Interview Series: Maintaining a Balance between Side Hustles and 9-5
With the current economic instability affecting disposable income of salary earners across the country, giving rise to the need to generate more sources of income, there has been a rise in the number of individuals exploring side hustles to make ends meet, if they ever do. This gives rise to one question, how do they manage to combine these demanding roles effectively?
Keren sat with Juliana, a Customer Service Officer in a Commercial Bank who also runs a website design agency and sells thrift wears. She is firing on all cylinders, no time to waste. In this interview, she shared with us her side hustle journey and how she has been manage it.
Keren: Welcome to this session, Juliana. I look forward to having an interactive conversation with you. Let’s start with your 9-5 job, what does it typically entail?
Juliana: Thank you for having me! My 9-5 is in the Banking Industry, where I work as a Customer Service Officer. My day usually starts around 7:30 AM with early morning meetings to set the tone for the day. From there, it’s a mix of attending to customers, responding to mails and following up with relevant departments to ensure that all customers enquiries are resolved with the TAT.
Keren: Sounds like a busy day managing customers request already! So, what inspired your choice of side hustles despite the demanding nature of your work?
Juliana: I stumbled on an ad to learn no code website design during NYSC. The fee was quite affordable and not to be left out it the rush to acquire digital skills, I plugged in to that. My second side hustle was borne out of the need to meet my colleagues’ needs and I took it more seriously when I started receiving orders across departments and from people outside the office.
Keren: Did you ever have doubts about whether you could manage it all?
Juliana: When I started, I was worried about the possibility of managing everything within the limited time I have after work. However, I learned how to put structure in the businesses and that was when I had a major breakthrough.
Keren: Talking about structure, can you tell us what it looks like for you?
Juliana: I live by my Google Calendar! I block time for my 9-5, website design gigs, and review of customers’ order. Sundays are my planning days, to not only review progress for the past week, but also set my goals for the new week.
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Keren: Looks like a packed schedule, do you miss having free time?
Juliana: Definitely. There are times when all I want is a weekend of Netflix or hangout with friends. But the key for me is to prioritize important tasks first and slot in pleasure when I can. When exhausted, I do not myself of a well-deserved break.
Keren: That’s a healthy approach. Do you feel like your side hustles have changed your personal life or routines in any way?
Juliana: Absolutely. It’s made me more disciplined. I’ve had to become better at saying “no” to things that don’t serve my goals. But it’s also made my free time more meaningful. When I do get downtime, I truly value it.
Keren: Have you ever had to make tough decisions between your 9-5 and your side businesses?
Juliana: Yes. There have been a few occasions where I had to turn down some website design gigs or give my friends because I have to meet major deadlines at work. Most importantly, I once requested a day off from work to meet a client’s go live deadline for web design gig. It’s a trade-off, and it takes careful planning. But communication and setting expectations on both ends have been key.
Keren: Speaking of communication, how transparent are you with your employer about your side hustles?
Juliana: I’m pretty open about it. My office requires ongoing declaration of other business interests as part of my contract of employment, so I had to declare it, and there were no conflicts of interest. I have a strict principle of not working on side projects during work hours. In fact, some of my coworkers are customers. I think the narrative around side hustles is changing. Most organisations no longer see them as distractions, but as signs of initiative and resilience.
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Keren: That’s enough encouragement for someone to take the bold step. How do you stay motivated when things get tough or overwhelming?
Juliana: I always remind myself why I started. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with series of to-do lists, but then when I get a commendation from a client on how my work made a difference for their brand, or a customer shares pictures rocking my wears, those are moments of encouragement that keep me going. I journal a lot, too. It helps me process stress and stay grounded.
Keren: That’s insightful. Have you ever considered going full-time with one of your side hustles?
Juliana: Yes, the thought has crossed my mind. But I really enjoy the financial stability that my 9-5 offers. For now, I’m happy straddling both worlds. If there comes a time when one of my side businesses scales beyond what I can manage part-time, I’d surely consider switching. But, I’m more focused on building to last.
Keren: I hope that happens sooner than later. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in balancing everything?
Juliana: Time, no doubt. There are days I feel like there just aren’t enough hours. However, learning to delegate and exploring means of automation has helped a lot, too.
Keren: Finally, what would you say to someone who’s afraid to start a side hustle due to time constraint?
Juliana: Start small. Even just one hour a week can make a difference. You don’t have to build a six-figure business overnight. Focus on consistency over intensity. And remember, your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If it brings you joy or fulfillment, with long term prospects, it’s worth pursuing. You just have to start!!!
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