Chapter 1: The Side Hustle Dilemma

Transitioning into a full-time role fueled by my passion for content has been a journey worth sharing. But how did I reach this point?

I won’t pretend I haven’t had moments where I thought, “That’s it, I’m done! This admin job isn’t for me!” Let’s be honest, it’s clear that administrative work isn’t my true calling. In fact, I often question my qualifications to manage others' schedules when I can barely manage my own. My planner is a chaotic mix of random notes scattered across my desk and floor.

When I lost my journalism job during the pandemic, I had no choice but to find new employment. While administration isn't my passion, I’m grateful for my supportive team and the ability to pay my bills. The silver lining of my current job, which isn’t overly demanding, is that it allowed me to pursue my side hustle without the added stress.

To my surprise, I began to see some success with my side project, leading me to believe that I could soon turn my passion into a full-time career.

"When is the Right Time to Quit Your Job for a Side Hustle?" explores the important considerations for those contemplating a leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Juggling Responsibilities

As I dove deeper into my side hustle, I found myself working evenings and weekends. Yes, I know the dangers of burnout, but I pressed on. Deadlines loomed large, and my clients expected high-quality work within tight timeframes.

I typically started my day job at 8 AM and wrapped up by 4 PM, only to dive into my side hustle or assist my partner with home renovations. My weekends were similarly packed with side project tasks or home improvements.

"I was eager to quit my job and focus exclusively on my passion. I could find more clients later; I had some savings to fall back on," I told myself.

But the reality began to weigh heavily. I experienced stress and tears, and I was reluctant to halt my progress. I had formed valuable client relationships and built a community that I didn’t want to lose. I feared that if I paused, I might never return to this newfound passion.

Despite the growing pressure, I realized that I didn’t want to make my side hustle an escape plan. My goal was to eventually own my own business, but not under these circumstances.

"The Exit Strategy You Haven't Considered" discusses alternative routes to leaving a job without relying on a side hustle.

Chapter 3: A Fresh Start

I finally made the leap and resigned from my job last week. But it wasn’t a hasty decision; I secured a full-time writing position first. The transition was surprisingly smooth. My side hustle had allowed me to build a solid portfolio, which impressed potential employers.

I landed several interviews and connected with a fantastic startup committed to remote work—an opportunity that felt right. So, I’ll be starting on Valentine’s Day, and I couldn’t be more excited.

My side hustle played a pivotal role in this journey, but it was never meant to serve as my sole escape plan. Instead, it was an essential step toward doing what I truly love.