“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.” 🌈 ~Maya Angelou
5 reasons I still love side hustling (even on the hard days) (#422)
Last week, I told you how my day totally went off the rails (shoulder pain, grandma stuff, zero focus). All. the. things. It was one of those days, and I shared how I got through it with baby steps and grace.
But I also realized something.
Even on the hard days, I still find myself so grateful for my side hustle.
It gives me a sense of purpose when everything else feels like a mess.
It reminds me I’m building something of my own, in my own time, on my own terms.
So I wanted to share a few reasons why I love being a side hustler:
1. 🎨 It’s mine.
My little corner of the internet. My creative outlet. A space where I get to call the shots and experiment, without needing anyone’s approval or permission.
2. 🪞It helps me remember who I am.
After some career plot twists (yep, even the dreaded “f” word), it was my side hustle that reminded me that I was still capable. Still creative. Still valuable. It pulled me out of the “who even am I now?” spiral more than once.
3. 🌱 It’s where the growth happens.
I’ve been doing this for 14 years now, and it’s been one big personal development adventure. You learn a little bit of everything — from setting up tech to launching offers to writing a weekly newsletter (hi 👋🏾).
4. 💞 It introduced me to you.
Seriously. The people I’ve met on this journey are some of the most generous, hilarious, brilliant folks I know. There’s just something about #jesspickers. We get each other.
5.🔑 It gives me freedom.
Not “quit my job” freedom (I like my job!) but the kind that lets me make extra income and pivot if I need to.
Got one you’d add to this list?
Hit reply and tell me your favorite thing about being a side hustler. I’d love to hear it. 💬
On to the picks!
P.S. Today’s the last day to grab the Smart Money Bundle - a free resource packed with tools to help you feel more in control of your finances, your meals, your mindset, and yes, your side hustle too. I contributed my side hustle ideas course and there’s so much good stuff inside.
» Grab it here while you still can.
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.
#sidechat 💬
Coffee has entered the chat…
#picks 😍
A few gems for your weekend scroll…
🕵🏾♀️. Poker Face is giving old-school Columbo vibes with a modern twist, and I’m obsessed. Charlie (played by Natasha Lyonne of Russian Doll fame) can always tell when someone is lying, and each episode starts with the murder, so you’re in on the “whodunnit” right away. It’s fun to watch her piece it all together. My cozy crime fix lately and a nice little escape.
💸. ’s latest post is getting added to my “feeling low energy but still wanna feel productive” to-do list. She discovered she was paying for VSCO (?!?) for three years without realizing it.
🥹. brought me to tears twice in one week - in the best way. She wrote about our recent collab and surprised me with the most generous words. I didn’t know how much I needed someone to name the quiet ways I try to show up. If you’ve ever felt unseen, read this. I hope it reminds you that your everyday effort is magic.
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: 750 Words
#classifieds 🗞
☕. Enjoying these picks? Buy me a coffee and help support the next one. It’s a sweet way to say “keep going” (and yes, I take mine with cream & a side of encouragement).
📖. Small steps count. Readwise Reader makes it easy to save, organize & revisit what you read, so learning happens, even on the busy days.
🚀. You’ve got content. You’ve got ideas. Christine’s book is your guide to turning all that into a course that sells. A solid next step if you’re ready to earn online.
(like these? let’s partner up!)
#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!! ❤️