In recent years, the gig economy has been on the rise, with more and more people entering into the world of side hustles. From freelancing to ridesharing and everything in between, the gig economy offers a unique opportunity for individuals to earn extra income outside of their regular full-time jobs.
But for some women, the gig economy has become more than just a side hustle – it has become a full-time career. In this article, we’ll explore the experiences of three women who have successfully transitioned from side hustling to full-time gigging.
For Ashley, a freelance writer and content creator, her decision to go full-time with her side hustle was both terrifying and exhilarating. “When I first started freelancing, it was just a way to make some extra cash on the side,” she explains. “But as I started to build up my portfolio and network, I realized that there was real potential for me to turn this into a full-time career.”
In order to make the leap, Ashley had to be strategic in her planning. She saved up several months’ worth of living expenses and made sure she had a solid client base before leaving her full-time job. “I knew it was going to be tough, especially at first,” she says. “But I was willing to take the risk and see where it could take me.”
Now, several years later, Ashley has built up a successful freelance business with a steady stream of high-paying clients. She says that the flexibility and autonomy of being self-employed has been the biggest selling point. “I love being able to set my own schedule and work on projects that excite me,” she says. “It’s been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.”
For Maria, a rideshare driver, going full-time with her side hustle was a natural progression. “I started driving for Uber on the weekends as a way to make some extra cash,” she says. “But I quickly realized that I was making almost as much as I was at my day job.”
Maria decided to take the plunge and become a full-time rideshare driver. She says that the biggest challenge was learning how to manage her time effectively and make the most of the busy hours. “You really have to be strategic about when and where you drive,” she explains. “But once you figure out the best times and routes, it can be very lucrative.”
Now, Maria says she makes more money driving for Uber than she did at her previous job, and she enjoys the freedom and flexibility that it offers. “I get to meet new people every day and work on my own schedule,” she says. “It’s definitely a different lifestyle, but one that I love.”
For Emily, a graphic designer and virtual assistant, starting her own business was a long-time dream. “I always knew that I wanted to work for myself, but I didn’t know how to make it happen,” she says. “When I started doing freelance design work on the side, I realized that it was the perfect opportunity to turn my passion into a career.”
Emily took a leap of faith and left her full-time job to pursue her freelance business. She says that the biggest challenge was learning how to market herself and find clients. “I had to network like crazy and really put myself out there,” she explains. “But the payoff has been worth it.”
Now, Emily has a thriving virtual assistant business with a roster of happy clients. She says that being her own boss has allowed her to focus on projects that she is truly passionate about and work on her own terms. “It’s been a journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says.
In conclusion, for many women, the gig economy has offered a unique opportunity to turn their side hustles into full-time careers. While the transition can be challenging, with careful planning and hard work, it is possible to succeed in the gig economy and build a thriving business. So if you’re considering taking the leap into full-time gigging, remember that you have the power to make it happen.