How to Grow Your Career While Nurturing a Side Gig

With the cost of living climbing year after year, it seems like everyone is adding a side hustle to their already-packed schedules. Even if they are happy with the workplace, sometimes having a nice job with nice coworkers isn’t enough (those alone don’t pay the bills). But let’s be real—not every side gig is some passion project or “calling.”

Sometimes, it’s just about getting some extra cash to stay ahead. After all, the cost of living just keeps going up; everyone just seems to be struggling. So, balancing a full-time job with a side gig might sound fairly overwhelming, but with a few clever strategies, it’s possible to keep things manageable and, maybe, even enjoyable. But where do you start?

Are You Here for the Passion or the Pay?

If you’re going to add more work to your life, it helps to be crystal clear on why. For some, a side hustle is about exploring a passion or a potential career path. For others, it’s all about getting a little extra financial cushion. Both reasons are valid, but knowing which applies to you will help you manage time and energy.

If the side hustle is about boosting your savings or meeting financial goals, aim for something straightforward and flexible. But if it’s more about building skills or working toward a dream, you’ll likely need to dedicate more time and thought to it. But overall, just giving this clarity will also prevent burnout, so you don’t find yourself stretched too thin trying to juggle everything.

Create a Schedule You Can Actually Stick To

The reality of working a job and a side gig is that time can quickly become your most valuable currency. Yes, really, so, without a set schedule, it’s easy for your side hustle to start sneaking into your primary job hours—or worse, swallowing up your downtime.

You’ll need to take a realistic look at your week and carve out specific, non-negotiable blocks of time for your side hustle. It could be an hour or two after work or part of your weekend, basically whatever fits. But overall, the key is to make it consistent so it becomes a habit, like a workout routine.

Be Smart About Your Workplace Policies

If you’re moonlighting, make sure it’s above board with your primary employer. Some workplaces are fine with their employees having a side gig, but it’s wise to double-check company policies and avoid any conflicts of interest. Unfortunately, if you get one without permission, you could get fired (depending on what country you’re living in).

For example, in the US, you can be fired for that reason. But if you live in the UK, then you won’t have to worry about getting fired. But it still helps to be transparent to avoid any drama. So, just have a chat with your boss, manager, or even your HR manager and ask first.

Choose a Side Hustle That Works With Your Career

Now, this goes with exactly what was being said above. Actually, this section is exactly why you need to be transparent with your work. So, not all side hustles require the same amount of effort, and not all of them complement your main job. If you want the best side hustle, aim for one that won’t clash with your career or drain all your energy. Seriously, that can’t be stressed enough!

For example, if your job is high-stress, you might not want to choose a side gig that adds even more pressure. Similarly, if you work a 9-to-5 in finance, doing consulting on weekends could be a natural fit, building your network and skills at the same time. In contrast, a side hustle that demands focus during office hours could disrupt your primary job and lead to conflicts.

So, the goal is to find a side hustle that lets you maintain your main career without overwhelming your life. But hats off to you if you can manage one that even helps your career!

Keep Your Eye on the Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, both your career and your side hustle serve different purposes. Maybe one is your main source of income, while the other is a stepping stone to something bigger or simply a way to hit those savings goals faster. But whatever the reason, staying focused on what you want out of both will keep you grounded and motivated.

But generally speaking, a full-time job plus a side gig doesn’t have to mean non-stop work. Seriously! So, with a bit of planning, the right side hustle, and a focus on self-care, you can strike a balance and enjoy the benefits of both without letting one drain the other.