Side hustle fatigue

[Tiredhustler32]

I earn a good salary but have always wanted a side hustle to make a bit of money on the side independently.

I kept coming across articles about these women who makes 1000s on the side then there's all sort of social media accounts dedicated to the same topic.

I finally had a go on mat leave last year. Set up an Etsy store with digital products and I now have 26 5 star reviews and 200 sales. It's quite slow though and not really a money maker - products are very niche, low priced and take ages to make so I've spent hours on them over past year and made about £350 profit.

Recently I started thinking about other niches I could try and have been exploring other platforms that aren't Etsy. I have a few ideas but like Etsy it will take a while to build up and create.

Followed a few 'I'll teach you how to make 1000s' accounts on Tik Tok and Instagram and its just people flaunting their earnings, recommending platforms where they earn a commission and saying the same things over again.

I feel a bit fatigued by it all and like I should just give up and focus on my job or make more of a go of my Etsy store rather than keep trying to look for next thing.

Any side hustlers have advice?

AIBU to feel fatigued by it all. I see all these 'hustlers" online and I'd love to get to that point but feels miles away

A side hustle is just a different name for a second job. If you have a good salary is there really a need?

It's entirely possible that the 'success stories' online are lying. Always remember that.

Not really a massive need. I suppose I like the idea of something independent and extra money. I'd been having hard time when I went back to work after mat leave and started wishing for a way out or other ways to make money

Could you just get a few hours a week doing something else? Easy and funish?

I know a woman who works full time and does therapy sessions in the evening but that would of course involve retraining.

I agree with @Weirdaf1 .

You are making money on the side though. You've made £350 since last year.

Those people who show you how they made millions with their content, and want to show you how to do the same, are liars. If they were genuinely so great, why would they want to train up hundreds of their competition?

You get a free tiny sneak peek, pay for the course and they're invariably crap.

At first glance it looks great then you realise they're recommending things that they will earn commission on and just trying to hook you in so you'll buy an overpriced ebook.

Fair play if they make money like that but guessing it's like a pyramid scheme and those who got their first make the most money then latecomers can't ever really emulate that success

Are there any qualifications you can study towards/ skills you can honestly which will improve your chances of promotion in your main job instead?
I'm a bit skeptical of the social media accounts selling themselves as teaching others how to earn money as a content creator / through drop shipping etc.
If they were truly raking it in doing that, why would they be selling courses or trying to get lots of sign ups through their affiliate links...

Just be sure to avoid anything with the words ‘up line’ ‘white Mercedes’ and ‘boss babe’ 😂

A lot of side hustles that are making 1000's are morally or legally questionable.

I'm in a commission based role so have opportunities to earn more and hustle there. But since back from mat leave I feel like the crap one on the team and like everyone else is much better than me so confidence is a bit knocked. Also lost out on promotionto someone who joined a few months ago. That spurred me on to try and do something more on the side so I could feel better I suppose.

This is true and I don't think I could speak into a TikTok video every day to try and get people to but my eBooks anyway.

I have to agree with PP tbh, get into something real. Idk your circumstances but any sort of actual job. Do you have any second languages? Translation can be a good one, obvs you would have to be fluent. But pyramid schemes are to be avoided at all costs.

No they are making good money selling you a crap course.

I run three self employed businesses. One makes good money, pays my mortgage, clothes my kids, one makes a nice little extra and the other one makes a few hundred a year.

Guess which one I’ve put most time and effort into?

It takes a lot of hard work and effort and time to start a profitable business. Most Etsy stores aren’t even making pocket money.

If you enjoy doing it crack on, work ann anctual business plan not based on some tictoker who wants your money on course attendance fees. otherwise if you need money you’d be better driving for amazon or dominos in your spare time.

Most people are lying if they say they make ££££. Or are in MLMs (and also lying). Mind you, I’m still unclear how influencers make money on TikTok so perhaps I’m not the most useful barometer for side hustles.
I think most true ones do stuff they enjoy anyway - baking, crafts, art etc - and charge for it. Like a hobby that pays. A bit though, not a lot. And definitely not as a replacement for a salaried job.

Hahahahahahaha.... to the 'side hustle' idea as an earner, moreso coz it's on yer 'mat leave'.

You might even knit unsinkable ships, but they've already sailed. If you're feeling a bit bored, unfulfilled or underpaid for looking after your baby, best create your own 'stuff' as a possible earner in the future. Unless you're incapable of creating something new besides a baby.

Funnily enough my Etsy shop is to do with languages. I speak a few other languages and actually have a Masters in translation but my career took me in a completely different direction so never used it.

Great job, you made profit!

I’m curious to know why you say you couldn’t create videos of you speaking on TikTok?

I just cringe having to do things on camera like that. I admire people who can do it well but I don't think I could

I agree with @Weirdaf1, it’s just having a second job. I fell into the trap a few years ago and tried to turn my hobby into a ‘side hustle’ whilst working full time. I ended up majorly burnt out and started to resent my hobby that I once loved.

I think it’s normal to question your career choice post mat leave and maybe even feel imposter syndrome, but the reality is you’re unlikely going to find a gig that pays thousands flogging candles on Etsy 2 days a week. For me, my corporate job was what provided the most stability, so I put my energy into progressing there. If a career change or earning extra money is what’s driving you, you need to create a business plan you can work towards. Burning the candle at both ends rarely works and just leaves you feeling deflated.

Haha I think anyone can learn to speak in camera tbh but it takes courage and practice. What’s your Etsy account?