Is your current job's salary not meeting your expectations, or not enough to cover all your expenses? Why not consider take on a side activity around your home ? But how do you find a job allowing you to obtain an additional of salary ?
Elora, one of the leading networks of independent home-based fashion sellers, gives you ideas and inspiration to enjoy a fresh start and boost your income... all while staying in your comfort zone!
WHAT IS AN ADDITIONAL SALARY?
The term "additional income" of course historically refers to all allowances, benefits, and supplementary payments that are added to the base salary and paid by the employer. This may be a financial supplement (payment for overtime, 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 a side activity, in the minds of all these individuals facing today's crisis and rising cost of living, is the income that comes from a side job , as a freelancer or in regular collaboration with one or more employers, with a growing enthusiasm for supplement to salary part-time.
Choosing the right legal status is essential for effectively managing additional income, as it determines, among other things, the contributions owed and the associated rights, which form a "safety bubble" (health insurance, daily allowances in case of sick leave, income protection in case of accident, supplement to the minimum pension, etc.). It's a careful calculation, since all components must be optimized, balancing net income and status security!
In reality, more than three quarters of self-employed people in France carry out their activity through a micro-enterprise , whose attractiveness has increased with the successive raises of 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 switch to sole proprietorship, which continues this type of organization in a similar way, or they create a traditional company when their professional income becomes more substantial.
Business creation has also increased significantly in recent times, driven largely by micro-enterprises (self-employed status), as well as by intermediation platforms, which boost activity since they provide decisive 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 French people the difficulties in 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 SUCCEEDED IN EARNING EXTRA INCOME
There are many stories from people who have earned extra income as independents, and all recent sector 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 salaried employees before starting out, while 13% were job seekers.
For more than half of former employees or company directors, their current job is, at least in part, the same as the one they previously held, remaining within their field of activity. For the others, on the contrary, becoming independent marked a break from their previous careers and a fresh start, embracing a new direction.
However, while working independently is increasingly appealing to those seeking a professional renewal or wishing to supplement their income, the freedom to be your own boss comes with many risks and obstacles that must be considered to make the right decision. 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 point to the unpredictable amount of compensation (no guaranteed income for freelancers and fear of a drop in activity, which can result from, for example, sick leave) and the negative perception of support from URSSAF, CPAM, and CAF (insufficient unemployment benefits, sickness benefits that are often delayed, especially with no coverage for the waiting period, low supplementary pension, no guaranteed income in case of accident, disability, etc.).
Furthermore, the exposure of freelancers to changes in the economic climate is a significant factor to consider. Indeed, as soon as there is a downturn in activity, 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 due to insufficient social protection. This is also the main obstacle highlighted by French people who have considered it, who may have great ideas to bring to life but have not yet "taken the plunge." For them, this criterion 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 for 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 reaches the threshold of 50% of freelancers being covered, except for sick leave benefits, which are provided by the CPAM, and medical expenses (supplementary health insurance), as well as 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 their social coverage to be able to set money aside as a precaution against uncertainties related to their activity. Again, it is important to check, as this is not 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 do not receive all the expected benefits from their company, to aspirations for independence: gone is the burdensome hierarchical role of the employer! It also meets needs for flexibility and freedom in choosing clients, activities, and products to market.
It also allows the individuals concerned to enjoy a more varied daily life and find a better balance between private and professional life—in short, to escape the daily pressures of a time-consuming job, while still receiving a comfortable payment into 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 responses cited independence, 83% the flexibility of working hours, 78% the desire to be in line 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 are not alone in looking for ways to supplement your income from home, and it's not just about chasing a one-off bonus! A growing number of people are choosing to take on a second job and find a new employer (sometimes to work alongside them as an independent in a complementary activity), in order to top up their base salary and reach the level of income that matches their needs.
Thus, according to an INSEE publication (Employment and income of the self-employed), multiple activity concerns several hundred thousand people! Out of nearly 3.5 million self-employed, 3.2 million contribute to the self-employed social protection scheme, 0.3 million contribute to the general employee scheme, and there has been a +33% increase in self-employed over 10 years. Nearly a third (29%) of micro-entrepreneurs and 9% of traditional self-employed are also employees! Note that for three-quarters of those with multiple activities, the self-employed activity is secondary and often different from their 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?
Creating your own business and working independently, contrary to some common misconceptions, is possible alongside salaried employment, regardless of your contract type (permanent, fixed-term, temp) or your area of expertise. To remain legally compliant, your employment contract must not include a clause prohibiting independent activity, and this activity must not harm your employer's interests. The rules of non-competition, exclusivity, loyalty, and confidentiality, as well as any waiting period between two jobs within similar, potentially competing companies, as set out in the agreement binding the employer to the employee, must be respected.
Before creating your status, starting to register on web platforms, or offering your services to companies, it is therefore essential to carefully check, by reading every line (even the fine print!), that your employment contract does not currently 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 may 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 the self-employed worker is above all characterized by the absence of a hierarchical link—an essential element in the employment contract between employer and employee. The self-employed can carry out their work under four legal forms as outlined by the HCFiPS (High Council for the Financing of Social Protection). These are, first, 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 in itself a legal form of business, 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...) and minority managers of SARL, treated as employees for social security purposes.
INSEE indicates that a small portion of the self-employed (0.3 million), presidents or general managers of public limited companies, presidents of simplified joint-stock companies, or minority managers of companies, are
"Treated as employees": they contribute to the general Social Security system (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 WITH 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’ll be able to build and grow your client network over time, so you can gradually increase your product sales and maximize your income.
Experience and seniority are truly valued at Elora, as shown by our sales consultants with decades of experience. This is a source of optimism and security, in a working world where too often a dedicated and 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 choosing a fulfilling career, where sharing, learning, and social connection are at the heart of everything... all in the spirit of innovation! Fashion Consultants, 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 valuable tools to help you 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 offer personalized and individualized services. You’ll also benefit from the support of a mentor, who is available to answer any questions you may have as you launch 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 on the future , winning all the way!
Would you like to supplement your salary by becoming a personal stylist at Elora?
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