“‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” 🦋 ~Erin Hanson
that “burn it all down” feeling (and why it’s okay) (#404)
This week, I had some incredible conversations with clients that got me thinking - especially one in particular.
Ever look at your side hustle and think:
❓ Why am I doing this again?
😩 This is hard.
🤔 What if I just quit?
Yeah, we went there.
I was chatting with a book coach who helps busy people fit writing into their lives (how cool is that?!), and we both admitted something entrepreneurs rarely talk about:
Sometimes, we fantasize about burning it all down.
Just this weekend, I found myself thinking, “Do I really need this side hustle? I make good money at my day job. This is just one more thing to juggle in an already full life. Maybe I should just shut it down.”
But you know what? I’ve come to realize these doubts aren’t a sign of failure—they’re a badge of honor. If you’ve never questioned your side hustle, are you even really an entrepreneur? 😅
What keeps me going during these moments?
My side hustle gives me something my day job doesn’t. It’s mine. It’s fulfilling. It’s where I make an impact.
Sure, the money is nice—but it’s the sense of purpose that keeps me showing up.
And here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
Side hustles can stay side hustles.
It’s okay to like (and keep) your day job.
There is more than one way to be an entrepreneur.
And a surprise benefit? Having less time helps us focus better. You know that saying, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person”? That’s us, side hustlers!
Our limited time forces us to focus on what really matters. Those constraints? They’re not roadblocks—they’re opportunities to get creative and be resourceful.
💭 Your turn: When was the last time you questioned your side hustle, and what kept you going?
On to the picks! ✨
Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase, I may receive “thank you money” at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use and love.
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#picks 😍
📖 Something to watch:
Paradise on Hulu. I thought this was just another Secret Service drama (and it is!). But Sterling K. Brown’s new show had my jaw on the floor by the end of episode one. Are you watching? Plus, the dark and twisty-sounding old-school music covers? Obsessed. Here’s one:
🌟 Something to try:
Try one of these tips to boost your pre-work routine:
I’m loving the “exercise first thing in the morning” approach — my 5-minute HIIT workouts are a great way to start my day. What would you add to the list?
Something inspiring:
This 6-minute video on simplifying your life, shared by Ruth Ridgeway in her newsletter, is a breath of fresh air.
She says:
It’s really good and perfect for when you feel overwhelmed / overstimulated / over `full with all of the things` and you wanna simplify your life to create more s-p-a-c-e again.
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: MOFT laptop stand (second week in a row!)
🌱 Side Hustle Idea Kickstart: Feeling stuck on what business to start? This mini-course gives you six 5-minute lessons to help you find a side hustle that honors your time and brings you joy. Plus, you get personalized feedback from me as you go!
#classifieds 🗞
Feeling lucky? Mutts of the Midway, a Chicago dog rescue, is running a new fundraiser based on the outcome of this season’s The Bachelor. No need to watch to play. Learn more here.
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#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you, Kelly, Melinda, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keyn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️
Found this content helpful?
Oh yes! I own/operate a pet sitting business and its a side hustle turned full time job! Whenever I feel "burnt out" by it, I take time off. BECAUSE I CAN! One of the many benefits of entrepreneur life, I set my own schedule!