Chapter 1: The Struggle of a Side Hustler

The challenges of juggling multiple income streams are very real. As a full-time writer with ambitious aspirations, I often find myself wrestling with patience, which is a persistent hurdle in my life. My tendency to charge headfirst into any endeavor I am passionate about, particularly jobs and careers, often leaves me feeling overwhelmed.

When my focus is razor-sharp, I sometimes forget to enjoy the present moment. My mind races ahead, contemplating the next two or three tasks, often at the expense of appreciating what I’m doing right now. If I’m not actively engaged in writing, editing, or managing multiple articles, I’m preoccupied with expanding my audience on platforms like Medium, achieving social media milestones, or feeling guilty about my delayed responses to comments and reading others’ work. The time constraints often leave me frustrated, wishing for more hours in the day to accomplish everything while still allowing myself some relaxation.

My mood can swing dramatically regarding my side hustles, which include three income-generating activities beyond writing. One is so sporadic that it hardly merits mention—rest assured, it's nothing illicit.

One of my more consistent side hustles involves managing a Facebook group with over 11,000 members, including around 1,000 real estate agents. I recently introduced a nominal fee for posting advertisements about listings and open houses. After eight years of building this community, I felt it was time to monetize my efforts. While some agents were unhappy with this change, many have accepted it, and it has become a valuable source of supplemental income.

The most lucrative side hustle, however, is carpet cleaning, which I undertake with my friend Justin. This venture yields a higher hourly rate than any of my other income sources. For instance, we recently earned $120 for just over an hour of work, not including travel time. While it’s a profitable endeavor, I often dread the scheduled workdays. I should appreciate these opportunities more, yet I find myself stressing the night before, knowing it disrupts my writing routine.

Balancing my writing schedule with carpet cleaning is no easy feat. Writing and publishing two blogs daily is challenging, and on days when we have jobs, that goal becomes even harder to achieve. I sometimes feel resentful, as the physical labor involved can be taxing, especially on my lower back. Despite knowing that this side hustle generates more income than my writing at this stage of my journey, I still struggle to embrace it fully.

Yet, working with Justin brings joy. Our commutes provide the perfect setting to catch up and brainstorm ideas, making the physical labor more enjoyable. If you haven’t already, I recommend checking out Justin’s work on Medium.

Justin Akkerman - Medium

Read writing from Justin Akkerman on Medium. I couldn't make it as an Instagram model, so I'm a blogger instead…

Chapter 2: Reflecting on Gratitude

The first video titled "10 Ways to Make Your Side Hustle Feel More 'Official'" offers insights into how to elevate your side gigs, making them feel more established and professional. This can be particularly helpful for those of us balancing multiple income streams.

The second video, "Side Hustle Boom in The USA: What You Need to Know!" discusses the growing trend of side hustles in America, providing valuable information for anyone looking to navigate this landscape.

Despite these challenges, I recognize the need to focus on the positive aspects of my side hustles. Practicing gratitude and shifting my mindset to appreciate the benefits they bring is crucial. Writing will always be waiting for me when I return home. It understands that carpet cleaning is a significant boost to my earnings and will be there for me when I can dedicate my attention to it.

After completing a job, I often feel a sense of accomplishment, similar to the satisfaction one might experience after a workout or attending a community event. While the thought of going can be daunting, the aftermath is usually rewarding. It’s vital to reframe my perspective on these side hustles; they are not failures but successes that contribute to my financial stability.

I would love to hear about your experiences with side hustles. Is writing your primary passion, or do you have other part-time ventures that support your writing journey? How do you feel about your side hustles? Let's discuss!