As the economy continues to struggle, more people are turning to a side job as a means of supplementing their incomes. While this can be a helpful way to make ends meet in lean times, many people fail to realize the benefits of side hustling. Side jobs offer independence and flexibility that many other methods don’t. But it’s important to note that side hustling doesn’t necessarily translate into success or failure.
In fact, some of the most prominent entrepreneurs today were once just ordinary individuals who decided to turn their hobbies into businesses. So if you’re hesitant about starting your own side gig or believe someone else might be able to help you launch one, read on for some insight into why we should have a side hustle:
Independence and Flexibility.
One of the most appealing aspects of side hustling is the sense of independence it provides. Many people mistake busyness for productivity. In reality, productivity is about getting things done. The trick is to keep working while maintaining a balanced approach to life. This is easier said than done, but many people find that side hustling provides them with a sense of independence they might otherwise not have. Being your own boss is a rewarding feeling, and it can help you feel productive and more confident in your abilities.
Working a side job may provide the flexibility to take frequent vacations. It can also afford you a way to change career paths or take time off to care for a family member or sick loved one. You’re not simply pivoting between jobs to make extra money, but also working to make enough money to afford your lifestyle. This can lead to big financial problems in the future. However, no matter how much flexibility you may get from a side hustle, it is not a way to escape the 9-5 grind.
Developing Skills and business connections.
Many people start their own side gigs in an effort to sharpen existing skills and build a professional network. The best way to do this is by finding a new hobby that allows you to explore and build on existing skills. If you’re a talented writer, for example, you may be able to find a niche by blogging about a particular skill or niche. By exploring this new hobby, you can also start to think about how your skills can be applied to other areas. Similarly, once you’ve found something you’re good at, you can start to see new career paths opening up in front of you. You may have a knack for accounting, for example, which could lead you to the idea of becoming a book/storekeeper.
Learn New Skills.
Another benefit of side hustling is the opportunity it gives you to learn new skills. Whether it’s through your main job or a side job, learning new skills is essential for success. However, it can be difficult with a traditional job. In a traditional job, you’re likely focused on managing your career path and avoiding mistakes. By adding some side jobs to your schedule, you can increase your chances of learning new skills, expand your network, and build a significant amount of extra income.
Build networking and business connections.
Keep your hustling activities simple and low-risk. This way, you can keep your side hustles from taking up too much of your time. This makes it easier to keep your side job, which could be something you love, from feeling like a “real job.” By keeping it simple, you can also keep your business networking and socializing simple as well. You don’t have to go heavy with networking and socializing because you’re also using your time to make money. These activities can be a great way to build relationships with people in your community. They also help you make real business connections.
Earnings variability and permanency.
Another benefit of working a side hustle is the variability in earnings. While many jobs provide a set amount of pay every week or month, side hustles often offer higher rewards based on your performance. You may even make more money with some side hustles. While others may offer a more consistent income, providing you with more predictable monthly expenses. In many ways, this is similar to working a traditional 9-5 job where pay is set and earnings vary. However, you can also see how the advantages of a side hustle.
Working a side job offers more flexible scheduling and the ability to choose when and where you work. This can give you more freedom than a traditional 9-5 job, making it an attractive option for some people.
We’ve discussed some of the benefits of working a side job, including independence and flexibility. Also, the ability to develop new skills and the variability in earnings can come with some hustles. There are valuable resources that can help you make it through any rough patch in the economy. However, they come with a cost. While they can provide some level of independence and flexibility, they’re not a long-term solution for making short-term ends meet.
You need is a way to make money that is sustainable, reliable, and will help you build wealth over time. That way, when the economy improves, you’ll be better positioned to take advantage of it. That’s why we should try to have a side job if and where we can.
