Is Your Side Hustle Hustling You?

YES! That's the question of the day and do we have an answer?

Let's see.

The world we live in today practically demands side hustles, right?

Everything from inflation to job security (or lack thereof) pushes us to look for additional streams of income. It’s no wonder you’re hearing about people juggling a 9-to-5 alongside freelancing gigs, Etsy shops, YouTube channels, and what not.

But the question is,

Is it worth it?

Let’s be real for a moment.

Managing side hustles while raising kids, maintaining a household, and trying to keep up with self-care (which is the last priority) can feel overwhelming.

I know this from experience.

I’ve tried my hand at several side hustles and I mean several.

My Side Hustle Journey

I started with writing low-content books for Amazon KDP. It seemed like an easy way to make passive income. I created journals, planners, and coloring books, uploaded them to Amazon, and waited for the sales to roll in.

I did make a few sales here and there but the sales didn’t roll in as fast as I hoped or as some gurus made it look like. It took a lot more research, marketing, and optimizing than I could have ever imagined.

Then I tried writing on Medium (still doing). The idea of getting paid to write articles on topics I’m passionate about was appealing. But the competition is fierce, and getting traction took time and persistence.

I even dabbled in creating digital products and selling them online. Again, a lot more work went into it than I anticipated.

And don’t get me started on freelance copywriting. It’s rewarding, but it requires pitching, delivering quality work, and building relationships all while managing client expectations (real or unreal).

Each hustle taught me something valuable but here’s what I learned the hard way:

The Hustle Trap

When you try to do too many things at once, you end up spreading yourself thin. Instead of excelling at one thing, you’re just barely keeping up with multiple things. And when you’re a mompreneur or solopreneur, you can’t afford to run on fumes.

Juggling side hustles can quickly turn into burnout.

And what’s worse?

You might feel guilty. Like you’re failing at both your hustle and your family responsibilities.

But here’s the good news:

You Don’t Have to Do It All.

The key is focus. Instead of chasing every new shiny side hustle idea, ask yourself:

• Which hustle brings me joy?
• Which hustle aligns with my long-term goals?
• Which hustle is actually bringing in results (or has the potential to)?

Once you identify that, give it your attention. Don’t be afraid to drop the others—at least for now.

Is a Side Hustle Worth It?

Absolutely!

If you approach it with clarity and intention. A side hustle can provide financial security, creative fulfillment, and even open doors to new opportunities.

But it’s important to set boundaries. Your hustle shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, relationships, or sanity.

Remember, you’re building something meaningful. That takes time, energy, and focus. And sometimes, the best move is to slow down, reflect, and double down on what really matters.

So, is your side hustle hustling you?

Or are you hustling smarter?

Until next time—keep pushing, but don’t forget to breathe.

With hustle & heart,

M.