Are you a side hustler? If you’re a passionate multi-hyphenate who’s juggling a 9 to 5 and something on the side (Baking company? Tech start-up? Dog-walking business?), you very well could be.
I recently sat on the panel of Toronto wellness blogger Chivon John‘s event called ”Secrets of a Side Hustler.” Joined by a few other hustlin’ honeys, we discussed the benefits, challenges, tricks, and tips behind being an entrepreneur on the side. As someone who has a 9 to 5 in healthcare, and a 5 to whenever in blogging, freelance writing, and social media management, I had a lot to add to the conversation. I learned a lot too – and I’d like to share some of those top points. Are you trying to find the balance between passion and obligation? Then read on, this one’s for you.
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1. Find a mentor.
This is an important tip in any facet of life, but especially when you’re trying to navigate various career/passion paths. Do you know anyone (in real life or online) that you can reach out to? Someone who is where you want to be with your chosen side hustle, or someone who’s a side hustler themselves? Find a mentor who can not only guide you, but can also create connections that will help you to grow. Worried that you’re imposing on someone who has better things to do with their time than work with you? You’d be surprised at how many people want to give back. Just ask!
2. Find and maintain a wellness plan.
Managing work and life’s other obligations can be challenging enough – add in another career and things get even trickier. Sleep time decreases while stress increases. Less time to cook means more time to grab junk food before you hit your second wind. Always remember – your health is your wealth, and if you aren’t prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally, you won’t get very far. How much sleep does your body need? Can pre-planning meals buy you some more work time? Have you carved out space each week for some physical exercise? Don’t neglect yourself in pursuit of success. You want to be around and healthy enough to enjoy it!
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3. Schedule, schedule, schedule.
Scheduling can definitely take the spontaneity out of life, but when you’re juggling a main job and a side hustle, it’s utterly necessary. Scheduling works for two main reasons – one, it helps you to maximize your full 24 hours. When you plot out your tasks and goals for the day, it helps to keep you on track and makes you less likely to slack off. Also, when it comes to setting time to get together with friends, family, and significant others (remember them – the folks who are there for you outside of work and side hustles?), scheduling is crucial. If you sit back and wait for time to appear for date nights or dinner with the homies, trust me – it’ll never show up. Schedule it in!
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4. Don’t slack on the main.
Unless your side hustle (or other external circumstances) is cushy enough, you still need your main job to pay the bills and fund your passions. Whether your employer is supportive of your other endeavors or not, you never want to give them a reason to doubt your capabilities from 9 to 5. Don’t slack off on the job! Do your best work and continue to put your best foot forward. Even if your heart is with your side hustle, your checking account is likely banking on that regular paycheck.
If you’re currently on the journey of maintaining a career and building something on the side, you’re not alone! Use these tips to kick off your journey for balance and success. And when you’ve mastered the integration of passion and obligation, pay it forward and help someone else up!
[Image: Shutterstock]