“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” 💫 ~Arthur Ashe

what if this is your year to start? (#399)

Hey there! It’s a new year so I thought it might be a great time to do a little re-intro.

I’m Jessica (but you might also know me as Tech Biz Gurl), and I like to think of myself as your friendly neighborhood Side Hustle Cheerleader, helping the “side curious” to build fulfilling side hustles. 👋🏾

One of my fave photos from a recent shoot with Rena Naltsas

You know those quiet moments when your mind wanders to “what if?” I had one of those moments 14 years ago that changed everything…

The year was 2011, and I was that burnt-out network engineer about to turn 30, feeling like I needed to have it ALL figured out (spoiler alert: I didn’t 😅). One week before my birthday, I took what felt like the tiniest step - starting a blog. Not because I had some grand plan but because I was looking for a creative outlet that was just…mine.

Here’s the plot twist I never saw coming: that little blog became my constant sidekick through every career pivot (even the unplanned ones) and every life change, and yes – it even grew into an accidental business. And it never asked me to choose between it and my job. Instead, it was simply along for the ride.

After over a decade of juggling my day job, caregiving for my grandmother, and nurturing this side hustle, I’ve learned that:

There’s magic in the small moments.

Those 15-minute pockets between meetings? They count. Those weekend writing sessions? They matter.

Every baby step adds up to something meaningful – but only if we give ourselves permission to start before we feel “ready.”

I believe with all my heart that:

• Your version of success can look different from everyone else’s (including mine)

• You don’t have to quit your job to build something fulfilling. That also means your side hustle can stay a side hustle.

• Baby steps can add up to big wins over time.

💭 Your Turn: What’s your “What if?” moment waiting to happen? Drop a comment and share —whether you’re stuck on an idea, struggling to find time, or just need a little “go for it!”. I’d love to send back a dose of encouragement or tip to help you take that first baby step.

On to the picks!

P.S. Starting is the hardest part. But you don’t have to do it alone. What’s your baby step for this week?

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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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#love 😍

• 📝. Tool: Fathom AI Notetaker. Game-changer alert! I’ve been using this for my side hustle research (ps: wanna chat? Grab a slot here). It records calls, creates summaries and transcripts, AND captures key questions – all automagically! The free plan is great, and it works with both Google Meet and Zoom. Perfect for maximizing precious side hustle minutes!

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#read 👓

Why creators are in less of a rush to quit their day jobs

Simon wrote about why creators choose to keep their day jobs - not because they have to, but because they want to. It highlights something that I believe you can do both.

For them, the day job is a feature, not a bug, and they don’t have dreams of working in coffee shops and trapezing around the globe. They’re perfectly fulfilled creating their content on nights and weekends, and any revenue they generate from that content is just an added bonus.

Here are some key benefits of keeping your day job:

• diversifying your income stream

• daily structure (some of us work better with this)

• collaborating with others (entrepreneurship can be lonely)

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#icymi

• 😍. Last issue’s top pick: This super-chill book club!

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” 🌈 ~Eleanor Roosevelt

• 📞. Do you want to start a meaningful side hustle or need help managing it alongside everything else? I’m doing a few 30-minute calls to hear about your experience. No pitches; just looking to learn from you! If you’re interested, schedule a time here.

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#lifevibes

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#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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