Is Your Side Hustle Draining You or Sustaining You?

It seems like everybody has a side hustle these days. And why not? Extra income can mean paying off debt faster, investing in your future, or finally booking that well-deserved getaway. But here’s the thing, if your side hustle is burning you out, robbing your peace, or making you question your why… then we need to talk.

Let’s get honest and check in on whether your side hustle is truly sustaining your life or silently draining it.

First, Let’s Define What “Sustaining” Looks Like

A good side hustle should do at least one (preferably more) of these things:

• Bring in steady, measurable income

• Help you grow a skill or network

• Align with your values or long-term goals

• Give you a sense of purpose or satisfaction

• Offer a flexible schedule or complement your lifestyle

If it’s only bringing stress, self-doubt, or a sense of constant “catching up,” then it's time to reassess.

Budgeting Basics Boss Insight: Just because it makes money doesn’t mean it’s making sense.

The Hidden Cost of a “Grind” Mentality

Let’s normalize not being tired all the time.

Many people wear exhaustion like a badge of honor. But the truth is, if your side hustle consistently leaves you mentally depleted, physically drained, and emotionally checked out, that’s not empowerment. That’s erosion.

Here’s what a draining side hustle often looks like:

• You're working more hours than expected with little payoff

• You’ve stopped enjoying it - every task feels like a chore

• It’s affecting your full-time job, relationships, or health

• You’re always behind on deadlines and struggling to keep up

• You feel like you’re working harder, not smarter

Run the Numbers - Is It Worth It?

Do a hustle audit. Write down:

• Hours you spend each week

• Monthly income from the hustle

• Monthly expenses (supplies, tools, advertising, time)

• Net earnings (after taxes and costs)

• Opportunity cost (what you’re giving up e.g. family time, rest, self-care)

Now ask: Is the juice worth the squeeze?

Budgeting Basics Boss Tip: Your time is your most expensive resource. If your hourly rate from a side hustle is less than what you could earn elsewhere, or less than what your peace of mind is worth, it's time to pivot.

Sustaining Hustles: What They Look Like

Not every hustle has to be a business empire. The best ones:

• Fit your energy rhythms (some folks hustle best on weekends, others at night)

• Compliment your core career or passion

• Have growth potential without burning out your bandwidth

• Are automated or passive where possible (hello digital products!)

• Bring joy or impact - they feel purposeful, not painful

Ask yourself:

• “Do I look forward to doing this?”

• “Is this helping me become who I want to be financially and professionally?”

• “Can I still prioritize rest, relationships, and routines?”

When to Quit, Shift, or Stay

It’s okay to reimagine or retire a side hustle. It served its season. Now it’s time to assess your next move:

QUIT if it’s no longer aligned or costing you more than it gives

SHIFT if it has potential, but needs structure, boundaries, or rebranding

STAY if it sustains your income, wellbeing, and momentum

Budgeting Basics Boss Insight: Sometimes letting go of what’s "working" makes space for what’s worth it.

CONCLUSION: Sustaining the Boss in You

Let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with having a side hustle. In fact, I champion it, strategically. But your side hustle should never hustle you out of your joy, energy, or sanity.

Work that sustains you should energize, not exhaust. Build income streams that leave room for your dreams, your downtime, and your divine purpose!

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