Okay, let’s get real for a second. Who else is tired of hearing “just start a side hustle” like it’s as easy as ordering a latte? 🙃 I mean, sure, it sounds glamorous—making extra cash while sipping matcha in your pajamas. But the reality? It’s messy, confusing, and sometimes downright exhausting. So, let me spill the tea on how I actually made it work without losing my mind.
First, let’s talk about the why. For me, it wasn’t just about the money (though, let’s be honest, that was a big part of it). It was about freedom. I wanted to feel like I had options—whether it was splurging on a weekend getaway or finally starting that Roth IRA I’ve been ignoring. But here’s the thing: I didn’t want to sacrifice my already chaotic life to get there. So, I had to get creative.
One of the first things I tried was freelancing. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t that oversaturated?” Sure, it’s competitive, but here’s the secret—niche down. I started offering copywriting services specifically for eco-friendly brands because, well, I’m obsessed with sustainability. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about aligning with something I cared about. And guess what? Clients could tell. They weren’t just hiring a writer; they were hiring someone who got their mission.
But freelancing isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Another thing I dabbled in was selling digital products. I know, I know—it sounds fancy, but it’s actually super low-maintenance once you get the hang of it. I created a few Canva templates for small business owners, and boom! Passive income. The key here was finding a pain point and solving it. For me, it was hearing friends complain about how hard it was to design their own social media posts. So, I made it easy for them.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: time management. Because, girl, I am not waking up at 5 a.m. to hustle. Nope. Instead, I focused on working smarter, not harder. I batch my tasks—like spending one evening creating a month’s worth of content for my templates—so I’m not constantly in “work mode.” And I set boundaries. My side hustle doesn’t get to take over my weekends. Period.
Here’s the thing: side hustles aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. What worked for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is to experiment and find something that fits your lifestyle, not the other way around. And don’t be afraid to pivot. My first side hustle was a total flop, but it taught me what didn’t work, and that was just as valuable.
So, if you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, my advice is this: start small, stay curious, and don’t take it too seriously. It’s not about becoming the next millionaire entrepreneur (unless that’s your vibe, then go for it!). It’s about creating a little more freedom in your life—and maybe funding that matcha habit along the way. 😉