In 2009, Kimberly Palmer was worried about the money. She was working full-time as a writer, but she had just had a baby and was worried about what would happen if she lost her main stream of income. To make sure she would have enough money for her daughter, Palmer decided to find a hustler.
Related: Working on a Side Gig? Here's how to prepare for your second shift
In July 2017, 44 million Americans earned income separate from their full-time job, according to a Bankrate survey. The reasons for the popularity of side hustle vary:some people do it to pay off loans or get extra expenses; others start with the hope of building a business that could free them from their 9-to-5. Some, like Palmer, do it for financial security.
Palmer researched online and came up with the idea of selling planners. She launched a line of digital planners on Etsy and was surprised at how popular they were.
For those looking for a sideways hustle, the options are almost endless. Etsy makes it easy for crafty types to sell handmade products. With Lyft or Uber, drivers can play driver for extra money. Websites like Fiverr and TaskRabbit offer various freelance jobs. Teespring invites creatives to design shirts; Wagwalking connects dog walkers with dog owners.
After building his Etsy business, Palmer wrote The Economy of You:Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur and Your Recession-Proof Life . While researching for the book, she spoke to more than 100 side hustlers, from an instrument repairman who does voice-overs to a former deli worker who built a lucrative cake business.
“Many of those who started side gigs were motivated by the feeling that they had something to offer,” says Palmer. “They wanted money, but also a greater sense of satisfaction.”
Related: The Art of Side Hustle
Before diving headfirst into an exciting project, do your research. Spend time online to see what others are doing and keep initial costs low by using a free website builder and advertising on social media. If you plan to keep your full-time job, Palmer advises you to check carefully to make sure your company's policies don't prohibit freelance work.
Balance can be difficult, so use your free time wisely. To grow her business, Palmer worked from her smartphone while riding the train or waiting in line at the post office. And if you're planning to cut your full-time job, test your side hustle for at least six months to make sure it's viable and scalable.
Even if she doesn't plan on quitting her full-time job just yet, Palmer keeps her Etsy side business still going strong.
"For me, it's about having the opportunity to grow if I want to," she says. "I think that's my safety net. It's peace of mind.
Related: What to do if you hate your job
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2018 issue of LadiesBelle I/O magazine.
