Should everyone have a side hustle?
Side gigs have exploded over the past few years — especially during the pandemic, when a lot of “little creative projects on the side” suddenly turned into full-time businesses. Some people built entire careers from what started as a weekend experiment. (Cue dramatic montage of Etsy shops, freelance writing careers, and content creators editing videos at 2am.)
Side hustles can be empowering, profitable, and creatively fulfilling.
But here’s the real question:
Should everyone have one?
Short answer: Nope. But I do think it’s something that more people should consider!
Are Side Gigs Really for Everyone?
Not even a little.
Some people genuinely love the clarity of a 9-to-5 job, predictable hours, and the ability to shut their laptop at 5:01 PM without worrying about invoices, clients, deliverables, or “just one more email.” And that’s valid.
Some people don’t want a second job after their first job. Some don’t enjoy entrepreneurial risk. Some don’t want to monetize their hobbies or sacrifice evenings and weekends. And some simply do not want to, no further explanation.
So… Who Is a Side Hustle For?
Side hustles tend to attract a very specific kind of person. (Hi, I’m one of them!)
They’re a great fit for people who feel creatively under-challenged at work, want more autonomy or flexibility, or crave an outlet outside of their day job. They’re also ideal for people who want to test a business idea without fully jumping ship yet, who like learning new skills, and who don’t mind working outside “normal” hours.
They can also be a smart financial tool for things like paying off debt faster, building a safety net, funding travel or life goals, or creating a long-term exit ramp from a traditional job.
But it comes with trade-offs.
You’re often working when others are relaxing. You’re learning things the hard way. You’re managing stress, setbacks, and uncertainty. You’re responsible for your own deadlines. It can be deeply rewarding, but it is not always glamorous.
If problem-solving, creativity, and experimentation energize you rather than drain you, that’s usually a good sign you’re wired for it.
What Kind of Side Hustle Should You Start?
The best side hustle aligns with your skills, your interests, your available time, and the type of work you actually enjoy doing.
A simple rule of thumb: start with what you already know, then layer on what you’re curious about.
Back in 2010, I thought everyone should start a blog. I fell in love with food blogging, and I wanted everyone to find that same energy! These days though, I don’t think it has to be a blog. It could be an Instagram account, a podcast, or a YouTube channel!
If you’re great at writing, consider freelance writing, content strategy, or newsletters. If you’re artistic, explore design or illustration. If you live on social media, look at content creation or social media management. If you love organization and systems, virtual assistance or operations support might be a natural fit.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to be successful, and you definitely shouldn’t talk yourself out of something just because “the market feels saturated.”
Markets aren’t overcrowded but they’re often under-differentiated. Your voice, perspective, experience, and approach are what make your work stand out. There is always room for someone who does the work well.
The Bottom Line
Side hustles aren’t a universal requirement for ambitious people, and they’re not a badge of honor. But I do think they’re a powerful option for creatives, builders, and self-starters!
If the idea excites you, explore it. And if you’re in Virginia, join one of our in-person content creator meet-ups to get inspired!
