11 Pro Tips to Juggle a Full-Time Job and a Side Gig

One of the most proactive ways to take control of your financial situation is to find a way to earn more money. You can only cut back your expenses so far, but earning more money allows you to pay down debt without living off rice and beans.

Balancing a full-time job with a side hustle isn’t easy, but it’s doable. With limited time and energy each day, finding the right side gig is crucial.

Here are some tips to help you choose a side hustle, balance it with your full-time job, and thrive.

1. Choose a Side Gig You Have a Passion For

There will be moments when you wish you had more time to relax or do something fun instead of always working. It’s much easier to stay motivated and push through those times if you’re doing something you’re passionate about. For example, if you have a passion for reading, you might offer your services as a freelance proofreader or editor so you can get paid to read books.

2. Know Your Why

You need a compelling reason to start a side gig. It would be best if you also had clear goals from day one. Whether it’s to get out of debt, grow your savings, help pay for expenses, or build a business to replace your day job, you need to know precisely why you’re spending your free time working.

Working a 40-hour-a-week job and a side hustle in your off hours can be physically and emotionally taxing. It can put a strain on your relationships. You might have to give up hobbies, interests, and leisure time doing things you enjoy. Having to make those sacrifices can wear on you. That’s why it’s essential to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. 

3. Don’t Feel You Have to Start the Next Big Thing

Most articles or blog posts about side gigs focus on entrepreneurship. That’s fantastic, but not everyone wants to start a business or spend their spare time pitching potential clients for freelance work. You might not have the entrepreneur gene or own in-demand freelance skills, which is fine.

If all you want is more money, getting a part-time job is a valid approach to side hustles. To get ahead, there’s nothing wrong with doing side jobs for extra cash, like tending bar or working in retail. There are also legitimate work-from-home jobs you could pursue during your off hours. Just make sure that getting a second job is worth it to you in terms of the time, commitment, and pay involved.

4. Minimize Your Startup Costs

If you’re taking on a second job with an established business as your side gig, your startup costs are probably zero or close to it. But what if you want to launch a product or service or take on freelance projects?

Do you need an elaborate website, new headshots, or business cards? Should you plan on making a significant initial investment? Probably not. There are plenty of side hustles with low startup costs. There are many you can launch for less than $100.

Read More: How long is a seasonal job & how to make it full-time

5. Make Time for Your Side Gig

Once you have a side gig in mind, figure out how much time you can dedicate to it. If you want your side gig to be a significant source of income, commit to pursuing it during your available hours. Look for ways to free up more hours.

When you’re working two jobs or growing a side business while working a 9-to-5, there will be times when you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Look at your schedule and prioritize. Your side gig will often take priority over socializing and leisure activities.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Managing a side gig while working full-time will challenge you physically and mentally, no matter your side work. If you’re not careful, you can fall into unhealthy habits or wind up burned out. While you’re working your side hustle, make sure you:

• Don’t neglect your sleep. Be sure to get as much quality sleep as you can.
• Find a healthy means of dealing with stress. Working more hours often leads to more stress, so have something you can do to relieve it. Exercise is both good for your overall health and an effective stress reliever.
• Eat a nutritious diet. Living on fast food or other junk can be tempting if you’re always on the go. Neglecting your diet and eating bad foods can lead to sluggishness, weight gain, and other health problems.

7. Don’t Put Your Main Job at Risk

Maybe your side hustle will take off and replace your day job one day. Or your second job will lead to a better opportunity than your principal employer can offer. Until that day, be careful not to do anything that could jeopardize your primary source of income. Be aware of your company’s policies regarding additional employment and check local employment laws. 

If you’re always tired and your productivity dips, you might put your day job in danger. Working for a competitor or on your side gig when you’re supposed to be doing work for your primary job is unethical and could get you fired. Make sure you keep your regular job until you can leave for greener pastures once and for all.

8. Handle Your Relationships With Care

People notice when you’re suddenly less available than you used to be. Family, friends, and significant others will be impacted. Working a second job or starting a side gig might require others to change their routines and expectations. Don’t let that cause resentment or ruin relationships.

Don’t keep people who count on you in the dark. Talk to your partner about what life might look like when you’re unavailable. Let friends and family know they might not see or talk to you as much. It would be best to have their support and understanding to maintain the relationship. Don’t just disappear or expect everything to stay the same without having a conversation.

9. Keep Detailed Records

If you work for a gig economy company like TaskRabbit, Uber, or Instacart as a side gig, they will most likely classify you as an independent contractor. As a gig worker, taxes won’t be taken from your pay, and you’re on your own for any expenses. It also means some of your costs might be tax deductible. That makes your tax situation more complicated. Make sure you keep track of your income and expenses. Put money aside for taxes.

10. Don’t Be in a Rush to Quit Your Day Job

Many people take on a side gig with the goal of one day leaving their day job for self-employment. It is possible, but don’t be too quick to jump ship. Having a good idea is not enough. You need to have a proven, sustainable business model and enough customers to replace your primary source of income.

Working full-time to cover your expenses and running a business on the side acts as insurance and reduces the risk. It also allows you the flexibility to test new ideas and try different things until you have a stable business.

11. Evaluate Your Side Gig Regularly

When you’re constantly working, losing sight of your goals and progress is easy. Keep yourself on track by re-evaluating your side gig and seeing where you stand with your goals. Track your time spent, the extra money earned, and your advancement toward your goals. Consider the sacrifices you’ve made and whether they’ve been worth it. Keep what’s working and get rid of what isn’t.

If your side gig isn’t working out, moving on is OK. There are plenty of side hustles you can do while working full-time. You can always try something else. I’ve worked multiple second jobs, run a part-time business on nights and weekends, done a few hundred hours of freelance work, and worked as an independent contractor for a gig economy company. Not everything was a good fit, but I learned a lot along the way. 

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