Word for a non-professional job done as a hobby

single-word-requests

I am a programmer, but not professionally. I do have apps on the Google Play Store, but it's mainly a hobby (and I don't earn much at all; about a few cents a month).

I'm sure there must be a word for this type of job (i.e. a non-professional job done mainly as a hobby), but I don't know what it is.

Solution 1:

I think hobby itself would do just fine. Hobbyists work at their craft when it’s fun and convenient, but don’t make the necessary commitment needed to get to the professional level.

"Selling apps on Play Store is my hobby".

So you may be a "hobbyist programmer ". Some people actually hate that name.

a hobbyist programmer is somebody who spends 10 or more hours a month programming, but is not paid primarily to be a programmer.

What you're describing may also be a sideline career.

An activity done in addition to one’s main job, especially to earn extra income

[As modifier]: a sideline career as a stand-up comic

"He founded the fast-food company as a sideline to his petrol station"

Solution 2:

You might consider avocation, which means a hobby, from the Latin a(b) (away) + vocare (to call), i.e, something that calls one away from the profession or occupation at which one makes a living. There is no implication that you necessarily are a beginner or are unaccomplished at your avocation, just that it's a sideline.

Solution 3:

I think you are looking for amateur:

One who engages in an art, science, study, or athletic activity as a pastime rather than as a profession.

(AHD)

or:

you should probably define yourself a "programmer", the fact that you do it professionally or not is not related to the competence you have developed.

Solution 4:

You might consider, pastime

An activity that occupies one's spare time pleasantly: Sailing is her favorite pastime.

[Middle English passe tyme, translation of French passe temps : passer, to pass + temps, time.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary