7 Uncommon Advantages of Side Hustling That Helped Me Quit My 9–5
And become a solopreneur.
I didn’t quit to be a solopreneur.
Even the thought of it was so big that I didn’t dare to dream about it. I wanted to dream big, but also be realistic. Because when I was telling everyone I wanted to quit my job, I anyway felt stupid enough to make an unconventional move.
Solopreneurship? They would’ve called me crazy and told me that the internet is ruining me.
When I started side hustling and writing online, I didn’t think that these small things would help me immensely in becoming and sailing through as a solopreneur.
“True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” — Leo Tolstoy
The Obvious — Confidence
I’ve had issues with self-esteem pretty much all my life. I’d be lying if I don’t tell you it’s still there, deep inside me.
But writing online changed that.
I showed up to write articles online even when I didn’t want to. I did it back then because I enjoyed it and wanted to change my life. I do it right now because I still enjoy it a lot.
The appreciation and growth made me feel like I’m kinda good, and that helps me have my back straight and my chest proud each time I meet people.
I feel like I’m finally not ‘average’ anymore.
People Who Made Me Believe in My Dream
Random strangers on the internet root for me because they resonate with my content and it helped them in some way.
Each time I’m nervous, somebody would make me feel I’m okay.
In low moments, somebody else’s belief in you can help you believe in yourself.
Learning From Others
I am what I am because of others who spoke about their journey and challenges. I keep writing about my own journey with the hope that somebody else out there can change their life using my story.
All answers are available.
The DMs I get saying
“How do I freelance?”
“How to make money writing?”
These people are lazy. They haven’t even tried looking up the answers and giving a shot at it.
I have 400+ articles around it yet I receive them.
Learning from others via their stories has helped me grow quicker than figuring it out on the go.
Showing My Work
It helped me when I started because when potential clients would see that I’ve published articles online, they’d know that I’m decent at what I do.
It helped me get
- quicker responses
- better money
In short, it gives you credibility.
Keep showing your work, even if you feel it isn’t good enough.
We all feel that way.
Today, consistently showing my work across platforms has helped me build an audience and even run an online business.
“Make stuff you love and talk about stuff you love and you’ll attract people who love that kind of stuff. It’s that simple.” ― Austin Kleon
Experimenting To Align With My Strengths
What I didn’t realise until a year after side hustling was that I was a part of so many conversations where people spoke.
They told me what they like.
What they don’t.
I became a part of tiny communities where we discussed everything in and outside of work.
This helped me find the intersection where my strengths align with their problems.
So I built my products and as a result…
Passive Income
Is not impossible, it just requires time. If people tell you to put an ebook out there and earn a lot every month, they’re lying to you. That's not how it works. You need:
- an audience
- trust
- credibility
- a great product
Don’t be in a rush for it. Don’t make passive income your goal, that’s stressful.
I make excellent work my goal and everything else is just the consequence of doing good work.
A Door to Be Free
If I didn’t side hustle, I would’ve never been able to quit my job.
If I didn’t freelance, I wouldn’t have been able to earn on the side.
If I didn’t dream of quitting my 9–5 and freelance, I would’ve never been a solopreneur.
The foundation of all of this is side hustling, and showing up every day. The two took me on a journey that gave me the courage to try new things, listen to my inner voice, and be myself.
All this while writing every day to strengthen my skill too.
It’s the reason I own my time and am free today.
New: Getting Invited to Talks
Last week, I was invited to a top college at Delhi University and Google Women Techmakers to talk.
In the first event, it was a panel discussion around LinkedIn.
In the second one, it was for a Women’s Day event. I could talk about whatever I wanted to as long as it was relevant. So I spoke about ‘intentional personal branding’ which emphasised self-awareness and its importance for pretty much everything in life, but especially personal branding.
It's my aim in the next 1–2 years to get invited to talks by organisations and get paid for it.
Lastly
You don’t need to do too much at once for big things to happen.
You just need to be committed to one thing and keep showing up. While you’re at it, keep improving your skill too.
I only committed to writing online and I did it long enough for opportunities to come my way. I hope this gives you a ray of hope that your daily efforts won’t go unnoticed if you don’t give up.
It will all make sense one day.
Just show up and things will happen. — Mother Teresa