Who Says You Can't Do Both? Here's How I Manage a Business and Keep a Side Hustle

As a new entrepreneur, maintaining balance can be difficult. Owning a business is a 24/7 job, and if you sprinkle a side hustle on top of that, like I have, where does one find the time? Well, I'm here to tell you that with a little planning, it can be done and it's actually very fulfilling. This is my advice.

Find a Hustle That Comes Easy

Having a bonus income is supersweet, especially if you live in an area where the cost of living is continuously rising, but a side hustle can quickly become an annoying extra task on your to-do list if you're not careful with how you pick it. The key to maintaining both a full-time job and a side hustle is not only about finding the balance but also ensuring your side hustle comes naturally to you.

To figure out the best fit for you, write down a list of your interests and skills. Are you a great writer? If so, try pitching some ideas to platforms who accept contributors and become a freelance writer, like myself. Are you a dog-lover? Try dog walking as a side hustle. Do you find interest in numbers and organizing? Give bookkeeping a try. Whatever your interests and skills may be, write them down on your list. Remember, side hustles are meant to be done with ease, not strife. It shouldn't feel like a chore but instead a worth-it activity that can be lucrative.

Organize and Optimize Your Time

Last year, I took a leap of faith and quit my job to start my own skincare business. It was the best decision, but I am a one-woman operation, and that means I have to do everything myself, from ordering supplies to paying bills to running social media accounts. If I have a two-hour break between clients or meetings, rather than indulging in a long lunch, I organize my time by separating one hour for food and the other for my side project. It's the perfect way to stay busy throughout the day and get both jobs done at once.

If you are a full-time employee at a company that does not allow so much freedom, I suggest designating a certain amount of time per week to work on your side hustle. Uninterrupted time spent on your passion project before or after work and on the weekends allows for greater focus and creative freedom. Without organization and anchored commitment, you can watch weeks or even months go by without checking things off your to-do list.

Reconsider Your Hustle, Often

If you ever feel overwhelmed and stress starts to consume you, I urge you to take a step back and reevaluate what you're trying to achieve. Something as simple as asking yourself "What made me start this side hustle in the first place and why?" can be a great help to bring things back into focus.

If your side hustle no longer brings you joy, take a moment to see if you can find a way to draw you back to that interest. If your side hustle is acting but you haven't booked any gigs as of late, try enrolling in an improv class to find that joy again. Are you a freelance writer? Sign up for a free writing course that can help get your creative juices flowing. In my journey of hustling while maintaining a full-time job, I've come to understand that the pressure of balancing the additional hours should always merit the rate of return — emotionally as well as financially.

My advice: multitask if you find it as helpful as I do, organize your time and designate a certain number of hours per week to work on your side hustle, and don't forget to revisit why you began.