relationship—an essential element in the employment contract between employer and employee. The self-employed can work under four legal forms as outlined by the HCFiPS (High Council for the Financing of Social Protection). These include sole proprietors (EI since 16/02/2022 and EIRL already existing before that date), then sole proprietors and auto-entrepreneurs who have opted for the micro-tax and/or micro-social regime (which is not a legal form of business in itself, but a simplified tax and social regime), as well as majority managers of companies subject to income tax: SARL, EURL, and finally, managers of companies subject to corporate tax (SA, SAS, SASU, SEL, SELARL, etc.) and minority managers of SARL, assimilated employees in terms of social security.
INSEE indicates that a small portion of self-employed workers (0.3 million), presidents or CEOs of public limited companies, presidents of simplified joint-stock companies, or minority managers of companies, are
“Assimilated employees”: they contribute to the general Social Security scheme (like employees), but not to unemployment insurance... so, no benefits to expect in this case! The vast majority of self-employed workers (3.2 million, or 92% of the self-employed) are affiliated with a social protection scheme for self-employed workers and, as such, are referred to as “self-employed”: they are classic sole proprietors, auto-entrepreneurs, or majority managers of a company.
BECOME A VDI AT ELORA TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR INCOME
The VDI status is one of the simplest, most effective, and rewarding ways to earn extra money at the end of the month, especially if you're looking for a long-term activity. Unlike technical and impersonal dropshipping jobs, you can build and grow your client network over time, to gradually increase your product sales and maximize your income.
Experience and seniority are valued at Elora, as shown by sales consultants with decades of experience. This is a source of optimism and security, in a working world where too often a dedicated and still dynamic employee is forced to leave their job after years of loyal service, simply because of their age.
Working as a fashion consultant in home sales at Elora means above all choosing a fulfilling career, where sharing, guidance, and social connection are at the heart of everything... all in the name of innovation! Fashion Consultants, whether young or experienced, are dedicated to individuals, offering them high-quality, on-trend products and services.
Each consultant will receive several training sessions, most of them online via the brand's intranet platform, so from home, to learn presentation and prospecting techniques. These are all tools to help you best advise your clients professionally, without feeling restricted by strict rules or conventions. On the contrary, all your ideas are welcome and will be used to provide personalized and individualized services. You will also benefit from the support of a mentor, who is available to answer any questions that may arise as you develop your business.
And, to talk concretely about income from your activities , this turns out to be quite comfortable, since just two sales sessions per week can provide the equivalent of a minimum wage salary, thanks to a substantial monthly commission on sales. So it's an additional income, alongside a salaried job that offers initial security... and who knows, maybe even a real, significant a long-term bet for the future , winning on every front!
Would you like to supplement your salary by becoming a personal stylist at Elora?
Visit our website to become a Fashion Consultant.
