To The One Who Wants To Be Free But Is Still In Chains

Everyone wants to start a side hustle these days. Trust me, I get it - growing up in South East London has a way of making you dream of financial freedom from the get go.

Tip 1: Be true to who you are

1. Writing down key plans and priorities each month: It doesn't even matter if these change from month to month. The mere act of you writing these down helps you have a clearer picture of who you want to be, and you'll find yourself aligning with actions that fit what you have written. If you're not a fan of writing, try keeping a video journal.

2. Meditate: It doesn't have to be structured humming to whale sounds if you don't think that's for you. But for at least 10 minutes everyday, try to take time outside of the hustle and bustle of life and reflect on who you are.

3. Spend time with yourself: Once you feel up to it, a cool thing I've started doing is going for a hour long walk with no headphones so I can't listen to music. This forces me to actually think and process because let's face it, there's nothing else to do for the hour.

If after all of that you're good with who you are and you still feel a bit uneasy in the corporate space try out this great read from Luvvie Ajayi: https://amzn.to/3hJ9Yoq (and have a think about whether you really want to be in a space where you feel like you don't belong).

Tip 2: Set a budget and stick to it

For those who know, you know what it feels like when the requests start rolling in from that uncle who hasn't actually spoken to you since your naming ceremony 22 years ago. If you're a stronger person than I am and able to say no straight away then that's amazing.

If, like me, you struggle to set the boundaries with family members who ask for money after you've dutifully split your first pay check with them all, try this:

1. Set and work to a zero based budget: you can't give out money that you don't technically have.

2. Read the Smart Money Tribe by Arese Ugwu and thank me later: https://amzn.to/3krjcr9

3. If you're feeling really brazy, don't tell your family members how much you actually earn. And always knock it down by at least £10k to be on the safe side if you have to disclose the amount.

Tip 3: Don't pour from an empty cup

Whew chile having a side hustle is great when you're in the mood and the money is rolling in but not so great when you don't actually feel like getting out of bed but your money is tied to you actually working.

1. Scheduling an hour everyday in your calendar that you can use as free time to do whatever you want

2. Giving yourself a "weekend" off: I say "weekend" because most of us work on our side hustles predominantly on the weekend. The point is try to give yourself a couple of says off in the week so you're not working on it 24/7.

3. Create a support network: I promise you you're not the only one who is feeling the way you do. Reach out to your friends who are in similar positions and schedule in regular breakdown meetings if you need to. 

If these tips don't float your boat, try the ones I've posted on Instagram (@successwstephuk) :)