Is It Time You Start A Hustle? Today is National Entrepreneur's Day!

It might be time to start thinking about a career transition. It could be a new job, company, or even changing the industry you currently work in. It's always better to focus on something more rewarding before your spirit is completely crushed.

There is literally nothing stopping you from finding fulfillment except YOU. In fact, the reward you may be looking for isn't another full time role, your reward might be a side hustle!

You do have a side hustle right? All the cool kids have a side hustle these days. As defined by Urban Dictionary:

Side Hustle: "Sideline that brings in cash; something other than your main job. Maybe playing weekend gigs or life coaching. SELLING AMWAY IS NOT A SIDE HUSTLE -- it's just a stupid way to alienate your friends."

In fairness, Amway is a side hustle, so is Rodan+Fields, baking cookies, tax prep, or Uber/Lyft, Airbnb, etc.

A recent article on Business Insider highlights 7 of the most unique side hustles which includes animal skull cleaning, bee keeping, or making cricket protein. Clearly, these are people with interesting passions but I'll bet you have equally interesting hobbies and skills.

The point is that you can find something very fulfilling by developing a hustle while keeping your current full time job. Sometimes those hustles can be so successful that they ultimately turn into terrific entrepreneurial opportunities.

Additinally, you can redefine yourself, creating your own LLC. It's simple, you can develop a 1-3 page website for less than $200 in most states!

There are probably dozens of side jobs you can do to diversify your skills and create a second source of income. Many in this new gig economy actually string 2-3 hustles into successful self-employed businesses.

Here's a useful checklist to see if you have a side hustle that could turn into an entrepreneurial opportunity or small business:

1. Make sure it's relevant and you're relevant.

It's not just your dream, but it's something that leverages your skills. That you actually have skills in that area.

2. Does it add value?

Whatever your skill or process adds it should significantly improve what exists today and someone will pay for it.

3. What unmet needs does it solve?

Test your thoughts by thinking like your ideal customers. Take Uber for example, people use the service because it meets their needs and solves a problem.

4. Is there legit revenue?

Don't quit your day job just yet. This is your test drive. You need to build a bulletproof business plan.

In summary

I've found a side hustle can be helpful since it gives you something positive to focus while still being loyal to your employer. Your paycheck covers your mortgage, rent, car payment. Your side hustle might be the roadmap to independence and financial freedom. Key word here is 'might' and there's only one way to find out. This is a great no risk outlet to explore opportunities!