How to Balance a Side Hustle with Your Day Job

Side hustles have become a reality for many people in this economy. Whether necessary to supplement your income or an attempt to bring in a bit of extra shopping money, more than 5% of the entire American workforce has more than one job. 

But taking on extra work isn’t just about time management during the actual job, it’s about how to stay sane and balanced during your on and off time. 

Whether that be a question of how to best manage your time, how to use the skills gleaned from your full-time job to optimize your side job, and fending off potential burn out, consider this your ultimate guide to balancing your full-time job and side hustle. 

Figure out a time-management plan that works for you 

It’s easy to say you’re going to split your time according to the work you have – putting that into practice is a whole other story. 

Some great ways to manage your time are:

• Making a to-do list based on deadlines

Looking at your to-do list as one complete item can actually take you off course. How many times have you stared down a list of tasks only to find yourself not doing any of them at all because of how overwhelming it can feel? Instead, look at your entire list, and figure out which has the most pressing, imminent deadline, along with how long it will take you to finish. Setting smaller goals can help you take things one step at a time.

• Setting small goals 

We all have goals for what we want our workday and our work to look like. And we all have dreams of aiming sky high and knocking them all out of the park. But the inevitable let down when this does not happen (because let’s be real, it often doesn’t) can be discouraging. Instead, make small goals for yourself, perhaps even alongside rewards for when you complete those goals. Write 1000 words, respond to five emails, then reward yourself with a walk or a coffee from your favorite coffee shop. These are all ways to help you take work one step at a time.

• Seek outside assistance

We can’t always rely on ourselves fully to provide the motivation needed to get our work done. That’s where things like the Pomodoro Technique, which uses a timer to segment work into focused intervals separated by short breaks, enhances concentration and makes each task feel easier to tackle. Another favorite technique is leaning on classical music or focus playlists, which has a calming effect and can help you lock in to the task at hand.

Build. Those. Boundaries.

We live in an era when we are all reachable, all the time. This can be a positive thing, like when it comes to being able to work from anywhere, but the boundaries between our work lives and our lives outside of work undoubtedly get blurred. When you throw a second job into the mix, your time becomes even more difficult to manage. 

Some ways to set work-life-side-hustle boundaries are:

• Designating specific work hours 

At the beginning of each week, take a look at your schedule, and figure out how many hours you need to spend on both your side hustle. Designate those specific hours, whether on your calendar, on your phone, or written on a post-it that you keep visible from your desk, and stick to those hours. 

• Prioritizing self-care 

With multiple jobs, it’s easy to forget about you. But you cannot pour into your jobs from an empty cup. Try to get enough sleep, time spent with loved ones, physical activity and doing things you like to do. It might seem like something that can fall to the wayside, but it’s crucial for doing your jobs to the best of your ability.

• Take stock of your work 

When you take on a side gig for extra income, it’s important to remember that the essence of a side job is to add value, not stress. Be sure to check in with yourself regularly to make sure the work you’re doing is worth the added time and commitment, or if your time might be better suited elsewhere. 

Use your day job to help with your side job. 

When choosing a side hustle, it might be in your best interest to choose something in an industry aligned with the work you already do. That way, you not only have the experience you can bring to both jobs, but you can also tap into an already developed network for more opportunities and to build new relationships. 

Consider going all in on the side hustle.

There might come a time when you feel comfortable enough to take the leap from having a side job to making that job your full career – especially if it becomes more lucrative than your current job. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you take the leap:

• Start saving

Going out on your own is exciting, but unpredictable, so whatever you can do to mitigate some of the anxieties that come along with doing so is never a bad idea! Consider putting away a few months’ worth of living expenses before making the transition, to provide peace of mind during the initial stages. 

• Tap into your network 

Seek guidance from people who have made the transition before you, and compile a list of the best insights and strategies. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask – most people who have done this work themselves are eager to share their learnings with fellow entrepreneurs. 

Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job is akin to a dance—requiring coordination, rhythm, and passion. With dedication, smart time management, and clear priorities, you can achieve harmony between the two. Remember, success isn't about working tirelessly but working wisely. Find the right balance that suits your lifestyle and aspirations.

For those ready to take the plunge, platforms like Stash.com offer accessible financial literacy resources to guide you through your entrepreneurial journey. Empower yourself with knowledge, and take control of your financial future, all on your terms and pace.