“Sometimes the middle road is where you find the most success.” 🏆 ~Brené Brown
about that day job tho... (#394)
Last week got real as I shared more about who I am and what I believe in. Thank you for your support and your kind words.
To build on that, let’s talk about something that might feel a bit controversial in the entrepreneurship world:
Your day job isn’t your enemy. It can be your ally. 🤝🏾
Fun fact: I’ve been a side hustler for over 10 years now (since 2011). And like most people, I thought I’d eventually take my business full-time. That was the plan…until it wasn’t.
The shift happened around 2016 when I changed jobs from being a network engineer to facilitating a program for women startups. I remember being shocked that I could do work I was passionate about - as a job! 🤯
During an event, someone asked when I’d take my business full-time. For the first time, I heard myself say, “I actually don’t know that I will.” That was when I realized my thinking about pursuing entrepreneurship full-time had shifted.
Here’s why keeping your day job while building your business could be the best move for you:
You’ll have stability while you play and experiment
You can take bigger risks (because your expenses are covered!)
There's space to find your rhythm without the pressure
What you're learning at your day job can help your business and vice versa
Helloooo benefits! (Holiday pay and health insurance? Yes, please!)
Look, I know it's not as exciting as those “quit your job and follow your dream” or “leap and the net will appear” stories we see on social media. But this approach can be less stressful, and I’m proof it works.
I'm doing it right now - building my business while keeping my day job. It's given me room to try things, mess up sometimes, and grow without the pressure of needing to make money my primary motivator.
We can be ambitious AND practical. ✨
We can build something meaningful AND keep our stability.
And the ultimate both/and? We can keep our side hustle a side hustle. 🎯
No rule says every business needs to become a full-time gig. Sometimes, the sweet spot is balancing both worlds and loving it.
Just like all 9-5s aren't created equal, not all entrepreneurship journeys need to look the same. Your path is yours to build, your way.
How about you? Are you intentionally keeping your side hustle a side hustle? Or still figuring out your path?
On to the picks!
P.S. Trying to figure out this whole balancing act? I’m doing a few 30-minute chats to hear your story. No pitches, just here to listen! »Grab a time here.
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. I only recommend products that I use and love.
#love 😍
💰. Tool: Oportun. This app has become my quick savings sidekick as I work on diversifying my income streams. It’s like having a smart friend who helps you save without feeling it - taking $1 here and $2 there automagically (love when tech makes life easier!). I’m using it to build up my rainy day fund, and you can set other goals, too. If you want to try Oportun, here’s $5 to start your savings journey!
Side note: 🤓 I’m also experimenting with “lazy” money moves like high-yield savings accounts (~4% interest) because who doesn’t love passive income?
#read
10 Ways to Raise Your Productivity Today
There are some common ideas here on raising your productivity, like meditating, exercising, and turning off notifications. What I love about Darius’s approach is his short, manageable timeframes.
Just say to yourself: “I’ll journal for 5 minutes. Just 5 minutes. If I feel like writing more, then I’ll continue. But if not, then as long as 5 minutes is up, I’m done.” Just taking a few minutes to write down what’s on your mind will help you to focus on what actually matters.
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: 10 Amazon Prime Perks You Need to Be Using
🧘🏾♀️. Join me at the FutureU Self-Care Summit on Jan 7 in Chicago! It’s a one-day event focused on helping you step into the new year with clarity, confidence, and a self-care plan. I’m talking about side hustling without burning out. Early bird tickets available until Nov 15!
#classifieds 🗞
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FREE: Give your courses the `wow factor` in 15 minutes! 4 simple ways to celebrate student progress, boost engagement & encourage referrals. 🎉 Perfect for side hustle course creators!
Do you find it hard to email your list every week? 💌 Join the waitlist for Liz's Annual Pass (launches Nov 25). Done-for-you templates, accountability & live trainings - $108/year!
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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!! ❤️
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