With the cost of living rising at an unprecedented rate that wage increases are not matching, more people are starting side hustles to make ends meet. A 2022 survey revealed that up to 44% of Americans have a side gig.
When you start a side hustle, you quickly realize that it can be tough to balance your full-time job obligations with the side gig. But how can you maintain a side hustle without leaving your day job?
There are ways that you can balance both without sacrificing health or your general well-being. In this piece, we will take a closer look at how you can have a full-time job and a side gig without experiencing burnout.
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Why Have a Side Hustle While Working Full Time?
If you’re like most people, you probably have a day job that pays the bills but doesn’t leave much room for extra cash. Inflation has driven the cost of living up but you are not getting a significant pay rise to match this new reality.
That situation rings true for many Americans which is why many people are looking for other means to make money.
With the internet providing many avenues for making money, starting a side hustle has never been easier, which explains why so many people have a side job online. There are plenty of ways to make extra money without interfering with your full-time job.
And as it turns out, starting a side hustle while working full-time has other benefits besides helping you earn more money.
With a side job you are passionate about, you explore your personal interests, have more flexibility, and even start your own business that could potentially become your full-time job.
Now, let’s explore the reasons that justify starting a side hustle while working full-time:
Extra Money
One of the most obvious reasons to have a side hustle is to earn extra money. Whether you’re saving up for a down payment on a house, trying to pay off debt, or just want a little extra spending money, a side hustle can help you achieve your financial goals faster.
Plus, having multiple streams of income can help you feel more secure in your finances because, for example, losing your job will not be as devastating.
When you have another income source, you can stay afloat when you get laid off, as many people are these days.
Work-Life Balance
This may sound a bit counterintuitive (because having a side hustle puts more on your plate) but having a side hustle can also help you achieve a better work-life balance.
How does a side hustle give you work-life balance?
If you’re feeling burnt out or unfulfilled in your full-time job, pursuing a side hustle that aligns with your passions can help you feel more fulfilled and energized. Plus, you will be making money doing something you love, it won’t feel like work.
More Control
Another benefit of having a side hustle is that it gives you more control over your career and your life.
When you have a side hustle, you’re not reliant on your full-time job for your entire income, which means you can pursue a career path that’s fulfilling and not out of the need to make ends meet. You also have more leverage when it comes to negotiating salary and benefits.
Plus, if you ever decide to make your side hustle your full-time gig, you’ll have a head start on building your business.
Therefore, having a side hustle while working full-time can provide you with extra income, help you achieve a better work-life balance, and give you more control over your career. It’s important to find a side hustle that aligns with your passions and fits your schedule.
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How to Balance Your Day Job and Side Hustle
If you’re looking to start a side hustle while working a full-time job, balancing both can be challenging. However, with the right approach and mindset, you can successfully manage both without stretching yourself too thin.
Here are some tips to help you balance your day job and side hustle:
Manage Your Time Well
Effective time management is key to balancing your day job and side hustle. You need to make the most of the limited time you have available.
Start by identifying the times of day when you are most productive and focused. Use this time to work on your side hustle.
For example, if you’re a morning person, wake up an hour earlier to work on your side hustle before starting your day job.
Also, create a schedule and stick to it. Use a calendar or planner to block out specific times for work, side hustle, and other commitments. Be realistic about the time you have available and don’t overcommit yourself.
Remember to take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
Get Rid of Distractions
When you’re splitting your time between a full-time career and a side hustle, you cannot afford to waste time.
So, you have to eliminate distractions that divert your attention. For example, if your side hustle demands concentration and you don’t need to use your phone, put it away.
Now, if you are using an app to look for work, turn off social media notifications to focus on your side hustle.
Create a System That Optimizes Performance
If you have a system that defines your tasks and responsibilities, it is easier to stay organized and focused on your job or side hustle as needed.
A great example of this is to create a system that keeps your side hustle separate from your other day job as much as possible by tailoring your workspace and calendar appropriately.
For example, if you have a work laptop, use it exclusively for work then use your personal computer for your side hustle. You can even set up your workspace to match this separation and set up a different calendar for your two jobs.
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Find a Side Hustle You’re Passionate About
Even when your primary motivation to start a side hustle is to make money, you should find something you love doing. A simple way of doing that is to turn your hobby or something you do in your free time into your part-time job.
For example, if you love graphic design and have been doing it in your free time, you can turn that into a fun side hustle rather than start an Etsy business that you will not be excited about.
Find a Side Hustle That Doesn’t Clash With Your Job
Your side hustle shouldn’t interfere with your day job. For example, if you are distracted at work because of your side gig, it is likely not a good idea.
You should also not have a side hustle that competes with your job in the marketplace. Some employers will make you sign a non-compete agreement that stops you from doing that but even when they don’t, consider the ethical ramifications of working in such an arrangement.
Find a Side Hustle That Complements Your Day Job
If you love what you do for work, find a side hustle that complements your job. This will enable you to take the knowledge you acquire at work and apply it to your side hustle.
For example, if you are a teacher, offering classes in your downtime will only build on your knowledge of the subject while making money.
Take Advantage of Working from Home
If your job allows you to work from home sometimes, take advantage of that as much as possible. Doing so will allow you to save time you’d otherwise use to commute, making it easier to set aside time to focus on your side hustle.
Prioritize Your Obligations
When balancing your day job and side hustle, prioritize your tasks. Identify the most important tasks for each role and focus on those first.
This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you’re making progress in both areas.
It’s also important to be flexible and willing to adjust your priorities as needed. Your day job may require more attention during certain times of the year, while your side hustle may need more focus during other times. Be willing to adjust your schedule and priorities to meet the demands of both roles.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial when balancing your day job and side hustle. Make sure that you’re not sacrificing your work-life balance or quality time with loved ones. Set clear boundaries around when you’re available for work and when you’re off the clock.
You should also set aside time for relaxation because relaxing rejuvenates you and prepares you to go all out when you get back to work.
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Do You Have To Tell Your Boss That You Have a Side Hustle?
No, you don’t. Unless you are unclear about the rules, you don’t have to tell your boss that you have a side hustle. What you do in your free time is your own business.
Having said that, when your boss knows that you have other obligations outside work, they may make conditions conducive for you to have a side hustle. For example, they can be more lenient if you have conflicts between your job and side hustle.
Besides, if they find out about it another way, it will come across as suspicious.
As you break the news to your boss (if you decide to inform them), demonstrate how your side hustle won’t hurt your job performance. Then set boundaries to ascertain that.
Ideas for Side Hustles You Can Do While Working Full Time
If you are looking for a way to earn some extra cash while working full-time, a side hustle might be the perfect solution for you. Here are some ideas for side hustles that you can consider.
Online Side Hustle Ideas
In today’s digital world, there are many opportunities to earn money online. Here are some online side hustles that you can consider:
- Web Design Services: If you have skills in web design, as a side hustle job, you can offer your services to local companies or advertise your services on job sites. You can work on various projects and earn good money.
- Freelance Writing: Freelance writing is one of the best side hustle jobs. If you have a passion for writing, you can become a freelance writer and write articles, blog posts, or other types of content for clients. You can work on your own schedule and earn money from the comfort of your home.
- Online Surveys: You can sign up for survey sites and earn money by filling out surveys. You won’t earn a lot of money, but it’s an easy way to earn a little extra cash.
- YouTube Channel: If you have personal interests or hobbies that you are passionate about, you can create a YouTube channel and share your knowledge with others. You can earn money from ads or sponsorships.
There are tons of other side hustles you can get into through the internet.
Offline Side Hustle Ideas
If you prefer to work offline, there are many side hustles that you can consider. Here are some offline side hustle ideas:
- Dog Walking and Pet Sitting: If you love animals, you can offer dog walking or pet sitting services to people in your local area. You can advertise your services on local advertising sites or social media.
- Babysitting and Child Care: If you enjoy spending time with children, you can offer babysitting or child care services to families in your local area. You can work on your own schedule and earn money while having fun.
- House Flipping: If you have previous experience in house flipping or renovation, you can buy and sell houses for a profit. It requires a lot of time and effort, but it can be a lucrative side hustle.
- Mystery Shopper: You can become a mystery shopper and get paid to shop at local stores and restaurants. You will need to provide feedback on the quality of service and products.
Offline side hustles can be a great way to earn extra income, but it’s important to stay focused and manage your time effectively because they typically consume more time than the ones people do remotely over the internet. Make sure you have enough time for your full-time job and personal life.
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How to Start a Successful Side Hustle When You Have a Day Job
Starting a side hustle while working full-time can be a great way to earn extra money and eventually transition into self-employment.
Here are some steps you can take to start a successful side hustle:
Identify Your Skills and Interests
The first step to starting a successful side hustle is to identify your skills and interests. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? These questions can help you determine what kind of side hustle would be a good fit for you.
For example, if you enjoy writing, you could start a freelance writing business. If you’re good at graphic design, you could offer your services on a freelance basis.
By focusing on your skills and interests, you’ll be more likely to enjoy your side hustle and be successful at it.
Research Your Market
Once you’ve identified your skills and interests, research your market. Who are your potential customers? What are their needs and wants? What are your competitors doing?
By researching your market, you can identify opportunities and gaps in the market that you can fill with your side hustle. You can also learn more about your competitors and what they’re doing well (and not so well), which can help you differentiate yourself and stand out.
Create a Business Plan
Before you start your side hustle, it’s important to create a business plan. This doesn’t have to be a formal, lengthy document, but it should outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
Your business plan should include information such as your target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. By creating a business plan, you’ll have a roadmap to follow and be better prepared to succeed.
Set Up a Business Bank Account
Technically, you don’t need to open a separate account if you are not running an LLC or other corporation types. However, you should still open a separate bank account for your business for a few reasons.
First, it simplifies the accounting process by keeping your personal finances separate from your business finances. Since every transaction from your side hustle goes to its designated account, you don’t have to separate the transactions. It is easier to prepare a budget and track your cash flow.
You also give your indemnity if you get sued or your business files for bankruptcy. Your personal assets will be safe even if your business encounters difficulties.
Finally, keeping a separate business account makes it easier to track expenses when you are filing your tax return. You can easily see what’s going in and out of the business and don’t have to go through statements identifying business expenses.
When you keep track of your expenses and deduct eligible costs, you can reduce your tax liability and keep more of your hard-earned income.
Set Realistic Goals
Finally, it’s important to set realistic goals for your side hustle. How much money do you want to make? How many clients do you want to have? What do you want to achieve in the next six months or years?
By setting realistic goals, you’ll be able to track your progress and stay motivated. It’s important to remember that starting a successful side hustle takes time and effort, therefore, you need to keep tabs on your goals to gauge progress.
Track your wins
When you are running a business and working in a regular 9-5, there are times you will feel like you are not doing a good job in either or both.
When you consciously acknowledge your wins, you will realize that you are progressing, which will give you a welcome boost.
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How to Maximize Your Side Hustle Income
If you’re looking to maximize your side hustle income while working full time, there are a few key strategies you can employ. Here is how to take your side hustle to the next level.
Networking
Networking is a critical component of any successful side hustle. By building relationships with other professionals in your field or industry, you can gain valuable insights, make new connections, and potentially land new clients or customers.
Consider attending local events or meetups related to your side hustle. You can also join online communities or forums where you can connect with other professionals and share tips and advice.
Networking with other people in your industry also encourages collaboration. For example, if you are an influencer, you can collaborate with other influencers who align with your ethos and resonate with your audience to produce joint content.
Such an arrangement will enable you to tap into another audience that will be more likely to be receptive of you. This is a common tactic used by people to grow their audiences and win more clients.
Market Your Side Hustle Business
Marketing is another crucial aspect of maximizing your side hustle income. By promoting your services or products effectively, you can attract new customers and build a strong brand presence.
Social media is a powerful marketing tool you can leverage to market your side hustle business. Your goal with social media should be to attract new followers with the goal of building a loyal customer base.
To cement a strong social media presence and you have to keep sharing valuable content, produce content that matches the current trending topics, and post regularly.
Social media is not the only marketing tool at your disposal. You can showcase your skills and attract new clients by building a professional website.
If you are a photographer or graphic designer, prospective clients will have access to samples of your work on your website and they will know whether your style matches their preferences. On top of that, having a website gives the impression that you are a serious professional.
If your side hustle is a localized service that targets consumers who are not spending a lot of time on the internet eg. retirees, consider investing in local advertising. Things like flyers or billboards will reach potential customers in your area.
Lastly, if you are using job sites or freelance platforms like Upwork, create a good portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities to stand out from the crowd.
Scaling Your Business
Finally, scaling your business is essential if you want to maximize your side hustle income. By expanding your offerings or increasing your efficiency, you can take on more clients or customers and increase your earnings.
Consider hiring additional help or outsourcing certain tasks to free up your time and focus on growing your business. You can also explore new revenue streams, such as creating digital products or offering online courses.
By following these strategies and staying focused on your goals, you can maximize your side hustle income and achieve greater financial freedom.
Conclusion
One of the biggest benefits of having a side hustle is the extra income it can provide. In fact, it is the main reason many Americans are having side hustles on top of their full time jobs.
Whether you’re looking to save for a big purchase, pay off debt, or simply have more spending money, a successful side hustle can help you achieve your financial goals. Plus, having a side hustle can provide a sense of financial security, knowing that you have multiple streams of income.
Of course, starting a side hustle while working full time can be a challenge. Balancing your day job, your side hustle, and your personal life can be tough, and it requires careful time management and planning. However, with the right hustle ideas and a commitment to staying focused, you can make the most of your spare time and earn extra cash on your own schedule.
Starting a side hustle while working full time may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and approach, you can make it work. Remember, it’s all about taking small steps and making progress towards your goals.
So go ahead, take that first step, and start building your side hustle today!
Before you leave
If you’re tired of scams and want a real solution for making money online check out my no.1 recommendation.
It’s helped me earn over $300,000 in the last 12 months alone:
Go here to see my no.1 recommendation for making money online
(This is a 100% free training)
David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.