Summary

The article discusses the importance of taking time off from a side hustle, emphasizing the mental and financial benefits of such breaks.

Abstract

The author of the article, a prolific writer with multiple income streams from writing, shares the positive impact of taking a week-long break from writing. Despite the temporary dip in income, the mental respite and creative rejuvenation from the hiatus proved invaluable. The author experienced a surge in ideas and productivity upon returning to work. Additionally, the break allowed for increased focus on other side hustles, like online reselling, leading to a significant profit increase. The time away also reignited the author's passion for writing, turning exhaustion into eagerness. The article advises side hustlers facing burnout or creative blocks to consider taking a break, suggesting that time off can lead to renewed enthusiasm and success.

Opinions

The author believes that regular breaks are essential for preventing burnout and maintaining long-term productivity in side hustles.
Stepping away from a side hustle can lead to a refreshed perspective and a surge in creativity, akin to muscles recovering during a week off from exercise.
The author values the diversity of income streams, which can mitigate the impact of taking time off from one particular side hustle.
Taking a break is seen as a strategic move that can enhance overall performance and enjoyment of a side hustle.
The article suggests that the mental health benefits and the subsequent increase in motivation and ideas outweigh the temporary financial setback of taking time off.

Time Off: The Real Secret to Side Hustle Success

Every side hustler needs it — but most won’t take it

I took a break from writing last week. Actually, it was more than a week — but who’s counting?

My bank account, that’s who.

Jokes aside, my writing income will take a bit of a hit this month, but the mental relief I got in return was and will be worth it.

When you write as much as I do, burnout is inevitable. Finding coping mechanisms to help myself get past that feeling of exhaustion and keep pushing is crucial for my survival.

I earn money from several different writing streams:

Besides my e-books, I’m always circulating between these streams of income. Taking an entire week off doesn’t just hurt the money I earn, it kills my writing rhythm and slows my progress.

Still, the advantages far out away the disadvantages.

Benefits of taking a break

These are the benefits I found after taking a break from writing for a week.

My brain had time to rest

For starters, I give my creative juices a chance to replenish themselves.

For an entire week, I didn’t think about writing, didn’t write and didn’t check any kind of stats.

By stepping away from my writing side hustle, I gave my brain a chance to reset. And the results were amazing.

When I finally stepped back to my keyboard, I had so many ideas coming to me organically. Almost too many.

A similar parallel to this is working out. The more we work our bodies day in and day out, the more we tear muscles and exhaust ourselves.

But if we give ourselves a break week to relax, our muscles have more time to recover and are ready to rip and roar when we finally exercise again. That’s how my brain works after not writing for a week.

I had more time for other side hustles

Besides writing, I also earn money from reselling online.

During my break week, I made the most profit from my reselling side hustle in a long time. I tripled my average weekly income that week because I had more time to spend on it.

I owe this sudden increase in profit to taking a week off of writing.

Not only did my reselling side hustle bloom, but I had more time to exercise and relax.

I started yearning to write again

By the time my week off was over, I was itching to write again. I wanted to start typing again so badly that it almost hurt.

By far, this was the biggest benefit I received from taking a week off. I went from a writer who was exhausted and couldn’t write another word to a writer who madly wanted to type again.

It’s truly a game-changer knowing I can manipulate my own mind and goals by stepping away from a daily task for a short time.

The bottom line

If you’re running out of ideas, thinking about quitting or just stressed, take a break. Take a week off and see how you feel about it.

I promise you’ll be surprised about how much of a difference a week away from your side hustle can make.

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