Why Not Everyone Can Succeed with Side Businesses (And Why That's Alright)

Why Not Everyone Can Succeed with Side Businesses (And Why That's Alright)

Introduction: We're All Sold on the Side Hustle Dream

There are side businesses everywhere.

People on social media are constantly saying:

Start a side business to get away from your job.

Anyone can use the internet to make extra money.

You're wasting time if you're not working hard.

I thought it was all true for a while. I believed that if I put in enough effort, a side gig would come naturally to me. However, after attempting—and witnessing numerous others attempt—I came to a crucial realization:

Not everyone finds success with side projects.

That does not imply that you are incapable, lazy or failing at life.

This article discusses the reasons why many people's side businesses fail, the uncommon truth, and the reasons it's acceptable if

Anyone Can Do It is the biggest lie.

When it comes to side businesses, the most prevalent message is that anyone can succeed if they put in the effort.

That sounds inspiring, but it's not complete.

Individuals differ in:

Situations in life

Levels of energy

Obligations

Competencies

States of mental health

What is effective for one individual might not be feasible for another.

A person who works full-time, manages family obligations, or is experiencing burnout has a very different reality than a single person with free evenings.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to side projects.

Not Everyone Has the Same Amount of Time

The majority of side projects need time before money.

However, a lot of people are already worn out.

Following:

A full-time position

Prolonged commutes

Family responsibilities

Stress on an emotional level

Very little energy remains.

Advice about side gigs frequently ignores this fact and makes people feel bad for being exhausted.

It's a human limit, not a personal failure, if you're too tired to work after your primary job

.

Different People Have Different Risk Tolerances

Uncertainty is a part of side businesses.

You could:

Work for weeks with no progress

Spend time without any assurance

Face silence or rejection

Some people are mentally capable of handling this. For others it is extremely stressful.

A side business can increase stress rather than freedom if you are highly dependent on stability or already experience financial anxiety.

Prioritizing security over uncertainty is perfectly acceptable.

More Important Than Motivation Are Skills

People are motivated to begin.

Who continues depends on their skills.

A lot of side businesses need:

Writing with clarity

Interacting with customers

Promotion

They simply lacked the necessary resources, they didn't fail.

Side Businesses Are Frequently Only Displayed at Their Best

Typically, we observe:

Screenshots of income

Success stories

Cheers to happy endings

Seldom do we see:

Unsuccessful attempts

Months without earnings

Self-doubt

Exhaustion

This leads to irrational expectations.

People assume they have a problem when their real life doesn't match the highlight reel.

Struggle is actually common it's just concealed.

Burnout is an actual expense that few discuss.

Burnout can result from adding a side gig to an already hectic life.

At first, burnout doesn't appear dramatic.

It appears as:

Persistent fatigue

Decrease in motivation

Anger

Feeling overburdened

Sometimes getting more sleep is a healthier option than taking on more work.

Not everyone desires to turn:

Turning pastimes into businesses

Using creativity to generate revenue

Investing free time in productivity

Some people just desire:

Equilibrium

Harmony

Individual time

And that is entirely true.

You owe no one productivity.

When Expectations Are Inaccurate, Side Businesses Fail

Many side businesses fail due to unrealistic expectations rather than people's incapacity.

Typical misconceptions:

I'll make money quickly.

It won't feel like labour.

I won't have much to learn.

Disappointment follows when reality sets in.

Even though they are initially unpaid, side gigs are still work.

When Side Projects Are Successful

Side businesses typically succeed when:

Life is comparatively steady.

There is some mental room.

Expectations are reasonable.

Learning is a component of the strategy.

Progress is steady but gradual.

Read This If Your Side Business Didn't Work Out

If you attempted and failed at a side business:

You're not damaged.

You're not indolent.

You're not behind

It might not have been the appropriate time, approach, or fit.

There are seasons in life. Certain seasons are ideal for construction. Some are necessary for survival. Some are meant for relaxation.

You Don't Need a Side Business to Grow

Growth comes from more than just making more money.

You can develop by:

Acquiring new abilities gradually

Enhancing your primary profession

Safeguarding your mental well-being

First, establish stability

There is no one right way.

Concluding Remarks: You Don't Have to Work Hard to Be Deserving

Although they can be useful tools, side projects are not necessary for a fulfilling or prosperous life.

It's fantastic if you find success with a side gig.

It's also acceptable if it doesn't.

Your worth isn't determined by:

How many hours do you work?

How many sources of income do you have?

How occupied do you appear?

Sometimes the best course of action is to choose simplicity, stability or rest.

You are free to go at your own speed.