Side Hustle Revolution: Building Dreams Beyond the Office
For most of my life, I have been firmly embedded in the structured world of corporate 9-5 jobs, while also exploring various side projects. I admit, many of these projects have not turned out as expected.
Have you ever found yourself sitting at work, questioning what you are doing with your life? Wondering if this is the trajectory your life will continue to follow for the next two decades or more? Surely, there must be more to life than just work, right? I have certainly experienced all of these worries on numerous occasions. Below, is how I combat these worries, while being in full time employment.
As we grow older and take on more responsibilities and commitments, the idea of changing jobs or starting new projects can become less exciting and more intimidating. However, even with these challenges, side projects offer a wonderful opportunity to pursue your passions and create something meaningful outside of regular work hours. They not only allow for personal growth and foster creativity, but also open doors to explore new interests. By dedicating time and effort to these additional endeavours, you can find fulfilment and a sense of accomplishment that may be lacking in your professional life.
It's interesting to think about why the common question when meeting someone new often revolves around occupation: "What do you do for a living?" Wouldn't it be more enriching to dive into a person's hobbies and interests to discover shared passions? After all, what someone does to earn a living may not necessarily align with their true passions and interests.
For most of my life, I have been firmly embedded in the structured world of corporate 9-5 jobs, while also exploring various side projects. I admit, many of these projects have not turned out as expected. However, I have come to realise that these "failures" have actually been invaluable stepping stones that have led me to discover a wide range of unexpected interests. Along this journey, I have delved into the fascinating world of cryptocurrencies, exploring the intricate web of blockchain technology and its potential implications on not only my job, but the wider financial landscape. I have also developed a love for urban sketching and painting, something which I never thought I was capable of (failure in art class). Exploring personal finance has equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills to effectively manage my finances and help me create secondary income streams. Through photography, I have been able to try my hand at wedding photography and other paid photo opportunities. And my fascination with fountain pens has introduced me to many interesting collectors and people I would never have met had it not been for this (somewhat obscure) shared passion.
When people ask about my various interests, I often try to explain how each seemingly random interest has been discovered through a venture in a related field, or side project. Instead of fixating on the end result, it is crucial to embrace the process and find joy in the act of trying and learning. Having a full-time job should give you the freedom to embrace these projects, without there being a demand on making money, or achieving “success” in a set period of time.
Hustle culture often comes with negative connotations. However, in essence, side projects provide us with the freedom to explore uncharted territories, nurture our curiosity, and discover passions that may have remained dormant otherwise. They empower us to break free from the constraints of our professional lives and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal fulfilment. So, let us wholeheartedly embrace the world of side projects, for within them lies the potential to unlock a world of endless possibilities.