Why People Working a 9-to-5 Should Think About a Side Hustle

And How It Can Change Your Life

We all know the drill: you clock in, you grind through the workday, and then you clock out. Rinse, repeat. But let’s be honest, this traditional 9-to-5 hustle doesn’t always check the boxes. The paycheck? Sure, it’s there. But is it enough to meet your dreams, secure your future, or even give you the freedom you crave?

For many, the answer is no. That’s where the side hustle comes in. It’s not just about making extra money but about gaining control over your life. Here’s why working a 9-to-5 should be the catalyst for thinking about your side hustle, not an excuse to settle for less.

Multiple Income Streams = Financial Security

The world is uncertain. Economic instability, job layoffs, inflation, these are just some of the risks we face every day. But a side hustle? That’s your financial safety net.

According to a 2023 survey by Bankrate, 45% of Americans say they have side hustles to supplement their main income. It’s a smart move. Having an extra source of income cushions you from unexpected expenses and gives you financial flexibility.

And it’s not just about emergencies. A side hustle could enable you to hit financial milestones faster, whether that’s saving for a down payment on a home, paying off debt, building your emergency fund, or simply padding your retirement account.

A traditional 9-to-5 paycheck may be enough to get by, but it’s unlikely to build the kind of wealth you dream about. According to a report from Credit Suisse, the top 1% of wealthiest Americans own 40% of the nation’s wealth, and they didn’t get there just by sticking to their 9-5 day jobs.

Side hustles give you an opportunity to diversify your wealth-building strategies, whether it’s through real estate, stocks, or launching an online business. Multiple streams of income are a cornerstone of building wealth. A side hustle is an investment in your future.

Unlock Your Passion and Potential

How many times have you daydreamed about something other than your 9-to-5 job? Maybe it's photography, graphic design, writing, or teaching. A side hustle allows you to explore your passions without quitting your main gig.

A side hustle can also help you develop new skills that can improve your current job performance, or a new passion. You might discover that your hobby is actually an untapped talent that can take you far beyond your 9-to-5.  Maybe you want to work from home or spend more time traveling, the beauty of a side hustle is that you get to control the hours, location, and pace.

Starting a side hustle isn’t just about making more money, it’s also about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. It requires you to develop new skills, take risks, and learn the ins and outs of running a business. Whether it’s learning about digital marketing, customer service, or time management, a side hustle forces you to grow.

Think about it: you’re no longer just following a set of instructions you are actually creating something. You’re learning by doing. This process not only builds your confidence but opens doors to new opportunities in your career and beyond.

It’s time to stop thinking of a side hustle as an afterthought. It’s your opportunity to start building the life you truly want, on your terms. If you’re still on the fence, consider this: start small. Whether it’s selling a few products online, freelancing in your area of expertise, or launching a service, the journey to financial freedom and personal growth begins the moment you take action.

So, what’s your side hustle going to be?

Master the Art of Influence: Build Trust, Drive Sales, and Lead Effectively

Are you ready to become the brand of choice for top customers and employees? Kevin Sidebottom—keynote speaker, trainer, and author—shares proven strategies to elevate your sales success and leadership impact.

In this blog, Kevin reveals why influence is the ultimate currency in building lasting relationships. Learn how to:
✅ Motivate customers to stay loyal to your brand
✅ Build trust and engagement with your team
✅ Transform your approach to leadership and sales

With decades of experience studying why people buy and how to inspire loyalty, Kevin equips sales professionals and leaders to deliver exceptional value, ensuring customers return again and again.

Featured Links to Grow Your Influence:

Winning With Others:  https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/stopgambling

Kevin’s website: https://www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Uncovered Membership Page

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

The Power of Small Businesses: Driving the Job Market in Today’s Economy

Small businesses are often seen as the backbone of the economy, but their true impact is more profound than we might realize. In 2024, small businesses employ nearly half of the workforce in the United States, with over 60 million Americans working for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. These businesses are not just small players, they are the lifeblood of job creation and economic growth.

As large corporations scale back and automation continues to rise, small businesses are taking up a bigger portion of the labor market. Let’s break down why small businesses matter more than ever and how they are driving job creation.

Over the last decade, the role of small businesses in the job market has expanded rapidly, especially in response to major economic shifts. According to a 2019 survey by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), nearly 90% of small business owners reported that they were actively hiring or planned to hire within the next six months. This trend has only grown, especially as businesses increasingly focus on resilience, innovation, and agility in the face of challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these trends, pushing many people toward entrepreneurship or remote work. Small businesses were pivotal in the recovery of the labor market, with an estimated 1.4 million new businesses being created in the U.S. alone in 2020. This number was a 24% increase from the previous year, proving that when larger businesses faltered, small businesses rose to fill the gap.  A great deal of this happened from individuals staring their side hustles that have flourished into full time small businesses.

Small Businesses as the Engine of Innovation

Small businesses often drive innovation in ways that large corporations can’t. Without the red tape and corporate structure, small businesses are able to pivot quickly, try new things, and take risks that lead to new jobs and new industries. A study by McKinsey & Company found that small businesses are more likely to innovate than larger companies, particularly in sectors like technology and creative industries.

This spirit of innovation not only leads to new products and services but also creates jobs that didn’t exist before. Think about the rise of remote work tools or e-commerce platforms—many of these innovations came from small businesses seeking to fill a gap in the market. As these innovations grow, so too do the opportunities for employment.

Small Businesses Are Bigger Than Ever

From providing the bulk of new job opportunities to driving local economic growth and innovation, small businesses are not just surviving they are thriving and expanding their role in the job market. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a job seeker, or someone looking to make an impact, small businesses offer opportunities that larger corporations simply can’t match.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses are responsible for 66% of all new jobs in the private sector. In fact, the number of small businesses continues to rise, with over 30 million small businesses operating in the U.S. today. This includes everything from mom-and-pop shops to tech startups, restaurants, and family-owned enterprises.

The diversity of industries in which small businesses operate means that they are constantly creating new opportunities across the board. They don’t just create jobs, they create opportunities for growth, innovation, and a wide range of specialized positions.  There are businesses that pick up dog poop and clean garbage cans in my neighborhood.  The possibilities are endless at this point.

The job market is no longer dominated by just a few large corporations. Small businesses are the true job creators, and they’re changing the face of work as we know it.

Master the Art of Influence: Build Trust, Drive Sales, and Lead Effectively

Are you ready to become the brand of choice for top customers and employees? Kevin Sidebottom—keynote speaker, trainer, and author—shares proven strategies to elevate your sales success and leadership impact.

In this blog, Kevin reveals why influence is the ultimate currency in building lasting relationships. Learn how to:
✅ Motivate customers to stay loyal to your brand
✅ Build trust and engagement with your team
✅ Transform your approach to leadership and sales

With decades of experience studying why people buy and how to inspire loyalty, Kevin equips sales professionals and leaders to deliver exceptional value, ensuring customers return again and again.

Featured Links to Grow Your Influence:

Winning With Others:  https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/stopgambling

Kevin’s website: https://www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Uncovered Membership Page

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

The Truth About Passive Income

Yes, It Takes Work (And Here's the Data to Prove It)

Ever heard these statements on social media with the promise to make life easier?

“Make money while you sleep.”

“Earn six figures from your laptop on a beach.”

Sounds great, right? Who wouldn’t want passive income? The promise of earning money without working for it every single hour is tantalizing. But here’s the reality: passive income requires work. A lot of work.

Statistics show that, while passive income can eventually bring in cash with minimal effort, it takes a significant amount of initial effort and time to set up. Let’s understand a few facts:

Passive Is Front-Loaded

The biggest myth is that passive income requires no effort. In reality, it's front-loaded work that eventually pays off.

A study from The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) found that 65% of people who invested in rental properties had to spend more than 10 hours per week in the first year just to manage their properties effectively. That’s not passive. That’s commitment.  Those shows that take only a half hour to do a complete flip.  Yeah those ones.

Even digital products like online courses require significant upfront effort. According to Teachable, a platform for creators, it takes an average of 3–6 months to create and launch a successful online course. And that doesn’t include the time spent refining and marketing it afterward. Only about 5% of course creators report making enough money to replace their full-time income, according to DataCamp.

Passive income may pay off later, but only after you’ve put in the the great amounts of sweat equity up front.

Systems Don’t Build Themselves

Systems are a key part of building any passive income stream, and they don’t come easy. 95% of small businesses fail within the first five years due to a lack of proper systems and strategies according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether it’s affiliate marketing, an online store, or a blog generating passive revenue, the systems behind them require continuous effort—especially at the beginning.

For example, Shopify reports that over 1 million businesses use its platform, but 75% of new stores fail within the first year because owners don’t dedicate enough time to systematize processes like inventory management, customer service, and marketing.  That means the give up.

Even after systems are in place, there’s no such thing as “set it and forget it.” A study from MarketingProfs reveals that 49% of marketers still need to spend an average of 12 hours per week on their content strategy, even for blogs or websites that generate passive income. The effort to optimize systems never truly ends. 

I have been running my blog for multiple years and I am not supporting myself just on these writings. 

Passive Income Is Still a Business

While it’s tempting to think passive income means you can completely step away, the truth is—it’s still a business. You still need to monitor, manage, and maintain.  You still need someone to help you crash through the ceiling to hit the next level of success.

According to The Motley Fool, 90% of investors report that generating passive income through dividend-paying stocks still requires ongoing monitoring and strategy adjustments. You have to consistently reassess your portfolio to ensure it’s delivering the right returns—meaning passive income is only passive when you’ve actively managed it for years.

A statistical analysis from Forbes also shows that 85% of successful side hustlers spend at least 10 hours per week working on their business.  That means that simply working from the beach means you are still working from the beach.

Final Word: Build It Now, Reap It Later

The key takeaway? Passive income isn’t “easy money.” It’s earned income—just earned over a longer period of time.

57% of millionaires in the U.S. report that they have multiple income streams, but these income streams didn’t materialize without substantial upfront work and sacrifice according to Charles Schwab’s  2022 Modern Wealth Survey.

While the work is challenging in the beginning, once the systems are set up and automated, passive income becomes more predictable. So if you're feeling discouraged by the initial grind, just know: you’re on the right path.  Grit will help you achieve success that you can some day leave the day to day grind and work for yourselves, but you will still need to work at it. 

Master the Art of Influence: Build Trust, Drive Sales, and Lead Effectively

Are you ready to become the brand of choice for top customers and employees? Kevin Sidebottom—keynote speaker, trainer, and author—shares proven strategies to elevate your sales success and leadership impact.

In this blog, Kevin reveals why influence is the ultimate currency in building lasting relationships. Learn how to:
✅ Motivate customers to stay loyal to your brand
✅ Build trust and engagement with your team
✅ Transform your approach to leadership and sales

With decades of experience studying why people buy and how to inspire loyalty, Kevin equips sales professionals and leaders to deliver exceptional value, ensuring customers return again and again.

Featured Links to Grow Your Influence:

Winning With Others:  https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/stopgambling

Kevin’s website: https://www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Uncovered Membership Page

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

Why AI May Not Be The End All Be All In Business

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking up the business world, automating tasks and unlocking data-driven insights. But here’s the catch: AI isn’t a cure-all for business.  Businesses will still need people if they want to thrive and move forward..

Although AI shines at crunching data and repetitive tasks, throw in some ambiguity, and it falters. Real-world business challenges often demand emotional intelligence, creativity, and ethical judgment—things AI simply isn’t ready for. Imagine crafting a marketing campaign for diverse audiences: AI can analyze data, but understanding cultural sensitivities and emotional triggers? AI simply can’t figure out those nuances.

Or think about workplace conflicts. AI can process complaints, but empathy… okay if you talk to my wife I may be a little low on the empathy as well    Even in customer service, chatbots fall flat when dealing with frustrated customers.  I would love to see screen shots of the frustrated customers yelling at the chat bots.  They’re fast but can’t replace the human ability to truly connect and resolve customer problems outside a certain scope with certain wording.

Relationships drive business. AI can boost efficiency and personalize experiences, but it can’t replicate trust, empathy, or connection. Chatbots may respond quickly, but they won’t acknowledge frustration or make a customer feel truly heard. That’s where humans excel.

The same goes for employees. People need recognition and meaningful interactions, not algorithmic evaluations. Over-reliance on AI risks reducing individuals to data points, undermining morale and engagement. Building strong teams and positive cultures requires the human touch AI just can’t deliver yet.

AI is powerful, but it’s no magic bullet. Businesses need to think strategically, using AI to complement human skills, not replace them. The key? Know when to lean on AI and when to trust good old human ingenuity.

Blind reliance on AI can lead to costly missteps. Professionals bring the judgment and insight that machines lack, making collaboration—not substitution—the smarter move.

Stop Gambling And Start Winning With Others: https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/stopgambling

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Being Your Own Boss

Being your own boss is a dream for many aspiring entrepreneurs. The allure of independence, creative control, and the potential for financial success can be incredibly enticing. However, it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of being your own boss, focusing on factors such as the ability to earn money solely based on your work, the dedication of time and effort required, and the benefits of side hustles as a low-risk entry into the business world.

Advantages:

Earning Potential Based on Work: One of the advantages of being your own boss is the potential to earn money based on your own efforts. Unlike traditional employment where income is predetermined, entrepreneurship allows you to directly benefit from your hard work and success. Your earning potential is not limited by a fixed salary or wage, providing the opportunity for higher income and financial independence.

Flexibility and Creative Control: Being your own boss allows for greater flexibility in terms of work hours, decision-making, and creative direction. You have the freedom to set your own schedule, pursue projects that align with your passions, and make business decisions without the need for approval from superiors. This flexibility and creative control can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying work experience.

Disadvantages:

Long Hours and Greater Responsibility: As your own boss, you are solely responsible for the success and growth of your business. This often means putting in more hours than employees in traditional roles. Entrepreneurs frequently find themselves working late nights and weekends, especially during the early stages of their business. The increased workload and responsibilities can impact work-life balance and require careful time management.

Financial Risk and Uncertainty: Starting and running your own business comes with financial risks. There may be initial investment costs, and the success of your venture is not guaranteed. Entrepreneurship involves navigating market fluctuations, competition, and potential setbacks, which can lead to financial uncertainty. It is important to have a solid business plan and a contingency strategy to mitigate risks.

Benefits of Side Hustles:

Low-Risk Entry into Business: Side hustles offer a way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship without fully committing to it. By starting a side business alongside your regular job, you can test the waters, gain experience, and assess the viability of your business idea. Side hustles allow you to explore different markets, build your skills, and generate additional income without risking your primary source of livelihood.

Diversified Income Streams: Having a side hustle diversifies your income streams, reducing dependency on a single source of earnings. This can provide financial security and stability, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Side hustles offer an opportunity to generate extra income, save for future ventures, or invest in personal and professional growth.

Being your own boss brings both advantages and disadvantages. While it offers the potential for greater financial rewards, flexibility, and creative control, it also requires dedication, long hours, and comes with financial risks. Side hustles can serve as a low-risk entry into entrepreneurship, allowing you to test business ideas and diversify your income. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, carefully consider the pros and cons, assess your risk tolerance, and create a solid plan to maximize the benefits and navigate the challenges. Remember, being your own boss can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey, but it requires careful planning, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1