Embracing the Side Hustle: A Path to Financial Freedom
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Chapter 1: The Cost of Conformity
Starting a side hustle can be more cost-effective than holding down a traditional job. In a society that prioritizes consumerism, the price of fitting in can be staggering.
Recently, I overheard a group of frustrated temporary workers discussing their struggles. They spent $200 on steel-toed boots and uniforms for a job that only paid $15 per hour, only to have their assignment last just a week. To make matters worse, 25% of their earnings were deducted for taxes. They felt compelled to purchase fast food or snacks from vending machines instead of bringing home-cooked meals, all to avoid appearing "broke."
Their conversations revealed an unfortunate truth: to survive in their work environment, they felt they had to adopt certain behaviors—like smoking or drinking socially—just to avoid being labeled a "square." They felt pressured to engage in shallow small talk instead of discussing meaningful topics or ideas that could lead to real change. Their weekends were consumed with binge-watching shows that added little value to their lives. It’s ironic how conforming to a factory-like lifestyle is a necessity for factory jobs.
I used to believe that merit alone would lead to success, but I was mistaken. Even those who manage to climb the corporate ladder often find themselves engaging in costly activities to fit in—whether it’s living in certain neighborhoods, enrolling their children in prestigious schools, or attending social events with people they dislike, all in the name of networking.
It's no surprise that even individuals earning six figures often struggle to stay afloat. Perhaps those temp workers were justified in their frustrations.
Section 1.1: Distinguishing Between Jobs and Careers
While I don't intend to disparage traditional employment, I must point out that a "job" can often equate to being "Just Over Broke." This stands in stark contrast to having a meaningful career, where employers genuinely consider your interests alongside their own.
In a career, the title is less important than the sense of purpose you derive from your work. Only you can determine if you are truly making an impact. If you can envision yourself doing your job 24/7, it might not be a fulfilling career. Pretending otherwise can quickly lead to mental health challenges.
Chapter 2: The Case for Side Hustles
I once thought that balancing a job with a side hustle was feasible, but I've come to realize that it is significantly easier when you have a career. With a career, you can leverage many of your existing skills to develop your side hustle or even create one that complements your primary job.
Having a career often allows for a flexible schedule that enables you to dedicate time to your side hustle. It's about integrating your passion into your lifestyle, seeing opportunities for income wherever you look. While not every moment is enjoyable, even the mundane tasks can hold meaning when you genuinely enjoy what you do.
In contrast, traditional jobs can often feel monotonous, with the few enjoyable moments being fleeting and often leading to burdens later on. Workers in these environments can end up going through the motions like robots.
Section 2.1: The Impact of Over-Consumption
My father was skilled at preparing gourmet meals for our family on a budget of less than $15. He did this not out of necessity, but to challenge his creativity. As a financial analyst for the government, he believed in using creativity to navigate changing circumstances.
While jobs may provide some opportunities for character development, I've rarely encountered someone in a traditional job who expresses a genuine interest in personal growth. Many seem more focused on accumulating material possessions to impress others who ultimately don't care.
This emphasis on consumption often results in superficial relationships. Kids go to university only to recreate high school dynamics, and despite spending time with family, connections can remain shallow. Over time, friendships may fade, and inflation exacerbates the cost of living, affecting not just finances but social bonds as well.
Section 2.2: The Value of Production
Our society places undue emphasis on technology, mistakenly believing it will replace human creativity. In reality, technology should enhance our lives, not diminish our sense of value.
A stark example is the portrayal of "Brave New World," where everyday managers are depicted as the elite, not innovators or visionaries. This narrative overlooks the true potential of human creativity, reducing it to a commodity for a privileged few.
As technology evolves, it has simplified many tasks but also obscured our ability to see the broader implications of our actions. For instance, cab drivers once built relationships with their clients, but platforms like Uber have transformed this into a mere job function.
While using such platforms can provide initial opportunities, the goal should be to establish your own identity and retain a larger share of the profits. This requires viewing your work as a career, rather than just another job. The choice is yours, but if you’re puzzled about why society feels increasingly dull, this discussion might shed some light.