Federal Attorney's Side Hustle Generates $70K Annually

A federal attorney has successfully transformed her White House experience into a thriving side business, generating approximately $70,000 annually. Jennifer Clinchy, who served in the nation's capital for nine years, now channels her expertise into writing résumés for high-level clients.

This supplemental income has become more than just a financial boost; it is the primary funding source for restoring her historic home in Seattle. Her journey demonstrates how specialized skills developed in a prestigious career can be monetized into a sustainable and meaningful enterprise.

Jennifer Clinchy's career path began with a dual degree in law and policy, leading her to federal service. She was drawn to government work not only for its perceived security but because she felt the mission mattered. Her role allowed her to help people, defend justice, and protect the environment.

Her nine-year tenure at the White House spanned three different presidents: Obama, Trump, and Biden. One of her key responsibilities was preparing presidential appointees for their Senate confirmation hearings. In this high-stakes environment, she reviewed hundreds of résumés and cover letters, learning exactly what it takes for a candidate to stand out.

As the daughter of immigrants, I never dreamed I'd be reporting to work on Pennsylvania Avenue each day.

After her time at the White House, she transitioned to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where she continues to work as a federal attorney. Despite the career move, she retains deep affection for her previous role, admitting she still gets teary-eyed thinking about her time serving the executive branch.

The idea for the business, Clinchy Career Consulting, emerged organically. Clinchy had been reviewing résumés for friends and colleagues for years. In early 2020, a friend pointed out her talent, asking if she had ever considered it as a career path. The timing coincided with the pandemic, which halted her usual work travel and freed up significant time.

She initially signed up for Fiverr and set low prices to build a portfolio. However, she quickly realized she wanted to prioritize quality over quantity. Today, her pricing reflects that premium approach: she charges $2,000 for a résumé and cover letter package.

Her process is intensive. She spends many hours reviewing each client's history and experience to determine the best way to present them. This meticulous attention to detail is a holdover from her days reviewing applications for powerful government positions.

• Initial low pricing on Fiverr to gain traction
• Shifted to premium pricing for high-quality work
• Spends hours analyzing client histories
• Focuses on presenting candidates in the most favorable light

While her federal job pays her mortgage and essentials, the résumé business funds her passion project: a historic home in Seattle. The city's high cost of living made her worry that her federal salary alone wouldn't allow her to own a home. The side hustle changed that equation entirely.

Over the past five years, she has earned more than $260,000 on Fiverr, averaging about $70,000 per year. This income has been essential for purchasing the home and completing necessary, costly renovations. The bulk of her résumé income goes directly toward maintenance and repairs.

The renovations are extensive and necessary for the home's longevity. They include new flooring, a new roof, and the installation of an earthquake-resistant system—a critical feature in the Pacific Northwest. The business provides the financial flexibility to tackle these major projects without straining her primary household budget.

Clinchy's schedule is demanding. She works a standard 9-to-5 as an attorney, then spends two to three hours most weeknights writing résumés. Weekends are even more intensive, often dedicating five to twenty hours to her clients. She admits the workload is exhausting, but she makes a conscious choice to prioritize her time, ensuring she still gets enough sleep and exercise.

However, the financial reward isn't what keeps her motivated. The clients themselves are the driving force behind her continued dedication. Her client list is diverse and fascinating, ranging from a food scientist who patented a famous potato chip to a vice president of a record label.

One experience stands out above all others. She helped a person living in a domestic violence shelter secure a job for the first time, which ultimately helped stabilize their family's future. Regarding that success, Clinchy notes:

There's no way to put the value of that into words or dollars.

The value of the side hustle became starkly evident during a recent federal government shutdown. Clinchy was furloughed, leaving her primary income stream frozen. During that six-week period, her résumé writing business generated approximately $18,000.

This influx of cash provided a critical safety net, covering expenses while her federal pay was suspended. It highlighted the security that a diversified income stream can offer, even to those in stable government positions. For Clinchy, the business is not just about funding renovations; it is a vital component of her financial health and resilience.

Jennifer Clinchy's story illustrates the tangible value of leveraging specialized experience outside of traditional employment. By capitalizing on her unique insight into the hiring processes of the highest levels of government, she has created a lucrative and flexible revenue stream.

Her success highlights several key principles for professionals looking to monetize their skills:

• Identify niche expertise developed in your career.
• Start small and scale based on quality and demand.
• Use supplemental income to achieve personal financial goals.
• Find meaning in the work beyond the paycheck.

Ultimately, Clinchy has built a bridge between her professional expertise and personal aspirations, proving that a side hustle can be both financially rewarding and deeply fulfilling.