So You Think You Want To Start A Side Hustle?

Being your own boss is a dream many people have. The idea of working where and when you desire isn't just alluring; it's downright sexy.

But like most things worth having, making a career out of your side hustle isn't as easy as it sounds. It's not impossible, but you'll need to be dedicated and determined if you want it to work. But isn't dedication and determination something we all need for anything to be successful?

The answers are yes, and yes.

Everything I'm going to share comes from my personal experience as an RN who has started side hustles that remained side hustles, and side hustles that grew into complex companies in the 8-figure range with hundreds of employees.

So while there's no sugar coating here, if you're in the early stages of exploring a side hustle or a gig you can get up and running in your spare time, then, by all means, read on.

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle is a mechanism to make money outside of your regular job. Some examples include blogging, freelancing, or selling eBooks on Amazon. The recent pandemic birthed a slew of new types of side gigs; most notable are those folks who started creating and selling custom face masks online.

The bottom line, though, a side hustle is an activity that you can pursue in addition to your usual work.

How does it differ from entrepreneurship?

This is for sure going to ruffle some feathers so just know that there is no universally accepted answer.

A side hustle is part-time work, while entrepreneurship takes a lot more time and effort. Someone who starts a side hustle may not sweat the financial end of things as much, mostly because it's still in the hobby stage. Hence the term "side hustle."

If a side hustle tanks, it tanks. No harm, no foul, and it's generally recoverable after a few tequilas, hugs, and warm words from friends.

An entrepreneur, however, may have had a lot more skin in the game. They may have quit a full-time gig just to start their business or maybe even cashed in a savings account to go all-in with their prototype.

While both share the essence of freedom and of working for yourself, there are still differences.

The simplest way I can illustrate it is this.

Saying a side hustle is the same as entrepreneurship is the equivalent of saying Bixby the housecat is the same as Mufasa from the Lion King simply because they each have fur.

Enough of that, though. Let's drive on.

Why do people have side hustles?

There are many reasons why people have side hustles. Some do it to make extra money, others because they want to pursue their passion while still working full-time. It can also be a way to do something you love, or it can be done as a hobby for fun and enjoyment.

If you're into blogging, then writing a few times a week can be cathartic and a way to make side money. Same with folks who like to bake. If you bake for one, why not bake for 30 and make some side cash from your skill and passion.

Besides just pursuing this as a creative outlet, some people actually chase a side hustle as a test. To see if it might become a viable business idea. Maybe something that can scale and replace a full-time gig.

I know this is possible because it happened to me. Pursued something on the side that became not only a full-time business but one that ended up employing over 600 people.

While reasons may vary, the essence is the same. Freedom.

What are the benefits of having a side hustle?

One of the most significant benefits is that you can get out of a job you don't like. Being your own boss also brings more freedom and doesn't restrict you to a particular location or schedule.

A side hustle is also a way to supplement your income. By having one, you can earn extra money while also gaining useful skills in your day job. Some folks pursue a side hustle with a singular goal of making enough for the car payment or saving a little extra each month for special occasions or vacations.

Besides the benefits, though, you're going to need to be honest about whether or not you can do both jobs well enough to be successful in them. Half-baked performance in one or both is a sure recipe for mediocrity and, worse, failure.

Wrapping it all up

"The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately." - Unknown

Taking your passion and turning it into a side hustle can be exciting and fun. Financially rewarding even.

One final word of advice; before you pull the trigger, do some introspection and research first and consider if this is something you genuinely want to do. While it is technically a side hustle, the fact is it will take time and likely some resources.

Being able to make an extra $500, $1,000, or more in a side hustle earnings is not only possible but exciting.

Then, once you know what you want to do, the hardest part is taking the leap, doing the work, and being consistent with it…but always know this…

You got this, baby!