Being an employee who resumes work by 8 a.m. and closes by 5 or 6 p.m. does not mean you have no time to run a side hustle. You actually do. I know your job may be tough, challenging, and demanding, but the truth is that a single source of income may not be enough in present-day Nigeria.
You need an additional source of income, but you won’t achieve that if you keep telling yourself, “I have no time.” Time is a challenge, I know, but you must learn to make use of the little time you have. So, what exactly can you do on the side? Below are realistic options.
1. Freelance Your Services:
About 13 years ago, when I worked as the Head of the Branding Unit of a company in Gbagada, Lagos, I owned a personal laptop which I used for side hustling, designing for private individuals and organisations. It did not interfere with my job because I worked on these projects only in the evenings, early mornings, and on weekends.
Ask yourself this: can the service you render in your office be offered independently? Can you create a platform where you provide that service to people outside your organisation (not your company’s clients)? This can be done physically or virtually. However, only do this if it does not violate your company’s policies or interfere with your job. Freelancing your service is one of the best side hustles you can run.
2. Become a Distributor of Your Office Products:
When I worked as a package designer in a cream-producing company, I had a colleague who owned a shop where she sold some of the products our company produced. She rented a shop and employed a staff member to manage it. She did very well and earned solid extra income.
If your organisation produces or sells products, consider becoming a visible or behind-the-scenes distributor, depending on company policy. It is a smart move as long as it does not break any rules.
3. Start a Completely Different Business:
You can start a business that sells physical or digital products or offers services. This could align with your passion, experience, qualifications, or even opportunities you have identified around you—especially if your current job is unrelated to your field of study. Don’t limit yourself. There are many business options available. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your environment, resources, and personal realities.
4. Consider Contract Jobs on the Side
Can you supply specific goods to companies, supermarkets, shops, colleagues, or people within your community or state? That could become a steady side-income stream. What about small contracting jobs for individuals, organisations, or government agencies? If this interests you, let people know what you can offer, apply for opportunities, and stay alert. You never know—you might become one of the go-to contractors in your area.
5. Online Businesses
There are numerous online businesses you can run as side hustles, depending on your interests. Examples include affiliate marketing, content creation, blogging, online tutoring, dropshipping, digital product creation, or offering professional services online. You can learn a skill gradually and build income around it over time. When it comes to online business, opportunities are almost limitless—as long as you are willing to put in the effort.
6. Learn a High-Demand Skill and Start Earning
You can learn digital skills such as graphic design, social media management, or web design; vocational skills like fashion design, makeup, or catering; or production skills such as soap making or printing. Choose a skill you are passionate about or naturally inclined toward and turn it into a side-income stream. You can learn online at your convenience or attend a physical training centre that offers weekend classes.
Take time to assess your situation, make a decision, and get started. As I wrote a few days ago, you need an additional source of income.