Why Should BCBAs Start a Side Hustle: Unlocking Extra Income and Opportunities

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) play a crucial role in providing evidence-based interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. However, given the high demand for qualified BCBAs and the ever-evolving landscape of the field, it might be time for these professionals to consider starting a side hustle. A side hustle can provide numerous benefits, such as diversified income streams, better work-life balance, and opportunities to explore new skills and passions.

In recent years, the concept of side hustles has become increasingly popular. People from various professional backgrounds invest their time and effort in activities that not only provide additional income but also contribute to personal growth and satisfaction. Given the unique skillset BCBAs possess, they are well-positioned to benefit from starting a side hustle.

While the idea of starting a side hustle might sound enticing to BCBAs, it’s important to carefully consider the different aspects related to delving into a side venture, such as balancing one’s primary career with side hustles, marketing and financial considerations, and evaluating suitable options. Finding a mentor who will guide you can eliminate costly mistakes and help you avoid many of the pitfalls inherent in starting a side hustle.

Key Takeaways

• BCBAs can benefit from starting a side hustle, which can provide diversified income streams and better work-life balance.
• Careful consideration is needed, such as exploring suitable side hustle options and evaluating financial and marketing aspects.
• Balancing one’s primary career with side hustles is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and success in both domains.
• Finding an appropriate mentor can be the launchpad for success.

Current Problems with the Field of ABA

The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) faces several challenges that may impact its professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). One major issue is the prevalence of burnout among practitioners. High caseloads, long hours, and the emotional toll of working with clients with complex needs can lead to increased stress and reduced job satisfaction¹.

Another concern is the potential for unethical practices within the field. With the increasing demand for ABA services, some providers may prioritize profits over client well-being, engaging in practices such as overbilling, misrepresentation of services, or inadequate supervision of staff². These actions not only harm clients but also damage the reputation and credibility of ABA as a whole.

Unreasonable demands placed on BCBAs by various stakeholders contribute to the challenges in the field. For example, parents, schools, and insurance companies may have unrealistic expectations of treatment outcomes or demand excessive documentation and reporting³. Balancing these demands with the need to provide effective, evidence-based services can be increasingly difficult.

The role of insurance companies in the ABA field also presents challenges, particularly when it comes to denying claims. Insurance providers may deny coverage for necessary services or impose strict limitations on the number of authorized therapy hours⁴. This can result in treatment disruption for clients and hinder their progress, while also causing financial strain for BCBAs and their practices.

Lastly, the increasing involvement of big business in the ABA industry has led to concerns about the quality and ethicality of services provided by some large-scale clinics⁵. The focus on generating profits can lead to compromised care, undermining the principles of ABA practice and potentially harming vulnerable clients.

Considering these issues, BCBAs may want to explore side hustles to diversify their income streams and reduce their reliance on traditional employment in the field. Side hustles can also help BCBAs hone new skills, connect with other professionals, and maintain their passion for helping others.

The Concept of Side Hustle

In today’s gig economy, having a side hustle has become increasingly popular as a means of generating additional income and achieving financial security. For Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), starting a side hustle can be an invaluable opportunity to supplement their income, enhance their professional skillset, and diversify their experiences in the field of applied behavior analysis.

A side hustle is an opportunity to earn income in addition to one’s primary employment. It allows individuals to make extra money during their spare time, pursue their passion, or explore new areas of expertise. In the context of BCBAs, a side hustle can take various forms, such as offering private consultation services, conducting workshops for parents and educators, or developing behavior analytic resources and tools.

One major advantage of starting a side hustle is the potential for increased financial security. With the current state of the economy, having multiple streams of income can serve as a safety net during uncertain times and help BCBAs achieve their financial goals more efficiently. This extra money can be valuable for paying off student loans, family vacations or saving for retirement.

Furthermore, engaging in a side hustle can contribute to professional growth. BCBAs can expand their skillset by taking on diverse projects or clients, collaborating with professionals from different fields, and staying current with industry trends. This not only strengthens their expertise but also allows them to be more marketable and valuable in their primary employment.

These opportunities can lead to greater career satisfaction overall, as BCBAs have the freedom to choose the work that they do, who they collaborate with and which clients they serve.

Lastly, a side hustle can enable BCBAs to make a positive difference in the lives of more individuals. By offering their services beyond their primary job, they can reach a broader audience and help support the well-being and development of more clients who may benefit from applied behavior analysis.

In summary, starting a side hustle can be an effective way for BCBAs to achieve financial security, enhance their professional skillset, and make a greater impact in the field of applied behavior analysis. By embracing the gig economy, BCBAs can explore new opportunities for growth, learning, passion and success in their careers.

Why Side Hustles are Important

For Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), starting a side hustle can provide several benefits that contribute to both financial and professional growth. One of the primary reasons to consider a side hustle is the potential for earning extra income. This additional revenue can offer increased financial stability, allowing BCBAs to better manage expenses, save for the future, or pursue personal goals.

Diversifying one’s income sources is another important aspect of engaging in a side hustle. Relying solely on a primary job can create financial vulnerability, especially in the face of unforeseen circumstances such as job loss or economic downturns. By establishing multiple streams of income, BCBAs can reduce the risk of financial hardship, promoting long-term stability and security.

Moreover, a side hustle can also provide opportunities for professional growth. BCBAs may choose to explore different areas within their field, acquire new skills, or broaden their clientele. This can lead to an enhanced skill set, increased professional value, and a more diversified career experience.

In conclusion, starting a side hustle can be beneficial for BCBAs in several ways. With the potential for additional income, increased financial stability, and diversified income sources, BCBAs can navigate their careers more confidently and securely – all while expanding their professional horizons.

Exploring Side Hustle Options

Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) can benefit from starting a side hustle to complement their main job. This can allow BCBAs to apply their skills in different settings, increase their income, and achieve greater job satisfaction. There are numerous side hustles available for BCBAs, and some of the most popular options are freelancing, tutoring, consulting, blogging, creating online courses, selling on eCommerce platforms, pet sitting on Rover, and starting a podcast.

Freelancing

Freelancing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can offer several benefits. Here are a few advantages:

1. Flexibility and Autonomy: Freelancing allows BCBA professionals to have control over their schedule and choose the projects they want to work on. This flexibility can be especially appealing for those who value work-life balance or have personal commitments.
2. Increased Earning Potential: As a freelancer, BCBA professionals can often set their own rates and negotiate higher compensation for their services. With the ability to work with multiple clients or projects simultaneously, freelancers have the opportunity to increase their earning potential.
3. Diverse Clientele: Working as a freelancer offers the chance to work with a diverse range of clients across various settings. This diversity allows BCBA professionals to gain valuable experience and expand their skill set by working with individuals from different backgrounds and with different needs.
4. Professional Growth: Freelancing can provide opportunities for professional growth. BCBA freelancers constantly encounter new challenges and projects, allowing them to broaden their expertise, develop problem-solving skills, and learn new therapeutic approaches.
5. Independence and Creativity: Working as a freelance BCBA allows professionals to implement their own treatment plans and approaches, without being bound by organizational protocols. This independence fosters creativity in developing tailored interventions that best suit their clients’ needs.
6. Networking Opportunities: Engaging in freelance work often leads to networking opportunities with other professionals in related fields. Collaborating with different specialists can enhance professional connections, create learning opportunities, and open doors to new career paths.

It’s important to note that freelancing also comes with its own challenges, such as managing finances, marketing oneself, and maintaining a consistent client base. Nonetheless, many BCBA professionals find the benefits of freelancing to outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Tutoring

As a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), offering tutoring services can have several benefits:

1. Making a Positive Impact: By providing tutoring services, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students. As a BCBA, you have specialized knowledge and skills that can help students overcome challenges and excel academically.
2. Personalized Instruction: As a BCBA, you are trained to assess individual needs and create personalized learning plans. By offering tutoring services, you can tailor your instruction to meet the specific needs and learning styles of each student, helping them reach their full potential.
3. Building Confidence: Tutoring services can help students develop confidence in their abilities. Through individual attention and support, you can help students overcome barriers to learning, build their skills, and boost their self-esteem.
4. Enhancing Communication Skills: As a BCBA, you have expertise in communication strategies and techniques. By offering tutoring services, you can help students improve their communication skills, whether it is in language development, social interactions, or academic tasks.
5. Supporting Academic Progress: Offering tutoring services allows you to focus on specific academic goals and help students improve their performance in specific subjects. Whether it’s math, reading, or any other subject, your expertise as a BCBA can greatly contribute to the student’s academic success.
6. Collaborating with Parents and Teachers: As a BCBA, you can collaborate with parents and teachers to ensure a holistic approach to a student’s education. By working together, you can create consistency in strategies and reinforce positive behaviors, resulting in better academic outcomes.

Remember, offering tutoring services as a BCBA not only benefits the students but also allows you to apply your specialized knowledge in a meaningful way, helping shape the future of your students.

Consulting

Consulting services can be a valuable endeavor for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with many benefits. Here are some key advantages of offering consulting services as a BCBA:

1. Professional Autonomy: As a BCBA offering consulting services, you have the freedom to set your own schedule, choose your clients, and design intervention plans tailored to each individual’s needs. This level of professional autonomy allows you to have a direct impact on the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges.
2. Flexible Work Environment: Consulting services provide flexibility in terms of where and when you work. You can choose to work from your own office, clients’ homes, schools, or other relevant settings. This flexibility allows you to accommodate clients’ schedules and integrate seamlessly into their environments.
3. Diverse Clientele: Offering consulting services expands the range of clients you can work with. You have the opportunity to collaborate with various individuals, including children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of behavioral needs. This diversity can enhance your expertise in different areas and contribute to professional growth.
4. Expanded Scope of Practice: By providing consulting services, you can extend your scope of practice beyond traditional clinical settings. This allows you to address behavioral challenges in real-world environments, such as in homes, schools, or community settings. It also provides opportunities for collaboration with other professionals, such as educators and caregivers.
5. Professional Development: Engaging in consulting services can enhance your professional development. It exposes you to different cases and challenges, requiring you to continually update your knowledge and skills. You may also have the chance to network with other professionals in related fields, enabling you to stay updated on the latest research and best practices.
6. Financial Opportunities: Offering consulting services as a BCBA can provide financial rewards. As you build your reputation and client base, you may have the potential to earn a higher income compared to traditional employment settings. You have the flexibility to set your own rates and potentially increase your earnings as your expertise and demand grow.
7. Making a Positive Impact: One of the most rewarding aspects of offering consulting services as a BCBA is the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives and their families. With your expertise, you can help clients achieve meaningful behavioral improvements, enhance their quality of life, and provide support to their caregivers and support networks.

Remember, offering consulting services requires careful planning, adherence to ethical guidelines, and ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standard of practice. Overall, the benefits of offering consulting services as a BCBA can contribute to a fulfilling and successful career.

Blogging

Blogging can be a great side hustle for BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) for several reasons:

1. Sharing Knowledge: BCBAs possess valuable expertise in behavior analysis, and blogging provides an effective platform to share their knowledge with a wider audience. By writing about their experiences, strategies, and research findings, BCBAs can contribute to the field and help others in their professional growth.
2. Building a Professional Brand: Blogging allows BCBAs to establish themselves as thought leaders and experts in their field. By consistently delivering high-quality content, they can attract a following and build their reputation. This can open up opportunities for speaking engagements, consulting work, and collaborations with other professionals.
3. Expanding Career Opportunities: Through blogging, BCBAs can showcase their skills, expertise, and unique perspectives to potential employers, clients, or collaborators. It can serve as a portfolio of their work and demonstrate their commitment to professional development, which can increase their visibility and attractiveness to prospective opportunities.
4. Networking and Collaboration: Blogging provides a platform for BCBAs to connect with other professionals in their field. By actively engaging with readers and fellow bloggers, BCBAs can join conversations, exchange ideas, and form valuable connections. This collaborative environment can lead to new opportunities, research collaborations, and a supportive professional network.
5. Passive Income Potential: While not guaranteed, blogging can generate passive income through various monetization strategies such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products or courses. BCBAs can leverage their expertise to create valuable resources or recommend products/services relevant to their audience, offering a potential stream of additional income.

To sum up, blogging as a side hustle can be a rewarding endeavor for BCBAs, enabling them to share knowledge, establish their professional brand, expand career opportunities, foster connections, and potentially generate passive income. However, it requires dedication, consistent effort, and a genuine passion for writing and sharing information. So, why not leverage the power of blogging to enhance your professional journey as a BCBA?

Online Courses

Creating online courses for BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) offers several benefits:

1. Wider Reach: Online courses allow BCBAs to reach a larger audience beyond their immediate geographical location. This means they can share their expertise with professionals, caregivers, and individuals interested in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) from around the world.
2. Flexibility: Online courses provide flexibility for both the BCBA and the learners. BCBAs can dictate their own schedule and pace when developing the course content. Learners, on the other hand, can access the course material at their convenience and learn at their own pace.
3. Increased Accessibility: Online courses make learning more accessible for individuals who may face physical, logistical, or financial barriers to attending in-person training. BCBAs can provide education to a broader audience, ensuring that ABA principles and techniques are available to those who need it most.
4. Enhanced Engagement: Online courses can be designed with interactive elements such as quizzes, discussion forums, and multimedia content to enhance learner engagement. This helps to reinforce the concepts being taught and encourages active participation.
5. Continued Professional Development: Developing online courses allows BCBAs to continue their own professional development. Deepening their knowledge, researching current trends, and staying updated with the latest research in the field helps BCBAs provide the most relevant and effective information to their learners.
6. Monetization Opportunities: Creating online courses potentially opens up an additional stream of income for BCBAs. By offering their expertise and knowledge to a wider audience, they can generate revenue while making a positive impact in the ABA community.

By leveraging the power of online platforms such as Udemy or Master ABA Academy, BCBAs can share their expertise, increase their professional visibility, and contribute to the growth of the ABA field.

E-commerce

BCBAs should consider selling their products on e-commerce platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers and Master ABA Academy for several reasons:

1. Reach a wider audience: By selling on e-commerce platforms, BCBAs can reach a larger audience beyond their immediate network. These platforms attract people from all over the world who are interested in behavior analysis, increasing the potential customer base.
2. Generate passive income: Selling products on e-commerce platforms allows BCBAs to create a passive income stream. Once the products are created and listed, they can continue to generate sales and revenue without requiring constant active involvement.
3. Share expertise and knowledge: BCBAs have a wealth of expertise and knowledge in behavior analysis. By creating products, such as resources or tools, they can share their expertise with others who may benefit from their insights and experience.
4. Contribute to the field: Selling products on e-commerce platforms not only benefits the individual BCBA financially but also contributes to the field of behavior analysis as a whole. By providing quality resources and tools, BCBAs can help other professionals enhance their skills and promote best practices.
5. Flexibility and creativity: E-commerce platforms provide BCBAs with the flexibility to create and sell a wide range of products. They can be creative in designing resources, curricula, books, or even digital courses, allowing them to showcase their unique perspectives and approaches.

Overall, e-commerce platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers and Master ABA Academy offer BCBAs the opportunity to reach a broader audience, generate passive income, share expertise, contribute to the field, and exercise their creativity. It can be a rewarding endeavor both financially and professionally.

Pet Sitting

There are several reasons why BCBAs should consider pet sitting as a side hustle:

1. Flexibility: Pet sitting allows BCBAs to have a flexible schedule. They can choose when to take on clients and set their availability based on their other commitments, such as their main job as a BCBA.
2. Utilizing Skills: BCBAs have a unique skill set in behavior analysis that can be applied to working with animals. They can assess and modify the behavior of pets, helping them with training, socialization, and behavior problems.
3. Passion for Animals: Many BCBAs have a genuine love for animals. Pet sitting provides an opportunity to spend time with different pets, interact with them, and provide the care and attention they need.
4. Additional Income: Pet sitting can be a lucrative side hustle. BCBAs can set their rates based on the services they provide and earn extra income while doing something they enjoy.
5. Stress Relief: Taking care of animals can be a great way for BCBAs to unwind and relieve stress. Spending time with pets has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.

Overall, pet sitting allows BCBAs to combine their expertise in behavior analysis with their love for animals, offering a rewarding and flexible side hustle option.

Podcasts

BCBAs, or Board Certified Behavior Analysts, should consider starting a podcast as a side hustle for several reasons:

1. Sharing Expertise: BCBAs possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in behavior analysis. By starting a podcast, they can share their expertise with a wider audience, including parents, educators, and fellow professionals. Through podcasting, BCBAs can educate and empower others with evidence-based strategies and approaches.
2. Professional Reach: A podcast allows BCBAs to expand their professional reach beyond their immediate network. By providing valuable content and insights, they can attract listeners from around the world who are interested in behavior analysis. This increased visibility can lead to new opportunities, connections, and collaborations within the field.
3. Building a Community: Podcasting creates a platform for BCBAs to build a community of like-minded individuals. Listeners who resonate with their content can engage in discussions, ask questions, and provide feedback. This sense of community fosters connections and relationships, enhancing professional growth and support.
4. Income Potential: While not guaranteed, podcasts can generate income through sponsorships and advertising. As BCBAs build a loyal audience, they become attractive to companies or organizations looking to reach their specific target market. With the right partnerships, BCBAs can monetize their podcast and potentially earn additional income.
5. Flexibility and Creativity: Podcasting offers flexibility in terms of content creation and scheduling. BCBAs can choose topics that align with their interests and expertise, allowing them to explore various aspects of behavior analysis. They have creative freedom to structure each episode, interview guests, and incorporate storytelling elements to engage their audience.

Starting a podcast as a side hustle allows BCBAs to leverage their knowledge, expand their professional network, and potentially generate additional income. It is an exciting avenue to make a meaningful impact while exploring their passion for behavior analysis.

In conclusion, BCBAs have plenty of side hustle options that allow them to apply their expertise, pursue their passions, and supplement their income. Ultimately, the choice of a side hustle depends on one’s interests, time availability, and personal goals.

Turning Passion into Profit

For many Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), their passion for helping others and interest in the field of behavior analysis can be leveraged to create a profitable side hustle. By engaging in entrepreneurial activities, BCBAs can combine personal interests and creativity to generate additional income and diversify their careers.

One of the main reasons BCBAs should consider starting a side hustle is the opportunity for professional growth. Engaging in activities outside their typical job scope allows them to explore new aspects of the industry and develop new skills, ultimately becoming more well-rounded and confident professionals.

Additionally, a side hustle founded on passion and interest often results in higher levels of motivation and commitment. This high level of engagement, combined with the specialized knowledge BCBAs possess, can lead to the creation of unique and innovative services or products that cater to a niche market within the behavior analysis field.

Embracing entrepreneurship also gives BCBAs the chance to experience the rewards of business ownership, such as flexibility and autonomy in decision-making. This newfound freedom allows them to design their side business based on what they truly enjoy and believe in, which can contribute to a sense of personal fulfillment.

Moreover, establishing a side hustle can serve as a strong risk mitigation strategy. By diversifying their income streams, BCBAs can better safeguard themselves against potential job loss or industry changes. Additionally, the exposure to various business skills, such as marketing, finance, and client management, further enhances their professional versatility.

In conclusion, starting a side hustle allows BCBAs to leverage their passion and expertise in behavior analysis and transform that into a profitable endeavor. By doing so, they can advance their careers, address niche market needs, and capitalize on the benefits of entrepreneurship.

Footnotes

1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Tzn3DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Current+Problems+with+the+Field+of+ABA+Why+should+bcbas+start+a+side+hustle+&ots=Rco9SSiECb&sig=65cqOsWb20aWk9AnW8LGfJRCWvk ↩

2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jonathan-Tarbox/publication/26816222_Applied_behavior_analytic_interventions_for_children_with_autism_A_description_and_review_of_treatment_research/links/0fcfd4fff0bcab12ab000000/Applied-behavior-analytic-interventions-for-children-with-autism-A-description-and-review-of-treatment-research.pdf ↩

3. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=jeksEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT38&dq=Current+Problems+with+the+Field+of+ABA+Why+should+bcbas+start+a+side+hustle+&ots=aGtujgNgrZ&sig=HcZNqDjtp4_OSfCWciqcKf0t2ic ↩

4. https://psycnet.apa.org/journals/slp/4/1/56/ ↩

5. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03392294 ↩