Side Hustle Starter: My Journey from Zero to (Almost) Hero

Okay, so, starting a side hustle. It sounds so glamorous, right? All those TikToks of people making six figures in their pajamas… Honestly, it’s a *little* more complicated than that. My journey has been, well, a journey. A bumpy one, filled with more self-doubt and late nights than I care to admit. But also, some unexpected wins and a whole lot of learning. I figured I’d share my story, maybe it’ll help someone else avoid some of the pitfalls I stumbled into. Or at least make you feel less alone in the “OMG, what am I doing?” phase. Because believe me, I’ve been there. Many, many times.

The “I Can Do That!” Phase (and the Naive Reality Check)

It all started with seeing a friend post about their Etsy shop. They were selling, like, hand-poured candles or something. And I thought, “Hey, I could do that!” Famous last words, right? I mean, I like candles, I like smells… surely, this was my calling.

The reality? Uh, not so much. I dove in headfirst, buying wax, wicks, essential oils – the whole shebang. My apartment smelled amazing for about a week. Then it just smelled like an overwhelming combination of lavender and regret. I spent way too much on supplies, made some truly hideous candles (seriously, they looked like something out of a horror movie), and then realized… I had no idea how to market them. Who even *wants* my lumpy, oddly scented creations?

I tried posting on Instagram, but my follower count was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t influencer material. Facebook Marketplace? Filled with other people selling *actually* good candles at half the price. That was my first big lesson: “I can do that!” is a lot different than “I can do that *well*, and sell it to people.” Ouch.

The Pivot (and the Panic)

So, the candle empire crumbled. Ugh, what a mess. But I wasn’t ready to give up on the side hustle dream just yet. I still wanted that extra income, that feeling of creating something and putting it out into the world. Plus, I had all this wax I needed to get rid of somehow.

I started brainstorming. What was I actually good at? What did people ask me for help with? That’s when it hit me: writing. I’ve always been a pretty decent writer, and friends would often ask me to proofread their resumes or help them craft cover letters. Maybe *that* was my angle.

I signed up for a freelance writing platform – it’s kind of like Upwork, but maybe slightly less…intense? Honestly, the whole thing felt overwhelming. So many writers, all vying for the same gigs. Was I good enough? Would anyone actually pay me? The panic started to set in.

My First Real Gig (and the Imposter Syndrome)

I spent days tweaking my profile, crafting the perfect pitch, and generally feeling like a fraud. Who was I to call myself a “professional writer”? I mean, I write emails and grocery lists, not novels. But I took a deep breath and started applying for jobs.

And then, it happened. Someone actually hired me. It was a small gig, writing a blog post about… pet insurance, I think? Super exciting stuff, I know. But it was a real, paying client!

That’s where the imposter syndrome *really* kicked in. I spent hours researching pet insurance (who knew there was so much to know?), stressing over every sentence, and generally second-guessing everything I wrote. The deadline loomed, and I was convinced my client was going to hate it.

Funny thing is, they didn’t. They actually liked it! They even asked me to write more posts. Wow. I didn’t see that coming.

Finding My Niche (and Maybe, Just Maybe, Some Success)

That first gig gave me the confidence boost I needed. I kept applying for more jobs, slowly building up my portfolio and my rates. I realized that I actually enjoyed writing about certain topics more than others. Tech, personal finance, travel…those were my sweet spots.

It took a while, but I eventually carved out a little niche for myself. I started getting repeat clients, and even some referrals. The money wasn’t life-changing, but it was definitely a nice cushion. And more importantly, I was doing something I enjoyed, on my own terms.

There’s still plenty I need to learn. Marketing myself better, setting boundaries with clients, managing my time effectively… it’s all a work in progress. But hey, at least I’m not stuck with a mountain of lavender-scented wax anymore. Progress, right?

If you’re as curious as I was, you might want to dig into researching different freelance platforms and find the one that best fits your skill set.

Lessons Learned (and a Word of Caution)

So, what did I learn from my side hustle journey so far? A few things:

• Don’t underestimate the power of research. Before you dive into anything, do your homework. Is there a market for what you’re offering? Who are your competitors?
• Be realistic about your skills. Just because you *can* do something doesn’t mean you *should*. Focus on your strengths and outsource the rest.
• Don’t be afraid to pivot. If something isn’t working, don’t keep banging your head against the wall. Try something new.
• Imposter syndrome is real. But don’t let it paralyze you. Just keep putting yourself out there and doing your best.
• And maybe, just maybe, don’t start with hand-poured candles. Unless you *really* know what you’re doing.

Also, be wary of those “get rich quick” schemes. Most side hustles require hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. There are no shortcuts.

Was I the only one confused by this? I mean, I spent ages trying to figure out the best approach, constantly changing my mind.

Honestly, it’s been a wild ride. I’m still learning, still growing, and still occasionally wondering if I’m completely crazy. But it’s *my* wild ride. And that’s what makes it worth it.