rich & REGULAR with Kiersten and Julien Saunders

Ep 181: The No-Hustle Side Hustle: Finding Joy & Freedom in Your Side Gig

Sep 23, 2024

Lauren, a dedicated fitness instructor, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a side hustle into a fulfilling passion project. She discusses how her long-term commitment to teaching fitness classes not only provided financial stability but also supported her well-being during challenging times. The conversation highlights the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and the role of pursuing personal passions in creating a balanced and enriching life. Lauren's insights offer a refreshing perspective on the evolving nature of work and the value of meaningful side hustles.

42:47

Episode guests

Lauren

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Lauren's side hustle evolved into a fulfilling passion project, demonstrating that pursuing personal interests can lead to financial stability and joy.

The conversation highlights the importance of setting boundaries and self-care to prevent burnout while managing a side hustle alongside full-time work.

Deep dives

The Journey of a Long-Term Side Hustler

The discussion revolves around the journey of a long-term side hustler who has successfully managed her passion projects alongside a full-time career for over a decade. She initially approached side hustling out of necessity during her college years, looking to supplement her income while exploring her interests. Over time, she reframed her side hustles as passion projects rather than mere gigs, finding joy and fulfillment in them, especially in the fitness realm which allowed her to connect with others. Her story highlights how passion-driven work can provide both financial stability and a strong sense of personal identity, ultimately leading to a healthier work-life balance.

Intro

2min

Finding Balance in Fitness and Hustle

10min

Finding Passion in Fitness Instruction

11min

Navigating Side Hustles and Career Stability

14min

Embracing Multifaceted Identities in Hobbies and Careers

2min

Redefining Work: The Value of Meaningful Side Hustles

4min

We’re all familiar with the pressure to make extra cash, but what if your side hustle wasn't just extra work, but an opportunity to tap into your existing skills? This week we’re discussing long-term side hustles with one of Kiersten’s best friends, Lauren.

Lauren's side hustle (teaching fitness classes) evolved into a passion project that fuels her spirit and keeps her bank account healthy. In fact, after 12 years, it’s been the longest "job" she's ever had, and it's helped her weather some major life storms. From lay-offs to breakups, Lauren's side hustle has provided a solid safety net and a healthy nest egg, giving her the financial freedom to handle the ups and downs of her 9-to-5 career in marketing.

This episode is for anyone who's been hesitant to start a side hustle or feels like it's just another impossible thing on their long to-do list. Lauren’s story illustrates how earning income outside a traditional job with intention can change your life, one gig at a time.

What you'll learn:

The "Passion Project" as a Profitable Path: How Lauren’s side hustle wasn't just about the money, but about creating a space where she felt alive. This unlocked a sustainable way to make money while doing what she loved.
Navigating the "Hustle": We talk about approaching side hustles in a way that doesn't burn you out and allows you to prioritize your mental well-being. Lauren offers some tips on setting boundaries and creating systems that work for you.
The Shifting Landscape of Work: How the digital age is changing the way we think about work, and why a portfolio career might be the future.
Monetizing Your Skills: Lauren’s story highlights the importance of understanding your strengths and identifying any skill gaps that need to be addressed. This self-awareness can help you narrow down the side hustle that's right for you and create a long-term, fulfilling path to success.

Links:

Follow Lauren on Instagram

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