How to start a
‘side hustle’: 3 ideas for young people
WHILE the side hustle may have found its place firmly in our pandemic-era lexicon, it has in fact been around a lot longer than you might think. The phrase was first used during the recession of the 1950s, when people had to find additional ways to supplement their income in order to make ends meet. So it stands to reason that as the world enters another recession, the side hustle has regained our collective attention. And the numbers clearly demonstrate the rising interest in alternative revenue streams: A recent survey reported that as many as one in three South Africans earn income from an extra job, while social media platform Twitter recently revealed a staggering 295% rise in the number of mentions of “side hustle” on its platform. And while making ends meet might be a key driver in the meteoric rise of the side hustle, it is by no means the only reason, says Litha Maqungo, social media and communications specialist at Metropolitan GetUp. “Another contributor is access – thanks to the acceleration of the digital economy, it is easier than ever start a business or leverage your talents for monetary gain, and the opportunities are now but a mouse-click away.” The other – and arguably most significant – factor is personal fulfilment; something we may not always get from our 8 to 5 job that pays the bills, says Maqungo. A 2020 report in the Harvard Business Review underpinned this sentiment, revealing that 73% of those surveyed began a side hustle to enhance their overall satisfaction in life, stating that “side hustles empowered individuals so that they feel they are the agent in charge of their work, which led to being emotionally and cognitively invested in the side hustle”. Whether it’s funds, fun or fulfilment you’re after, if you’re thinking about starting a side hustle but don’t know where to begin, Maqungo shares three potential avenues that you might want to consider. Blog yourself a business Influencing is big business – but be warned, establishing the kind of following that leads to financial gain doesn’t simply happen overnight. “It takes dedication, creativity, authenticity﹘ and most importantly, passion, says Maqungo. “Those who’ve started the most successful blogs or social accounts﹘more common these days than long-form blogging﹘have typically done so through finding their unique voice, which resonated with a like-minded audience.
