- Career Brew
- Posts
- Side Hustle = Career Superpower
Side Hustle = Career Superpower
How Your Side Hustle Can Give You Career Leverage
Glen Patterson
February 14, 2025
For years, people viewed side hustles as “extra income” or passion projects. But today, a side hustle is more than that — it’s a powerful career asset that can give you leverage for skill build, promotions and even career pivots.
Think about it this way: Your side hustle isn’t just something you do, it’s proof of your skills, business acumen. Growth is valuable when it comes to advancing in your career.
2 Ways to Use Your Side Hustle as Career Leverage:
1. Leverage It for a Promotion
If you’re aiming for a higher position at your company, don’t just rely on your full-time job experience — highlight the skills you’ve developed from your side hustle.
For example:
If you run a freelance marketing business, you’ve gained skills in brand strategy, sales, client management, and data analytics.
If you manage an online store, you’ve developed expertise in e-commerce, customer experience, and inventory management.
When discussing your next career move, show how these skills align with the role you want. Your side hustle demonstrates initiative, leadership, and problem-solving — all qualities hiring managers look for.
2. Reinvest Your Side Hustle Earnings to Strengthen Your Career
If you receive a big work bonus or an unexpected financial boost, think about how you can invest it into your side hustle to accelerate your career.
Take a course to upskill in your industry
Invest in better tools or marketing for your business
Attend networking events that can connect you to new opportunities
Your side hustle can evolve into something bigger — whether that means a full-time business, an industry shift, or simply a stronger personal brand.
How to Get Started Today
Step 1: Identify Your Strengths
What skills can you monetize?
What do people already ask for your help with?
Step 2: Pick a Low-Risk Side Hustle
Choose something that fits your lifestyle.
Start with small projects before making a bigger commitment.
Step 3: Allocate Consistent Time
Even 5–10 hours a week can help you build career resilience.
Step 4: Build Your Professional Brand
Update your LinkedIn, create a portfolio, or start sharing insights in your field.
Step 5: Network & Seek Opportunities
Connect with others in your industry who have side hustles or multiple income streams.
Final Thought: Your Side Hustle
Whether you want a promotion, a salary raise, or a complete career shift, your side hustle can help you get there.
Your career growth isn’t just about what happens at your full-time job, it’s about the skills, opportunities, and leverage you create for yourself.
In The News.
Job Board. 💼
New Opportunities
Dataiku is the platform for Everyday AI
Find your North Star.
Stay positive. Stay focused. Keep learning. Stay connected.
Wishing you continued success!
Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to bringing you more valuable insights and resources in the future.
We value your feedback! It helps us create content you’ll love. Tell us what career topics you’d like to see covered — we’re listening! Just reply to this message, and we’ll get back to you. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time!
If you decide to take the plunge and subscribe I’m committed to supporting you every step of the way.