In 2009, Kimberly Palmer faced financial uncertainty. As a full-time writer with a new baby, she sought a safety net against losing her primary income. Her solution? A side hustle selling digital planners on Etsy, which quickly gained traction.
Related: Working on a Side Gig? Here's how to prepare for your second shift
By July 2017, 44 million Americans were earning extra income from side hustles, per a Bankrate survey. Motivations range from paying off debt and covering expenses to building a full-time venture or gaining financial security, as Palmer did.
For aspiring side hustlers, opportunities abound. Etsy empowers crafters to sell handmade goods. Ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber offer flexible driving gigs. Platforms such as Fiverr, TaskRabbit, Teespring, and Wag! connect freelancers with clients for tasks from design to dog walking.
Palmer's Etsy success led to her book, The Economy of You: Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur and Your Recession-Proof Life. Researching it, she interviewed over 100 side hustlers—from instrument repairmen doing voice-overs to ex-deli workers building cake empires.
"Many started side gigs driven by a sense they had unique value to offer," Palmer notes. "Beyond money, they sought deeper fulfillment."
Related: The Art of Side Hustle
Before committing, research thoroughly. Scout online trends, minimize costs with free website builders and social media promotion, and review your employer's policies on moonlighting.
Time management is key. Palmer grew her business using smartphone downtime on trains or in lines. If eyeing a full-time leap, validate your hustle's viability and scalability over at least six months.
Palmer still runs her Etsy shop alongside her career. "It's my growth option and peace of mind," she says.
Related: What to do if you hate your job
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2018 issue of LadiesBelle I/O magazine.
