Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day; it’s how you use them that counts. People often ask me how I managed to juggle side hustles, college, and work all at once. It was tough, but it was doable. Yes, sacrifices are necessary, but fitting side hustles into your life is possible if you really want it.
Whether you aim to turn your side hustle into a full-time career, earn extra money for a financial goal, or something else, side hustles can significantly impact your life. If you’re looking to start side hustling but can’t figure out how to find the time, this post is here to help.
Here are 10 ways to fit side hustles into your busy schedule, along with some time management tips. Some methods might not be appealing, but sometimes dedicating your free time to your side hustle is what’s needed to reach your goals.
1. **Wake Up Earlier**: When I had a day job, I would wake up one to two hours early to work on my side hustles, like replying to emails, brainstorming ideas, managing my blog, and more. It was tough, but it felt good to get things done before work. If mornings aren’t your thing, try working on your side hustle before bed. Two hours a day adds up to 10 hours a week.
2. **Use Your Lunch Break**: I often used my lunch break to work on side hustles. Bringing lunch to work saved me money and gave me a full hour for my side hustle. That’s five extra hours a week right there.
3. **Take Vacation Days**: Sometimes, I used vacation days from my day job to focus on my side hustles. Taking one or two days off at a time helped me relax and not feel overwhelmed. If you have paid vacation days, even better—you get paid to work on your side hustle!
4. **Turn Off the TV**: Think about how much time you spend watching TV. The average American spends 34 hours a week watching TV and additional hours watching movies. Cutting that time in half could free up 17 hours a week for your side hustle.
5. **Use Short Gaps Wisely**: Everyone has small gaps in their day—before meetings, between work and classes, or before picking up the kids. Instead of wasting that time, use it to work on your side hustle.
6. **Multitask Efficiently**: Try multitasking without compromising the quality of your work. For example, work on your side hustle while cooking or walking on a treadmill. Use hold times during phone calls to get small tasks done.
7. **Rethink Your Commute**: If you commute by bus or train, use that time to work on your side hustle. Jot down ideas or complete tasks that can be done from your phone or laptop.
8. **Stay Organized**: Being organized saves time and helps you work more efficiently. Keep your workspace tidy and have a system for managing your tasks.
9. **Use Days Off**: Use your days off to work on your side hustle. Even dedicating just five hours on one of your off days can make a big difference. If you enjoy your side hustle, it won’t feel as draining.
10. **Be Realistic**: Be honest with yourself about how much time you have. Don’t run yourself ragged or neglect important aspects of your life. Balance is key.
How do you find time for your side hustles? What time management tips do you have?