Q:I would love some advice on how to balance my photography side hustle while still maintaining an 8-5 job. How do you keep your head in the game? How do you deal with your company's perception of your dedication when you (probably) openly market online?
A:You are not alone. Today, 36% of people in the United States participate in YouEconomy while working full-time. It's rewarding, but it can be a difficult task, especially when you add family obligations on top.
Related: Thinking of starting a side hustle?
To advance your side hustle without burnout, I've found two practices to be essential:
1. Make the most of your time.
You're already thin, so explore systems that could help you make more money from your photography business without investing more time, such as selling products online, outsourcing tasks, or provide group training on pain commonalities for your clients. The idea is to escape the time-money trade-off with systems that generate revenue that you can then reinvest in the business to keep it growing. If your goal is to quit your full-time job, then more money in less time is the path to freedom.
2. Take time to reflect.
It seems counterintuitive when you're incredibly reserved and everyone needs you. But if you don't step back, think, reflect, plan, and evaluate, you're not moving forward. If you can't take a full day off for a strategy and creative session, then block in three hours one evening. Leave the phone outside the room, grab some paper and a pen and see what bubbles up. You'll be surprised how many answers you already have inside of you.
Related: How to be an entrepreneur without quitting your day job
When it comes to maintaining your position at work, try these steps:
STEP 1
First, make sure that your side shoving is allowed. Some companies have strict policies against them or require you to disclose outside income.
STEP 2
Talk to your boss. Be sure to sit down to explain your hustle and show that there is no conflict of interest.
STEP 3
Treat your job like an investor. Your paycheck is funding your sleight of hand right now. That's a big deal if your hustle is your dream job. So show the 8-5 people the respect an investor deserves by making sure they are happy with your work.
STEP 4
Commercialize your passion. As long as you focus, get the job done, and stick to your full-time job, marketing your passion project shouldn't be a deal breaker. But keep talking about your growing business.
Happy Snap!
Related: How to turn your passion into your profession
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of LadiesBelle I/O magazine.
