Building a side hustle + balancing a 9-to-5

Hey UpFlippers,

“It was all a dream,” said Biggie Smalls, aka The Notorious B.I.G. And dreams can become reality. So we’re here to break it down on how you can spin up that side-hustle to start bringing in extra cheddar (another Biggie reference, sorry…not sorry). 

You're all too familiar with that constant juggling act between your day job and your burning passion project. 

You know the drill: spreadsheets by day, side hustle by night. 

It's exhausting, right? But also...kind of exhilarating?

We get it. There's nothing quite like the rush of working on something that's truly yours. But let's be real—it's rarely easy. Some days, you're on top of the world, and others? Well, let's just say the couch and Netflix look mighty tempting.

Here's the thing: You're not alone on this wild ride. So grab a coffee (or hey, maybe something stronger—no judgment!), and let's dive into how to rock this double life of yours.

Time: Your new best friend (or frenemy?)

Okay, let's talk time. 

It's the one thing we all wish we had more of, right? But since we can't add hours to the day, we've got to get smart about using what we've got.

First things first: You need a game plan.

We’re not talking about some vague "I'll work on my side hustle when I have time" kind of deal. 

Nope. 

We're talking specific hours dedicated to your passion project. Maybe it's 6 to 8 PM every weeknight, or perhaps you're a weekend warrior. Whatever works for you, stick to it like your business depends on it (because, well, it does).

Here's a pro tip that's a game-changer: time-blocking.

It's like Tetris for your schedule. Assign specific chunks of time to specific tasks, and watch your productivity soar. And hey, why not use your lunch break for a quick call or some brainstorming? Multitasking at its finest!

[GIF: Person frantically trying to catch time represented as slipping sand or clock hands]

But here's the kicker—sometimes, the best way to find more time is to make more time. I know, I know, it sounds impossible. But hear me out: What if you woke up just 30 minutes earlier? I can hear the groans already, but trust me, that extra half-hour can be pure gold for your side hustle.

Remember: It's not about working yourself to the bone. It's about working smarter, not harder. Speaking of which...

Your secret weapon…

Energy.

Time to get real for a second. 

Balancing a full-time job and a side hustle can leave you feeling like a smartphone on 1% battery. But here's the thing: You can't build a healthy business if you're running on fumes.

So, how do we keep our energy up? 

First off, self-care isn't just a buzzword—it's your new religion. We’re talking regular exercise, eating something other than takeout, and actually getting enough sleep. I know, revolutionary stuff, right?

But seriously, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary. Think of it this way: You're the most important asset in your business. 

Would you run your car without ever changing the oil? Exactly.

Now, here's something that might be tough to swallow: You need to learn to say no. I get it, you want to do it all. But spreading yourself too thin is a one-way ticket to Burnout City. Focus on what truly matters and politely decline the rest. Your future self will thank you.

[GIF: Person transforming from exhausted to energized]

Oh, and find your "golden hours"—those magical times when you're at your most productive. For some, it's the crack of dawn; for others, it's the middle of the night. Whenever your brain is firing on all cylinders, that's when you should tackle your most important side hustle tasks.

Remember: You're playing the long game here. Pace yourself and recharge when needed. It’s the most important factor in your success. 

Money matters: Making every penny count

“Cash rules everything…” at least according to Wu-Tang Clan.

(Don’t worry, we won’t make you sing another song, but it’s a good one!)

When you're just starting out, your budget is more than likely going to be very tight. But don't let that stop you! There are plenty of ways to stretch those dollars.

Start lean and mean. 

Use free or low-cost tools to get the ball rolling. 

Need graphics? Canva's got your back. 

Email marketing? beehiiv’s free plan is a great place to start. 

The internet is your oyster—there's a free or cheap option for almost everything if you know where to look.

Here's a thought: Every dollar your side hustle makes? Plow it right back into the business. I know it's tempting to treat yourself (and yes, you do need to invest in self-care), but reinvesting the majority of it will help you grow faster.

And don’t forget about your secret weapon: your network. 

Reach out to friends, family, old colleagues. You'll be surprised how many people are willing to help, whether it's with advice, connections, or even becoming your first customers.

And here's a cool idea: skill swapping. Find other entrepreneurs and trade your expertise. Maybe you're a whiz at social media and they're great at bookkeeping. Boom! Win-win situation right there.

Remember: Being resourceful is part of the entrepreneurial journey. Embrace the challenge—it'll make for a great story when you’ve achieved success!

Goals: Dream big; start small

Let's start with the big picture. Where do you want your side hustle to be in a year? Five years? Don't be afraid to dream big—that's what got you started on this journey in the first place!

But here's the key: Break those big, audacious goals into smaller, manageable chunks.

Think of them as your business milestones. Each one you hit is cause for celebration (and trust me, you should celebrate them!).

Use the SMART framework to keep yourself on track:

• Specific: "Increase sales" is vague. "Get 10 new clients this quarter" is specific.

• Measurable: If you can't measure it, you can't improve it.

• Achievable: Challenge yourself, but be realistic.

• Relevant: Make sure each goal aligns with your overall vision.

• Time-bound: Set deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

[GIF: Person climbing a mountain or ladder, representing achieving goals step by step]

And here's something crucial: Track your progress.

It could be a fancy app or a simple spreadsheet—whatever works for you. Seeing how far you've come can be incredibly motivating, especially on those days when you're wondering why you started this crazy journey in the first place.

Remember: Progress is progress, no matter how small. Celebrate every win.

Your 9-to-5 superpowers

Here's a mind-bender for you: Your day job isn't just a paycheck—it's a training ground for your side hustle. Mind. Blown 🤯 Right?

Think about it. What skills are you honing at work that could level up your side gig? Maybe you're a master of spreadsheets, a pro at client communication, or a wizard at project management. Those skills are gold for your business!

But it goes beyond skills. Your job is a networking goldmine, too. Build genuine relationships with your colleagues and clients. You never know—they might become your biggest supporters, or even wind up on your customer list.

And hey, why not intentionally use your day job as a learning opportunity? Volunteer for projects that'll teach you skills you can use to supercharge your side hustle. It's like getting paid to attend business school!

Remember: Always, always respect the boundaries between your job and your side hustle. Use your own time and resources for your business. It's not just about ethics—it's about building your side hustle on a solid foundation.

This Week's UpFlip Favorites

🎥 Watch: DON’T Start a Business! (Here's an Easier Alternative)

📖 Read: 27 Side Jobs From Home: Unlock Your Earning Potential

🔗 Explore: r/sidehustle (It's like a support group, but for hustlers.)

📱 Follow: Upwork on LinkedIn for side hustle and freelance life inspo

The home stretch: You've got this!

Whew! We've covered a lot of ground, haven't we? 

Building a business while working full time isn't for the faint of heart. But guess what? You're doing it. Right now. And that's something to be incredibly proud of.

Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when you feel like you're conquering the world, and days when you wonder what the heck you're doing. Both are normal. Both are part of the process.

Be patient with yourself. Stay committed to your dreams. And don't be afraid to pivot if something's not working. The most successful entrepreneurs aren't the ones who get everything right the first time—they're the ones who keep going, keep learning, and keep adapting.

You've got the tools. You've got the passion. Now go out there and make it happen!

Ready to take your side hustle from side dish to main course? Join our UpFlip YouTube community. We've got weekly interviews with entrepreneurs who started right where you are now. Trust me, it's better than Netflix!

Keep dreaming big and hustling hard,
Your friends at UpFlip

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