From Moonlighting to Meaning

You didn’t start moonlighting because you enjoy giving up your evenings or weekends.

You probably took on the extra shifts to get ahead (financially speaking). Maybe to chip away at student loans, build up some savings, or reduce the stress of unexpected expenses.

The problem is, without a plan, that extra income often disappears. It blends into regular spending like takeout, upgrades, and impulse buys. Before long, you're still exhausted and not much closer to your financial goals.

Here’s how to make the most of your moonlighting income so the time you trade now pays off later.

Why Moonlighting Can Be a Powerful Tool

A few extra shifts per month can lead to thousands of dollars in extra annual income. For most physicians in training, it’s the first time they have some control over their financial situation.

This income can help you:

• Pay down high-interest debt

• Build a real emergency fund

• Start investing earlier than most

• Create margin that makes burnout less likely

But the benefits only happen if you're intentional.

Where to Find Moonlighting Opportunities

Moonlighting isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best opportunity depends on your specialty, schedule, and license status. Here are a few ways physicians typically find extra work:

Ask Within Your Own Program or Hospital
Some hospitals offer internal moonlighting for residents. These shifts are often easier to pick up since you already know the system and staff. Start by checking with your program director or chief residents.

Network With Alumni or Upper-Level Residents
Former trainees often know of open roles or clinics in need. Ask those a year or two ahead of you where they picked up shifts and whether those places are still hiring.

Use Physician-Focused Job Boards
Look for boards like:

• Moonlighting Solutions (moonlight-specific job board)

• PracticeMatch

• DocCafe

• LocumTenens.com (temporary full-time roles)

These platforms often list flexible, part-time, or weekend shifts suited for trainees with a license.

Consider Telemedicine
If you're licensed in at least one state, platforms like Teladoc, Amwell, or Sesame Health offer flexible remote gigs. These are especially useful for primary care, psych, urgent care, and some subspecialties.

Explore Urgent Care or Community Clinics
Local urgent cares often need weekend coverage and are open to hiring residents or early-career attendings. Community health centers may offer part-time work during training or as a bridge between fellowship and attending roles.

How to Make the Most of Your Extra Income

Once you’ve found a moonlighting gig, you’ll want to be deliberate about how you use that income. Here's a basic framework:

Pay Down High-Interest Debt
Start with any loans or credit cards over 6% interest. These grow fast and can quietly eat away at your progress. Future posts on paying off debt coming soon.

Build Your Emergency Fund
Aim for one to three months, ideally six, of expenses in a separate account. This gives you room to breathe when life throws a curveball.

Start Investing, Even if It’s Small
Open a Roth IRA or brokerage account and start contributing consistently. You don’t need a lot to get started. $250/mo now matters more than waiting for perfect timing.

*Assumes monthly compounding and consistent contributions.

7% average returns over 35 years.

Skipping 60 payments means you miss $15k of deposits plus roughly $130k of growth those dollars could have generated.

Spend to Reduce Stress
If you want to use some of the money today, choose expenses that lower friction. A cleaning service, weekly meal delivery, or even therapy sessions can make a real difference.

Action Plan for This Week

✅ Ask someone in your program or hospital if internal moonlighting is available
✅ Open a separate account for moonlighting pay; auto withdraw funds from your pay to this account to build a savings habit
✅ Choose one goal to put your next paycheck toward
✅ Set up automatic transfers or investments so you don’t have to think about it

Moonlighting can be one of the fastest ways to accelerate your financial progress. Just make sure the hours you trade today actually give you something back tomorrow.

Meme of the Week

Best,

M&H