How to balance your side hustle with a full

There are many compelling reasons to start a second job. Paying down debt, saving to travel, and just making ends meet are among the many reasons that over one-third of all Americans have a side hustle. The rising cost of living is causing financial stress, and people are choosing to alleviate that pressure by having multiple income streams. Some are opting for freelance work, some are opening online stores, and others are moonlighting as virtual assistants. No matter the secondary source of income, managing it while also working a full-time job can be downright disconcerting. 

There are many challenges that come with juggling it all, including lacking support, feeling out of your depth, and not having enough time. But, it's not all bad news. A side hustle allows you to make extra cash while pursuing something you might have more control over. So, while it's hard to have both a job and a secondary form of income, it isn't impossible; there are plenty of ways to manage both simultaneously. 

Stay positive

"It's scientifically backed that you're more likely to achieve your goals when your brain is in a positive state." Tiwalola Ogunlesi is a confidence coach, Positive Psychology Specialist, podcaster, the founder of Confident and Killing It, and a soon-to-be author. She knows a thing or two about managing multiple projects, running a business, and pursuing passions. "Negative thoughts at work will affect your side hustle. If you're feeling drained, you get home from work, and the last thing you want to do is put more energy into your side hustle." 

Create systems

One of the simplest things you can do is use a planner, make a routine, and set a schedule. These all help with time management, which is crucial for balancing a side hustle and a full-time job. Having organizational systems that work for you will also help with efficiency.

Don't be afraid to reprioritize 

You can have it all, but you can't have it all at the same time. Knowing the priority for each day makes things tenable. If your to-do list feels daunting, notice what needs attention. A task may have to go on the back burner until you have more time. Slowing down isn’t the same as quitting. 

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Create systems. Credit: Vicky Leta / Mashable

Know your values

Balance and fulfillment come from knowing your values, according to Tiwalola. She advises her coaching clients to identify their strengths, passions, and values and notice where they overlap. If you can align your 9-5 role and your side hustle in that sweet intersection you’ll be less likely to feel off-kilter or uninspired. 

Rest in the right way

Burnout is just another word for exhaustion, and exhaustion is ultimately the result of a lack of balance. But sleep alone won't balance you out. You have to identify what kind of rest you need. According to Tiwalola, mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social rest are required to feel fully balanced and in alignment. She explains, "If you are emotionally drained, sleep isn't going to solve that. If you feel emotionally empty, sleep isn't going to fix that." Find the source of your exhaustion and rest in that area. Set boundaries, pray if you're spiritual, and hang out with uplifting people– all of these are ways to restore your sense of overall balance, which will make you more productive in both your business and your day job. 

Track your wins

Running a business on the side of having a regular 9-5 can be overwhelming at the best of times, but when you feel like you're failing, that feeling of overwhelm can spiral. Tiwalola suggests noting your progress by using a monthly win tracker. "I write wins down, small and big. Then, when I have a moment of doubt, I look at it and can see that I'm making progress. I can be my own cheerleader." 

Self-compassion is critical 

Self-compassion combats imbalance and the in-over-your-head feeling. There is only one of you, and beating yourself up over mistakes, failures, or setbacks isn't going to help you handle everything on your plate. In fact, it wastes time and works against the positive mindset we mentioned earlier. Take a pause and remind yourself that you're doing the best you can.

Don't stay up all night working — eliminate distractions and create balance. Credit: Vicky Leta / Mashable

Eliminate distractions

Time is invaluable when you're juggling a full-time career and a side hustle. Eliminating distractions helps make every minute count. There are easy ways to limit things that pull focus, like putting your phone away or turning off the television in the background. 

Align your side hustle and full-time job 

When you walk out the office door at five o'clock, your skills leave with you. "People tend to forget that what you can do for a company, they can do for their own business," Tiwalola notes. "When I was working full-time and preparing to launch my business, I took the industry knowledge I was obtaining at work and applied it to my own business." Use the skills and strengths you showcase at work to uplevel your side hustle. 

Set attainable goals

Having goals to work towards will help keep you motivated when it all feels like too much. Know where you're heading and set benchmarks along the way to the ultimate goal to help you stay focused. When you hit a milestone, that sense of accomplishment will propel you to the next milestone, and so on until you’re thriving.