In a recent interview with Fast Company, Roya Shariat, author of “Maman & Me: Recipes from our Iranian American Family,” shared her experience balancing a demanding job with pursuing her passion for writing a cookbook. Shariat, who currently oversees social impact and partnerships at Glossier, revealed that she made her dream a reality by being upfront about her aspirations from the beginning and prioritizing her time and energy. She utilized platforms like TikTok and Instagram to gain a following and create an audience for her work. Along the way, she faced challenges such as imposter syndrome and financial considerations, but remained committed to her side hustle while excelling at her full-time job. Shariat’s story offers insight and inspiration for individuals looking to pursue their own side hustles while maintaining a demanding career.
How to Successfully Balance a Big Job with a Big Side Hustle
Read more about the Latest Money News
Start on social
In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become essential tools for connecting with others, sharing ideas, and building an audience. Whether you’re pursuing a side hustle or managing a full-time job, starting on social media can be a great way to gain visibility and establish a presence in your chosen field. By creating accounts on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, you can showcase your skills, share your passion, and attract like-minded individuals who are interested in what you have to offer.
Be upfront about it
When juggling a demanding job and a side hustle, it’s crucial to be open and transparent with your colleagues and superiors about your passions and interests. By sharing your goals and aspirations from the beginning, you not only build trust and credibility but also set the stage for understanding and support from those around you. Letting your employer know about your side hustle and how you plan to manage your time effectively can alleviate any potential conflicts or misunderstandings down the line.
Be realistic about your finances
While pursuing a side hustle can be personally fulfilling, it’s important to have a realistic understanding of the financial implications. Starting a new endeavor often requires an investment of both time and money. Consider the costs associated with your side hustle, such as equipment, supplies, or courses, and evaluate how it aligns with your current financial situation. It may be necessary to save or budget accordingly to ensure that your financial obligations are met while still being able to invest in your side hustle.
Read more about the Latest Money News
Prioritize your time
One of the biggest challenges when managing a full-time job and a side hustle is finding enough time to dedicate to both. To effectively balance your commitments, it’s crucial to set clear goals and deadlines for your side hustle projects. By breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks and establishing a timeline, you can stay focused and ensure that progress is made consistently. Additionally, creating a schedule that allocates specific time slots for your side hustle activities can help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Eliminate distractions
In a world filled with constant distractions, staying focused on your side hustle can be challenging. To maximize productivity, it’s important to identify and eliminate any potential distractions that may hinder your progress. This could include turning off notifications on your phone or computer, setting boundaries with family members or roommates, or creating a dedicated workspace where you can concentrate solely on your side hustle. By minimizing distractions, you can create a conducive environment for creativity and productivity.
Delegate tasks when possible
Recognize that you can’t do it all on your own. Delegating tasks to others can help alleviate some of the pressure and free up time for you to focus on the most important aspects of your side hustle. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant to manage administrative tasks, collaborating with freelance professionals to handle specific projects, or seeking support from friends and family, delegating responsibilities can be a valuable strategy for maintaining balance and efficiency.
Take care of yourself
While balancing a big job with a big side hustle can be incredibly rewarding, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being throughout the process. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and negatively impact both your work and personal life. To maintain your physical and mental health, incorporate practices such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and healthy eating habits into your routine. Additionally, finding activities that bring you joy and relaxation can help alleviate stress and provide much-needed rejuvenation.
Practice self-care
Self-care encompasses a range of activities that prioritize your well-being and overall happiness. It’s important to identify what self-care practices work best for you and make them a consistent part of your routine. This could include activities such as meditation, journaling, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. By dedicating time to nurture and care for yourself, you can cultivate a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.
Stay organized
Effective organization is key to successfully managing both a big job and a side hustle. Implementing systems and tools to stay organized can help you stay on track and meet deadlines. Consider utilizing digital calendars, project management software, or to-do lists to keep track of your tasks and responsibilities. Prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency can also help you make efficient use of your time and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
Manage stress
Balancing multiple responsibilities can often lead to heightened levels of stress. It’s important to develop effective strategies for managing and reducing stress so that it doesn’t negatively impact your well-being or productivity. This could include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, engaging in regular physical exercise, or seeking support from a therapist or counselor. Finding healthy outlets for stress can help you maintain balance and prevent burnout.
Find a support network
Building a strong support network is crucial when balancing a big job with a big side hustle. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges you face can provide support, guidance, and motivation. This could include joining professional organizations, attending networking events, or seeking out mentors or peers who have similar experiences. Having a support network can help you navigate obstacles, gain valuable insights, and stay motivated on your entrepreneurial journey.
Communicate with your employer
Maintaining open and transparent communication with your employer is essential when balancing a big job and a side hustle. By keeping your employer informed about your aspirations, commitments, and progress, you can foster a productive and supportive working relationship. It’s important to be transparent about your time management strategies, negotiate flexibility when necessary, and demonstrate the value that your side hustle brings to your overall professional development.
Be transparent
Honesty and transparency are key when discussing your side hustle with your employer. Let them know about your goals, schedule, and any potential conflicts that may arise. By being upfront about your passions and aspirations, you lay the foundation for understanding and cooperation. This can also help your employer see the value in your side hustle and potentially offer support or resources to help you succeed.
Negotiate flexibility
When juggling a big job and a side hustle, flexibility in your work schedule can be invaluable. If possible, have open and honest discussions with your employer about the possibility of adjusting your hours or working remotely. Presenting a clear plan that demonstrates how you will effectively manage your responsibilities can increase the likelihood of your employer being accommodating. Flexibility can allow you to allocate dedicated time for your side hustle without compromising your performance at your main job.
Seek support and resources
Your employer may offer various support and resources that can help you balance your job and side hustle more effectively. Take advantage of any training, mentoring programs, or professional development opportunities that align with your goals. Additionally, seek guidance from colleagues who have successfully navigated a similar path. By leveraging these resources, you can acquire valuable knowledge, skills, and tools to propel your side hustle forward.
Show your value
Demonstrate the unique value that your side hustle brings to your role and organization. Highlight how your entrepreneurial endeavors have enhanced your skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. By showcasing the tangible benefits of your side hustle, you can potentially foster a greater sense of appreciation and support from your employer.
Maximize your productivity
Productivity is crucial when managing a big job and a side hustle simultaneously. To make the most of your time and resources, consider implementing the following strategies:
Set realistic expectations
Recognize that your time and energy are limited, and set realistic expectations for what you can achieve. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks and focus on completing them one step at a time. Being realistic about what you can accomplish within a given timeframe can prevent overwhelm and help you stay motivated.
Use time-management techniques
Utilize proven time-management techniques to optimize your productivity. This could include strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set period of time, followed by a short break. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and allows you to make the most efficient use of your time.
Focus on high-impact tasks
Identify and prioritize tasks that have a high impact on your side hustle’s growth and success. By focusing on these key activities, you can make significant progress in less time. Avoid getting caught up in trivial tasks or activities that don’t directly contribute to your overall goals.
Automate and streamline processes
Look for opportunities to automate or streamline repetitive tasks. This could involve using software or tools that can handle certain tasks more efficiently, freeing up your time for more important activities. Exploring options for automation can help you save time and energy in the long run.
Find balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial when managing a big job and a big side hustle. Finding the right equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal well-being can help you sustain long-term success and prevent burnout.
Establish boundaries
Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Define specific times when you are fully dedicated to your side hustle and others when you prioritize rest and relaxation. Communicate these boundaries with others to ensure everyone understands and respects your need for balance.
Make time for hobbies and relaxation
Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation is essential for maintaining balance. Schedule regular time for hobbies or activities that help you unwind and recharge. This could include exercise, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing creative outlets unrelated to your side hustle.
Manage your energy levels
Recognize the importance of managing your energy levels throughout the day. Identify your most productive times and allocate tasks accordingly. Take breaks when needed to rest and recharge, and avoid pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion.
Learn to say no
Learning to say no is a skill that can contribute to a healthier work-life balance. Prioritize your commitments and avoid taking on additional responsibilities or projects that don’t align with your goals or values. Remember that it’s okay to decline opportunities that may disrupt your balance or stretch your capacity too thin.
Stay motivated and inspired
Maintaining motivation and finding inspiration are crucial when balancing multiple responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you stay motivated and inspired:
Set meaningful goals
Continuously revisit and refine your goals to ensure they remain meaningful and aligned with your values. Set both short-term and long-term goals to give yourself a sense of purpose and direction. Celebrate milestones along the way to stay motivated and acknowledge your progress.
Celebrate your achievements
Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognize the effort and dedication that goes into managing a big job and a big side hustle. Celebrating milestones and accomplishments can boost your morale and motivate you to keep pushing forward.
Seek inspiration from others
Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you and share your passion for success. Seek out mentors, role models, or peers who have achieved similar goals while managing multiple responsibilities. Engaging in conversations or reading about their experiences can provide valuable insights and fuel your motivation.
Continuous learning and growth
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and personal growth. Stay updated on industry trends, seek out new knowledge and skills, and invest in personal development. This commitment to learning can help you stay motivated and open doors to new opportunities.
Evaluate and adjust
Regularly assessing your priorities and making necessary adjustments is essential when managing a big job and a big side hustle. Here are some ways to evaluate and adjust your approach:
Regularly assess your priorities
Take the time to reflect on your priorities and determine if they are still aligned with your long-term vision. As circumstances change, it’s important to reassess and reprioritize your goals to ensure your side hustle continues to align with your overall aspirations.
Make necessary adjustments
Based on your assessments, make any necessary adjustments to your strategies, schedules, or goals. Be flexible and willing to adapt as needed to maintain balance and progress. This could involve reallocating resources, shifting priorities, or modifying your approach to better suit your changing circumstances.
Re-evaluate your side hustle
Periodically evaluate the viability and sustainability of your side hustle. Assess its growth prospects, financial implications, and personal fulfillment. Determine if it aligns with your long-term goals and values. This evaluation can help you make informed decisions and ensure that your side hustle remains a rewarding endeavor.
Seek feedback and reflection
Engage in regular feedback and reflection sessions to gain insights and identify areas for improvement. This could involve seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or customers, as well as reflecting on your own performance and progress. Embrace constructive feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth and refinement.
In conclusion, balancing a big job and a big side hustle requires careful planning, effective time management, and prioritization. It’s essential to be upfront about your passions and aspirations, communicate with your employer, and establish clear boundaries. Prioritizing self-care, maximizing productivity, finding balance, and staying motivated are key to successfully managing multiple responsibilities. Regular evaluation and adjustments ensure that you remain aligned with your long-term goals and achieve success both professionally and personally.
