Hi friend,
I quit my 9-5 in 2021.
And while I've worked at a startup and a multinational, I've taken so much from it which helped me build my one-person business.
If you're reading this from inside a job you're quietly plotting against, this one's for you.
Your 9-5 is training you for your side hustle.
Let me show you how!
1. The dream came from a boring meeting
Back in 2020, during Zoom meetings I didn't really need to be on, I started consuming content online.
I couldn't believe that people do what they love for a living, don't sit at a desk all day, and earn great money at a young age.
It felt like a scam. As though they were selling me something.
They weren't.
I read books like Mindset, Grit, Deep Work and Unlimited Power, and slowly started thinking I could do it too.
It made me think, I could do this someday too!
2. A 5% appraisal taught me pricing (and pissed me off)
I got a 5% hike in 2021. I wanted to triple my salary in 3 months. (Delusional, I know.)
So I started freelance writing for clients across the world. I never did low-paid work, and I never competed with anyone on price.
My first $129 was 10,000 rupees for about 2 hours of work. I couldn't believe how 'easy' it was. (Spoiler: it takes a lot of work and consistency.)
Before I quit, I'd tripled my corporate income, just like I'd imagined. It came from writing on a website called Medium.
It made me realise that the internet has LOTS of opportunities with no glass ceiling or 'market rate' for how much you get paid.
3. My bosses showed me what I didn't want
One of my ex-bosses worked 14 hours a day and all weekends. She also had kids.
Her boss worked 12 to 16 hours, plus weekends 🥵
Everyone higher than me worked longer hours, gave up time with themselves and their families, and worked odd hours for stakeholders abroad.
My motivation to get a promotion? Zero 🙈
"By working faithfully 8 hours a day, you may eventually get to be the boss and work 12 hours a day." - Robert Frost
Look at the people above you at work. That's the life you're working towards, unless you build a different one.
4. Boundaries
I will always regret picking up one call at midnight during my corporate job.
I was hosting a party that evening, and everyone knew I'd be busy. The data I'd asked for came in at 11 pm, and they wanted me on a call to go through it.
I picked up because I was the junior-most, and saying no wasn't tolerated.
It wasn't urgent. It never is 🙄
Since I left, I always eat away from work, I don't work with people I don't like, and I don't put work over family.
5. Knowing exactly what I'd never do again
When I quit, I knew the three things I never wanted to do again:
- unnecessary call
- create PPTs
- work for people I don't vibe with
So I outsource all presentations and keep calls to a minimum. If it can be an email, it's an email.
Using the method of elimination is a GREAT way to start your business plan.
6. Who my buyers are
Many of the people who pay me are mid-senior executives.
They don't 'like' or comment much. They're the passive audience. They read, and then they DM.
I sat in meetings like theirs. I know the long days, the late calls and the appraisal chase from the inside. So when I write, I'm writing to someone I used to be.
Is that why you've read it this far, dear reader? Hugs!
7. Experience is the product
If you're at a mid or senior level, you have experience in things people would pay to get advice about.
One of my clients is an immigration consultant in the US. She gets fewer than 10 likes on LinkedIn, and she still got clients while we worked together.
Another client built his brand while employed. He scored his first $1,500 client in 4 weeks. Today he has a promotion at work AND a consulting business on the side.
Finally
Now, think about this
- what do you not like about your 9-5?
- what are your strengths?
- what do you like doing outside of it?
Ask yourself questions that can help you kick-off or even elevate your side-hustle.
All the best!
Love,
N