Whether it's to supplement your income, explore a passion, or build financial freedom, side hustles are increasingly becoming a staple in many people's lives. Starting a side hustle can be an exciting yet daunting venture, but the truth is, you don’t have to jump in blindly. With the right mindset and tools you can manage a side hustle that not only brings in extra cash but also supports your personal growth.
Why men are turning to side hustles
The gig economy is booming and it’s no surprise that more men are seeking side hustles as a way to earn additional income. According to a report from Pew Research, 44% of men in the U.S. report having a side hustle of some form. Whether it’s freelance work, product creation, or online sales, side hustles offer flexibility that traditional jobs can’t always provide. Men are no longer just looking for ways to earn more - they want to control their careers, pursue their passions, and gain financial independence.
Choosing the right side hustle
Side hustles don’t have to be complicated. Selling products on eBay or offering skills on platforms like Fiverr can be a great starting point. Many men dive into freelancing in areas like writing, web design, or digital marketing, while others focus on hands-on work such as driving for Uber or offering handyman services. For those who enjoy creating, identifying a pain point or opportunity can lead to developing new products to sell. Tech-savvy men might explore high-growth areas like app development or website design, both of which can generate significant income.
At Pitstop, we encourage setting clear goals, not just professionally but personally, before diving into any new endeavour. Start by assessing your skills, passions, and available time. Don’t just go for the first idea that comes to mind. Choose one that excites you and doesn’t feel like a chore. Remember, side hustles should complement your primary job and not drain you.
The 48 Hour Startup brief in the Pitstop app provides practical tips for turning your ideas into action. It highlights that your side hustle doesn’t need to be unique, market research can simply mean talking to people, and strong branding starts with telling a great story.
Avoiding burnout while running a side hustle
One of the main challenges men face when juggling side hustles is burnout. According to a study by Gallup, 23% of workers feel burned out often or always, with many citing high workloads and lack of time management as primary reasons. Limit your side hustle hours to specific days or a set number of hours each week. Building habits that foster long-term success is also crucial. Use the Pitstop app to set and track your habits. Start by incorporating healthy practices like mindfulness, exercise, and quality sleep, which will help keep your productivity levels high without sacrificing your well-being.
Scaling your side hustle
Once you’ve gained traction with your side hustle, you might want to considering turning it into a full-time business. This can be a daunting step, but with the right mindset, it’s achievable. Keep in mind that growing a side hustle requires a keen understanding of your margins, the market, and the demand for your product or service. Use feedback to iterate on your idea and refine your offering. Whether you plan to scale slowly or leap into full-time entrepreneurship, the key is to focus on consistent progress and using data-driven decisions to fuel your growth.
A side hustle can be an exciting way to earn extra income and pursue passions outside of your primary career. By starting small, focusing on quality, and setting clear goals, you'll be better placed to build a side hustle that supports both your professional and personal growth.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Download the Pitstop app today to access expert resources informed by behavioral science that will help you balance your side hustle with well-being, set powerful habits, and make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
