Hustler's Guide: Top Side Hustles to Pursue as You Return to the Office

As the pandemic-induced era of fully remote work comes to a close, companies are urging their employees to return to the office. However, the once-promising experiment of telecommuting, which offered flexibility and freedom, now appears less attractive to management. Many corporate giants, such as Disney, Amazon, Meta, and Lyft, have announced their plans to return to the office, marking the end of the era of makeshift home offices and casual attire (Source: New York Times).

However, not all are ready to let go of the autonomy that remote work provides. For many, it became an opportunity to venture into side hustles, igniting an entrepreneurial spirit. This wave of resistance to returning to the old norm is fueled by a desire for flexibility and the financial prospects and personal fulfillment these side hustles bring.

Why Side Hustling Still Matters

The charm of side hustles is stronger than ever, even as offices reopen their doors. Over the past few years, many of us have discovered that these ventures go beyond just providing an extra source of income. They can act as a safety net in our uncertain economy, serve as a creative break from the daily grind, and for some, they've become stepping stones toward achieving financial independence.

Another important factor is turning the side hustle from a 'nice-to-have' into a 'need-to-have': rising inflation. With the cost of living increasing, the additional income from a side hustle can help us keep pace, save for the future, or even treat ourselves without straining our primary income.

As we find our footing in this work landscape, we're tasked with finding a side hustle that matches our skills and passions and fits into the confines of an office schedule. Despite the resurgence of the traditional office setup, achieving a fulfilling work-life balance that doesn't jeopardize our financial security remains a worthy pursuit.

Best Side Hustles to Balance with Office Work

App-Based Jobs:

• What it is: These jobs are primarily coordinated through smartphone apps. They span a wide array of services, including providing rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, delivery services such as DoorDash or Instacart, completing tasks for others through platforms like TaskRabbit, or even pet sitting and house sitting via apps like Rover or TrustedHousesitters.
  

• How to get started: To begin, you'll need a smartphone. Depending on the job, you may also need a vehicle or other specific equipment. First, research which apps have a demand in your local area and check their requirements. The offerings can vary widely—from transportation to food delivery, task completion, pet sitting, or house sitting—so look for a fit that matches your skills and interests. After selecting the right job, download the app, complete the sign-up process (which usually includes a background check), and start accepting jobs or tasks at your convenience.

Freelance Jobs:

• What it is: Freelancing involves providing specific skills - such as writing, graphic design, or coding - on a project-by-project basis for various clients.

• How to get started: Identify your marketable skills and create a portfolio showcasing your work. Then, set up a profile on freelancing websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Remember to write an engaging bio and description of your services. Start by bidding for smaller projects to build a client base and earn positive reviews, which can help attract more clients.

Reselling/Selling Online:

• What it is: This hustle involves selling items online through various marketplaces. These items can be used goods you no longer need, handcrafted products, or items you purchase for resale.
  

• How to get started: Identify what you want to sell. If it's used items, start by decluttering your home. For handmade products, make sure there's a market for what you're creating. Create an account on the platform best suited to your products (e.g., eBay for used goods, Etsy for handmade items). Take clear, well-lit photos of your items, write accurate and engaging descriptions, and set reasonable prices. Be prepared to package and ship items promptly after they're sold. If you're interested in dropshipping, research popular products, find a supplier, and create a website or online store where you can sell the products without managing inventory.

These side hustles can provide a flexible and lucrative income stream, perfect for balancing with your office job in the post-pandemic world.

Navigating the Challenges

Juggling a side hustle with an office job can seem daunting, but it becomes much more manageable with the right planning, prioritizing, and tool utilization.

Here are some practical insights and advice to help you along:

1. Use Digital Tools: Leverage productivity apps to stay organized and AI tools to improve efficiency. Apps like Notion are great for project management and have an amazing AI feature!

2. Set Boundaries: Maintaining a clear boundary between your office work, side hustle, and personal life is crucial. Determine when you will and won't work on your side hustle, and stick to it. This helps avoid burnout and maintains balance.

3. Prioritize Tasks: Not all tasks are created equal. Use a system like the Eisenhower Box to prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance. This can help you stay focused on what truly matters and avoid getting overwhelmed.

4. Automate Where Possible: If tasks can be automated in your side hustle, invest in the necessary tools or software.

5. Delegate or Outsource: If you have tasks that are time-consuming and not within your skill set, consider delegating or outsourcing. Websites like Fiverr or Upwork can help you find freelancers to take over certain tasks.

6. Stay Healthy: Remember to take care of your physical health. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, which is key when managing multiple responsibilities.

As the work landscape evolves, embracing a side hustle could be your ticket to survive and thrive. Remember, success isn't built overnight; keep hustling, keep learning, and, most importantly, keep going.

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