sivutyö

Sivutyö is a Finnish term referring to paid work that is performed in addition to a person’s primary job. It typically takes the form of part-time or freelance work and can include self-employed activities, freelance services, gig economy tasks, or tutoring. Sivutyö is common among students, professionals seeking extra income, or those pursuing a business idea alongside their main employment.

People undertake sivutyö for various reasons, such as increasing earnings, testing new skills, or pursuing passions. It can offer flexibility, but it also introduces considerations related to taxation, social security, and working time. Some employment contracts or collective agreements may restrict outside activities or require notice to the employer due to conflicts of interest or fatigue.

Taxation and regulatory aspects are central to sivutyö. In Finland, all income is subject to taxation. If you have a sivutyö in addition to your main job, you typically need to ensure your tax card reflects multiple sources of income so that the correct amount of tax is withheld. If sivutyö is substantial or conducted as a separate business, you may need to register as self-employed (toiminimi) and manage related obligations such as accounting, possible VAT registration, and pension insurance (YEL) requirements.

Sivutyö can take many forms, including freelancing in IT or design, tutoring, translation, writing, crafts, and ride- or delivery-service tasks. It is important to keep clear records of earnings and expenses, understand how the activity affects tax and social security, and review any contractual constraints with your primary employer. Overall, sivutyö is a common way to supplement income in Finland, balancing potential financial benefits with regulatory and personal considerations.