Side Hustle Tips From a Pro: Misconceptions About Starting a Side Hustle for Extra Money Career Entrepreneurs Money Finances

I often get asked about myths and misconceptions when it comes to side hustles. There is one in particular that I get on my proverbial soapbox about: Side hustles need to become fulltime hustles.

I used to believe this, but not anymore. I believe there is a lot of pressure out here to take your side hustle fulltime. And judgy eyes when you don’t. But there are those of us who love our day jobs (and frankly appreciate having benefits) and are happy to keep our side thing a side thing.

If you’ve been wanting to start a side hustle or have one and don’t want to take it fulltime, that’s OK! You don’t have to. You get to define what success looks like.

There are a few other myths I hear a lot:

• Monetizing your passion is the way to go. Figuring out what you are passionate about may give you some insight into the type of business you can start. I would be careful here, though, because sometimes by mixing business with pleasure so to speak, we might not enjoy our passions anymore. For example, one of my passions is reading. But to make money reading and writing book reviews would take the fun out of it for me.

• Everyone should have a side hustle. No way. Not everyone needs to start a business. Side hustles and entrepreneurship for that matter is glorified and romanticized. But it is not easy. And if you are starting a side hustle, there are a lot of sacrifices that you have to make to be able to juggle that, your day job and your day to day commitments.

• You have to have an insane amount of hustle to be successful. I am NOT a fan of hustle culture or #teamnosleep vibes. It is totally possible to have a side hustle you love that fits within your life while still getting your required amount of sleep.

• A side hustle is not a real business. I call BS on this one. A business is a business. Just because it's something you do part-time doesn't make it any less of a business.

What do you think? What are some myths or misconceptions you would add to the list?

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