How Working Amazon on the Side Helped Me Pay Down $30K in Debt
Amazon regularly hires seasonal and part-time workers, making it a great side gig. for those looking to earn extra cash. Taking a side gig at Amazon can even help move you closer to your financial goals.
We spoke to an Amazon picker (who asked to remain anonymous) about how he was able to utilize his Amazon side gig to pay off roughly $30,000 in credit card debt. Read on to learn how he did it -- and you can, too:
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How It Started
Some people find side gigs after meticulous planning, but it can be serendipitous at other times. Our anonymous interviewee didn't have Amazon on his radar, but kept hearing about it.
"I was messing around in the garage and heard about 20 ads looking to hire. So, I decided to try it," he said.
He became an Amazon picker, also known as someone working in an Amazon warehouse who's responsible for locating and retrieving items from the shelves for orders. He's worked there part-time for nearly two years, picking between 15 and 40 hours a week.
The Average Workday
"My typical day starts at 6:30 a.m. Walk the dog, etc., get to the day job by 7:30. Off at 4. Walk the dog again, and then 6:30-10, Amazon," explained the Amazon picker. "Rinse and repeat. I work the weekends sometimes but try not to."
However, he isn't working at a desk all day. Amazon has very active jobs, and that comes with advantages and disadvantages.
"It's a lot of work. You will be sore from time to time, but it can help you achieve your goal," he said. "Mine is to retire in five more years from my day job, and [I] may continue at Amazon as a retired person. I didn't want [credit card] debt to prevent me from retiring."
While he explained that a job at Amazon can be physically intense, it can also improve your fitness.
"I treat Amazon like a workout and do the best I can. The headphones have helped a lot to pass the time and increased my rates," he said.
How He Paid Down $30K+ in Debt
Picking up a side gig has helped this Amazon picker get closer to his retirement goals.
"My wife and I have paid off two student loans and around $30,000 [in] credit card debt. Not all through Amazon money," he explained. "I use the Amazon money as more of a living expense thing and take big swings at the credit card debt. Between extra income and some spending adjustments, I am very close to being out of debt."
He also doesn't take out any more student loans for the children and makes tuition payments as they arrive.
Flexibility Is Key
As a picker for Amazon, he works 15 to 40 hours per week and has plenty of flexibility. He explained how he even changes his schedule based on the football season.
"As a part-time Amazon employee, I can pick and choose my shifts. During football season, I took Mondays and Thursdays off. Would work Sunday mornings, etc.," he said.
If you're looking to trim your debt, an Amazon job can be a valuable side gig. Amazon is frequently hiring, and in some cases, you can work extra hours when your schedule is clear and take fewer shifts when you want to take a break.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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