Auditor by day, DJ by night - the art of working a full time job and a side hustle

‍

Everyone is always on a tight budget. Surely you have been hearing it everywhere. The cost of living is increasing daily, resulting in salaries/income needing to be more to keep up with the costs of living. Now, we are seeing the need for a side hustle, another income stream. ‍

‍

1. The struggle of knowing what "hustle" to pick.

A friend once told me this:

 "Two people can go to the gym and do the same workout, but the results may not be the same for everyone," In life, there is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' solution. 

When it comes to picking a side hustle, the same principle applies. Some people are overthinkers. Be mindful of this making it difficult to make that extra income.

Fear of failure also plays a massive role in the struggle of picking a hustle. To mitigate these struggles. You need to be able to pick something that aligns with your passions. Understand and accept the risks that come with the choice that they make. Furthermore, to make starting more accessible, one must keep telling themselves that slow dough is better than no dough.

2. There is money to be made.

Money is the same - it is just that there are many ways of acquiring it. Though I am a young professional, I am telling you - there is money to be made. Here are a few examples:

• selling fast food, 
• cleaning carpets
• washing cars
• high-pressure cleaning services, etc. 

If you know your cooking skills are good, do not hesitate to start your catering or fast-food business (Loadshedding has also pushed some people to eat takeaways occasionally).

I am highlighting a few hustles which won't interfere with work because with all the above mentioned, one still needs to deliver for the employer. The employer is not your enemy; your workplace is where you learn how to conduct business professionally, where you learn discipline and, most importantly, learn to engage with clients.

‍‍

3. Striking a balance between work and the side hustle.

Though one should go for something that keeps you busy on weekends, we must acknowledge that as a business grows, the demand also grows.

It would help if you had someone you trust. Make sure that they learn how you do your business. Even if the person assisting you or your right-hand man is your best friend, compensate for their time, and show appreciation so that when you need them again, they can assist without feeling like you are taking advantage of the friendship. This also teaches you that you must not expect free services. 

Make use of social media to attract new customers. This can be done after hours, engaging with potential clients. Most of us use our cell phones to de-stress or get our minds off work for a moment; you could be growing your business in the process.

Remember, Respecting your main income stream is essential because that is where our bread is buttered.

Through all the challenges we are facing, businesses are also facing those challenges. A rising cost of living also increases the costs of maintaining a business. One should never take the chance given by employers for granted. In addition, give that same respect to your business. Your clients/potential clients are your business.

‍