Balancing a side gig with school or a full-time job can be challenging, but it can also be a great way to gain experience, expand your skills, and diversify your income. In this Gator Career Chat Series: Securing the Side Gig, a panel of industry experts shared their insights on how to successfully launch and manage a side hustle. They discussed key topics such as building confidence, determining whether your gig is driven by passion or profit, networking effectively, and avoiding burnout.
Watch the full Career Chat here and read on for some key insights from the panelists.
Meet the Panelists:
- Amber Worthy – Journalist and communications professional specializing in media relations and storytelling.
- Lindsay Rimes – Business owner and sales coach with expertise in brand strategy and real estate.
- Sonya Matejko – Writer, communications strategist, and advocate for personal storytelling.
- Kim Kaupe – Entrepreneur and branding expert known for helping professionals build strong personal brands.
Read on for key takeaways from the discussion!
1. Confidence is Key When Pursuing a Side Gig
Many students hesitate to start a side gig due to self-doubt, but the panelists emphasized the importance of believing in your skills. Your expertise grows over time, and undervaluing yourself can hold you back. Practice talking about your services confidently and recognize the value you bring.
2. Identifying Possible Side Gigs
Not sure where to start? The panelists recommended looking at what people naturally come to you for. Are you the go-to person for resume reviews, photography, or tech advice? These are clues to your expertise and potential side gig opportunities.
Another key consideration is choosing a gig that aligns with your full-time job to prevent overexerting yourself. Instead of taking on something completely different, look for ways to leverage your existing skills in a way that feels manageable.
Examples:
✍️A marketing professional who enjoys writing started a personal blog.
🏡A real estate agent turned their industry experience into coaching sessions for aspiring agents.
📅A teacher with strong organizational skills began offering virtual assistant services.
By tapping into what you’re already good at, you can build a side gig that feels both natural and sustainable.
3. Know Your ‘Why’ – Passion vs. Profit
Before diving into a side gig, it’s crucial to ask yourself:
👉 Am I doing this for money or passion?
Some side gigs may be purely financial, while others serve as creative outlets. Both are valid, but knowing your motivation helps shape your approach.
Examples from the panelists:
- A real estate professional who monetized her networking skills by referring clients.
- A journalist who strengthened her storytelling skills through community work.
- A painter who turned her love for art into a business by painting custom champagne bottles.
4. The Power of Networking
Networking is one of the most effective ways to grow a side gig. Panelists recommended:
✅ Engaging on LinkedIn and industry-specific groups.
✅ Attending networking events and leveraging existing professional relationships.
✅ Providing value to others before making an ask.
5. Avoiding Burnout and Staying Organized
Managing a side gig alongside school or a full-time job can be overwhelming. The panelists shared their favorite burnout prevention strategies:
🗓 Time blocking – Using tools like Google Calendar or Outlook to schedule work and personal time.
🏃 Movement breaks – Incorporating walks or workouts without distractions.
🌿 Community support – Joining networking groups for accountability and encouragement.
6. The Business Side – Treating Your Side Gig Like a Real Business
A common mistake is not setting up a side gig legally and financially. The panelists advised:
📌 Creating an LLC and getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
📌 Tracking expenses and understanding tax deductions.
📌 Setting fair rates and researching industry pricing to avoid undervaluing services.
7. How to Build Trust with Clients
For those just starting, panelists suggested:
✔ Offering a 30-day trial period to ease clients into working with you.
✔ Providing free or discounted services initially to demonstrate value.
✔ Clearly setting expectations for communication and deliverables.
8. Embracing Growth and Change
A side gig may evolve over time. It’s okay to shift focus, raise rates, or move on from clients that don’t align with your goals. Nothing is permanent, and growth comes from taking risks.
Final Thoughts
The panelists reassured students that there’s no “perfect” moment to start a side gig. Acting, learning from experience, and continuously refining your approach will lead to success. Whether your goal is to supplement income, explore a passion, or build a future business, the key is to start and adapt as you go.
