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day job

American  

noun

  1. one's regular job and main source of income, usually viewed in contrast to a speculative or irregular endeavor.

    Good luck in the lottery, but don't quit your day job.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“So if you have a day job and a side hustle, you might well be maxing via your day job and can only contribute as an employer.”

From MarketWatch

Hill worked the box office every single event after his day job, and as word of the all-ages haven spread, the club, which was operating at a loss, turned into an overnight success story.

From Los Angeles Times

When playing in a legendary South Bay punk band is your day job, most people likely wouldn’t have too many musical side projects.

From Los Angeles Times

He quit his day job in August 2024 to DJ and focus on music production full time with the support of his wife, children and parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Filled with photos and memorabilia, the coffee table book reflects on the "40 years since I quit my day job and ran off to join the circus".

From BBC