Do you dream of quitting your job and becoming your own boss? You’re not alone. According to a survey by YouGov and Volusion, more than half (52%) of Americans have spent time at work thinking or daydreaming about a job or career they would rather pursue; 84% of full-time workers would rather pursue a career tied to one of their passions than their current job. (In fact, 67% of Americans overall and 79% of millennials say that even after winning the lottery, they would still like to work—as long as it was something they’re passionate about.)
There is a way to pursue your passion without quitting your job: Start a side hustle. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of full-time workers in the survey say they want to start such a passion project in addition to their regular job. However, only 37% have actually done so.
Side hustle stumbling blocks
What’s holding the majority of people back from pursuing their passions? Starting a side business has several barriers to entry:
1. Some 37% of survey respondents say lack of money, startup capital, or resources is keeping them from starting a side hustle.
2. One-third (33%) say they don’t have enough time to start one.
3. One in five (20%) admit they are overwhelmed by the steps involved in launching a side business or simply don’t know where to start.
Fortunately, all of these issues are easy for most people to overcome. All you’ve got to do is put your mind to it.
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Starting a side hustle
How can you overcome common challenges and make your side hustle real? Let’s take a look at the obstacles one by one.
Obstacle 1: Lack of money/resources
There are more ways to start a business (especially a side business) on a shoestring than ever before. Look around and see what resources you have. For example, if you have a hobby you want to turn into a side hustle, do you have the equipment and materials you need to get started? Try starting with what you have and then putting your profits back into the business to keep growing. If you have a laptop, there are dozens of businesses you can start with that alone.
Also assess your skills, experience, and talents, and brainstorm ways you can turn these resources into a side hustle. (If your side hustle idea is related to your current job, make sure you aren’t breaking any noncompete clauses or other legal agreements you may have signed with your employer.)
Of course, even a shoestring startup still needs a little bit of startup capital. To find it, go over your budget to see where you can cut costs. Most likely, by reducing spending on “extras” such as streaming subscriptions, eating out, and retail therapy, you can quickly build up a sufficient startup fund. If that’s not enough, consider moving in with a roommate or even moving home with your parents. (Need inspiration? Check out this post on how to finance a startup on minimum wage.)
Obstacle 2: Lack of time
If you want to get your side hustle off the ground, you’ll have to make some sacrifices. Depending on your current job and life situation, that might mean getting up early or staying up late to work on your side business when your kids are asleep, cutting back on your social life and working on your side hustle instead of meeting friends for drinks, or devoting your weekends to your startup.