In today’s fast-paced economy, relying on a single source of income often feels outdated. Enter Kaluna, the fictional yet relatable financial professional in the Sabrina Rochelle Kalangie-directed film Home Sweet Loan. Despite her modest monthly salary of IDR 6 million as a private-sector employee, Kaluna, played by actress/model Yunita Siregar, has managed to save hundreds of millions by supplementing her income through freelance work. Her story is a reminder of the power of a side hustle and how embracing multiple streams of income can lead to financial freedom—even for those on a limited salary. Kaluna’s journey showcases not only the importance of financial discipline but also the impact of leveraging additional income through creative work. By balancing her full-time job with freelance modeling gigs (in her case, lip modeling), Kaluna demonstrates that building wealth requires more than just relying on a single paycheck.

The Growing Appeal of the Side Hustle

Kaluna's story is a reflection of a broader trend happening worldwide. According to a 2022 survey from Bankrate, 45% of Americans have a side hustle. This is even more prominent among younger generations, with nearly half of Gen Z (ages 18-26) and Millennials (ages 27-42) participating in freelance gigs alongside their regular jobs​. This phenomenon is driven by the rise of the gig economy, flexible work opportunities, and the increasing cost of living, all of which compel individuals to explore additional income streams.

Why Relying on One Salary Is Not Enough

Like many private employees, Kaluna’s monthly salary alone would not suffice for significant savings. The rising cost of living and inflation means that relying solely on a fixed salary can limit one’s financial potential. According to data from Trading Economics, Indonesia’s inflation rate has hovered around 2.6% in recent years, with living costs in urban centers rising rapidly. Salaries, however, often don’t increase at the same rate, making it crucial to seek alternative income sources.

Kaluna’s solution? Freelancing. This allows her to diversify her income streams, take on extra work when needed, and set her own rates for freelance projects. As she builds her portfolio, she earns additional income without sacrificing her full-time role. Her situation mirrors that of many modern workers in Indonesia and globally, who are increasingly juggling traditional employment with freelance opportunities to reach their financial goals.

Freelance Options for Creative Professionals

Kaluna’s story is not just about earning more but also about pursuing passions and utilizing skills outside of her day job. For those working in creative fields, freelancing offers numerous options to generate supplemental income:

1. Freelance Graphic Designer – This role allows individuals to work on branding, logos, and digital designs for a wide range of clients, from small businesses to established corporations.

2. Freelance Social Media Manager – With businesses increasingly relying on social media for marketing, managing and creating content for brands is in high demand. Kaluna’s communication skills would make her an ideal candidate for this type of freelance gig.

3. Freelance Copywriter – For those who have a knack for words, creating copy for ads, websites, and social posts can provide a lucrative side income.

4. Freelance Photographer/Videographer – Whether capturing events, fashion shoots, or social media content, skilled visual artists are in demand, making this an ideal hustle for those with creative and technical abilities.

5. Freelance Editor – Editing content for various platforms or refining marketing materials for businesses is another great option for individuals seeking additional income while enhancing their skills.

Finding Balance: Career, Side Hustle, and Personal Life

While Kaluna’s story is one of financial success, it also highlights the importance of balance. Managing multiple jobs can be rewarding but also exhausting, especially if not handled properly. A key takeaway from Kaluna’s experience is the need to set boundaries and ensure that one’s freelance work does not overshadow personal well-being or performance in their main job.

According to a report by Harvard Business Review, workers with side hustles can experience higher job satisfaction and creativity in their primary jobs if they manage their time effectively​. However, overloading on freelance work without maintaining proper boundaries can lead to burnout.

The Future of Side Hustles in Indonesia

As more people embrace side hustles like Kaluna, Indonesia’s workforce is becoming increasingly diversified. McKinsey estimates that around 30% of work could be done remotely in Indonesia in the future, creating opportunities for more freelancers in areas like digital content, marketing, and tech​. With platforms like Upwork and Freelancer gaining popularity, freelancers can reach both local and global markets, increasing their earning potential.

Kaluna’s story in “Home Sweet Loan” serves as a powerful example of how creative freelancing can offer financial security and independence. As modern professionals navigate the challenges of today’s economy, side hustles have become not just an option but a necessity for many, allowing individuals to boost their savings and explore new passions. Just like Kaluna, anyone can learn to balance their careers, freelance opportunities, and personal lives to create a brighter financial future.

For more information, please contact: 

Inasa Ori Sativa

e: inasa.sativa@fabindonesia.com

p: +62 858-7085-2010