It’s a Business, Not a Hobby 

Starting that side hustle may not be easy and comes with some challenges, but the pay off can be huge. Here I dive deep into some challenges you face and how you can manage them.

Manage Your Time

If I can guess, you are a full time working mom, and your full-time job is eating up the majority of the time. When you are starting your side hustle, you must spend your time wisely. Since you have kids and a full-time job, your time is even more precious. It can all seem overwhelming at first, but if you break it down and manage your time wisely, you won’t go crazy. First things first, don’t think you can do it all now. I have the problem of wanting to do it all and get it done now. When I went at my side hustle at this angle, it drove me nuts. I had to take a step back and prioritize and say no to a few things and concentrate on what I needed to complete first.

For example, I use two methods to try and manage my time and get stuff done. First is the Pomodoro technique. This technique is used to work in time intervals. Traditionally it’s set for 20-25 minutes then you take a break, the break can last between 5-10 minutes. You can repeat the intervals for as long as you have allotted your time. I like this method because I can get my kids engaged in something for that amount of time and then get a break and get them set up for another activity while I’m working on my next interval.

The other method that I love is the power hour. The power hour is where you commit to working on a task for one uninterrupted hour. For me, this is much more productive with another person. I tend to suffer from shiny object syndrome so I can get off task, but if someone is doing it with me, I will stay focused. Try these methods out and see what works best for you.

Plan Like a Boss

I have to say; as a working mom, a to-do list is my best friend. I have lists upon lists everywhere. I have a master list of more significant tasks that are long term and smaller ones that I can complete sooner. On Sunday night, I plan like a boss. I love to plan everything out so I can visually see how my week will go. I list 3-6 things I need to get done for my side hustle depending on the complexity of the task. I make a priority list and categorize what I have on my list, and I don’t move on until I have that completed. I go through my schedule and block off times where I can dedicate time to my business. When I do this, I don’t feel as flustered when I start my week.

Be Flexible, Consistent, and Follow Through

Planning is excellent, but don’t spend so much time planning and not enough time doing. Don’t forget that there is much more fun into doing than thinking. Depending on what your side hustle is, you have to go through a lot of trial and error. You are finding your audience, customers, and what will attract them to you. So mostly you have to throw a lot of spaghetti on the wall to find out what sticks. Be flexible with this. I tried a few things, and when it didn’t work, I just wanted to give up. I then had to put on my big girl pants and keep trying until I found something that stuck.

Last but not least, be consistent. Once you have found something that works, keep working it. If you stop or dabble here and there, you won’t get the results you were looking for when you started.

So if you are looking to start a side hustle and don’t know where to go, grab The Working Mom’s Guide to Side Hustling HERE!!!

Wonderful to have you join the dialogue!

I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Which point is most likely to move you to take action in your life? Did it help?

I look forward to hearing which take-away point spoke to you the most.

I read all the comments.

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