Saying YES and taking action

How to get started with your own side hustle

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

In 2024, after 20+ years of employment, I began my own journey into self employment and becoming a multi income individual (Mii). I have a lot of friends who have set up their own businesses over the years but their goal has mostly been single business growth.

My goals are different, I want flexibility, independence and satisfaction through my work.

How Do You Get Started?

I’ve been asked about this by my friends and colleagues, some of whom were surprised by my decision to leave a successful job. I’ve always said that people doubting me is fuel to my fire but these friends were more genuinely interested in how I got started rather than doubting whether I could do it.

So I spent some time actually tracing it back and discovering when things changed for me, and here’s what I realised.

It distils down to a conscious decision to say “YES” to more opportunities that came my way. Previously my total focus would have been on my employed role. Outside of that it was family time and personal time only.

However, I slowly realised that I enjoyed these other projects that were coming my way more than my employed job. They used my skills in new ways and I was earning more money from different revenue streams. To work on these projects initially I needed to take a bit of time from my employed work and a bit from personal time to but I was excited by the work and so I was willing to make that small sacrifice.

I don't believe that doing this should feel hugely painful. A lot of entrepreneurs act like they are making some terrible sacrifice to become successful. If it feels like that then you’re not taking on the right work in my opinion, as success should feel positive.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer

One key thing that will change going from employed to self employed is you need to consider your “value” rather than your time as your major tradable resource.

What does your experience, knowledge and skill set bring to other people and their business? Can you help them with something that they cant do themselves and what is the value to them of that help rather than the time you spend on it? It’s not just about what you know though. You need to be able to productise that knowledge into something usable and scalable.

Changing to this style of business means you are set up to be a Mii from day one of being self employed and then you just need to start saying Yes to the opportunities that come your way.

How Long Will It Take?

Good question and the detailed answer will be different for each of us, but I think that actually there are some foundations that remain true for almost everyone.

Be patient initially as it takes time to build your experience, knowledge and skills. When you’re younger people will pay for your energy, time and ideas. Naturally you can turn this into a business and many people do. But, if you are looking to become a Mii that means multiple strings to your bow.

“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” — Carl Rogers

You will definitely need a professional network to bring projects to you and that takes time to build. I would recommend getting a few years of employed work under your belt to ensure your new business has enough support and pipeline to thrive when you do go live.

So what does the right time look like? There will come a time when the opportunities presented to you culminate into something that you cannot ignore and then you must move quickly to capture them!

To support the speed at which you’ll need to move when the time is right you need to do your research now. Find out about different types of self employment and what is involved to set these up. How will you invoice clients, how do you pay your deductibles, how much money will you make, what professional support will you need etc. Many founders have a great idea (or more than one) but do not know how to run a business and this leads to mistakes that cost money. Be prepared in advance to avoid this trap.

Have that information ready in your mind so you can move in a matter of days from employed to self employed and be ready to deliver value to those opportunities you have captured.

Be Clear On Your Goal

Whether you are speaking to a professional to support your business idea or a new prospect they will all expect you to clearly understand the goal your business is there to deliver to. You need to spend time thinking about this, writing it down, reviewing it and then getting it set in stone.

The clearer you are, the more confidence it will breed in those you are talking to. Let’s not forget you’ll need the support of friends and family to make this decision so they’ll need to believe in your vision as much as you do.

Is Now The Right Time?

I asked myself this a lot over 2024 and on a few occasions I said No, which was the right thing to do. When the right time came though I could actually feel it! This was different!

You’ll know, within yourself, that the time has come for you to build something for yourself and to become a Mii. When it comes, give it all your energy, embrace it and don't be scared to keep saying Yes to things as they come to you. You’ll need more business pipeline than you think so don't turn an opportunity away without really thinking about whether you can deliver it. Remember, we are saying Yes more than No now!

Lastly, accept that there is risk in doing this. Don't be blind to that. But, also bear in mind that you’re not committing to this for the rest of your life. It’s not like you cant move on from this stage in your career too. This opportunity came from something previous and so something else can be spawned from this in future.

Becoming a Mii gives you the flexibility to see your career differently with more avenues to take. Accept that, and the risk, then strike out to do what brings you flexibility, independence and satisfaction (as well as the money)!