How to start a side passion while working

Now online, there is a lot of talk about building a ‘side hustle’. I don’t like this term at all, but it is definitely a great way to explore your options, get real-life experience and see if exploring your passion project could indeed blossom into a side business or full-time job.

Why start a passion project?

Embarking on a passion project is well known to have a positive impact on our well-being. It gives us energy, reignites a sense of meaning, and builds our skillset and confidence. It also expands our networks and connects us to a tribe that is close to that passion project of ours, generating new friendships, support systems and communities. Doing something you love and are good at boosts our mental health, resilience and joie de vivre, reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety and shaking off nay-sayers like water off a duck's back.

However, setting up a passion project can also come with its challenges; juggling a full-time job with family commitments and personal life, and learning lots of new skills at the same time can lead to exhaustion, long hours and some resentment from family and friends. Starting anything new and outside our comfort zone, especially against others' disapproval and lack of understanding, can lead to isolation, fear of failure, imposter syndrome and self-doubt, especially if results are slow.

But all is not lost! It is wise to get your ducks in order before you proceed; however, as point five states, we shouldn’t think about it too much either. The only person that needs to know this is the right path - is you. Here are a few points to get you going despite it all, not listening to the naysayers and just embarking on that side business, passion project or purpose-led career path that will have a huge positive impact in your life and others. 

Protect your energy and time

Starting a side project or business while working full-time means your time is precious. You don’t need to be productive every hour, of course, but what matters is consistency. Blocking out small windows of time each week that are non-negotiable to work on your exploration, idea or setting things up is a strategic way to get going.

Treat it like an important doctor’s appointment you can’t miss. Even taking an hour or two a week or 15 minutes a day (lunch breaks are great too) can move mountains if you’re focused. Do it before the world wakes up. Every single morning. And watch your project snowball.

Your action inspires more inspired action, clarity and energy. And soon you’ll be juggling things like a pro, because doing what you love gives you that energy, focus and speed. You become conscious about what you say yes or no to and preserve your energy for the things that matter most. Simultaneously, your standards rise.

Start with what you know and love

You don’t need to reinvent yourself to start. Look at your current skills, interests, and experiences. What do people already come to you for? What lights you up? Your side hustle should feel like an extension of you and your strengths, not a forced pivot into something trendy or getting rich quick. And this is different for everybody.

Build in public (even quietly)

You don’t have to shout from the rooftops, but sharing your journey, even with a close friend or a small circle, can build accountability and momentum. Whether it’s setting up a private Instagram account to promote your handywork or blogging about something close to your heart, share it with a few trusted friends. Documenting your process helps you stay connected to your “why.”

Sharing, however, does not mean getting advice from. Advice is received from those who have done it successfully before you, not read it in a magazine or book. A good indicator of a good partner in crime is those who do not feed you with what could go wrong, but those who help you to find a solution to a problem. Choose wisely and protect your energy.

Don’t wait for perfection

You’ll never feel 100% ready. Fear will never go away; we just learn to deal with it. It’s about one step at a time. Dreams come true through consistent action and just starting. Launching imperfectly is better than waiting endlessly. Your first version is just that—a version, a prototype. You’ll refine, evolve, and grow as you go. The clarity comes through action, slaying your fears as you go and not overthinking it. Enjoy the process, ride on the starter excitement, but know that this is a marathon, not a sprint and go out there and do it. 

Reframe your day job as a launchpad

Instead of resenting your full-time job, and even how little it pays, reframe it as an investor in your dreams and aspirations. Setting up is a liberating and inspiring move; it will make you enjoy your day job, and give you steam to outrun anyone whose heart isn’t truly in it or is in it just for the money. It’s funding your experiments, giving you structure, and teaching you skills you’ll carry into your passion project or business.

Final thoughts

An entrepreneurial mind learns how to be frugal and find free resources like Asana, Mailchimp or Canva to manage business while you grow. Gratitude shifts everything. Instead of feeling you need to quit a full-time job you dislike to set up that business or follow your purpose-led career path, start a side project and grow it systematically, and soon your company will be hiring you.

Have fun exploring!