The Side Hustle
Moonlighting
by Bruce Neff
The television series, "Moonlighting", first aired on ABC in March of 1985, and starred Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. It was about the quirky cases of a former model and a smart aleck detective who manage a private detective agency. I was a sixth grade student at Baldwin Elementary and Manny Barbara was my principal. At the time, I dreamed I would be a detective myself someday like David Addison in the show. I never would have guessed I’d become a teacher and eventually the EdTech Specialist for the very district I was a student of so many years ago.
Many years later, I found myself pursuing my teaching credential. I am very glad I made that choice, as it has provided me with a rewarding career. Due to the nature of the job, and my restless nature, I am afforded the opportunity to do some other work in my off time during breaks. For some of us, this extra work is the only way to offset the high cost of living in the Bay Area. Moonlighting is a way to make a few extra dollars and pursue, if only for a short while, those experiences I may have had if I did not become an educator.
moon·light
/ˈmo͞onˌlīt/
Verb INFORMAL
gerund or present participle: moonlighting
- have a second job in addition to one's regular employment.
"many instructors moonlight as professional consultants"
I have done a variety of job’s in addition to teaching in my off time over the last 20 years and would be happy to share some of my stories with you, but I am sure you all have some stories you could share as well. To that end, I would like to hear from you… yeah you. It is my hope to start a running article where we can share our adventures of “Moonlighting.” They may not be as dramatic and humorous as the 80’s sitcom, but who knows? They might be better, and we can all get the opportunity to learn something about each other.