Chapter 1: The Impact of the Pandemic on Side Hustles

Navigating a side hustle alongside a full-time job can seem straightforward, but it often presents unexpected challenges. If you've made it through the Covid pandemic, take a moment to reflect on your achievements. Do you have a job that covers your expenses? That's a significant victory—many are still struggling.

Are you in good health? That's another reason to celebrate. However, it's essential to acknowledge that surviving a global crisis can leave emotional and mental scars. The stress of daily news about illness and loss, combined with the pressure of providing for your family, has taken a toll on many of us.

Adding a side hustle to your plate in the wake of such upheaval requires careful thought. What are your true aspirations in life? The extraordinary times we've faced are now becoming our new normal. Fortunately, with the advent of vaccines and increased public acceptance of them, life is gradually returning to a healthier state.

As a teacher, writer, and artist, I'm focusing on honing my craft while remaining mindful of my limits. It's vital to assess what you can realistically manage during this period, which might mean stepping back from extra work.

What Drives Your Side Hustle?

Your motivation should extend beyond financial gain. Even if you find yourself in a tight spot and need to catch up on bills, it's crucial to tie your side hustle to meaningful goals. Take freelance writing, for instance. It offers an opportunity to earn money through various projects, such as blog posts and copywriting. While freelancing can be challenging, it also promotes growth as a writer.

I enjoyed freelance writing as my side gig before the pandemic while teaching art full-time. Initially, securing jobs on platforms like Upwork was a struggle, but I learned to navigate the challenges and found joy in working with inspiring clients. This experience not only expanded my writing portfolio but also fueled my ambition to transition into a full-time copywriting role within a tech company.

Over three years of side hustling, I caught the attention of recruiters on LinkedIn, which eventually led to a position as a copywriter. However, my career took an unexpected turn when the pandemic hit, resulting in layoffs and a return to teaching. Adapting to remote teaching proved to be a significant challenge, especially while caring for my daughter and assisting her with online classes.

It was undoubtedly a tough period, but I regained control over my path, just as you can.

The Importance of Self-Care

"The actions you take today will shape your tomorrow and have lasting effects. The pandemic will eventually fade, but those who endured will remain. Our focus must shift towards 'protecting lives' and 'safeguarding livelihoods.'"

― Henrietta Newton Martin, Legal Advisor & Author

The question is: can you manage it all without overwhelming yourself? I found myself burned out from balancing too much during the pandemic, especially while parenting. The demands of my previous life, where I simply had to wake early to write and create, became unmanageable. The pandemic forced me to reevaluate my commitments.

Post-pandemic, the landscape of side hustling has transformed. Taking on additional work may lead to unforeseen health issues. Is it truly worth the risk?

If your side hustle aligns with your passions—be it acting or art—working with clients can push you to engage with your interests in ways you might avoid otherwise. This could be beneficial, as it encourages personal growth by confronting your fears.

However, if you feel overwhelmed and unprepared, don’t succumb to the pressure of motivational speakers telling you to hustle harder. You are the best judge of what you can handle right now.

About a year ago, I was reminded of a powerful message: "Give yourself some grace." If you're not ready to stretch your limits, it's okay to set aside your side hustle ambitions for the time being.

While personal growth and facing fears are essential to mastering your craft, it's crucial to recognize when the weight of a side hustle feels too heavy. Prioritizing your well-being and allowing yourself to recharge is paramount.

Knowing When to Start

Understanding your motivations for pursuing a side hustle helps clarify your capacity. You don't need to rush into starting one. The notion that "the time to start is now" doesn't always hold true. Life can be overwhelming, and pushing through for the sake of a side hustle might not be the best approach. There will be better moments in the future to either start or continue your side venture.

Taking time to heal—both physically and emotionally—will position you for success when the time is right. Slowing down is crucial for future success. Just as a marathon requires pacing, you must give yourself the space to recover before diving back into busyness.

I genuinely believe in the value of side hustles, having experienced their numerous benefits: increased income, skill development, and new career opportunities. But timing is vital. Ensure that your side hustle excites you, both intrinsically and extrinsically.

If the pressure feels too much, consider engaging in your side hustle skills as a hobby instead. Enjoying the process of creation can make it easier to transition into a profitable venture later.

Transforming your passion into a business is challenging. During tough times, finding joy in your work can keep your enthusiasm alive. While I’ve pursued freelance opportunities in the past, I'm currently relishing my writing on Medium, focusing on developing my unique voice. I’ve also done a few illustrations for clients but without the pressure of tight deadlines.

Taking the time to slow down has allowed me to prioritize family and engage in therapy for my mental well-being. I'm confident I can return to freelancing consistently, but there's no rush. My prior experience reassures me that I can dive back into side hustling when the time is right.

If you're someone who thrives on ambition or fears missing out, decide how long you’ll wait before initiating your side hustle journey. Consider giving yourself a three-month break. Outline your plans to start something in a year and mark it on your calendar. Setting a timeline allows you to look forward to it and mentally prepare.

Both you and the world have faced immense challenges. Grant yourself the grace to rebuild, and when you're ready, embrace your side hustle endeavors. Better days are on the horizon. Slowing down and resting will empower you to approach your side hustle with renewed energy and focus, and your clients will undoubtedly notice the difference.

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