In today's gig economy, many individuals are juggling multiple responsibilities, including full-time employment and a side hustle. Whether it's freelancing, entrepreneurship, or a passion project, having a side hustle can be both rewarding and challenging. While pursuing additional income or pursuing a passion outside of your primary job can be fulfilling, it's essential to have a balance between your professional commitments and personal well-being.
Business attorney Jason Levine works with leaders on a daily basis and says time management is something you have to work at to improve.
“When you’re trying to learn to balance time you have to be cognizant of it at all times and you have to constantly work at it because the demands on your time may always shift on you.”
Levine also says to ask yourself, ‘how many hours do I want to work versus how many do I want to spend with family.’
To do this, effective time management is the key. Utilize time management techniques such as time blocking, where you allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks or projects. Break down your day into manageable chunks and dedicate focused periods to your primary job, side hustle, personal commitments, and self-care activities.
Establishing boundaries is crucial when managing multiple commitments. According to webmd.com, 63% of employees will take sick days if they feel they are burned out at work.
“If we avoid burnout, your team will be more relaxed which often brings more creativity which makes them happy which means in the end, they are doing better work,” said Levine. “And they don’t mind showing up or putting in the extra effort when necessary, not constantly.”
To avoid burnout, communicate openly with your employer, clients, and collaborators about your availability and limitations. Set realistic expectations regarding your response times, work hours, and availability outside of your primary job. Learn to say no to additional commitments that may stretch you too thin and compromise your well-being.
“It seems so simple to say happy people do better work but I find a lot of business leaders lose sight of that principle,” said Levine.
Another way that can help with time management is embracing technology and automation tools to streamline your workflows and increase efficiency. Utilize project management tools, scheduling apps, and communication platforms to stay organized and collaborate effectively. Automate repetitive tasks wherever possible, allowing you to focus your time and energy on high-value activities.
Being flexible and adaptable can also help when managing a side hustle alongside a full-time job. Be open to adjusting your plans and schedules as needed, recognizing that unexpected challenges and opportunities may arise. Embrace a growth mindset and view setbacks as learning experiences that contribute to your personal and professional development.
Balancing a full-time job and a side hustle can be challenging. But with the right strategies and mindset, it is achievable. Remember that achieving work-life balance is a continual journey, and it's okay to reassess and recalibrate your approach along the way. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to self-care, you can thrive both professionally and personally while pursuing that side hustle.
*To hear Dr. Shanda Gore’s interview on the PinLeader™ Podcast with Business Attorney Jason Levine, click here.
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