Why Your Side Hustle Could Be a Window into a Better Career #PurposeMonth

In a perfect world, side hustles wouldn’t have to exist, but this is far from a perfect world. Rather than seeing a side hustle as a second job though (because, let’s be honest, the only reason we call them side hustles is because “second job” is a depressing statement), so many creatives have managed to evolve these supplementary 2 or 3 extras hours a day into legitimate full-time careers.

For many creative professionals, from designers and creative directors to brand strategists, a side hustle is increasingly being viewed as a strategic career move—a portal not just to extra cash, but to new career heights, expanded skills, and perhaps most importantly, unparalleled personal fulfillment.

Karina Laymen

1. Unleashing Creativity Beyond Conventional Boundaries

The primary allure of a side hustle for creatives lies in the freedom it offers—freedom to explore projects and ideas that often lie outside the scope of day-to-day job responsibilities. In a traditional agency or in-house setting, projects tend to have rigid specifications and client expectations. A side hustle, on the other hand, can serve as a creative playground where there are no limits to the imagination.

This unbridled creativity can lead to innovation and personal growth. For instance, a graphic designer working in an advertising agency could start a side hustle designing bespoke furniture. This not only hones their design skills but also enriches their understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, which are transferable skills across various aspects of creative work.

2. Building a Personal Brand

Reputation and visibility are valuable currency for creatives and a side hustle provides a unique platform to build and showcase a personal brand. It allows creatives to establish a distinct voice and style, unencumbered by the branding guidelines of their primary employment.

For example, a junior copywriter who starts a blog or a podcast on the side could, over time, establish themselves as a genuine thought leader, particularly in more niche areas. This not only enhances their resume but also opens doors to speaking engagements, book deals, or consultancy roles—opportunities that might remain elusive through their main job alone.

3. Testing the Entrepreneurial Waters

Many creatives harbour dreams of launching their own ventures but hesitate due to the risks involved. A side hustle can act as a low-stakes testing ground for entrepreneurial ideas. It offers a safe space to experiment with business models, client acquisition strategies, and operational logistics—all with the safety net of a steady pay check.

For example, a creative director might start a small online store selling digital illustrations. This side hustle allows them to learn about e-commerce, digital marketing, and customer service. These insights are invaluable for any creative thinking of starting their own agency or stepping into a more business-oriented role within the creative industry.

4. Expanding Professional Networks

Side hustles also significantly expand professional networks. They introduce creatives to new collaborators, clients, and mentors outside their immediate professional circles. Networking within such diverse groups can lead to unexpected opportunities, collaborations, and insights that enrich a creative’s professional life and perspectives.

Imagine a freelance web designer who starts teaching coding online as a side hustle. This role not only reinforces their own skills but also connects them with a global community of tech enthusiasts, potential clients, and future collaborators.

5. A Route to Greater Job Satisfaction and Well-being

Pursuing a passion project as a side hustle can greatly enhance overall job satisfaction and mental well-being. It allows creatives to work on projects they are passionate about and align more closely with their values and interests, which can make their professional life feel more fulfilling.

Moreover, side hustles can alleviate some of the financial stress associated with creative careers, which are often subject to fluctuations in demand and job security. The additional income stream can provide financial stability, allowing creatives to make career choices based on preference rather than necessity.

6. The Path to a New Career

Finally, and perhaps most excitingly, a side hustle can organically evolve into a full-time career. Many creatives start side projects out of pure passion and find, over time, that it's viable to transition into these roles full-time. This could mean stepping into a new industry, launching a startup, or going freelance.

For example, a brand strategist might begin by offering freelance consulting services as a side hustle. Over time, as their client base grows and their portfolio diversifies, what started as a sideline could become a prosperous business.

Julie Archire

Lean into the Hustle

Career paths are rarely linear. Side hustles are a natural evolution of this fact. They allow creatives to explore new avenues, build brands, test entrepreneurial waters, expand networks, and improve not only their job satisfaction but professional standing. So, don’t shy away from your side hustle, lean into it. You never know where you might end up and what fresh treasures you might uncover.