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What’s Your Side Hustle?

Nobody loves a side hustle better than I do. At one point I had four going simultaneously while working my full-time job. Now I’m down to three. I kept two of the old four, dropped one because it stopped being fun, and picked up a new one.

You might wonder, “Why a side hustle? Shouldn’t one job be enough?” A side hustle can be about more than extra cash, although that is absolutely one of the benefits. If you’re working for someone else and want to start your own business eventually, a side hustle is a good place to start.If you like your job just fine but have a creative or artistic side that doesn’t have an outlet for expression at work, a side gig can fill that need. If you think you have a great idea but can’t afford to walk away from a regular paycheck to make it happen, start is as a side gig and see how far you can take it.

One resource I have found that helps keep me psyched about my side gigs is Side Hustle School. I mostly listen to their podcasts, about all kinds of people with all kinds of side gigs. The episodes are short and inspiring, and there’s a new one every day.

Your side hustle can be related to your day job. Maybe you’re a printer but you really want to design, too. Go for it! You’re probably going to know as well or better what’s going to work on a shirt than a designer who has never printed a shirt themself. Are you mechanically inclined? You can make good money on the side fixing other people’s broken equipment.

Or your side gig can be completely unrelated. My newest project is making pain remedies from organic CBD and essential oils. I started it as a crafty way to make presents for the holidays. Now I have a few regular customers and have a great time planning and experimenting with new formulations and products.

You might think having another job or business on the side means someone isn’t serious about their day job. Not true. I know some really accomplished professionals who keep or start side gigs because they’re multifaceted people. What they find missing in their day jobs they fulfill through side gigs in catering, art and design, music, teaching, consulting and more.

What’s your side hustle? Why do you do it? Let us know in the comments. And if you’re coming to the Impressions Expo in Atlantic City don’t miss the Shop Talks with Stan Banks of T-Shirt Side Hustle on Friday at 1pm and Saturday at 11am.

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