Author Topic: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?  (Read 9816 times)

toby2

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Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« on: August 30, 2014, 08:05:09 AM »
I've been toying around with the idea of trying to develop a side gig, as the kind of work I do could lend itself to that. But there are currently some major obstacles:
  • My wife and I have a one-year old son.
  • I work an hour from home in a relatively demanding job.
  • My wife is going through a grad school program right now.
Am I crazy for even entertaining the idea of a side gig? I feel pretty exhausted at the end of the day and the weekends. For those of you who do have productive side hustles, how are you able to do it? Anybody doing it under these circumstances?


« Last Edit: August 30, 2014, 09:08:54 AM by toby2 »

Calvawt

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2014, 09:56:24 AM »
I don't have the commute that you do, but have a 2 year old and a 9 month old. 

Trying to avoid sitting in front of the tv when I get home has helped a lot.  It tends to make you forget about other tasks to be completed.  I also try to do things after the kids go to bed in the evening.

momoneymama

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2014, 10:46:24 AM »
I freelance occassionally. Its not a consistent side gig but it brings in a few extra dollars here and there.

My husband and I both work and we have an almost 2 year old. He goes to bed around 7:30 pm, so that is when I do my freelance.

We only have a 10 minute commute - so that helps a ton. There is no way I'd be able to do it with an hour commute.

MillenialMustache

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2014, 06:49:11 PM »
Are you looking into ways to shorten your commute? That would give you up to two hours per day for a side gig. My husband and I do several of our side gigs together, so we are still spending time together. We do not have a child though, and I know that makes things different.

isbjshaffer

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2014, 08:06:45 AM »
We have no children and finding a side gig can still be pretty difficult.

My current side gigs include finding ways to be more mustachian, in your case I would certainly consider a side gig in cutting down your commute, whatever the cost is sure to be worth it.

After you cut down your spending as much as possible, you could devote some time into finding ways to produce "passive income" then it wouldn't have to be a daily thing, just a one time big chunk of time investment. Start a blog or website or a service where everything can be completely automated.

Goldielocks

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #5 on: August 31, 2014, 09:33:03 AM »
I am definitely at the point that investing more time at current employer is better.  Or investing time to tax free cut expenses is a winner.

   If you lengthened your commute by 1/2 hr per day, but carpooled, you could get a good return for your time...

Other ways.. Passive income through landlording (sporadic efforts needed through year, not daily), renting out a garage or room in you home,  investing and time to research....?   The occasional Saturday temp laborer rather than constant demands?

MayDay

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #6 on: August 31, 2014, 10:42:16 AM »
We have the same issues.

If you are cooking from scratch, hanging your laundry, and doing all your own maintenance....  Well, then that's what you do after work, not TV.

Plus, kids. Just isn't happening (for us; I am sure some don't mind if the coparent is never around, but I sure do!)

Anyway, I think if H got his exercise via biking to work, and worked a straight 40 hours, it might be possible. But currently, even with a ten minute commute, its close to a ten hour day, plus time to exercise, plus mealtime as a family, plus putting the kids to bed and otherwise spending time with them.  And that's with me doing all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and a lot of the house projects. So, unless you can survive on way less than 8 hours of sleep, you run out of hours in the day.

CollegeStache

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2014, 11:00:04 AM »
The best thing you can do, depending on ideas you have or your marketable skills (and a bit of luck), is to figure out a business or activity that you can build that will allow you to passively make money on the side.  If your idea or service is any good, it will still take time to build to do it right, but there are numerous examples of businesses that can be built that do not require your direct labor for every dollar you make.  Some on here have suggested writing eBooks...in that case, you need to be a good writer and have something to offer if you're going to make any money.  If you're adept at building websites or have a good idea for a website, you can monetize that.  I have built a couple of online-based businesses that are not million dollar enterprises by any stretch, but after significant up-front building of the content, brand, and understanding the market, I've been able to create a very nice, steady income supplement to my normal job. 

There are plenty of websites you can find that provide guidance on building passive income businesses, and there are tons of options beyond the Rich Dad car wash thing.  Many businesses on the internet can be built with very little up-front cash, but like I said it takes good time, effort, and of course a good idea and a valuable product/skill/value that you provide for it to be a viable business. Tax issues associated with these types of ventures are pretty straightforward, too.

Greg

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #8 on: September 01, 2014, 10:33:53 AM »
Time is a resource that you may not have a lot of, but you can have some control of it.  I have 2 businesses I run single-handedly, and several time-consuming hobbies and a family.  But, I don't watch TV (no cable anyway) and am not into spectator things like sports.  I think this frees up a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted.  Computer time does interfere though.

As a side gig I work on cars now and then, it's only occasionally and for friends or friends-of-friends.

arebelspy

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #9 on: September 07, 2014, 08:06:15 PM »
You make time for what is important to you.

I'd suggest finding a side gig you're passionate about.

If you're starting a small business as a side gig, you'll find the time to work on it if you care about it.

If you're just doing it to pick up some extra money, it won't be worth it.
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MsRichLife

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2014, 08:16:13 PM »
We have a 2 yr old. When I'm not working, I spend my time with him. I'd rather do things to save money than spend time on a sidegig for the time being. Perhaps when he's a bit older and more independent there will be more time for other things.  He's only little once and that's just how I prioritise it at the moment.

iwasjustwondering

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #11 on: September 07, 2014, 08:32:04 PM »
We have a 2 yr old. When I'm not working, I spend my time with him. I'd rather do things to save money than spend time on a sidegig for the time being. Perhaps when he's a bit older and more independent there will be more time for other things.  He's only little once and that's just how I prioritise it at the moment.

Totally agree.  I would not try to work the way I do now with young kids.  My side gig is adjunct teaching.  I only do one class per year (and a little bit of advising as a side project at the university).  My kids are both starting important times in their academic lives this  year, so I didn't take on a fall semester class.  I can't spend the time away from them this semester.

I do spend the time I do on teaching because I absolutely love it, and it's something I do for myself, primarily.  I'm a born teacher who got a little sidetracked along the way.  So I'm working my way back to it. 

Even so, I have to justify the time away from the kids by seeing a benefit to them in all of this.  I gross $10,000 for each class, and I bank the money for their college tuition.  If I were making less, say, $5,000, which is what our state uni pays, I couldn't justify the time away from the kids.  Also, it's a way to hedge my bets.  I work in a volatile industry, and may very well get laid off in the next year or two.  Having the means and connections to replace any potential lost income right away is important to me, and to my kids.  Finally, even though I don't have a PhD, it's possible that I could get a job teaching full-time at university.  I am pursuing that possibility, which would be great for my kids, as they'd get a free education, along with the $ in their college savings accounts to get a good start in life. 

Newtonium

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #12 on: December 29, 2014, 08:12:02 PM »
To simplify:

Find something worth my time - Photography for me, jewellery for my wife, and now craft business mentoring.

Pareto's Principle - 80% results come from 20% of the work - if you know where to focus your efforts.

Minimum Viable Product - Best advice I've read this month. Every idea you have for a product is essentially 'stage 3'. Cut it down to a smaller product (stage 2). Then do it again. This is stage 1, and this is what you need to produce to start selling. I'm doing this myself with my ebook Craft Show Survival Guide http://www.daedaluslabyrinth.ca/jewellery-resources/craft-show-survival-guide/. It will end up being a 20K+ word book, but right now I've got the essentials I wanted to get across in 6k words. I'll sell it for less and continue working on more.


Andrew

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #13 on: December 29, 2014, 10:10:32 PM »
Wife and I live 5 miles from work. My side gig is basically equidistant from home and work and is after typical work hours.

It's part of my long-term FIRE plan to continue this gig (November-May) as I leave the full-time workforce in 4-5 years. I feel very lucky to have it, especially as I was laid off early this year.

deltabelle

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #14 on: December 29, 2014, 10:35:46 PM »
My side gig (my blog) is pretty much a do-it-all-from-home type thing, so it may not apply to you.

However, I work full-time and do most of the parenting duties (one child) all by myself during the week.  A few hours on the weekends (and holidays off) is when I get most of my work done.  It's not easy, and I have scaled back tremendously from what I was doing previously, but a couple of hours on weekends works pretty well for me.

ASquared

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #15 on: December 29, 2014, 11:04:25 PM »


Almost 2 year old. I hear you on the balance issues. Integrated the side gigs into my daily life.

Also blog a tiny bit, mostly late night when baby sleeping.

Newtonium

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #16 on: December 30, 2014, 08:50:52 AM »

Also blog a tiny bit, mostly late night when baby sleeping.

Me too. Finding time is more about efficiency than anything else. Watch awesome new show on netflix or blog? How about watch a movie I love (don't need to be glued to it) while writing.

TerriM

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #17 on: December 30, 2014, 10:37:18 AM »
A friend of ours told us that once you have kids you should plan on getting only one extra thing done in a day.  Boy was he right!!!   Focus on keeping healthy and getting sleep unless the side gig is a must to keep out of debt.  Things will be better as your kid(s) gets older.  If you're lucky to have a kid that sleeps all day, then maybe you'll have extra time now, but eventually he'll sleep less and you're back to no time.

I tried working with my first 20 hours a week while home with him.  Managed to get the work done, but was so exhausted, I put on 40 pounds AFTER the pregnancy compensating for lack of sleep by eating.   I would have been much better off taking some time off and resting.

Now, with three kids, I prioritize sleep as #1.  My husband thinks it's a little weird that I go to bed when they do, but I know that how I treat my kids is directly related to how much sleep I've had.  When I'm tired, I lose it.  When I'm well-rested, I can deal with the temper tantrums and misbehavior.

BarkyardBQ

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #18 on: December 30, 2014, 10:53:13 AM »
My wife and I have weekend (when we chose) jobs that are giving us time and experience (secondary resume) for jobs we want to have when we semi-retire. By getting the skills and experience now it will be much easier to obtain these jobs later. These jobs don't pay much now, but later when we semi-retire and work them a bit more they would provide enough income to cover expenses while our stache sits and grows. We chose things we're interested and based on hobbies we have and they supplement our current activities. Finding time is a matter of determining how much time you want to give to the side gig. Some months we chose to work 4 weekends, some we chose to work 2. You could have a side gig that requires 1-2 days a month depending on your employers requirements. Without question when we have a kid we will work less in these side jobs and we will have less opportunity to work the same days and have the same days off. But the extra experience, future job options and current additional income and savings make it worthwhile. If you enjoy your day job, don't just get a job to make money, get a job you're interested in and will teach you a skill you'd likely use once your retired.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2014, 10:59:18 AM by zdravé »

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #19 on: December 30, 2014, 11:09:48 AM »
I only have a 10-minute commute, but I've got *6* kids.  I've done a few things over the last several years, including handymanning, car repair, and computer repair.  When do I do it?  In the evenings after the kids are in bed.

There has been some very sage advice already given in this thread.  Some of it bears repeating:
1) get away from the screen, whether it be TV, computer, or video games.
2) you'll find time for things that are important to you.  So make sure your side gig is something you like.
3) "get one thing done each day" is a great way to start for folks like me who tend to procrastinate, or if you feel overwhelmed by a task

Cookie78

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #20 on: December 30, 2014, 11:31:44 AM »
Some really great advice in here!

I started a side business a couple months ago. It's overwhelming and a slow process, but the one thing at a time plan worked for me. I'm still not at the stage where I have clients, but I'll get there. I'm also not in a hurry and trying to build up a good foundation first.

I admire all of you with kids and long commutes still finding the time. I work 35 hours/week, have a 15-20 min bus commute (which I usually spend reading), no cable (I watch the rare movie once a month or two) and no kids, and I still have a hard time finding the time! I also have two relationships and I often foster dogs, but I don't imagine that takes up nearly as much time as kids.

My biggest problem finding time is prioritizing hobbies and other ambitions: Chainmail jewelry (also makes money), leather working (hoping to make money once I get better at it), learning Spanish, learning python (career goal), exercise (lately mostly only in the form of walking the dog(s) or biking to work in the summer), learning about investing, all in addition to building a business and learning the ins and outs. I'm hoping for any future small businesses I make it'll be much less of a learning curve!

Also, I am realizing how much time I 'waste' on forums. I like to think they are all for learning and growth purposes, but I still spend too much time on them.

Spondulix

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #21 on: December 30, 2014, 11:58:48 AM »
When you talk about everything you want to do, that sounds like a lot of pressure and a huge to do list! I think you have to establish what could increase your income vs what is a hobby, and help draw some boundaries that way. For example, fostering pets takes time and money, but could you be a dog walker for cash instead? (that would fulfill your need for exercise, too)

Same thing with the jewelry and leather working - how much time will you put in vs the financial reward? Will you just recoup the cost of supplies and end up with a huge collection of homemade crafts in your house (making it a hobby) or is there a legitimate demand for what you will be making? I have a relative who knits custom hats, which she makes one an hour while hanging out with her kids. She makes average $25/each, and she's typically got a waiting list of 20 pieces to make! She spends free time looking for new patterns and ideas, makes a sample, and then sees if she gets any orders. So there is very little excess inventory.

If Spanish and python will help increase your salary, then perhaps those are better priorities. Even if you aren't earning money immediately by taking a class, you're investing in yourself, which will increase your value (and potential earnings) in the future.

MooseOutFront

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #22 on: December 30, 2014, 12:06:14 PM »
Good topic.  I have a side gig idea that I really wish I was further along on at this point.  It will be relatively easy to earn solid income with this on nights and weekends however I have to study for the proper certifications.  Getting going on that part has been a challenge over the past 12 months while starting a new job, working on my MBA, and raising a now 6 month old and 3 yr old.  If the baby will ever start sleeping through the night I can handle staying up late working on stuff.  If he continues to be a complete wild card then I just can't do it.

Excuses are easy to find!  Down to my last MBA class next semester and the baby will start sleeping though the night I'm sure at some point during that time.  It would probably be a good idea to make myself study something in regards to my side gig certification every day no matter how little it is.

Cookie78

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #23 on: December 30, 2014, 12:19:46 PM »
When you talk about everything you want to do, that sounds like a lot of pressure and a huge to do list! I think you have to establish what could increase your income vs what is a hobby, and help draw some boundaries that way. For example, fostering pets takes time and money, but could you be a dog walker for cash instead? (that would fulfill your need for exercise, too)

Same thing with the jewelry and leather working - how much time will you put in vs the financial reward? Will you just recoup the cost of supplies and end up with a huge collection of homemade crafts in your house (making it a hobby) or is there a legitimate demand for what you will be making? I have a relative who knits custom hats, which she makes one an hour while hanging out with her kids. She makes average $25/each, and she's typically got a waiting list of 20 pieces to make! She spends free time looking for new patterns and ideas, makes a sample, and then sees if she gets any orders. So there is very little excess inventory.

If Spanish and python will help increase your salary, then perhaps those are better priorities. Even if you aren't earning money immediately by taking a class, you're investing in yourself, which will increase your value (and potential earnings) in the future.

Thank you, you are right, it gets overwhelming far too often.

I had considered dog walking, but I haven't looked into it enough yet. Fostering doesn't cost me money except a little gas each time I have to go pick up a new pup about 10 min drive away, or trips to the vet 5 min away, but it does cost time and energy. All food, crate, toy, vet, and medicine costs are covered by the rescue organization. Fostering also has a lot of benefits that can't be measured. I haven't been fostering the past 3 or 4 weeks just to catch up on other things, and also being away over the holidays.

The chainmail and leather working started out as hobbies. I haven't been advertising the chainmail pieces yet, but I do have a lot of requests for custom pieces. There is a show coming up where I know I can sell some and they are all priced and ready to go. It's more of a hobby because I enjoy it, that happens to make enough cash to cover the costs. But I could put in some more effort to advertise and make an actual income for sure.

Spanish is just for personal reasons, though it could create job opportunities later I'm sure. Python is specifically for career and financial gain (and because I enjoy it).

For the most part I am working on all of the above in a very slow steady way so that I can focus time and energy on getting the small business started instead. I'd love to be able to do all of the things, and I try to fit them in when I can or when I need a change of pace, but I am slowly learning to prioritize and to use time more effectively.

Tris Prior

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #24 on: December 30, 2014, 06:46:21 PM »
Hey, I'm also a mailler! :)

I've been selling it for... hmmm, about 5 years now, and I used to do a LOT of shows. Now I've scaled way back to the point that I'm very choosy about what events I do - it's got to be a good return on investment because building stock and then sitting there for days on end all comes at a cost.

The thing about selling maille at shows is, these days it's pretty likely that there's some other mailler there who's selling dragonscale bracelets for 10 bucks. :/ And, honestly, it's getting that way online too. I sell on Etsy and do OK there but there are other maillers on there who are not even covering the cost of their supplies. And I guess are OK with that?

I'm actually thinking about scaling back even further and finding another side gig that actually pays reliable money. Because - it's just so inconsistent. My shows can be great - I can make in 2 days what I take home from Day Job in a month. Or, I might sell jack shit, through no fault of my own. (like when a normally great outdoor show is hit with storms so no one comes.)

The only way I make it work is: I don't have kids, I have a 20-ish minute commute via public transport, and during show season and the holidays, I basically go to my job and work on my jewelry; that is my entire life. It really cuts into the time I can spend, say, cooking from scratch or gardening. So, there's that to consider as well.


Cookie78

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #25 on: December 30, 2014, 08:08:27 PM »
Hey, I'm also a mailler! :)

I've been selling it for... hmmm, about 5 years now, and I used to do a LOT of shows. Now I've scaled way back to the point that I'm very choosy about what events I do - it's got to be a good return on investment because building stock and then sitting there for days on end all comes at a cost.

The thing about selling maille at shows is, these days it's pretty likely that there's some other mailler there who's selling dragonscale bracelets for 10 bucks. :/ And, honestly, it's getting that way online too. I sell on Etsy and do OK there but there are other maillers on there who are not even covering the cost of their supplies. And I guess are OK with that?

I'm actually thinking about scaling back even further and finding another side gig that actually pays reliable money. Because - it's just so inconsistent. My shows can be great - I can make in 2 days what I take home from Day Job in a month. Or, I might sell jack shit, through no fault of my own. (like when a normally great outdoor show is hit with storms so no one comes.)

The only way I make it work is: I don't have kids, I have a 20-ish minute commute via public transport, and during show season and the holidays, I basically go to my job and work on my jewelry; that is my entire life. It really cuts into the time I can spend, say, cooking from scratch or gardening. So, there's that to consider as well.

Awesome! Thanks for the info.

I'm not sure if I'd have the patience for doing shows all the time. There's one small (not many vendors) but popular and very low cost event a few blocks away that runs twice a year that I am pretty sure I'd do good at. I think that might be enough for me for this hobby, since I want to keep it a fun thing. Mostly I just work on projects while I'm listening to podcasts or watching a movie. Also, I love learning new weaves and making custom projects or gifts, but I have a hard time getting excited about pumping out random pieces that people might like.

10 dollars for dragonscale bracelet?!?! Geez! I have a thick one priced closer to $90.

I have a couple bikini tops and a skirt that I made also. I should see if I can sell them too. I wore a top to a party once and had two people want me to make them one, but holy damn they take a long time to make.

Tris Prior

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Re: Those with side gigs - how do you find the time?
« Reply #26 on: December 30, 2014, 08:17:30 PM »
I think that might be enough for me for this hobby, since I want to keep it a fun thing. Mostly I just work on projects while I'm listening to podcasts or watching a movie. Also, I love learning new weaves and making custom projects or gifts, but I have a hard time getting excited about pumping out random pieces that people might like.

That's totally valid. I have my days where I feel like I don't even like chainmaille any more, because now it's more of a job. Re pumping out pieces that sell.... yep. Sometimes I feel like I'll become violently ill if I have to make one more damned byzantine bracelet. But, people always buy them, so. Like you, I work on pieces while watching a dvd or something so that helps with the autopilot weaves.

And, shows can be really fun and profitable. They can also be incredibly stressful and annoying, and sometimes are filled with amusing WTF moments. I have some great stories about the bizarre comments said to me in my booth! Feel free to pick my brain about show stuff anytime; I've done a crapton of them.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!