Kaitlin Sonday, 25, from Lincoln, Nebraska, has been working at Target for over six years. Despite earning a B.A. in animal science from the University of Nebraska, Sonday has chosen to stay in retail instead of pursuing a career related to her degree. She works mainly in the beauty section at Target, making $16.50 an hour, and supplements her income through her TikTok side hustle, which focuses on product promotions and social media tips.
Primary Source of Income: Retail and Social Media
Sonday works approximately 35 hours a week, earning around $30,000 annually at Target. While her wages fall below the living wage for her area, she manages to make ends meet through additional earnings from her social media presence. Since she began posting on TikTok three years ago, she has gained over 70,000 followers, which has helped her collaborate with brands like Skims, EOS, and Rare Beauty. In her first year, she earned about $35,000 from these social media partnerships, with her annual income from TikTok now averaging $10,000.
Living Situation: Homeowner at a Young Age
In 2021, Sonday purchased a two-bedroom home for $205,000 with financial assistance from a community housing organization. Her down payment and repair costs were partially covered by NeighborWorks, a nonprofit group, providing her with a no-interest loan. Sonday lives with a roommate, who helps pay $580 towards the $1,400 monthly mortgage. Her monthly expenses, including utilities, phone, and gas, are kept manageable, and she drives a 2011 Hyundai Elantra gifted by her mother.
Financial Management: Achieving Stability
Though Sonday’s income is below the median household income in her area, she has learned how to manage her finances effectively. She attributes much of her financial stability to Target’s employee discounts, which help reduce grocery costs. Despite rising inflation, Sonday has been able to maintain savings and carefully plan her spending, prioritizing long-term financial goals over immediate luxuries.
Balancing Retail Work and Personal Interests
Sonday enjoys the flexibility that retail work offers, allowing her to take time off to travel, such as her two trips to Italy. She believes retail provides a valuable learning experience and fosters meaningful relationships with coworkers. “Just because you work in retail doesn’t mean it’s the end goal,” Sonday said. “Retail works for me, and if it works for you, that’s okay too.”
Why Retail Works for Kaitlin Sonday
While Sonday originally studied animal science with hopes of working in the field, she realized that many animal-related jobs don’t pay well unless they involve higher education. With a keen interest in social media marketing, she found combining her retail job with her TikTok side hustle a fulfilling and lucrative choice.
She reflects on her journey by emphasizing that retail can be a rewarding career path for those who are passionate about helping others and willing to adapt to the industry’s challenges. Sonday’s perspective suggests that working in retail doesn’t mean giving up on personal ambitions; instead, it can be an avenue for professional growth and creative expression.
