Mastering the Art of the Side Hustle

If your job isn’t totally fulfilling you professionally, you may be seeking other opportunities to grow your professional skills. Many of us look outside our cubicles to find volunteering, mentoring, or freelancing opportunities to help us build skills and networks that will help us leap frog into higher positions.

Another option to consider is the side hustle. Now, what we mean by this is a business endeavor — whether you’re running the show or helping with it — that you work on gradually while keeping your day job. Because there’s no risk of losing your job while you side hustle, you can build up experience (and maybe some equity in the company) while getting a steady paycheck.

Partner Up

Finding the right side hustle can be challenging, so find a partner who can connect you with the type of gig you’re looking for. Connect with Upwork if you’re just looking to make more money. Get into the startup scene with Sweat EquitE if you’re more focused on long term wealth. See what’s out there by filling out a profile.  Want to work with nonprofits? Taproot Foundation can help.

Start Slow

The last thing anyone wants is for you to overpromise and then not be able to deliver. So start slow with a few commitments and long timelines until you understand how much energy you can devote to the hustle. Then, ramp up your responsibilities to a level that you can consistently maintain so you can be sure you’re able to devote the time needed to live up to your commitments.

Build In Flexibility

You don’t want to spend every waking hour working, so when you need to do more at your day job, be sure you have the flexibility in your side gig to reduce the time you devote there by the same amount. Keeping your time and effort balanced between your day job and your “extracurricular work” will keep you sane.

Maximize Your Time

Making the most out of your day is the cornerstone of mastering the art of the side hustle. So schedule phone calls during your drive to and from work. What else are you going to do in traffic? Just be sure to use a hands-free device.

Work on your side hustle during your lunch hour or whenever you have free time. Just don’t jeopardize your day job by working on it during hours you’re supposed to be doing paid work.

Reevaluate Value

It’s important to not lose sight of the forest while you’re working on the trees. Constantly evaluate how well your side hustle is helping you meet your goals. Can you be doing less for the same amount or earn more for the same time? How much have you actually learned? How much has your LinkedIn network grown? What does your potential with this startup look like?

Having a side hustle can round out your experience and give you the opportunity to help another company grow quickly.