3 Superpower Skills I Learned from My Side Hustle
When I quit my first job to change careers, I knew nothing about networking, sales, or marketing nor did I have any specific technical skills. But after I started taking on side projects alongside my new internship, I noticed a slow yet tremendous change personally and professionally.
The benefits of having a side business are plenty but below are the 3 most important ones that helped me shape my professional identity.
1. Networking: The secret to an accelerated career growth
Most of the real-life connections I have met are through social media communities. And through each of one them, I have met another connection. And met yet another through that connection. It was like a domino effect.
And I am proud to say I have interacted with many founders, owners, managers of different personalities. Listening to their stories and visions has opened up my mind to so many possibilities.
Whenever I need help from them, I can get in touch with them or even refer them to others who are seeking. Expanding my network has made me a better marketer, a better speaker, a better writer, and simply a better person.
More than simply working hard and hustling all day, make networking your priority and then notice how it will quicken your career progress.
2. Growth (Personally and Professionally)
Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
With every new project I worked on, the more I was pushing my boundaries.
The time I spent on watching a ton of YouTube tutorials just to learn to use one tool on Photoshop. Or brainstorming ideas with a new connection. These might have felt overwhelming and time consuming in the beginning. But at the end of it, I knew I just pushed my boundary further more.
The result? Compounded growth over time. My skill set has doubled in the last 4 years which wouldn’t have been possible if I weren’t propelled to devote my time to self-study.
3. Freedom and Foundation for Entrepreneurship
Unlike my day job, I didn’t have a manager to tell me how to do my side project. When most of the professionals were busy being stuck in the Rat Race of a 9–5 job, my side project provided me with a new perspective.
I discovered parts and abilities in me that I might not have noticed if it weren’t for my side business.
It gave me space to think differently, experiment, and at the same time earn a little side income. It gave me a sense of accomplishment.
If I ever had to quit or leave my regular job, I know it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I would have a backup. In other words, having a side hustle is like having a career insurance.
These skills might feel small but over a period of time, when I look back and notice the different number of routes I took through the people I met, it has been an adventurous ride.
My advice to you? Be curious and surrender to the ocean of opportunities that come to you and let it take you places that you never thought it would take you.
