I'm A Hustla With A Full-Time Grind
/Let me go ahead and set the tone for this post. Don't act like you don't remember this song from back in the day:
I'm probably going to get a few eye rolls from this post and I'll probably get a couple of fist pumps. Regardless, this has to be said. A few weeks ago, I was talking to a small business owner who shall remain nameless. She left her corporate gig to make her side-hustle her main hustle and has been doing fairly well. As our conversation continued, she asked me about my blog, its progress, and when I plan on quitting my full-time job. She was appalled by my response. Let's stop right here.
The Eyeroll
As a Blogger, why is there an expectation that I will quit my full-time job? Is the success of my blog determined by whether its a side-hustle or my main source of income? Clearly, other people must feel that it is.
The bottom line, is that I have no plans to quit my full-time job and the success of my blog isn't determined by whether I blog full-time or part-time. For the past two years I've been managing my 8-5 with my 6-10, and it's not changing anytime soon. I totally agree that there's nothing wrong with taking a leap of faith and pursuing your dreams but I don't think that should always be the immediate expectation. Taking that leap is hard, and I applaud anyone that's been successful at doing so. I know quite a few bloggers who blog full-time and it isn't easy or as glamorous as people think.
Trust me, I would love to be able to blog full-time at some point but right now it isn't feasible or high on my goals list. Don't get it twisted, I get paid from blogging but my blogging income doesn't match the salary from my full-time job that also comes with benefits. Aside from that, I busted my behind pursuing my degree and transitioning from working in Finance to starting a career in Marketing. In 2014, I went back to school to pursue my BA and for two years worked a full-time job and was a full-time student. I graduated Summa Cum Laude and had a job in my field 6 months after graduation. Sure, I have my days where I get frustrated but I really enjoy the work I do and I worked extremely hard to get here. Why should I have to give that up or get frowned upon because I'm not eager throw the deuces up at my boss?
The Grind Never Stops!
I always hear so much slack about the corporate grind, yet no one else is paying my mortgage, my car payment, or these student loans (shout out to Nelnet). Yes, I'm married and we have two-incomes but I contribute to my household and take much pride in doing so. Or is the expectation that my husband should just hold it down? People forget that my corporate grind helps fund many of Shasha's adventures and her lifestyle. My main goal right now is to post content consistently, and to meet or exceed my monthly blogging income goals. I'm 100% sure that I'll know when the time is right to re-evaluate my goals and make adjustments.
To everyone that took the big leap and left the corporate world. I applaud you. The hustle ain't easy. To everyone clocking in at the 9 to 5 and logging in to the 6-10 I salute you too. There is nothing wrong with managing your corporate grind with your side hustle. Never allow someone to attempt to determine your worth, or discredit your business and accomplishments, just because your hustle is simply on the side. Keep grinding and keep moving forward. If things align and you can take a leap, then take it. If not, then keep building and progressing. In the meantime don't forget to peep my post on how to manage your side-hustle with your full-time grind.
Are you currently managing a side-hustle with a full-time job? Have you been able to leave the corporate world to pursue your passion? Drop a line below and let me know!
