Why Every Professional Needs a Side Hustle
It was a Tuesday evening when I received a call from a friend—let's call him Rajiv. A seasoned professional in his mid-40s, Rajiv had spent nearly two decades in the IT industry. Loyal, hardworking, dedicated—he had given the prime years of his life to a single organization.
But that Tuesday evening, everything changed. Rajiv was informed his role had become redundant. Despite his track record and loyalty, he lost his job.
Initially, Rajiv was optimistic. After all, with his impressive resume, how hard could it be to find another role? But weeks turned into months, and optimism gave way to anxiety.
Reality Check: The Unforgiving Market
The reasons Rajiv heard were varied yet painfully repetitive:
- "Your skillset doesn't match our current requirements."
- "Our budget can’t accommodate your salary expectations."
- "We're looking for someone younger and more flexible."
- "You'd have to relocate—are you open to that?"
Rajiv's situation isn’t unique. In today's unpredictable economy, countless professionals over the age of 40 find themselves unexpectedly jobless, facing the harsh reality of an unforgiving market.
And the truth is: this uncertainty is here to stay.
Lessons for Every Professional
Rajiv’s story provides a crucial lesson for all of us. Whether you’re currently employed, thriving in your career, or feel secure, it's vital to realize:
- The market can shift overnight: What seems stable today could vanish tomorrow. Keep your options open.
- Saving is non-negotiable: Aim to build financial resilience by maintaining enough savings to sustain yourself and your family for at least 1-2 years without an income. A financial buffer gives you breathing space to find new opportunities without desperation.
- Continuous reskilling is essential: Keep pace with technological advances, emerging trends, and evolving industry standards. Invest in yourself regularly—certifications, online courses, workshops, or even free online learning—whatever keeps your skills relevant.
Why You Need a Side Hustle
Perhaps most importantly, consider developing a side hustle—an activity, project, or skill you nurture alongside your primary job.
It doesn't need to generate immediate income:
Initially, your side hustle can be purely a hobby. It might be something you're passionate about, something you enjoy, or something that simply adds joy to your life.
When Riya, a project manager, started a food blog a few years ago, she wasn't thinking about earning income. She loved cooking and wanted to share her recipes with friends and family. Over time, her blog gained popularity, opening opportunities for sponsored posts, and today, it supplements her income significantly. It all started as a hobby with zero immediate expectations.
It's a safety net you control:
A side hustle is your personal safety net. It might not feel necessary right now, but as Rajiv's story shows, it could become a lifeline later.
Take Aditya, an IT professional who spent his evenings teaching kids coding online as a passion project. When he lost his job unexpectedly due to budget cuts, his coding classes became his financial lifeline. His hobby turned into a reliable income stream, completely under his control and independent of market fluctuations.
It can evolve into something more:
Over time, your passion project could turn into a viable financial opportunity, helping you maintain stability if your primary career is disrupted.
Consider Priya, a corporate trainer who enjoyed creating handcrafted jewelry in her free time. Initially, it was simply relaxing. But as colleagues noticed and started placing orders, her passion quickly turned into a thriving online business. Eventually, this business grew large enough to allow her to transition into entrepreneurship full-time. Her creative side hustle evolved far beyond what she'd ever envisioned.
A Side Hustle Isn't Just About Money
More than financial security, a side hustle can give you a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and identity outside your traditional career. It might become your avenue for creativity, innovation, and fulfillment. And who knows—it might even lead you toward your next great career adventure.
Don’t wait until circumstances force your hand. Take charge now. Save wisely, continually upskill, and yes—explore that side hustle you've always thought about.
Because if there’s one thing Rajiv’s story teaches us clearly, it’s that the best time to start your side hustle was yesterday.
The second-best time?
Right now.
