With rising prices and economic uncertainty on the horizon, many people need a side hustle to supplement their primary income from their full-time jobs.
A 2023 survey found that 39 percent of American adults have a side gig. Forty-four percent of this group believe they will always need one to make ends meet.
Full-time jobs can be demanding. Adding a side gig to the mix can pose a significant challenge. However, successfully doing both is possible with the right skills and healthy working habits.
Advice for Juggling a Side Project and Your Full-Time Job
Working a full-time job can already be challenging enough. Adding the responsibilities of running a side hustle can be difficult and exhausting without managing your time and energy efficiently.
While working full-time with a gig on the side can be challenging, it can also be fulfilling and help increase your income. Here are some tips to help you succeed professionally and take care of yourself simultaneously.
Acknowledge the challenge
A side hustle with a full-time job is no small feat. Acknowledging it as a challenge is the first thing to do to find balance. It helps you understand what you’re getting into and prepare accordingly.
Understand that you may face time constraints, exhaustion, and occasional stress. Accepting these challenges allows you to approach them with a proactive mindset.
Stick to a schedule
When managing a full-time work and a side business, it’s imperative to establish a clear schedule. Set limits on when you must work at your full-time job and when you can attend to other important matters, such as your side project.
Prioritize your tasks and allocate specific time slots for your side hustle activities. Whether it’s dedicating mornings, breaks, evenings, or weekends, having a structured routine helps manage your time effectively.
Tools like calendars, to-do lists, and productivity apps ensures you stay organized and don’t overlook any commitments.
Take care of yourself
Balancing two roles requires physical and mental stamina. Ensure you get enough rest, healthy meals, and exercise. Maintaining good physical and mental health allows you to do your best in whatever project you tackle.
Aside from caring for your health, do things you enjoy and interact with your loved ones. Social and community support is extremely helpful in managing stress and making you feel good about life.
Adequate self-care is not a luxury but necessary when managing a hectic schedule. Remember that your well-being directly impacts your productivity and creativity, which are essential for success in your side hustle and your primary job.
Reprioritize when necessary
When juggling a full-time work with a side business, flexibility is essential. There will be instances when unanticipated personal or professional obligations require your attention.
It’s essential to recognize when to reprioritize and adjust your schedule when these situations arise. Embrace the idea that you cannot control everything, and adaptability is a valuable skill when balancing multiple projects like your primary job and your side hustle.
Choose the right side hustle
The side hustle you choose can be a critical factor influencing your well-being and motivation. Choosing a side gig that aligns with your skills, interests, and time constraints is crucial for long-term success.
Consider the scalability and feasibility of your chosen venture. If it is something you are passionate about or interested in, it can be more fulfilling and less burdensome.
Evaluate the potential income, market demand, and your own commitment level before diving into a side hustle. These steps help ensure that your side gig complements your current lifestyle and the demands of your primary job.
Side Hustle Ideas To Explore
There are several side gigs you can consider depending on your lifestyle, location, interests, and needs. Choosing the right one helps make the process more enjoyable and motivates you to do your best.
If you’re still unsure about the side hustle you want to pursue, look into our suggestions below for some inspiration.
Freelancing
Freelancing offers many opportunities when you do it as a side hustle, making it a popular choice for many working individuals. Find a skill you excel at, such as writing, graphic design, programming, or digital marketing.
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr help connect freelancers with clients seeking specific skills. You can also set up a LinkedIn account or a personal website to showcase your skills and existing work.
Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a beginner, freelancing allows you to monetize your expertise on a flexible schedule.
Forex trading
If you’re intrigued or enthusiastic about financial markets, Forex trading provides an avenue to capitalize on and earn through currency fluctuations.
While this gig can be highly technical and require a bit of a learning curve, various online resources and courses can help you understand the basics. You can go solo with your own account or sign up for platforms offering a Forex affiliate commission.
Forex trading can be a profitable side gig if you understand the risks and use strategies to mitigate them.
Pet-sitting
Animal lovers can find pet-sitting to be a rewarding side hustle. Many pet owners prefer leaving their pets in the comfort of their homes when they need to spend some time away.
You can promote your services within your community through flyers or simply talking to your family and friends. You can also join community Facebook groups to help you find potential clients.
Personal assistant
Offering personal assistant services can be an excellent side hustle for those with good organizational skills.
Busy professionals often have a lot to consider and require assistance with day-to-day tasks, like scheduling appointments, managing emails, or handling administrative duties.
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to be an in-person personal assistant, you can try being a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants often perform the same functions as personal assistants without having to work on-site.
Selling at markets or festivals
If you have a crafty or artistic side, you can try selling your work at local markets or festivals. The things you make can be a hit at these places and allow you to earn from your art and hobbies.
Whether you make handmade crafts, unique artwork, or specialty foods, these events provide exposure and a direct connection with potential customers. Regularly attending them can help you build a customer base that supports your passion.
Becoming an e-commerce retailer
E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop, with more people preferring to buy online. You can start a small business on e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. If you want more control over your online presence, you can also build your own e-commerce website.
Blogging
If you enjoy expressing your thoughts through writing about a niche or topic you are passionate about, consider starting a blog.
While it can take time to gain enough attention, you can monetize it through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. Ensure you post consistently and produce quality content that delivers value to your readers.
Online courses and coaching
People value guidance in various aspects of their lives. If you consider yourself an expert on a specific topic, you can use your knowledge to guide others through online courses and coaching sessions.
Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to host and sell courses on various topics. You can also build a professional website and connect with potential clients there. With good marketing strategies and word-of-mouth, you can find people eager to learn from you.
Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job is not for the faint of heart. However, developing essential skills and learning to prioritize can help you through your journey. Make sure to choose a side hustle that works with your interests, commitment level, and time constraints ease to your busy schedule.
