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5 Time-Saving Tips for Side Hustlers with a Day Job
Managing a side hustle alongside a day job isn’t easy. Between working a full day, commuting, and fitting in meals and rest, it can feel impossible to carve out time for a passion project or side business. However, with some strategic planning, you can make the most of your limited time. Here are five tips that’ll help you stay productive and keep moving forward on your side hustle goals without sacrificing your well-being.
1. Prioritize Tasks Using the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify which tasks bring the most significant value to your side hustle and focus on those first. For example, if you find that most of your income comes from just a few clients or projects, concentrate on nurturing those relationships or improving those services.
Quick Tip: Set aside 10-15 minutes each week to review which tasks had the biggest impact on your progress, then adjust your priorities for the following week.
2. Batch Similar Tasks Together
Task batching is a technique where you group similar activities and complete them in one sitting. For example, if your side hustle requires content creation, set aside a single evening to brainstorm topics, outline posts, or take photos for several pieces of content. By focusing on one type of task, you’ll get more done without wasting time switching between different kinds of work.
Quick Tip: Use an app like Trello or Notion to organize and schedule your batches of tasks, so you know exactly what needs to be done each day.
3. Leverage Technology for Automation
Many routine tasks can be automated with tools or apps. For example, if you’re marketing your side hustle on social media, tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts for you. You can also automate client follow-ups with email templates, manage finances with budgeting apps, or even use customer service chatbots if your side hustle is more advanced.
Quick Tip: Start with just one or two automation tools so you don’t get overwhelmed, and see how they impact your workflow.
4. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Side Hustle Time
It’s easy to let other commitments encroach on the time you’ve dedicated to your side hustle. Set clear boundaries by scheduling dedicated “side hustle hours” and communicate this with family and friends. Treat these hours as you would any other commitment—only serious emergencies should interrupt them.
Quick Tip: Use calendar blocking on Google Calendar or any scheduling app to mark these times as busy, so you’re reminded to stay focused.
5. Use “Micro-Productivity” to Make the Most of Small Time Slots
“Micro-productivity” is about completing tiny tasks whenever you have a few spare minutes. Instead of scrolling through social media, use a 10-minute break to respond to emails, outline a new idea, or brainstorm a social media post. These little moments add up, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a week.
Quick Tip: Keep a running list of “quick tasks” you can knock out in under 10 minutes. When you find yourself with some spare time, refer to the list and complete one of these tasks.