Q: I'd love advice on balancing my photography side hustle while maintaining an 8-5 job. How do you stay focused? How do you handle your company's perception of your dedication when openly marketing online?
A: You're not alone—36% of U.S. workers participate in the YouEconomy while holding full-time jobs. It's rewarding but challenging, especially with family obligations.
Related: Thinking of starting a side hustle?
To grow your side hustle without burnout, I've found these two practices essential:
1. Maximize your time.
Time is already scarce, so build systems that generate more revenue without extra hours—like selling digital products online, outsourcing routine tasks, or offering group sessions on common client challenges. The goal: break the time-for-money trap, reinvest profits, and scale toward quitting your day job.
2. Schedule time to reflect.
This feels counterintuitive when everyone's demanding your attention, but without pausing to plan and evaluate, you're just spinning wheels. Block three hours one evening—no phone. Grab paper and pen; you'll uncover insights you already possess.
Related: How to be an entrepreneur without quitting your day job
To protect your standing at work, follow these steps:
STEP 1
Confirm your side hustle complies with company policy—some require disclosure of outside income.
STEP 2
Talk to your boss. Explain your venture and assure no conflicts of interest.
STEP 3
Treat your job like an investor—your paycheck fuels your hustle. Deliver top performance to keep them satisfied.
STEP 4
Champion your passion openly. As long as you excel at work, marketing your business won't be an issue—but communicate transparently.
Happy snapping!
Related: How to turn your passion into your profession
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of LadiesBelle I/O magazine.
