In the midst of the chaos brought on by the early days of the pandemic, a teacher found herself at a crossroads. Balancing virtual teaching with her own desire to write, she realized that it was time to make a change. This teacher had always had a passion for writing, starting with a $15 internship at a local newspaper at the age of 18. Despite graduating during a recession and turning to teaching as a safe career choice, the love for writing never faded. It took a jarring moment during the pandemic to reignite that passion and push her towards turning her side hustle into a lucrative career.
The journey from a side gig to a main hustle is not an easy one, but it is definitely achievable. The key lies in finding a mentor who can guide you through the process. Learning from someone who has already made the transition can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the challenges that come with building a successful freelance business. Additionally, being a mentor yourself can also be a fulfilling experience, as you pass on your knowledge and expertise to others.
One common piece of advice for side hustles is to “niche down” and specialize in a specific area. While this approach works for some, it is not necessary for everyone. The teacher turned writer chose to have multiple areas of expertise to keep her creativity flowing. Finding what works best for you and sticking to it is crucial in building a successful freelance career.
Crafting a stellar statement that clearly defines your business and what you offer is essential for attracting clients. Building a strong online presence through a portfolio or LinkedIn bio can help showcase your work and attract potential clients. Starting to tell everyone you know about your side hustle can also lead to new networking opportunities and collaborations.
Knowing your worth and being confident in negotiating rates with clients is vital in building a successful freelance business. Understanding your expenses, setting a sustainable pricing model, and determining your hourly rate are all important factors to consider when transitioning from a side hustle to a main hustle. It may be daunting and disorienting, but taking small steps every day towards your goal can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career.
In conclusion, turning a side hustle into a main hustle requires dedication, perseverance, and a clear plan of action. By following these steps and staying true to your passion, you can build a successful freelance career that not only supports you financially but also brings you joy and fulfillment.
