Turning your passions into income has never been easier than in 2021. Side hustles are all the rage and various platforms make it so easy to get your name out there. Escaping the rat race seems to be on everyone’s mind, and rightly so — the days of slaving away at a 9–5 office job are gone and more and more people are in need of financial and personal freedom. While there are several ways to gain financial freedom, a side hustle is one of those ways that also seems to make people the happiest since they can flex their creative muscles and feel more independent.
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a second job, generally freelance in nature, to supplement primary income. It’s different from taking on several jobs and working late-night shifts at the grocery store. A side hustle is often something you are passionate about and that you have knowledge of. It’s also not a part-time job, since you are not obligated to put in any number of hours, and you decide how much you get paid.
Why you should start a side hustle
Let’s state the obvious first: you can make more moola! Primary incomes often stagnate which makes saving, investing and growing difficult. Having a side hustle allows you to create several streams of income and even if it is a small amount, it’s more than you had. It also allows you to explore other income avenues without having to immediately quit your primary job and become an entrepreneur. Exploring a side hustle also gives you the opportunity to delve into whatever you are passionate about and maybe always wanted to do. It can help you get in touch with your creative side that usually fades away in the monotonous nature of an office job. While pursuing your side hustle you will be learning new skills every day instead of doing the same thing all day at your primary job. A side hustle helps you expand your personal portfolio and helps you gain more freedom. If done very well, it can, at some stage, replace your primary job if it pays enough or you are able to open your own business.
Do’s and don’ts
- Do make use of all the platforms available to you. This includes various freelance platforms where you can advertise your gig and social media platforms where you can advertise for free or cheaply.
- Do invest, save or spend the money from your side hustle well. The second income stream can only help you grow if you use the money wisely.
- Don’t neglect your primary job. A side hustle should be just that — something on the side. Performing at your primary job is still key to ensure you secure your main income. Your employer has the right to object to your side hustle if it interferes with your ability to do your primary job well.
- Don’t do something you are not qualified for or not good at — not only will this turn your side hustle into a side hassle, but it may have some negative consequences. Do something you know you’re good at.
Some ideas for a side hustle
- Freelance Writing
- Affiliate Marketing
- Virtual Assisting
- Photography
- Graphic design
- Clean or organise houses
- Create YouTube tutorials
- Woodwork on the weekends
- Become a personal shopper
- Sell digital products online
Written by @lisaslippers101020
