Side Hustle Culture

2020 saw a record number of people turn to online business, not only to supplement their income but, also in many cases, to save their sanity. Now that we're starting to return to the office however, is this still a sustainable lifestyle for the average person?

In October 2021, the average number of hours worked by full-time employees in the UK was 36. This equates to just over seven hours a day, plus unpaid breaks (in many cases) and commute time. Let's say for example, the average working day from when we leave the house to when we return, is nine hours. I don't know about you, but after that, I'm more than ready to put my feet up and my favourite series on.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for side businesses and additional income streams. There's the famous quote I always come back to: "millionaires, on average, have not just one, but seven streams of income". Honestly, I think that would be incredible.

There are two ways we can look at this idea though. When I see people working smart, making their businesses work for them, I feel a sense of pride and happiness for them. They've got this figured out. On the other end are the people who work every given hour trying to build something great, and wear "the hustle" like a badge of honour. If that's you, please don't take this personally; I'm fully aware that some people love what they do and get a lot out of working constantly. What I can't get behind is the idea that we should sacrifice everything that brings us joy and burn ourselves out trying to achieve the impossible.

I started my first side gig whilst still at school. I would finish my day, do a little studying for my exams and then stay up half the night designing websites and creating content. As a naïve and arrogant teenager, I was fine with this. I was earning money on the side without the need to wait tables at weekends, or collect glasses in a pub. But, what I failed to see at the time was the negative impact this would have on both my physical and mental health.

As an adult, I got involved in various online business activities and ended up surrounded by the "eat, sleep and breathe your business" types. This toxic culture led me to total burnout. I ended up in financial trouble because I was too exhausted to work. I was too depressed to see anyone, but was still trying to show up online and pretend to be this positive, upbeat person. (Even at my best, I'm not an upbeat, bounding into the room type of person.) It took me a long time to find the balance.

To Hustle, or not to Hustle?

I love the idea of women creating something of their own, and seeing life-changing results. I love to see them succeed and make themselves happy. What I can't get behind is the toxicity of "hustle culture". You don't have to sacrifice the things you love in order to make big things happen.

There are so many industries you can get involved in, that are predicted to skyrocket in the coming years, without having to become a miserable robot.

• Network Marketing - while often sneered at by many people - is set to more than triple in worth by 2025
• The Content Creation industry is set to grow with 12% CAGR by 2030 
• Online Coaching was set to reach a value of $20 billion by 2022, but surpassed this in 2021
• The Online Course industry has an estimated annual growth rate of 29%

Do you want to be hands-on? Are you looking to create passive income? There are so many options for an online business. You can choose to work this alongside your full-time employment, or look to grow it into your full-time income. 

So, can we really get behind the side hustle culture?

The answer is yes, and no. Side hustles can do incredible things for so many people, but we should also ensure we don't fall prey to the toxic "hustle culture" that can so often come with them. The side hustle should make your life easier, more enjoyable, and more fulfilled.

Find what makes you happy and run with it. Good luck, and may your journey be a positive and prosperous one.