I found a way to earn extra money by starting a side hustle while working my full-time job as an engineer. My side gig involves helping clients redeem their frequent flyer miles for air travel, which can often be confusing or overwhelming for those not familiar with the process.
HOW I GOT STARTED
The concept of a frequent flyer miles or award booking service isn’t new. There are several out there, much like web designers, with always room for more. I first encountered this type of service at a travel seminar, but I didn’t think about starting my own right away.
The idea struck me about a year later, purely by coincidence, while I was still working my engineering job. A colleague was interested in building a website. Instead of creating a purposeless site, I suggested we make one to offer my miles redemption service. He liked the idea, and we collaborated over the next few weeks.
Once the site went live, emails started trickling in, seeking help. The feeling of putting together trips for clients was incredibly rewarding. I began receiving referrals and repeat clients, which was a good indication that I was doing something right.
HOW TO FIND YOUR OWN SIDE HUSTLE
The hardest part about starting a side hustle is figuring out what to do. Look for a common question or problem that people in your social circle frequently ask you for help with. If there is one, you probably have a skill or knowledge that could be marketable. For me, it was travel.
Alternatively, identify a market need where people are willing to pay for a product or service. For example, when I was in Zanzibar, many locals tried to sell seashell necklaces, snorkel trips, and taxis, which tourists weren’t very interested in. However, one local man sold aloe stems to sunburned tourists, which was much more welcomed and presumably made him more money than the others.
TAKING INITIATIVE
Having a good idea isn’t enough; you need to put effort into it, hence the term side hustle. For me, the initiative came from my colleague’s interest in creating a website. That conversation was the catalyst for my side hustle. If it hadn’t happened, I might not have taken the initiative to build the website on my own. The best part was that my colleague offered to create the site for free, making it a risk-free venture. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A side hustle is a great way to make extra cash, but staying motivated can be a challenge. It’s like starting a new gym routine; you’re excited at first, but the enthusiasm can die down after a few weeks. Keeping this in mind can help you stay on track. I hope this post inspires others to start their own side hustle.