How to run a side hustle (without losing your mind)
Photo credit: Garrhet Sampson
Absolute freedom. That was how I felt leaving the bank after depositing my first check from a freelance gig. For the first time, I was my own boss.
I think that’s what did it - that little taste of entrepreneurship set me on a five-year journey that has come with some of the most challenging and rewarding moments of my life.
Like many people, I started my side hustle to supplement my full-time job. But quickly, I realized that’s not where I wanted it to end. I like to dream big, and the more my confidence grew, the hungrier I became for what I knew my business could become.
A side hustle isn’t for everyone. But for me, it has always been the right decision. I like the idea of growing slow and steady over time, testing and validating my ideas, and knowing that if something doesn’t work, I can start from scratch and try something new. That doesn’t mean I don’t ever wonder “what if?” What if I had quit my full-time job when I landed the biggest contract of my career? What if I had quit when I was juggling five clients and managing three subcontractors?
I’ll never know. What I do know is that what I have learned about entrepreneurship, business, and start-ups in these five years will position Eliz Creative for success once it’s time to go full-force.
Until then, I will continue to learn and see failures as opportunities for further growth.
STRUCTURE YOUR TIME WISELY
Working full time while running a side hustle takes serious time management skills. Know how long it takes to complete a certain task, and set realistic expectations for yourself and your clients. Don’t take on more than you know you can handle - think quality over quantity. One free tool I absolutely love for tracking hours is Toggl. Other tools that help with time-management: Google Calendar, Calendly, and Microsoft OneNote.
It’s also important to have self-awareness around when you are the most productive and when you really just need a break. If you’re more productive in the morning, set your alarm to wake up before your full-time job and knock off some to-do list items for the side hustle. If you prefer to work in the evenings, set aside some time dedicated just to the side hustle.
SET BOUNDARIES
This has been a huge learning experience for me, and I’m still working on it. I have always been a “yes” person, but when you work full time and run a side hustle, you will quickly lose your mind if you don’t set parameters and boundaries around your time. You will also end up resenting yourself, your employer, and your clients - not a fun spiral.
When I was just starting out, I was so terrified of turning down a potential client, even if they weren’t a good fit for me and my business. But it was this mindset of fear and desperation that really got me into trouble. I would constantly overpromise and underdeliver, and then feel terrible and inadequate. Once I started turning people down, I realized I was making room for the right clients and work that I really loved.
Don’t be afraid to tell clients you are only available during a specific time frame. For example, “I am available for phone calls between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. only.” Or “I will only answer emails between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.” Or “I conduct meetings only on Fridays at 2 p.m.” Whatever works best for you and your schedule. Even better, have this specifically written out in your contract.
If a client texts, calls, or requests work outside of these parameters, it’s OK to remind them of your boundaries. And always set an Out of Office notification when you are on vacation (yes, vacation!).
If you decide to take your side hustle full time, having these boundaries in place and knowing how to manage expectations will really come in handy. People think that if they quit their full-time job, they will have so much more time to work on the business. But when your business is your lifeline, there may be times you have to put in even more hours than you do now. When you’re doing what you love, you won’t want to stop.
BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR EMPLOYER
In many cases, we start side hustles because we’re unhappy with our full-time job or career. The side business fulfills something inside of us that we’re just not getting in our day job - this is particularly true of artists and creators. It can be easy to find yourself in a negative mindset about your employer or put off an uninspiring project to work on the side hustle. This is an easy recipe for not only day-to-day unhappiness, but putting yourself at risk for losing that full-time income. Remember, your full-time employment is making it possible for you to work on your dream without a huge financial risk.
Adjust your mindset from resentment to graciousness. Be thankful that you have the privilege and security of a recurring paycheck. Work hard for your employer, focus on being in the moment when you’re at your full-time job, and schedule time after work and on weekends to do the side hustle. I promise, it will make the days go by much faster, and the time you do get to spend on your business that much more rewarding.
SET GOALS
Set goals and milestones for yourself and your business. Start with a larger vision, and then make a list of smaller, achievable goals. Use a daily planner. My favorite right now is The Daily Page from Thyme is Honey.
If your vision is to quit your full-time job and do your business full time, decide on the income amount you need to feel safe and comfortable. Some people will advise you to replace your full-time income, but this mentality can turn into a trap that will hinder you from ever leaving your job.
At one point, I found myself bringing in the same amount at my side hustle as I was making at my full-time job. At other points, I’ve made much less. It’s not about the number. It’s about comfort and lifestyle. Decide for yourself what you are willing to live on, and make sure you factor in the extra benefits you receive from your full-time work (health insurance, retirement benefits, gym membership, product and service discounts). It doesn’t necessarily have to be what you’re living on now - it can be more, or even less.
CREATE SYSTEMS AND DELEGATE
When you’re working full time and running a side hustle, it’s vital to keep yourself organized! Create systems and processes to keep you running smoothly and working toward your goals. Make sure your business doesn’t suffer when you step away and take that much-needed self-care. Remember, you can’t do it all.
I found my subcontractors through word-of-mouth and networking. But I know other entrepreneurs who have had success with sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
If you manage subcontractors, project management software is key. I have used Asana, Basecamp, Slack, and Trello for project management.
Automate and schedule out your social media with tools like Buffer, HootSuite, or Sprout Social.
HubSpot offers a free, basic CRM to help you keep track of leads and client relationships.
BE FLEXIBLE
When I started my side hustle five years ago, I never would have predicted I would be working through a pandemic. Be flexible and realize that entrepreneurship is a journey. While my grand, overarching vision for my business hasn’t changed, a lot of other things have. Sometimes you just don’t know until you try and fail. There have been countless times over the years when I’ve tried something that didn’t work, or realized I didn’t want to offer a particular service because either I wasn’t great at it, or I just didn’t enjoy it. There have been times when my clients’ needs have changed, or the industry has shifted.
You might have to pivot several times. You will change and grow overtime; make sure your business evolves with you.
BE REALISTIC
Running a business - side hustle or not - takes work. Know what it takes before diving in. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the fun aspects of the job, especially for creatives. But there’s a difference between doing your business and running your business.
For a long time, I was simply getting paid to do extra work on the side. I had no structure or systems in place and no financial plan.
If you want to grow your side hustle into a full-time gig, you need a realistic plan. A few things that helped me along the way:
Advice from successful entrepreneurs
Business coaching
Classes with the local Chamber of Commerce
Mentors
Networking
TAKE VACATION
Something about the word “side” makes it sound like you are not working as hard as you do in your full-time job. It’s just simply not true. You may not spend 40 hours a week on your side hustle, but you do put your entire mind, body, and soul into it. It feels like you’re working two full-time jobs because you are (even if the hours don’t necessarily reflect that).
Employers offer vacation packages for a reason. We are so much more productive when we are well-rested. Take time off, and really take it - no peeking at your email “just to see” if that contract has come in. Let your clients know you will be unavailable. Give yourself the gift of rest. Your business will be so much better for it.
BE PATIENT AND DON’T GIVE UP
Working a full-time job while building a business is not an easy path. You will be exhausted. You may strain relationships with friends and family. You may have to give up activities that you love. You will miss out on things. You will want to quit.
I can’t count how many times I’ve thought about throwing in the towel. But I keep going because I believe in myself enough to know that one day it will pay off. People will ask you why you don’t just quit your day job. They will tell you to leap now. Just be patient. You will know when you’re ready.
We’ve got this.
Want to talk more about how to run a successful side hustle? I’m here for it! Connect with me for one-on-one business coaching.