5 Reasons a Creative Side Hustle is for You!

I think so often people think that when you start a hobby or a small business on the side that the ultimate goal is to take it full time.  What you may not realize is that it takes a lot more to replace your income than just selling the same amount that you were making at your day job.  And that quite frankly, it's ok to keep it at a side hustle and have healthy boundaries.  I actually prefer to keep my small business as a side gig and it has proven to have served me well in that capacity for an entire decade now throughout many seasons of life. 

Now if that it your ultimate goal, to take it full time, and if you have achieved that, that's amazing!  But I'd love to speak to those who are drawn to the side hustle world.   Here are my top reasons to keep your business as a side hustle instead of trying to take it full time.

1.  Benefits

This is the absolute #1 reason I keep my day job.  I need the health insurance benefits and you most likely do to.  My husband works for a small business that does not offer an ideal health plan, so I work my "9-5" gig to provide those for our family.  In recent years I've had some bizarre health issues and I will always prefer to have a plan through an employer now.  Especially since self-employed plans are extremely expensive and typically don't have great coverage, and alternative plans like Medial Health Sharing plans are not an option for us.

I will say I work in healthcare and am fortunate enough to be able to work part-time and still receive health insurance (at a higher rate).  I know this isn't an option for everyone but it's what we've made work for us.

2. Steady Paycheck

This is a big deal.  Most of us need a reliable steady income.  And there's nothing wrong with wanting that.  I have bills to pay just like the rest of you and to know that they're covered each month takes that stress away.  Any profits i receive from my business are extras for us and are not counted on for our everyday bills.

3. You hold a license or degree.

If you're like me I hold a professional license and spent a good chunk of change for my day job.  It would be pretty hard for me to completely walk away from that.  It would also be hard for me to replace that with my business.  Do I think it's possible?  Yes.  Is it something I'm looking to do?  Not in the foreseeable future.  And it's ok if you're in the same boat!

4. You like your day job!

I love my creative side hustle.  But, I also love my day job!  I love the interactions and the care I get to provide to my patients.  There's something about it that I simply can't fully replace with my side hustle.

5. The schedule works for you.

Whether you need a set or flexible schedule and if your current day job offers that.  It's a valid reason to stay and keep your side hustle on the side.  We all have various reasons for our needs and if your current work schedule works for you, there's no need to feel like you need to change it.

There you have it!  5 reasons to keep your side hustle on the side.  I hope these viewpoints help get you to a place where you feel good about how your "jobs" align.