Why You Should Always Have A Side Hustle

I have a problem.

I can’t stop trying out new side hustles.

It started in 2015 when I started driving for Lyft after working my regular 9 to 5.

Since then I’ve done retail arbitrage, blogging, Facebook Ad management, virtual assistant, food delivery, and so many others I can’t keep track of.

At this point in my life, there is no way I could do just one thing.

Even if you aren’t like me, you should always have a side hustle. If you’re hesitant, here are 7 reasons you should always have a side hustle.

You’ll Have “Extra Money”

There really is something special when you buy something with “extra money”.

You go out to eat, and buy the entire meal with money made from a side hustle.

Or, get that new gaming computer or just a new game with “free money” you got from your side hustle.

Some people go on vacations with nothing but their side hustle income.

Whatever your motivation is, having extra money is always a good feeling.

Finally Pay Down Debt

The vast majority of us have some sort of debt, student loans, mortgages, credit cards, or any other debt.

If you have a side hustle, and in turn extra money, then you can put some of that money if not all of it into paying down your debt.

When I first started side hustling the only reason I did it was to get out of debt. Every penny was intended to pay down the debt.

If that’s your goal, make sure you have a plan, even separating the money that comes in so it doesn’t ever go into your regular checking account. That way you will never be tempted to spend the money that you were going to put towards debt, towards regular expenses.

I found using a completely different bank account allows you to use money that comes from the side hustle for any expenses from that side hustle, and spend the rest on debt.

Start An Emergency Fund

Everyone needs an emergency fund.

I recently read a quote that said “Being an adult is knowing that $1,000 is not a lot of money, but also not having $1,000”.

Most people are living paycheck to paycheck and aren’t able to take care of a $1,000 emergency. That is why we all need to have an emergency fund.

It isn’t for when there is a sale, or when the new iPhone comes out.

An emergency fund is for when your car breaks down, someone falls and needs to go to the ER, a tree falls on your house, or you lose your job.

If you are living paycheck to paycheck with your regular 9 to 5, getting a side hustle is an amazing way to get that emergency fund started and fully funded.

Safe Way To Start A Business

If you have ever dreamed about starting your own business but are hesitant, and unsure if it will work, starting your dream business as a side hustle may be the best option for you.

Though it will take more work to start with, you can start your business on the side.

For instance, if you want to become a blogger, blogging part-time will allow you to work, and grow your following, and your income, before you leave your full-time job.

Starting your business on the side is also a great way to see if you really want to do it full-time.

If you dread doing your side hustle as much as you do your regular job then why would you push to do that full-time instead? It would be better to find something else, even if that’s a different job.

You Learn As You Earn

The amount of things you learn from a side hustle is amazing.

If you become a gig worker, driving for Uber or Lyft, you’ll learn if you can be around people, and how it really feels to sit and drive in a car for long periods of time.

If you start a handyman service, you’ll learn what it takes to price jobs out and how long it really takes to do things.

Virtual assistant work can have you learn social media marketing, affiliate marketing, SEO, and so many other things.

The more you do, the more you learn.

Increases Productivity at Your Job

Some people are convinced that having a side hustle will make you more tired, and less effective in your regular job. However, studies actually show the opposite.

When you have a side hustle you’ll likely be happier, more satisfied, and in turn work harder at your job.

From personal experience having a side hustle gives you a “walk away” mindset that makes your job more tolerable while working it.

Gives You A Hobby

Finally, having a side hustle gives you a hobby, and even better a hobby that makes you money.

If you pick your side hustle right it won’t feel like work most of the time.

I love delivering food. I know that sounds strange, but I turn one of my audiobooks on and will drive hours to get a book finished. It really doesn’t feel like work, but I make money while doing it.

Maybe you enjoy writing and would do it for free, then freelance writing may be for you. Or you’re a gardener at heart and help people who cannot grow weeds grow beautiful gardens.

Whatever it is, make your side hustle a hobby and you’ll enjoy it a lot more.

What About You?

These are some of the many reasons you should always have a side hustle.

What about you? What is your motivation?

Or are you still considering it?

Not everyone is like me and enjoys being busy all the time, but having a side hustle has benefits not just now, but ones that will help you with your goals.