Scrolling through side hustle success stories? Most of them don’t tell the whole story.

I find myself on “side hustle-tok” often and when I’m deep in a doomscroll it feels like everyone is turning their side hustles into six-figure incomes in just a few months.

Courses promise quick success, influences flaunt “overnight wins” and “make money today” schemes, while paid newsletters preach the secret formula to success. And honestly, it’s tempting. I’ve definitely been there.

Here’s the truth: there is no shortcut, no get-rich-quick or ten step solution. Side hustles take time, effort, and a lot of trial and error.

Over the past ten years, I’ve dabbled in many a side hustle from paid online surveys, dog sitting, mystery shopping, freelancing, and now blogging. Some things worked. Some flopped spectacularly. And all of it taught me some lessons that I certainly had to learn the hard way.

Common Myths About Side Hustles:

1. You can get rich fast. Nope. Most side hustles start small and growth is incremental, sometimes painfully slow. Many of the app-based gigs pay very little, and other things like selling digital products can take months before your first sale. While side hustles won’t make you rich overnight, they can still put some money in your pocket. And trust me, I know even $5 can make a huge difference – I’ve been there!
2. One idea guarantees success. Also not true. I’ve had ideas that I thought were brilliant that went absolutely nowhere. Keep trying! Finding an idea that takes off is part persistence, part catching lightening in a bottle. You’ll often need more than one revenue stream, especially since big money rarely comes right away.
3. Side hustles are easy. Like a normal 9-5, side hustles take real work, planning, and sometimes sacrifices. You might work long hours, juggle multiple projects, and hit plenty of bumps along the way.

The good news? Side hustles are about more than just money, they’re about freedom. They teach creativity, resilience, and autonomy. They give you the space to test ideas, learn new skills, and inch closer to a life you actually want. The wins are rarely instant, but over time the impact is powerful.

Shifting your mindset is key. Instead of chasing shortcuts, be intentional about investing in yourself. Experiment, try things out, and see what works. Carve a path that’s yours.

Side hustles aren’t magic. They’re messy, unpredictable, and sometimes frustrating. But they’re a way to take control of your future and live life on your own terms.

To me, that is worth every effort.