Embracing a Side Hustle Without Overstepping Your Full-Time Job
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Chapter 1: My Journey into the Side Hustle World
When I embarked on my freelance journey, I was fueled by dreams of wealth and independence. I envisioned myself as the person in my friend circle who would enjoy financial success. (Although fame and recognition were never my goals, a bit of cash and freedom were definitely on my wishlist.) However, as my freelance work evolved, I realized that my priorities shifted.
Initially, I hoped that my side gig would eventually surpass my teaching salary, allowing me to pursue my passions full-time. But my perspective has transformed.
Here’s why:
- My Side Hustle Enhances My Professional Skills
Before I dived into freelancing, I often missed deadlines, struggled with organization, and spent excessive time perfecting tasks. This chaos often led to taking work home, pushing me to finish late into the night while neglecting quality time with my family.
However, with the constraints of a 9-to-5 job, I learned to manage my time more effectively. The urgency pushed me to become organized and efficient in my daily tasks, leading to a noticeable improvement in my productivity.
The wisdom of Benjamin Franklin rings true: "If you want something done, ask a busy person." I now prefer a packed day with a long to-do list that I can tackle efficiently over a lighter day where I find myself easily distracted.
My work quality has improved as well; I was just promoted to a managerial position, which speaks volumes about my enhanced productivity.
Chapter 2: The Perks of Dual Income
Initially, I was fixated on matching my freelance earnings with my full-time salary. There were times I successfully did so, but it often meant sacrificing my well-being, working late nights, and dealing with challenging clients.
Now, I have shifted my mindset. I’ve realized that earning an extra £300 each month is sufficient for me. This additional income enriches my life without the stress of chasing after higher earnings. My side hustle has transformed back into a passion rather than a burden.
- Reducing Stress Levels
As previously mentioned, the pressure of client acquisition and looming deadlines led to significant stress. Questions like "When will my next client come?" and "Will I have to lower my rates?" often caused anxiety.
I took time to reflect and recognized that my side hustle should remain just that—a side venture that complements my full-time job and adds financial security without diminishing my quality of life. If you're considering a side hustle, remember that it's intended to provide supplementary income, not replace your primary source of income.
- Distinguishing Between Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship
Some may argue that if you’re not in it to maximize profits, you’re missing the point of a side hustle. However, I find joy in what I do without feeling the need to scale my efforts into a full-blown business.
I am not an entrepreneur; I lack formal training in business management, financial regulations, or sales strategies. My passion lies in writing, and that's what I’ll focus on. I’ll continue to seek out projects that excite me but won’t let myself become entangled in the pressures of the gig economy.
Wrap-Up: Finding Your Happiness
Ultimately, your side hustle should be a source of extra income that enhances your lifestyle—not an avenue to become a full-time entrepreneur responsible for others’ livelihoods. If that’s your goal, then pursue it wholeheartedly! But remember, this isn’t the original intention of a side hustle.
I’d love to hear about your side hustles in the comments below! What are you working on alongside your full-time job?