Imagine transitioning from a prestigious role as a White House attorney to running a successful business where you charge $2,000 for crafting impactful resumes. That's exactly what I've done, transforming my years of experience into a lucrative side hustle that brings in around $70,000 each year.
Let me introduce myself: I’m Jennifer Clinchy, a federal attorney with a remarkable nine-year tenure at the White House, having served under three different presidents—Obama, Trump, and Biden. Since six years ago, I’ve been employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), yet I still feel a wave of nostalgia when I think back on my time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As the daughter of immigrants, I never envisioned that I would have the opportunity to work there.
During my time in the White House, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the country. Armed with a dual degree in law and policy, one of my key responsibilities involved preparing presidential appointees for their Senate confirmation hearings. This role required me to review countless resumes and cover letters, guiding candidates through what essentially amounts to high-stakes job interviews. It was this experience that unexpectedly paved the way for my career in resume writing.
My journey into federal service stemmed from a desire for purpose and stability. My hardworking parents instilled in me the importance of self-sufficiency and education, emphasizing that knowledge is a treasure no one can take away from you. I pursued a law degree in Washington, D.C., drawn to federal positions not just for their perceived job security but also because I believed in the significance of the work—helping people, defending justice, and protecting our environment. After roughly 14 years as a federal attorney, I currently earn around $186,000 annually.
When it comes to my side hustle, I charge $2,000 for a comprehensive resume and cover letter package. For years, I had been assisting friends, colleagues, and mentees with their resumes, but it wasn't until early 2020 that a friend encouraged me to consider it as a formal career path. With the onset of the pandemic and the halt of my usual travel schedule, I found myself with extra time on my hands.
I created a profile on Fiverr to start offering my services. Initially, I set my prices low, but soon realized that I wanted to focus on delivering quality rather than quantity. Now, I dedicate significant hours to meticulously reviewing each client’s history and experiences, ensuring I present them in the best light possible.
In the last five years, my earnings from resume writing have surpassed $260,000, with an average annual income of about $70,000. I reside in Seattle, where the housing market is notoriously expensive. I worried that my federal salary alone wouldn’t suffice for homeownership, but my resume business has allowed me to purchase a historic home and finance essential renovations, including new flooring, a roof replacement, and earthquake-resistant upgrades.
Most of my income from resume writing goes toward maintaining and repairing my home, while my federal job covers the mortgage and living expenses. During the recent federal government shutdown, I was furloughed, and my resume writing proved invaluable, generating about $18,000 during those six weeks.
Despite the demanding nature of my schedule, working as an attorney typically from 9 to 5, I dedicate two to three hours most weeknights and between five to twenty hours on weekends to resume writing, depending on my workload. While it can be exhausting, I consciously choose to invest my time this way, balancing it with the need for rest and exercise as I grow older.
While the financial rewards are certainly gratifying, what truly keeps me motivated are the incredible clients I have the privilege of helping. Among them, I’ve worked with a food scientist who holds a patent for a popular potato chip and the vice president of a record label associated with renowned artists. A particularly profound experience was assisting a woman from a domestic violence shelter secure her first job, providing her with a chance to build a better future for her family. The value of such moments transcends any monetary measure.
