The hustle culture is quite trendy these days. People quickly suggest getting a side income to you when you’re struggling to pay your expenses or debts. For certain people, a side hustle is just what they need to boost their income. However, others may feel the pressure to be overworked working on other projects to make ends meet or increase their savings.
I am all for side hustling and always like to motivate others to start a side income, but this lifestyle doesn’t suit many. These additional jobs help you earn additional income on the side and help you build your resume in areas that you’ve not considered. However, they can also be new stress points, particularly if your current job already has enough demands.
Don’t start a side hustle if you can relate to the following situations.
Your job is your priority
If your current job is exactly where you’d like to be, dedicate your time and effort to achieve mastery in the current role. Sure, jobs are an income source; however, they also provide knowledge. If you plan to stay within your expertise, the best way to rise and earn a better position within the business is to show your growth and open yourself to opportunities that let you be a better learner and be noticed.
Your job is tiring enough
Suppose you devote nearly all your time and energy to your main job. In that case, starting a side hustle can lead you to burnout. Physical or mentally challenging jobs usually pay the least (work in the service sector, for instance). Therefore, you may feel pressured to look for a different source of income after returning home exhausted following your shift. Working for a side income will sound tempting. Although, gradually, you’ll be exhausted and incapable of performing well at either work.
Suppose your current employment doesn’t pay you enough for your time and restricts the possibility of obtaining an additional source of income. Then, you’ll stay trapped in the exact situation until you decide to make a change. It may be the right time to consider negotiating for a raise or exploring another career path.
You need your breathing time
While side hustles sound exciting and glamorous, they consume much of the time you’ve worked hard to earn. If the inability to find time to pursue the hobbies you love stresses you, you may be tempted to defer your plans to create your own side business. It can take away time from your family and affect your health due to overwork.
You won’t be able to devote time to practicing self-care or nurturing relationships or focusing on personal development if you spend the remaining time on side hustles.
Your side hustle doesn’t align with your goals
It’s not always the case that people want to join the side hustle industry due to financial reasons. Sometimes it’s about something you can’t purchase: knowledge and skills. Learning new skills and getting practical experience is a great method to advance or change your career.
If your goals in life or work are to change careers or add a valuable skill to your resume, and an extra job can aid in your objectives, make the most of every opportunity to begin. However, if a side business feels out of alignment with the goals you’re aiming for, then don’t devote time to it.
You want passive income instantly
Side hustles can help you earn money, even passively. However, you can’t expect to earn enough as soon as you start. It’s a long process to reach a point where you set a system that runs on autopilot and generates income.
You require an effective business plan, a significant investment, grit, and determination. If you’re willing to dedicate money, time, and comfort to make a steady income in the future, then do go for side hustle ideas.
Uncomfortable advertising yourself
In a side business, you fulfill many roles, like the marketer, salesperson, customer service representative, etc. You’re the face of your business and the only person accountable for it. And a business without advertising is no-doubt a flop business.
Side hustlers need to move forward and be out in public. You must be prepared to tackle the difficult stuff and promote yourself to create a successful side business. If such activities don’t suit you and you feel uncomfortable presenting yourself out there, then side hustle isn’t for you.
Taking risks is not for you
Cautious people might prefer not to risk if there’s no guarantee it will succeed. Without risk, there’s no reward. They may also seek job security. Security at work is a great factor, but it’s an assurance that a side hustle isn’t able to keep.
Even if you’re working an active job, the idea of a side hustle brings certain kinds of risk. Like, your plan may fail and lose a lot of money and time. Maybe in your current job, your employers don’t appreciate you working on something else.
Only you know your comfort level when you start your own side business. However, if you’re waiting for the perfect or secure time to start, you should know it could never happen.
Side hustle benefits various people, but it’s not as simple (or even required) as many people think it can be. However, you must be prepared to tackle the difficult stuff and promote yourself to succeed in your side hustle. It’s your responsibility to determine if you’re up to take on the challenge. If not, then don’t start a side hustle to exhaust yourself.
If you’re willing to take chances and have an idea that aligns with your professional goals, join a side hustle. Here are some side hustle ideas that you can look at. I hope you find something rewarding, fun, and aligned with your goals.