Are you someone who works hard at your day job? You might understandably assume that the best way to advance in your career is to put your nose to the grindstone in the office at all times. Thereby, taking advantage of all workplace opportunities to move up the ladder.

No doubt, doing your best at work is definitely a positive thing! However, what you do in your off hours can also help improve your professional life.

Whether you pursue a few hobbies or have a side gig or two, having outside interests will ultimately boost your career.

Here’s how:

1. You Can Explore New Interests and Skills.

At work, you are probably expected to do the same type of tasks all of the time. A side hustle or hobby will allow you to explore and build interests or skills that may help you at your day job. If you’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship, partnering with an established company can help you try out business ownership without the risk.

2. You Can Do Some Serious Networking.

Certain hobbies are not only great for getting out of the house and trying new things. They are also great networking opportunities. Whatever hobby or skill you get involved with, you might end up meeting other like-minded professionals who share your interests.

At the very least, you could forge new and positive relationships. People who you can meet with outside of the class or club to discuss constructively about your job and goals. You could also have fun with them! Ideally, during your interaction with these people, you get to discover new opportunities.

3. You Can Learn to Multitask.

A side gig or hobby could definitely make you better at multitasking. Multitasking is a skill that can speed up your production at work and help impress your boss. Certain hobbies will help you to achieve this goal. An example is cooking. Signing up for a gourmet cooking class at your local community center will not only result in tasty meals at home but also teach you to juggle numerous ingredients, dishes and cooking temperature.

Any type of hobby that makes you handle a number of tasks at once will help you to multitask better in the office. This is something your boss is sure to notice in a favorable way.

Start that New Hobby or Side Gig Today.

Clearly, having a hobby or side gig can be much more than a way to pass the time when you are not in the office. In many cases, these personal interests will teach you new skills that will allow you to move up the corporate ladder, all while doing something you really enjoy.