As I sent out my first ever invoice, I felt this massive burst of pride. It wasn't for much, but it the fact that someone had agreed to pay me for my services, outside of my 9-5 job, made me feel like I was wearing a cape. I had a side hustle. I'd made it.
The rise of the side hustle
Whether it’s to earn a bit of extra cash, pursue a passion, or find that fulfillment that's missing from their corporate jobs, side hustles (or side gigs) are becoming more and more common for people in full-time employment.
In fact, it's estimated that one in five (19%) adults in the UK have started a side hustle since March 2020 and a third of UK adults are thinking about starting a business or side hustle in 2023 to follow their dreams The research also found women were more likely than men to start-up as a side hustle alongside a current job (71%) compared to 45% of men.
When speaking to my clients and potential clients, I hear the same thing. An acknowledgement deep down inside that they've got more to give to the world than in the job they currently have. This doesn't necessarily mean they dislike their job - some are happy enough, but they just can't shake that unfulfilled feeling - like there's something missing personally.
But since I started my side hustle and then took it full time, my life has completely transformed. So here are 7 compelling reasons to start a side hustle in 2023:
1. It provides extra income and who’s gonna say no to that?
While I was side hustling, I made £10k from it in less than a year and with 1 in 6 people claiming to earn upwards of £1,000 a month from their side business, it can certainly help you manage the cost of living crisis, start or add to your savings, pay off debt, or stand on your own two feet financially.
2. In an increasingly unstable world, having more than one income stream is massively empowering.
With more and more people feeling powerless at the threat of redundancy since the Pandemic, starting your own business means you're taking your power back. It's something that Emma Gannon talks about in her best-selling book The Multi-Hyphen Method and for me - having always believed that Corporate Job = Stability & Security - was a whole new way of looking at things.
3. It'll provide the joy & fulfillment that's lacking in your 9-5
Contrary to popular belief, side gigs don't necessarily have to be big money spinners. They can exist just makes you feel good, like you're living your purpose and taking control of your life. Sam Goldring, founder of Happy Stride says "We started Happy Stride because we saw a gap in the market for brightly coloured running short and wanted to bring some joy to the sport. The fact that it's now bringing in money is an added bonus!".
4. Automation now makes it quick & easy to set up & run
Advances in technology have made starting a business easier than ever before. Automation means you can run your business from anywhere at any time giving you the freedom and flexibility to run it how and when you want.
5. It's less risky & more affordable than ever
Traditionally, one of the biggest barriers to starting a business was the risk and investment it took. But with today's tech, the risk is reduced because you no longer need to invest in physical assets like workspace or products or services. Gone are the days of expensive office space or equipment - you can literally start it from your laptop or phone in your living room.
It's also less risky because you're starting it on the side of your steady paycheck job. This is something I've found really empowering and meant that I could decide which clients I wanted to work with, rather then working with everyone out of desperation.
6. It could turn into the career of your dreams
Who knows where the side gig might lead? My client Katie Seidler, founder of Hello Haus Interior Design says "This started out as a passion project alongside my 9-5, but became so successful that I was able to quit my corporate job and go full time. It's scary but super satisfying".
So, chances are that if you've got this far you know you're meant to be working for yourself, but you feel pretty overwhelmed about where to even start.
If that's the case, then my then my FREE
workbook is for you.
‘How to Build your Dream Service Business on the Side of your 9-5’ breaks down the EXACT 6 steps I took to turn my scrappy side hustle into a legit, full-time, 5-figure business.
And you're looking for someone to help you get your side hustle up and running without having to be all over social media, then I'm your girl. Book in a free discovery call to see how I can help you get going.
Meet Lauren
Business Coach and Side Hustle Queen
Hi, I'm Lauren. I burnt out from the corporate world, hit rock bottom and used the experience to create my dream life. I now help passionate and ambitious women start and grow businesses. I'm living proof that you can - and deserve to - have it all.
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