3 Tips for Fitting Your Side Hustle Into Your Daily Routine

Whether it is the high cost of living, the stagnation of wages or a little bit of both, many people are finding that a full-time job is no longer enough to pay the bills. That is probably why so many people are turning to so-called side hustles, or flexible jobs that provide extra income without the rigid schedule of a formal part-time job. Some drive for Uber or Lyft, while those who prefer not to deal with passengers choose a delivery app like Doordash, Postmates, or Instacart.

From driving for ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber to selling homemade goodies at the local farmer’s market, these side hustles are as varied as they are versatile. Whether you are looking for a way to supplement your full-time income, a chance to learn some new skills or just an opportunity to get out of the house for a few hours, a side hustle venture can be a very profitable endeavor.

Unfortunately, fitting that side hustle into your daily routine can sometimes be a challenge, especially in the beginning. They may not have the rigidity of part-time jobs, but side hustles still require time and commitment, especially if you want to maximize your earning potential over time. Here are some tips for fitting your new side hustle into your existing full-time routine.

Look for Gaps in Your Schedule

No matter how busy your schedule, there is probably some downtime, and you can use those breaks in routine to pursue your side hustle and make some extra income. Whether those gaps in your schedule are spent waiting for the kids to get out of school, waiting for dinner to be ready or just watching TV, you can use the time to earn the extra income you need.

Bookend Your Day

Bookending your day is another great way to fit your chosen side hustle into your busy schedule. If you normally leave for work at 8 o’clock, you can get up a couple of hours early and spend the time on your side hustle. If your day normally ends at 5 o’clock, stay out until 6 or 7 and earn some extra money in the process.

Do Away with Time Wasters

Even if you think there is no extra time in your busy day, taking a hard look at how you spend that time could be very eye opening. Do you spend the time after dinner chatting on social media, arguing politics with your online friends or watching TV? If so, you could make better use of that time by pursuing your side hustle – and the money that comes with it. Eliminating time sucks from your day could free up several hours for your side hustle, and bring in a lot of extra cash.

Whether you are pursuing a side hustle out of necessity or just for some extra spending cash, finding the time for that extra job can be tough. The harder you work at it, however, the easier it will be to fit the flexibility of your chosen side hustle into your regular schedule.

In general, the best way to make the most money from your side hustle is to treat it like a business. If possible, choose how many hours you want to devote to your side hustle at the beginning of the week. Then, use the tips above to make sure you fit all those hours in.