Tips For Busy Moms:: Finding Time For Your Side Hustle
The term “side hustle” is officially in the dictionary and is defined as “work performed for income supplementary to one’s primary job.” I have tons of hobbies and several of them I have turned into side hustles throughout my life. Before I had kids, I had so much time for all of the extra things that I loved to do. I had weekends, late nights, school breaks and bursts of time throughout the day. But after having kids, I lost so much time and momentum for my hobbies and hustles. I just couldn’t figure out how to manage it all in addition to working full-time. You know what they say, ain’t no tired like Mom tired.
But I missed my hobbies so much and had so many new ideas growing in my mind. It took me a while to get a grasp on mom life and once I did, I immediately built in time for my extras. Whether it’s for personal fulfillment, financial gain or just trying to find something new, I know it can seem overwhelming to find the time for a side thing. I promise it’s possible!
I’m a mom with a full-time job, spouse, 2 small kids (2 and 4), a thriving side hustle, hobbies and other projects in line to launch soon. Here are my tips to help other moms trying to navigate the same.
- Prioritize and schedule: Take a deep look at your daily and weekly schedules and see where there may be gaps of open time. I know, it feels like there is no time, but I promise if you dig deep enough, there is.
- PTO: For the working moms, use that PTO you may have available. This is important time that can benefit you and your family. Just like you would use PTO for a doctor’s appointment to prioritize your health.
- Late nights: Utilize that time after the kids go to bed. This is the CORE time I get stuff done. My kids are down by 7:30/8 daily, and I can get at least 2-3 hours of my extra stuff done in the evenings.
- Wake up earlier: If you thrive more in the morning, try to wake up earlier and add an hour or so of flexible time to your mornings.
- Dedicate an evening: If you have a partner or help with the kids, try to pick one evening a week that you can dedicate to your side hustle. Liken it to being in school and having a 3-hour class weekly.
- Nap time: If your kids still nap on the weekends, try using that time to get things done.
- Break it down: Don’t think that you can do everything immediately. Break your long-term goal into smaller more attainable and realistic goals. You want to set goals that you can achieve within your time constraints.
- Get the kids involved: If you can, let your kids get involved. This can be a fun way to spend time together and also teach them about entrepreneurship and passion projects. Things they can help with: packaging goods, shopping, or social media content.
- Turn down things: Say NO. Your family and friends will understand if you can’t attend every event while you focus on working towards your goals and new venture.
- Stop scrolling: Yep, all that time we spend on social media can be spent working on your side hustle. Or at least limit your scrolling to content dedicated to learning more about your side hustle.
- Outsource: If possible, outsource what you can to free up some more time. For example, if you spend hours doing laundry each weekend, maybe you can outsource that and get those hours of time to use for your goals. Don’t hesitate to ask for help to help you manage your workload.
- Self-care: Don’t forget to take care of yourself as you build your side hustle. Prioritize yourself physically and mentally and don’t forget whatever it is you need to recharge your own batteries.
Launching a side hustle while raising a family is undoubtedly no small task, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Using some of these tips and strategies can help you find the necessary time and energy to grow your entrepreneurial journey. You won’t ever have the time you had back pre-Mom life, but there are ways to make it work. And don’t forget to celebrate the small victories.
