Don't Tell Your Employer About Your Side Hustle
The urge to brag about your blossoming side hustle, that Etsy shop finally gaining traction, or the freelance writing clients rolling in, might be strong. But before you excitedly announce your newfound entrepreneurial spirit to your boss, take a deep breath and consider this: sometimes, silence is golden. There’s a certain mystique to keeping your side hustle under wraps. It allows you to nurture your passion project without the prying eyes of the corporate world.
Think about it. Does your employer really need to know you’re building a dog walking empire in your evenings? While transparency is generally a virtue, in this case, it might create unnecessary complications. You never know how your boss might react. They could be incredibly supportive, of course, but there’s also the chance they might feel threatened, worried about divided loyalties, or even concerned about your ability to handle the workload.
Let’s be honest, your primary job deserves your focus during work hours. The last thing you want is to give your boss any reason to believe your side hustle is taking precedence. Besides, maintaining clear boundaries is key. Your job is a source of income and stability, and your side hustle is your creative outlet, your path to financial freedom, or maybe just a fun way to spend your free time.
Keeping your side hustle a secret allows you the space to operate independently. You can make your own decisions, experiment with different approaches, and potentially avoid any restrictions your employer might have on outside work. There’s no need to navigate murky legalities or company policies about moonlighting. It’s your project, your rules.
Of course, there will be moments of frustration, late nights balancing tasks, and the ever-present fear of burnout. But that’s part of the thrilling, challenging world of building something from the ground up. You’ll shoulder the burden yourself, but you’ll also reap all the rewards. The sense of accomplishment of achieving success on your own terms is an unparalleled motivator.
So, the next time you have the urge to spill the beans about your side hustle at the water cooler, remember, sometimes the best course of action is to keep it close to the vest. Let your success speak for itself. When your side hustle takes off and you can confidently present a thriving business to the world, that’s when you’ll truly have something to brag about.