Hey there, ladies! I just had to share my experience with you all about this whole remote work and side hustle thing. I mean, who would’ve thought that we could build amazing work lives right from the comfort of our own homes, all while chasing those extra dreams on the side?
Let’s start from the beginning. I used to be stuck in the traditional 9-to-5 grind. You know how it is, waking up early, getting all dolled up (even when you don’t feel like it), and then commuting to an office where you sit in a cubicle all day. It was draining, both physically and mentally. I felt like I was just going through the motions, not really living my best work life.
Then came the opportunity for remote work. At first, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, could I really be productive without a boss looking over my shoulder? But I decided to give it a shot, and oh my goodness, it was a game-changer! I could work in my pajamas if I wanted to (and let’s be honest, there were days when that was exactly what I did). I could set my own schedule, take breaks when I needed them, and work in an environment that I could customize to my liking.
One of the best things about remote work is the flexibility it gives you for side hustles. You see, I’ve always had this creative side that I wanted to explore more. I love writing, painting, and making handmade crafts. But with the traditional job, I just didn’t have the time or energy to pursue these passions on the side. Once I started working remotely, though, I had these little pockets of free time throughout the day that I could use to work on my side projects.
For example, I started an online Etsy store where I sell my handmade jewelry. I would spend my lunch breaks taking pictures of my new creations, writing product descriptions, and interacting with customers. It was so much fun! And because I was already working from home, it was easy to manage the inventory and package up orders when they came in. I didn’t have to worry about rushing to the post office after a long day at work in the office.
Another side hustle I got into was freelance writing. I could use my writing skills that I had honed over the years in my regular job and apply them to writing blog posts and articles for different clients. I would set aside a couple of hours in the evenings, after I was done with my main remote work tasks, and just let my creativity flow. I got to write about topics that I was passionate about, like travel, fashion, and of course, the joys of working remotely.
Now, you might be thinking, “But how do you stay focused and motivated when you’re working on your own?” Well, it’s not always easy, that’s for sure. There are days when I just want to laze around and watch Netflix instead of getting work done. But I’ve found some tricks that really help me.
First of all, I have a dedicated workspace. It doesn’t have to be a big fancy office. In my case, it’s just a corner of my living room with a nice desk, a comfortable chair, and some cute decorations. When I sit at that desk, it’s like my brain switches into work mode. I also make sure to set clear goals for myself each day. Whether it’s finishing a certain number of tasks for my main job or making progress on a side hustle project, having those goals in front of me keeps me on track.
And let’s not forget about self-care. Working remotely and juggling side hustles can be exhausting if you don’t take care of yourself. I make sure to take regular breaks, go for walks outside, and do some yoga or stretching exercises. It helps me clear my head and come back to work with renewed energy.
One of the challenges I faced was dealing with loneliness. When you’re used to working in an office with colleagues around you, suddenly being on your own all day can be a bit of a shock. But I found ways to combat that too. I joined some online communities related to my side hustles and my main work field. I would chat with other women who were in similar situations, share ideas, and offer support. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this journey.
In terms of managing my time effectively, I’ve learned to prioritize. My main remote work pays the bills, so that always comes first. But I also make sure to carve out time for my side hustles because they bring me so much joy and the potential for extra income. I use tools like time-tracking apps to see where my time is going and make adjustments if needed.
The financial aspect of side hustles is also really exciting. You know, it’s not just about making a little extra pocket money. For me, it’s about building something that could potentially grow into a full-time business in the future. With the income from my Etsy store and my freelance writing gigs, I’ve been able to save up for things like vacations, new home decor, and even investing in better equipment for my side hustles.
And the sense of accomplishment you get from seeing your side hustles thrive is indescribable. When I see positive reviews from customers on my Etsy store or when I get an email from a client saying how much they loved my writing, it just makes my day. It makes all the hard work and the times when I wanted to give up seem worth it.
But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. There are times when I’ve had to deal with technical issues while working remotely. You know, like when my internet goes down right in the middle of an important meeting or when my computer decides to act up. It can be really frustrating, but I’ve learned to have backup plans. I always have a mobile hotspot ready in case of internet problems, and I make sure to keep my computer updated and maintained regularly.
Another thing to watch out for is burnout. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of trying to do everything at once. That’s why I make sure to listen to my body and my mind. If I’m feeling too tired or stressed, I take a step back and give myself a break. I might even take a whole day off just to relax and recharge.
In conclusion, the art of remote work and thriving in the age of side hustles has been an amazing journey for me. It’s given me the freedom to explore my passions, make extra money, and create a work life that I truly enjoy. It hasn’t been without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them. So, if you’re thinking about giving remote work and side hustles a try, I say go for it! You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.