My official quest for financial freedom and stability began in 2020. Schools were on break and I had time on my hands thanks to the COVID lock-down. With YouTube as my research tool, I spent a lot of hours looking up “Small Business Ideas” to try at home. These videos were quite popular and the mild inspiration to get my life together at two a.m would hit now and again.
I discovered then that although I didn’t particularly need money, I wanted it. To buy snacks, knick-knacks and art to decorate my room. As a mini-experimentalist, practicing heads on was the way to go. The skills and hobbies I picked up are vital to my journey, including those I learnt nothing from. Here’s a breakdown of side gigs I’ve tried and dropped at different points in my life.
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T-Shirt Branding (2020)
If you hang on the side hustle part of YouTube long enough, there are businesses that always end up on the list. Selling stuff like lip glosses, phone cases and charm bracelets are very common. Yet, I discovered a few videos where parchment paper, prints and an iron were used to brand t-shirts.
These were resources I had at home so I got to work with prints of Ariana Grande and Post Malone. The thought of promoting my “brand” when school resumed filled me with so much excitement. This feeling ebbed away slowly when my prints peeled off after the first wash. My heart broke and to be honest, I learnt nothing from this. It was something I simply took in stride.
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Mobile Photography (2020)
Thanks to YouTube, my love for capturing photos has strengthened over time. Stumbling upon Mansi Ugale’s channel, I spent nights watching self portrait tutorials. It baffled me that with on her own, she was able to take such stunning photos. Although I had limited resources in the way of props, my lack of equipment didn’t stop me.
I would stack books on a chair as my tripod and use Snapseed and Lightroom to edit pictures. My Instagram feed was alive for months until school resumed and I no longer created time for photo shoots. From my brief stint as a photographer, I learnt a little about angles and lighting. Now, I rarely take pictures but I look forward to owning a digital camera to capture my loved ones someday.
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Sewing (2022)
I have always loved the idea of being able to make my own clothes. After convincing my parents to get me a sewing machine, I was delighted to bring my Pinterest mood board to life. This time, YouTube tutorials did not help me. I eventually enrolled to get trained by a tailor that lived nearby.
Unfortunately, I gave up after spending months trying to finish up one outfit. I learnt from my experience that the reality of a passion might not meet my expectations. Although I still have my machine, sewing became another dream that ended up on a shelf.
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Selling Digital Products on Etsy (2022)
Right now, I do not recall what exactly started me on this. It was probably the influence of reels that advertised making seven figures on Etsy. Without doing any research, I dove in headfirst. I designed a bullet journal on Canva, and got started setting up an Etsy shop.
The requirements necessary for publishing confused me so I gave up. At this point, I was not desperate enough to earn. Now, I have learnt to ignore reels on Instagram that promote selling digital products on Etsy. It requires a level of commitment I am not ready for yet.
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Bookstagram (2022, 2024)
Starting a bookstagram was not a result of my search for financial freedom. It was born from my love for reading and all things books. Creating a community to share this love with, seemed like the best course of action. I went from posting reels about the books I read, to poems I had written.
Making reels was and still is an activity I enjoy. My drafts are flowing with words but there is no anonymity for me to hide behind. People who know me follow that page so there’s this hesitation to share my words. However, I have learnt that it’s okay to not monetize every passion. Someday, I will post words to bring the page back to life.
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Fiverr Freelancing (2023 – 2024)
In 2023, a traumatizing event snapped me back to reality. A reality in which I craved financial stability more than ever. I have to admit money is not everything but it is important to have. Although I was scared to put my work out, I joined Fiverr.
The reality of the market slapped me in the face as soon as I got in. Talent does not always mean the alogrithim would promote your gigs. A friend helped me with the process but I still got low impressions. I moved on; you win some and lose some.
What These Side Gigs Have Taught Me Beyond Money
This is a list of side gigs I have tried, and there’s a longer list of things I have considered. With my fear of risks and stepping out of my comfort zone, these experiences have become part of my journey. I have learnt many lessons on the way, and one of them is that time is my most valuable possession. Other lessons I picked up are;
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It is okay to move on from things I have tried that did not work out.
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I have an idea of what I want, so I’m combining my skills to get it.
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There are skills and hobbies I do “just because”, there’s no need to “monetize” everything.
Conclusion
For the longest time, I believed these failed gigs were a reflection of my inability to get things right. Now, I see them as experiences that had to happen for me to grow. The experimental phase is one I understand people experience differently.
You could be certain of what you want from life in one moment, and questioning everything else the next. But the courage lies in getting up to try again and again after an endeavour fails. The bravery to find what works and to stick to it.
I would like to know about the side gigs you have tried and dropped. Please leave a comment and let me know all about the lessons you picked on the way.
