Step-by-step Guide to Launch Your Side Hustle Without Compromising Your Full-time Job

Life is about decisions; better daily decisions always lead to better daily results. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was among the employees sent back home. I was still so lucky to get 80% of my salary, but that triggered something in my mind: if my company was going to retrench, I was going to be among the people that would be laid off.

The fact that I was sent home showed me that I did not hold a critical position within the company. Therefore, I could be fired at any time. Being a single mother, I started worrying about how I was going to survive with my 10-year-old son if the worst happened. That is when I decided to start a side hustle. However, after a month, My employer asked me to come back to work.

It became very difficult for me to manage my full-time work and the side hustle I had just started. Was I going to abandon this side hustle because things had gone back to normal? No, because although I was earning a substantial income, I was struggling financially. And that is, unfortunately, the reality for most full-time professionals.

This post offers a step-by-step guide to help you launch your side hustle. It provides actionable advice on how to kick-start your business while keeping your full-time job. If you are a full-time professional struggling financially like I was, or if you just need another stream of income for savings or to back yourself up for the rainy seasons of life, then this guide is for you.

As a full-time professional, starting a side hustle can be extremely daunting. You will start with a clear goal, determining why you need that extra income and establishing your priorities. After setting up your goals, you will learn how to manage your time effectively because your day will never be the same once you venture into a side hustle. Then you will brainstorm side hustle ideas considering your skills, passion, and interests. Lastly, you will create a solid plan for your side business and determine the tools and resources you need the start up this side business.

STEP 1: Defining your Goals and Objectives

• The first step of launching your side hustle or any business for that matter is to ask yourself "WHY". This is critical because the answer to your why is what will keep you going whenever you feel like giving up. So be clear about why you need a side hustle. Is it for extra income to enable you to survive until month end? Is it for backup money in case life happens? Is it to achieve financial freedom? Or is it to become your own boss some days?
• The reason you start your side hustle is what will give you the everyday motivation you need to push and put in the effort required to successfully run your side business. It will also enable you to establish your new daily priorities, determine your actions, and measure yourself a few months later after your side business is launched. Always stay focused on your "Why".

STEP2: Learn How to Manage Your Time Effectively

• Once your priorities are established you will need to determine realistic time you can allocate to your side hustle every day without compromising your performance at your full-time work. Allocate a dedicated time slot for your side hustle whether it's the early hours of the morning (4 to 6 a.m.), the evenings, or on weekends. Prioritize your tasks by focusing on high-impact tasks and use tools like calendars, planners, or productivity apps to organize and manage your time efficiently.
• Time management is a critical skill for busy professionals who want to start a side hustle. Especially if you have a lot of responsibilities at work or do not have a boring job. Until now, I am still improving my time management as I have built three side hustles. Your side hustle should not compromise your career progression and your personal life

STEP3: Brainstorm Side Hustle Business Ideas

Now that you know how you can organize your day to find a suitable time to spare on a side business, you need to brainstorm your business ideas. These are the three questions you can ask yourself:

1. What are you passionate about? It is something that you can monetize?
2. What are your skills? Do you have some relevant skills that can enable you to provide a service or make products on a part-time basis?
3. What are people around you complaining the most about? Remember every problem is a business opportunity if you can solve it.

I will advise you to leverage your skills and explore potential niches that align with your interests and/or passions. Also, be very observative and attentive. When you are with people listen attentively to their interests and needs, then determine if you have a skill that you can use to address these needs.

Once you have determined your side hustle idea, you will need to do market research to evaluate the demand for the service or products you will be providing, analyze competitors, and determine how you will differentiate yourself from other providers.

STEP4: Create A Solid Plan to Kick Start your Side Hustle

• I don't mean a business plan, I just mean a plan. Developing a business plan for your side hustle can lead you to discouragement or procrastination because it requires too much information. All you need is a plan that enables you to start, therefore I usually recommend people to rather do a business model canvas.
• With a business model canvas, you can have a clear presentation and vision of your side hustle. The canvas will enable you to gather the primary information you need to start. Such as your products or services, your value proposition, your clients, your cost, your revenue streams, your suppliers, and your partners if needed...
• Once you gather this information, you can start small, assess your side hustle progress, and scale gradually with time or pivot if needed. Remember this is a side hustle you can move at your own pace and be flexible, the most important thing is to be consistent and not give up.

STEP 5: Determine the Resources, Tools, and Support you need to launch your side hustle

• Once you know what you want to do, who you are doing it for, and how you are going to do it, you need to list the resources, tools and supports you will need to launch. In case you need capital, determine where you will get it. In case you family support, discuss with your partner or family member what type of support you need. With regards to tools, there are plenty of free tools these days on the internet that can help you kick-start your side business.
• One thing that kills great business ideas is the lack of support and financial resources. Don't let these stop you from achieving your goal. If you plan and organize yourself well, and manage your finances wisely, these stumbling blocks will not affect you.

BONUS STEP: Take care of Yourself while growing your side hustles

Prioritize self-care above all things. It is critical that you avoid burnout by managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life-side hustle balance. Find time to exercise regularly and take short breaks. Spend quality time with family and friends. Self-care is vital.

Keys Takeaways

• Here you have them, the five steps you need to follow to launch your side hustle without compromising your main job or your career progression. If you follow this guide, you will be well-prepared to take the giant step toward starting your own side business.
• Remember, when working full-time, starting a business can be daunting. You will need dedication, discipline, and patience. And for you to remain disciplined and committed, your "WHY" must be strong enough. Learn and adapt yourself as needed and most importantly, do not ever forget to celebrate YOUR DAILY ACHIEVEMENTS and SMALL WINS.
• Do you have anything to add to these or any questions? Please write them in the comments section. I would gladly learn from your input or address your question.