Myth or fact? - Balancing a side gig with a full-time job

Benjemen Elengovan -

Hey Gigsters,

It’s great to be back with another edition of the SideGig Newsletter! This time, I want to get real about something that’s been a challenge for many of us: balancing a side hustle with a full-time job. Trust me, I know it’s not easy. But with some practical tips and the right mindset, you can make it work without losing your sanity.

Let’s chat about how to do just that.

1. Prioritise Your Time Like a Pro

Time management is key. I can’t stress this enough: when you’re juggling a full-time job and a side hustle, every minute counts.

  • Create a Weekly Schedule: Blocking out specific times each week dedicated solely to my side hustle has really helped me. It’s like setting a meeting with yourself that you can’t cancel. I personally use Notion Calendar and Reminders (Mac) to keep things organized and on track.
  • Time Blocking Works Wonders: Have you ever tried time blocking? It’s a game-changer. I block out a couple of hours in the evenings or on weekends to focus on my side hustle. This way, I know exactly when to switch gears from my day job to my passion project.

2. Set Goals You Can Actually Reach

Goals keep you motivated, but they need to be realistic. Otherwise, you’ll end up frustrated.

  • Define Your Objectives: What’s your side hustle goal? Maybe it’s to earn an extra $500 a month or launch a new product. Whatever it is, get clear on it.
  • Break It Down: Big goals can feel overwhelming, so I like to break them down into smaller, actionable steps. If you want to launch a website, start by choosing a domain name, then work on the design, and so on. It makes the whole process feel more manageable.

3. Use What You’ve Got

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, the skills you use in your full-time job can be super useful for your side hustle.

  • Leverage Your Work Skills: Think about it—are there skills you use at work that could help with your side hustle? For example, I use the marketing skills I acquired at my day job to promote my side hustle. It’s a win-win.
  • Network Within Your Circle: Don’t underestimate the power of your existing network. Sometimes, a colleague or friend can offer valuable support or even become a customer. Just make sure to keep it professional.

4. Don’t Forget About You

Getting caught up in the hustle is easy, but your health and well-being should always come first.

  • Get Your Zzz’s: I know it’s tempting to stay up late working on your side gig, but sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for 7-8 hours a night, so you’re not running on empty.
  • Move Your Body: Exercise isn’t just good for your health—it’s also a stress reliever. Even a quick walk can clear your head and boost your energy.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Taking a few minutes for meditation or deep breathing can do wonders for your focus and mental clarity. It helps me stay grounded, especially on those crazy, busy days.

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Why do everything yourself when you can automate or outsource?

  • Automation is Your Friend: Tools like Buffer for social media and Zapier for automating tasks have saved me so much time. Set them up once, and let them do the heavy lifting.
  • Outsource When You Can: If something is outside your expertise or too time-consuming, consider outsourcing it. Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork are great for finding help.
Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job isn’t easy, but it’s definitely doable. It’s all about managing your time wisely, setting realistic goals, leveraging your skills, and taking care of yourself. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all in it together, and I’m here to help you make it work.

How do you balance your side hustle with your full-time job? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences. Please share it in the comments.

See you in the next edition

Benji