The Rise of Side Hustles Among Australian S&C Professionals: Stay Focused, Stay Strong
In my 30+ years across pro sport, rehab, and applied research, I’ve had to adapt more times than I can count. What I’ve learned? If you don’t evolve, you risk being left behind.
Australia is seeing a record surge in side hustles.
It’s not a trend…it’s strategy. And in this game, you need a Plan B that feels like a Plan A.
More and more S&C professionals are building second lane side hustles that give them flexibility, income diversity, and long-term options. It’s not about chasing shiny objects. It’s about facing the realities of modern high performance: restructures, short contracts, and career uncertainty.
In my 30+ years across pro sport, rehab, and applied research, I’ve had to adapt more times than I can count. What I’ve learned? If you don’t evolve, you risk being left behind.
The Stats Are In: Aussies Are Building Second Incomes Fast
As of March 2024, 6.7% of employed Australians (nearly 974,000 people) are working more than one job—up from 5% in 2014
(Source: news.com.au, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS))A Fiverr study found 70% of Australians are either actively running a side hustle or plan to start one soon, mainly to combat cost-of-living pressures
(Source: insidesmallbusiness.com.au,Fiverr’s 2024 Side Hustle Research, as reported by HRD Australia)NAB research showed that some in-demand side hustles—including sports coaching, consulting, and health & wellness services—can pay up to $50/hour
(Source: news.nab.com.au, NAB News report)
Why Now? Why Us?
S&C isn’t the most secure corner of pro sport. One week you’re embedded in a high-performance program, delivering results, contributing to culture. The next, the head coach changes and suddenly… you’re out. No warning, no feedback loop…just swept out with the tide of change. I’ve seen good coaches blindsided—skilled, experienced people who lost their role overnight because a new coach brought their own staff. It’s brutal. But it’s also reality. And it’s exactly why we’re seeing more coaches building something on the side. Not because they’ve lost the passion. Not because they’re distracted. Because they’ve been around long enough to know this job doesn’t come with guarantees. For me, the side hustle isn’t a trendy idea…it’s a strategic move.
A side hustle isn’t just a safety net…it’s momentum during disruption. And it keeps your brain sharp.
We’ve watched physios manage this for years. Many of them run clinics, take on private clients, consult, lecture…all while working in elite environments. They’ve built in flexibility and income diversity, and it’s made them more resilient as professionals. Now, S&C is starting to catch up. Whether it’s remote programming, consulting, online mentorship, or building something technical like what I’ve done with SpeedSig…the options are growing.
We’re finally catching up. From rehab consulting to tech projects and applied research. S&C side hustles are diversifying fast. But here’s the thing…it only works if you do it for the right reasons. You’ve got to be grounded in your current role. Nail your job. Protect your performance and your reputation. Because the side hustle should amplify your value, not distract from it.
And if we’re being honest, this isn’t just about income. It’s about staying engaged. Staying challenged. Using your skill set in new ways. Because when you stop growing in this industry, you start going backwards.
A side hustle isn’t just a safety net—it’s momentum during disruption. And it keeps your brain sharp.
Choosing the Right Hustle (Not the Flashiest One)
Not every side gig deserves your time. Just because you can sell it doesn’t mean it adds value.
There’s a flood of online products, templates, and content-heavy plays right now. But the ones that last? They're built on credibility and deep expertise. So, ask yourself:
Does it align with your core skills?
Does it genuinely solve a problem in sport?
Does it enhance—or dilute—your reputation?
Some examples I’ve seen work:
Specialist coaching clinics
Biomechanics consulting
Athlete rehab programming
Running mechanics assessments (yep, that’s what led to SpeedSig)
Guard Your Day Job. That’s Your Foundation.
The biggest mistake I’ve seen? Coaches half-in on two jobs. And neither one gets done properly.
I’ve run SpeedSig alongside full-time performance roles. It works but only with ruthless discipline. Separate calendars. Clear communication. No shortcuts. If your head’s half-in your own business while you’re on someone else’s payroll you’ll lose trust, and eventually, the opportunity to do either well. Be exceptional where you are. That’s how you earn the right to do more.
I’ve run SpeedSig alongside full-time performance roles. It works—but only with ruthless discipline. Separate calendars. Clear communication. No shortcuts.
During COVID, I pivoted into a role focused on analytics and software development. Not traditional S&C. But it was still grounded in biomechanics and the data mindset I’d built over years in rehab and performance.
The pivot doesn’t have to match your job title—it just has to build on your strengths.
Sometimes your next opportunity lives in the research, coding, or writing you’ve been doing in your spare time. Don’t box yourself in.
Side hustles are rising fast in Australia and the S&C world is no exception.
The key is doing it with purpose. Not for ego. Not for escape. For growth.
Protect your main gig that’s your reputation builder.
Play the long game. Use your side hustle to evolve, not just earn.
If you’re building something on the side, just make sure it’s worth your name being on it.
— Jason Weber
