7 tips how to manage "side gigs" and not go crazy

Illustration

Do you often find that before the month is over your funds for the entire month have run out and you do not know how? Maybe your personal knowledge of a foreign language or graphic or other software design is at such a professional level that you feel your skills could be a side gig. Do you have a passion? Have you been pondering, for a while, about the possibility of turning your skill into solid earnings? If so, read the following tips prepared by The Daily Muse website and avoid painful experiences while expanding your career focus.

Be smart about costs

Getting started can be relatively easy, ideally avoid endeavors that would require a large initial investment. Skip the formal step of a business plan and start your business directly. For example, "e-commerce sites can get you set up in a weekend," says Kimberly Palmer, the author of The Economy of You. When it comes to low-cost marketing, start with social networks and gradually build a community with the help of newsletters or even a blog.

Be bold

There is no such thing as a crazy idea, if you have nothing to lose. Do not be afraid to experiment a bit to discover something which will fit you. In fact, many business owners have discovered their second job almost by accident.

Do not hide it from work

To avoid conflicts of interest, suspicion and subsequent problems, tell your employer straight out what activities you are engaging in outside work. Maybe your employer can benefit from your "side gig", if you are improving skills that you use in his company.

Manage time and energy

Learn to deal with your time and energy effectively, you will need them. Try to get up earlier, take advantage of lunch breaks or weekends. Work with your calendar to dedicate a block of time to your side activities. Ideally, try to balance creative and business activities, alternately.

Listen to customers

Before you start furiously, but deliberately spending money, find out what your customers really want. Do preliminary research by listening to your customers. Palmer had a painful experience after having invested several hundred dollars in printing her financial guide, she discovered that customers wanted a digital download version.

Expect troubles

Obstacles will appear that you cannot always be prepared for. That is okay. Expect them and learn from them. If you side job fulfills you, then several negative comments certainly should not affect you. Conversely, it can help you focus your direction even better.

Get organized

Keep your time schedule under control and take care of tax liability and other administrative tasks. Many expenses related to a business can be deducted. If you start building more business, it will be better to consult with a specialist.

Do you have a side gig, an extra income? How does it correspond to your current job and your weekly organisation?

-bn-

Article source The Muse - U.S. website focused on smart career advice and long-term professional development
Read more articles from The Muse