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Rutendo Gwatidzo, Changing Perspectives
Navigating a world where work is no longer about the traditional 8-5pm kind of labour is not easy.
People now thrive in freelance, online ventures and many other creative adventures.
The rise of the side hustle economy has empowered individuals to supplement their income, which is good. However, inasmuch as side hustles are good, they have brought many challenges with them.
Organisational status
Many employees have become thieves in the workplace and sadly a good number of them get to suffer the consequences. Some steal company time, internet, clients, business and many other kinds of resources. Instead of focusing on the work they have been employed for, a good number of employees tend to focus on side hustles using work as centre for all deals.
For this reason, a good number of organisations are struggling to make profits.
Some suffer poor performance due to lack of team’s commitment and dedication.
Others suffer losses due to high levels of error and accidents from teams that will be swamped with tasks outside work.
I believe that we all need to understand the power of teamwork and collaboration.
Whenever people put efforts together for the achievement of one goal, the probability of success is high. Sadly, in many organisations, we have teams that carry different goals and agendas.
Balancing both a professional job and side hustle is not easy most of the time. But, with some smart strategies, one can create a sustainable routine that allows thriving in both areas. If you happen to be one of those who does both, you need to be deliberate in how you do it to avoid losing both.
Allow me to share some of the tips that can be helpful.
Define your goals
Be clear in why you are hustling. Is it for extra money, career development or pursuing a passion. Knowing your why will help you to prioritise your tasks.
Schedule time
Do not do things harp hazard. Allocate specific time to your side hustle. Also schedule important meetings and tasks at work.
Communicate
Let your family and friends know about your side hustle commitments so that they do not expect certain attention from you.
Set boundaries with your side hustle to avoid burn out.
Be a time management master
Track your time to understand where your time is going. Invest in efficiency for instance, utilise tools to automate repetitive tasks. For example, schedule at once your social media adverts. Batch similar tasks together.
Minimise distractions
Turn off phone notifications or put your phone away while working on certain tasks. Create a separate workplace for side hustle to avoid mixing up things. Learn to say No to certain necessary but, not important side hustle demands.
Optimise your energy
Take breaks, get enough sleep and prioritise healthy habits. Productivity relies on a healthy and focused mindset. Utilise off peak hours by working up early for instance and commute to work early to avoid spending and wasting too much time in traffic.
Be flexible
Unexpected events happen. Be prepared to adjust your schedule when necessary to avoid compromising your main job. The interesting part about those who do side hustles is that, their main jobs mean more to them than the side hustle. Yet, a number of times, some of them are more reckless with the main job more than the hustle.
Delegate and outsource
Delegate tasks within your side hustle to free up your own time. You do not want to find yourself dealing with unwanted and unexpected battles at work, hence you need to avoid conflict by delegating where necessary.
Do not violate any non-compete agreements or use company resources. Maintain ethical business boundaries. Side hustles do help with extra income that improves one’s financial situation.
For others it brings personal fulfilment and career development.
Side hustles can also provide valuable experience and networking opportunities; some people develop passions and new skills.
There are many benefits that come as a result of side hustles. They are tempting to the extent that even those with good paying jobs still find themselves compromising their jobs over side hustles.
Please note that, inasmuch as disclosing your side hustles sounds like an automatic dismiss, it is always better to tell your employer about it.
In today’s economy, a good number of employers are understanding as long as you agree on the parameters. It is better to be monitored than to lose your job. Jobs are not easily found these days, once you find one, do not take it for granted.
It is my hope that as you do your job and side hustle at the same time, you will be able to balance the two.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is the managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy – as a culture and change management specialist. She is a multi-award winning leader, consultant, speaker and coach. She is also an author of Born to Fight and Breaking the Silence books.
Feedback: 0714575805/ [email protected] / Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official fb public page.
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