The Truth About Taking Your Side Hustle Full-Time

By Business Desk

Friday, May 12, 2017.

When you first start your side hustle, it can often be a hobby or a fun project you started to let off steam. Then, before long, you discover that you’re doing well. Not only are you doing something you enjoy, but you have a talent for it too. When you start to see it take off and you’re even making money, you can be tempted to take the plunge from working that standard 9-5, to becoming your own boss. But, is it all worth it and are you really prepared to harness the change?

You Need Funds

First of all, you need to make sure you’ve got enough money to get all setup. Whether you need to buy supplies and equipment or search for office space to rent, you need money to make it happen. But, not only do you need the funds to get your business up and running, you need something in the bank as a backup too. Although it would be great to assume your side hustle will become a success full-time, you have to be realistic and keep covered in case anything goes wrong.

You Need Versatility

Next up, you need to be a bit of an all-rounder - or at least try to be. When you go from working for something else to running your own business, you need to try your hand at a few different functions. To start with, if it’s just you, you need to be admin, sales, marketing, finance, customer service and the product or service provider too. It’s not always all singing and dancing, but if you’re not afraid of a bit of graft, you’ll be a natural.

You Need Thick Skin

And because you’re going to busy being everybody and wearing all of the hats, you’re going to come into contact with a range of people. You need to be able to handle the hassle that comes with that. Being an entrepreneur isn’t all glamour all the time, it’s dirty work. You might even find that you get unkind comments from associates and acquaintances. But if you can take them on the chin, you’ll do just fine.

You Need Vision

Being able to make your side hustle a long term thing takes a lot of work. You need to be able to maintain vision through the journey too. Without it, you’ll lose site of what you’re working for. Not only is it not enough to be ambitious, but you also have to be dedicated and determine too. If you can plan, project and work real hard, you won’t have a problem. But starting a business isn’t always about winging it. Real vision is crucial.

You Need Support

Although you may think you can do this on your own, you’re going to need a bit of support. You might take on the actual work yourself, but without the backing of those closest to you, you might find it hard. When you need someone to moan to or someone to cheer you on, your nearest and dearest will always come through for you. It’s not always easy to believe in yourself, especially after a setback, but knowing you’ve spurred on with support makes it that much more easier.