Avoiding Burnout During Your Hustle Season

It is estimated that 37% of Americans have a side hustle. The financial challenges our generation faces are real, and thanks to Instagram, the hustle is glamorized. Although putting in hard work to reach your goals is rewarding to your future self, it can be tough and tiring. Burnout is real. Too many people become less effective in their work and drop the ball because they spread themselves too thin. 

Here are a few ways to take care of yourself while in your grind season. Your body and your pockets will thank you. ​

Schedule Breaks 

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When you have a financial goal, it may seem like the last thing you have time for is a break. But, the reality is sleepless nights and 60-hour workweeks will take a toll on your body. It is better to take voluntary breaks than involuntary breaks. Don’t make your body or mind force you to stop.

Make sure you take time to relax and not think of the many responsibilities that you have on your plate. Your breaks can become the motivation needed to help you keep pushing towards your goal. It may be beneficial to regularly fit in something small and manageable and plan a more lengthy break every month or quarter. Set alarms, create calendar reminders, or whatever is needed to remind yourself and ensure your commitment to taking care of yourself by getting much-needed breaks. 

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Give Yourself Deadlines

It is not motivating to feel like you are going to need to work two jobs forever. If you take on a second job or start a side hustle without knowing how long you will need the additional money in your budget, then it can feel overwhelming and dragged out. Instead, break your work into deadlines. Doing the math can help you understand how long you will need to make the sacrifice of your time and energy. 

For example, if you are working a side job to help you pay for a down payment on a car, follow these steps:

1. Estimate how much net income you could bring in monthly with a side job or working extra hours.
2. Divide the amount you wish to save by the monthly net income you expect from the side gig. 
3. The answer (to #2) is the number of months you will need to work the side job.  

saving goal / monthly net income = # months to reach your goal

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Start a countdown to the date when you will reach your savings goal. The date will serve as a reminder that although you are working overtime, you will know exactly when you will reach your goal. 

Check Your Money

If your rates for your side hustle are too low, you are working harder and not smarter. You want to make sure you are not selling yourself short with your side gig. Set your price point at an amount that you are paid your worth and your skillset.

And remember, you don’t have to be an expert to start making money from a side hustle. You should, however, make sure that your rates increase as the quality of your work or product improves. In addition, make sure you identify when you should raise the price of a service, such as when you offer additional skills and services that increase the quality you provide to your clients.