How to Build Your Bank Account with Side Hustles
This isn’t the average get-rich-quick advice you’re used to reading.
In 2021, I took a confident step towards what I thought was my calling — I became a licensed mortgage professional.
At the time, no one could tell me shit.
Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of working in real estate. My college years spent in banking only fueled this dream.
I was sure it was a perfect fit, and a way for this single mama to finally say goodbye to those ramen noodle dinners.
But as the months rolled by without a single deal closed, my confidence withered.
The expertise I thought would define my career sat idle. Interest rates were climbing from their historic lows, and the enthusiasm for home buying was cooling off.
Weeks melted into months, and there I was, license in hand and not a single closing to my name.
Clearly working full-time in real estate was about more than just my passion for helping people save for their dream homes.
It had become a circus of juggling hope and anxiety, with me constantly on edge, praying that a deal would close.
Many days felt like like an acrobatic act of budgeting, trying to stretch every dollar to cover my rent, groceries, and my daughter’s tuition.
And my credit card debt?
Well, let’s just say it was an uninvited guest that overstayed its welcome.
I still needed a safety net and another way to earn money that didn’t mean sacrificing every moment of my day.
In a wicked twist of fate, I found myself in the front of a classroom, not as a student but as a substitute teacher.
This wasn’t the plan, but as I looked into the eager faces of my students on the first day of school, I found a different kind of fulfillment.
It was supposed to be a temporary gig but became much more.
As I navigated lesson plans and the unique dynamics of teenagers, I also discovered my passion for writing.
Writing started as a creative outlet for expressing my emotions but unexpectedly became a surprising source of income.
It began with a few articles here and a blog post there, but it has blossomed into an integral part of my life.
A year into this journey, I’m still exploring my voice, finding my niche, and figuring out how to grow as a writer.
The key takeaway? I took the first step into doing something uncomfortable.
Side hustle strategies to earn extra money.
So, for those of you on a quest to find a profitable side hustle, I want to share six other side hustle strategies that worked for me and might work for you, too.
Seasonal Retail Jobs
I’ll be honest. Jumping into seasonal retail work was like stepping onto a fast-moving train.
The holiday rush is intense!
I worked at a Brookstone kiosk in the middle of the mall, where the buzz of activity was nonstop my entire shift.
There were moments I loved and thrived on the hustle, the constant flow of people, and the holiday cheer. But then, the long hours on my feet and the occasional grumpy shopper tested my patience.
Despite the whirlwind, the extra income was a blessing, always showing up just when I needed it most to cover the bills.
And let’s not forget the perk of being right across from Godiva Chocolate — a gourmet caramel chocolate milkshake after a long day’s work is always a good idea, right?
Sidenote: If you haven’t tried one of Godiva’s chocolate caramel milkshakes, please make that a year-end goal. Thank me later!
Selling Old, Ugly Clothes Online
Selling old clothes online started as a necessity so that I could buy new clothes.
To get started, I searched every corner of my house and checked out the local Goodwill for things that could bring in some money.
However, it quickly turned into a treasure hunt that I still do. I enjoy the simplicity of it, the direct exchange of goods for money.
The only downside for me is sometimes, negotiating over a few dollars with buyers can be annoying. But every sale, no matter how small, feels like a personal win, inching me closer to my financial goals.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing has been my golden ticket.
It’s more than a side hustle; it’s also a passion!
There’s something deeply rewarding about creating stories and sharing insights, and the fact that I get paid for it sometimes feels too good to be true.
But it’s not always a bed of roses.
Deadlines dominate, and writer’s block doesn’t give a fuck.
Yet, when a piece comes together, and a client is happy, it feels like finally baking a loaf of bread that doesn’t end up looking like a deflated soccer ball.
Sidenote: I’m still working on mastering baking bread, but one day, my loaf of bread will be better than your grandma’s.
Substitute Teaching
Walking into a new classroom as a substitute teacher is similar to gambling.
Some days, I leave feeling like I’ve made a difference.
On other days, I question my sanity.
But every day is a learning experience, and the paycheck helps pay the bills.
I only sub for high school students. For the most part, they’re very well-behaved, and their assignments are on Google Classroom. I’m able to focus on my writing assignments, and they’re good about getting their work done.
Etsy Print-on-Demand
I jumped onto the Etsy Print-on-Demand bandwagon enthusiastically, imagining my designs on t-shirts nationwide and my store with tons of customers.
It was initially exciting.
Setting up the shop was easy, and watching my creations come to life was satisfying.
But I quickly learned that passive income isn’t always so passive.
The competition was fierce, and the effort to stand out was more than I anticipated.
The straw that broke the camel’s back was my first sale, and it received a two-star review because the fulfillment company left a massive mark on the print press.
After that, I decided to step back and refocus my energy on more fruitful endeavors.
Sidenote: This DOES work if your fulfillment company actually does its job right.
Blogging
Starting a self-hosted blog seemed like a natural step for a freelance writer.
I envisioned a thriving community around my content and affiliate links, feeding my wallet.
But the reality was a slow grind for traffic and the constant need for fresh content. It was a marathon of writing content I wasn’t interested in.
Frankly, I’ve gotten used to the quicker pace of posting on Medium. Plus, I think it would be more impactful for me to build an audience before self-hosting a blog.
I learned a lot about SEO and digital marketing, but eventually, I put my blogging aspirations on hold.
Sometimes, you have to try things to know if they’re right for you — and it’s okay to change course when they’re not.
Lessons learned through trying different side hustles.
Through it all, I’ve gathered many lessons, from the patience required to tame a room of 24 five-year-olds (Kindergarten was my first assignment; needless to say, I never went back) to the diligence needed to perfect an article during a stint of writer’s block.
I’ve learned that not every venture is destined for longevity; some are stepping stones, leading us closer to where we’re meant to be.
Now, as I stand on the edge of licensing my own mortgage brokerage, I’m returning to the path I started on in 2021.
This time, I’m armed with more than just a mortgage license; I’m equipped with resilience, diverse skills, and the knowledge that the road to success is rarely a straight line.
My side hustles haven’t just been about making ends meet; they’ve been about growth, discovery, and realizing that dreams don’t have expiration dates.
Whether you’re saving for a down payment, paying off debt, or just looking for a way to make ends meet, remember that every experience, every job, and every late-night working session is a piece of a puzzle that only belongs to you.
And as I swing back to the world of mortgages, I carry with me the understanding that our most significant accomplishments often come after our greatest challenges.
Reflections
Thanks so much for reading my article!
I’ve created a few reflections from my article to think about. Feel free to respond in the comments or use them in your private journal.
Good luck to you through your journey, and remember, you’re always where you’re supposed to be.
- Think of a time when things didn’t go as planned in your work or finances. How did you deal with it? How can you use that resilience for what lies ahead?
- Take a stroll down memory lane and look at the different jobs or side gigs you’ve had. What cool skills or insights did each one bring into your life? How do these skills fit into your current dreams or goals? Would they open some unexpected doors for you?
- Is there a part of your life where you’re gearing up for a big comeback? What’s one thing you can do today to start this exciting comeback?
