I am not sure how the time went SO quickly, but my little corner of the good ‘ole worldwide web turns THREE at the end of this month. I plan to share more reflections on that along with some updates and changes I will be making to the blog. But today, I want to reflect on the benefits of having a side hustle. This post is for those of you who have been thinking about starting a new side hustle or thinking about taking a risk and doing something different for your life.

But first, let’s be honest. It’s really easy to focus on the reasons not to do something new. And from my experience, we often gravitate towards the potential negatives of a new venture when we aren’t ready for the change or don’t feel like we deserve it. For me, my negative thoughts sounded like, “what if I’m not good at it?”, “My life is too all over the place to focus on a side hustle right now,” and “I should start it later, when X is done.”

“It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to has power over you.”

Leon Brown

Shifting Your Mindset for a Side Hustle

Three years ago, I was still unsure about creating a blog as a side hustle. For several years, I thought about blogging. I felt passionate about the idea, but I the negative thoughts and my reasons not to do it just yet had the front seat. Then, something changed. I accepted there would never be a “perfect” time. I let go of the negative thoughts. I realized that I deserved to give this blogging thing a try. I knew that if I didn’t allow myself to try managing a side hustle, I would regret it and always wonder, “what if?”

So, I pulled the trigger. I took that first step into creating a blog and my own little side hustle.

Fast forward to today, and I have gotten SO much more out of this blog than I ever imagined! Leading up to the birth of this blog, my job situation rocky and… frustrating to say the least. The organization I worked for had had some leadership change and the environment was quickly turning toxic. (Little did I know, I was a few months away from being fired!) I began looking for a new job right as I started this side hustle. Then, almost immediately, I started realizing these benefits:

THE BENEFITS OF A SIDE HUSTLE

#1 – Ownership & Control

Such a large percentage of work frustrations and complaints boil down to the things we cannot control. When you have a side hustle that whole dynamic changes. Yes, it is all up to you, and that can be scary at times, but you are in the driver seat – no one else! You make your deadlines. You decide how much time you want to invest in it each week. Your side hustle is just that. It is YOURS, and that level of control and ownership can feel SO good my friends.

#2 – Creative Outlet

Having space to be creative and create the things you want, and create things how you want is such a gift. Creative outlets have also been known to improve mood, reduce stress and renew brain function. Whether your side hustle is a blog or an Etsy shop or even a side consulting business, some level of creativity is required to establish your brand. Personally, the creative outlet I have as a result of this blog is my favorite thing about my side hustle.

#3 – Work Boundaries

When you start a side hustle, one of the first things you have to determine is how much time and energy you are willing to invest in it. Since side hustles are by definition something additional to your day job, you have to figure out how/when to fit it into your schedule. The almost instant result is clear work boundaries.

Before my side hustle, I too often got caught up in work emails and calls outside of normal working hours. I worked far more than I was required to, and because of my “always say yes” and people-pleaser personality, my job often took advantage of me. Now, I have adhere to a more strict set of work hours in order to create time in my schedule for my side hustle.

SIDE NOTE: Side hustles can also change your concept of work. While I do consider the time and energy I put into this blog work, it rarely feels like it.

#4 – Personal Growth & Confidence

To truly create a side hustle, you have to find your voice and respect it. If you are in any way apart of your side hustle’s brand, then you have to really think about who you are, what parts of you or others you want to share and how you want to highlight and communicate that. As your voice grows you will learn more about yourself and grow more confident in who you are.

Perhaps this is the biggest benefit for me. Before my blog, I felt like my voice was often lost at work or that it really didn’t matter because the higher-up would have the say at the end of the day. I would shy away from speaking up. For me, when I write a new blog post and spend time on my side hustle, I feel a renewed sense of who I am. I have become and continue to become more confident, and I see a correlation to that and this blog.

Shop my Summer Work Style Must-Haves!

Of course, my side hustle is a little different from others. I also realize that a lot of people do not consider a blog a side hustle (more on that later!). BUT, regardless of what your side hustle is or what you want it to be, I encourage you to focus on the benefits and positive aspects that can or do come from it.

If you’re feeling lost or unmotivated, recalling the benefits can help remind you of the purpose behind your side hustle and why you started it in the first place.

If you’re in the same place I was a few years ago, unsure about doing something new, think about the benefits and this quote:

“You can’t always wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, you have to dare to do it because life is too short to wonder what could’ve been.”

— Unknown

My hope is the tangible benefits I have experienced will give you the courage to GO FOR IT — to start that side hustle and invest some extra time and energy into a passion that lights you up. I would love to hear your thoughts on side hustles. Are they worth it? Do you have one? Were you unsure about starting one, like I was? Let’s connect in the comments.

Cheers!

Sarah Camille

Disclaimer: All  the opinions and thoughts I share are my own unless stated otherwise. I only share content that I have a personal connection with. Your clicks, comments and engagement are very much appreciated, and may allow me to receive a small compensation. Your support of SC’s Scoop and the brands I share help me keep doing what I love — thank you!