The secret to a successful career: a side hustle

I believe the secret to a successful career is multiple careers. I recently read an inspiring article in the Harvard Business Review by bestselling author, Kabir Sehgal. Sehgal recommends we all have at least two careers.

Ask yourself if you are 100 percent satisfied with the work you currently do. My guess is you probably are not. We all have side passions we would like to pursue but we don't always know how to get started. I have a solution at the end of this article to help you with this.

In his article, Sehgal writes, “I’m a corporate strategist at a Fortune 500 company, U.S. Navy Reserve officer, author of several books and record producer…” He goes on to explain that working many jobs makes him happier and leaves him feeling more fulfilled. 

Isn’t this what we all want, happiness and fulfillment?

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I considered this idea as I read his article. I’m an author, speaker, improv performer, digital marketing consultant and coach. What is key is you find ways to balance the things you love with your schedule and what pays your bills. 

When you work a single job for someone and earn a steady paycheck and benefits, you can easily become complacent. I believe everyone should be doing what’s commonly known as a “side hustle.”  This doesn’t mean spending your business hours working on a side project; that’s not ethical to the person paying for your time. Nor, do I suggest you quit your day job altogether and hope your new passion works out. I do want you to consider what you could be doing in addition to what is currently paying your bills. Is there a passion you have wanted to explore? I bet you could spend some of those Netflix hours on these ideas.

Sehgal suggests you find different circles of people based on the areas you wish to explore on the side. Ask your friends and colleagues, use sites like Meetup.com, or do a simple Google search to find local communities. These communities also exist online in Facebook Groups and Google+ Communities.

Sehgal also makes a great point about realizing that what you learn in a side business can help you bring new ideas to the other work that you do. This makes you a well rounded and forward thinking asset to the people you work with. 

I often reflect on this in the work that I do for my clients. For example, I take the skills I have learned performing improv to my speaking engagements and workshops. I take my marketing experience to teach my clients how to improve their businesses online. 

If you are feeling stuck in your work today, or you are seeking ways to get started working on a side project you are passionate about, I have some ideas for you at networkingfornicepeople.com/get-a-job-you-love. I will literally walk you through each step to getting started doing the work you love. 

Dave Delaney is digital marketing consultant, professional speaker, author of New Business Networking, and is passionate about social media and professional 
networking. Say hello at NetworkingForNicePeople.com.