​​Finding balance: Manage a side hustle while working full-time ​​​

Tips to successfully pursue your job and side gig without burning out. ​

In today’s fast-paced world​,​ many individuals pursue side hustles to boost their income or satisfy personal passions while working full-time. Balancing a full-time job with a side hustle can be challenging, but with proper time management, it is achievable. Thankfully, there are many tips and tricks to help successfully manage the two commitments.  

Set clear boundaries  

First off, it is important to set clear boundaries. You ​should​​​ allocate specific hours for your side hustle and stick to them to avoid burnout.  

Evan Kossman, a full-time web developer and part-time freelancer in Ontario, ​says​​​ that he works 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., takes an hour break for dinner, and works on his side projects for two hours before taking his down​ ​time.  

“I communicate my schedule to my clients, so they understand that they may not get a response back from me during standard working hours,” Kossman says.   

Clear communication and boundaries are key to his success. Developing a consistent routine that accommodates both your job and side hustle will help you juggle both. 

Prioritize tasks 

Prioritizing tasks is essential for balancing a full-time job and a side hustle. Utilizing tools like to-do lists or digital planners can help organize your workload so that you meet deadlines and manage your time effectively. By breaking down tasks and setting clear priorities, you can focus on the most important activities for both your primary job and side hustle, reducing stress and increasing productivity.  
  

Stay motivated and organized  

Staying motivated and organized is crucial for success. Danielle Altra, a teacher in Ontario manages her own tutoring side business. She says that “my calendar is imperative to managing my time and prioritizing tasks.”  

Danielle prioritizes her daytime teaching job and sets specific hours throughout the week for her tutoring. Ensuring everything is organized in her calendar helps her understand when she has extra time or needs to focus on one task over another.  

“Working two jobs can be exhausting, but I try to stay positive and motivated as I love teaching and it is my true passion. In the end, it is worth it!” Altra explains.  

 

Schedule downtime 

Scheduling time for relaxation and hobbies is necessary to avoid burnout​. Perhaps you watch a favourite TV show every week​,​ or attend yoga classes. Setting time for yourself to decompress is important.  

“I like to set aside time to go to the gym and take time for myself. Spending time with my friends and family also helps me relax and not get too overwhelmed when thinking about the tasks I need to complete,” Kossman shares.  

  

  

​​Goal-​setting ​​​ 

Set short-term and long-term goals for your side hustle.​ ​Short-term goals track immediate progress and help you stay engaged, while long-term goals provide a clear vision of where you want your side hustle to go. This dual approach facilitates steady progress and motivation​ to reach​ ​​your overarching objectives.  

“I keep a journal and make sure to set daily, weekly and monthly goals. It can be anything from how many hours I want to tutor in a week, to how I want to grow my side hustle in the future. Writing down my goals and keeping myself accountable helps me stay on track,” Altra says. 

With the right strategies, balancing a full-time job and a side hustle is possible. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income or pursue a passion, implementing these tips can help you manage both effectively.