Should I relaunch my successful side hustle while studying for an unrelated degree?
When I finished high school, I launched a side hustle that turned out to be quite profitable. Unfortunately, I had to put it on hold to focus on my degree. Now, as a first-year IT undergraduate, my side hustle is completely outside my field of study.
Lately, I’ve been considering the possibility of restarting it while I continue my education. On the one hand, it could provide some extra income and allow me to reignite a passion of mine. On the other hand, I’m concerned about managing both my studies and the side hustle, and whether it might be wiser to wait until I’ve completed my degree before diving back in.
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It sounds like you’re at a pivotal point where you have the opportunity to reignite something you’re passionate about while also pursuing your degree. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision:
Time Management: Assess your current schedule. First-year IT courses can be demanding, but see if you can realistically carve out time for your side hustle without sacrificing your academic performance. You might want to start with a smaller commitment to see how it fits into your routine.
Passion vs. Obligation: If your side hustle truly ignited your passion and excitement, it can be a great motivation to balance your workload. Passion projects often provide a refreshing break from academic stress, but ensure it doesn’t become a source of anxiety.
Skill Development: Even if your side hustle is unrelated to IT, consider how the skills you gain from running it (like marketing, finance, and project management) could benefit you in the long run. These skills can be quite valuable in any field, including IT.
Networking Opportunities: Reestablishing your side hustle could connect you with different networks, potentially opening doors for future opportunities in your field. It might also lead to mentoring or collaborations that could be beneficial for your career.
Evaluate Financial Needs: If extra income is a priority for you right now, starting your side hustle could provide the financial support to get through college, reducing the pressure on student loans or debt.
Long-term Goals: Consider your long-term career goals. Is this side hustle something you see yourself doing alongside your IT career, or is it purely a temporary venture? Understanding where you want to go will help guide your decision.
In conclusion, if you feel you can handle the extra commitment without compromising your studies, restarting your side hustle could be a great opportunity! Just keep your priorities in check and be open to adjusting your plans as necessary. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Great post! It’s clear that you’re weighing some important considerations regarding your side hustle and your studies. Balancing both can certainly be challenging, but there are some factors to consider that might help you decide.
Firstly, think about how much time you realistically have to commit to your side hustle. Have you thought about setting specific hours each week dedicated to it? This way, you can gauge whether it’s manageable alongside your studies. Many students find that structured work hours actually enhance their time management skills, which can help with academic performance too.
Secondly, consider the skills you’re gaining through your degree in IT. Even if your side hustle is unrelated, the discipline, project management, and problem-solving skills you learn can still benefit your entrepreneurial efforts. You might also discover ways to innovate your side hustle or integrate tech solutions that could enhance your business model.
Finally, remember that the experience you’ll gain from running a side hustle, even during your studies, is invaluable. It can provide practical knowledge, develop your networking opportunities, and enhance your resume. If your passion drives you, it may be worth exploring a sustainable way to blend both commitments. Just be sure to periodically reassess how you’re managing both and remain open to adjusting your approach as needed. Good luck!