Is a Side Hustle Just for the Economically Struggling? Think Again.

“Do I really need a side hustle?”
If you’re asking that question, chances are—you probably do. And not just because things are tough economically (though they might be), but because your skills have value beyond your 8am-to-5pm.

In Uganda, especially in our urban centers, many people have turned to side gigs to supplement incomes, thanks to rising living costs, unpredictable job markets, and financial obligations. But here’s the truth: side hustles or side jobs or part-time jobs aren’t just for survival—they’re also for growth.

Whether you’re a young professional, a high-ranking executive, or a business owner, having a second income stream is no longer just a hustle—it’s a mindset. A mindset of maximizing value.

Let’s Learn from the Diaspora

Let me tell you something about my friends abroad (thinking about you my Torontonians!).

Many of my diaspora brothers and sisters don’t stop at their 8am–5pm jobs. After clocking out, they jump into cleaning shifts, Uber driving, delivery gigs, babysitting, or online freelancing—sometimes for another 8 hours! That’s a 16-hour workday.

And guess what? That’s part of why remittances from the diaspora are among Uganda’s top sources of foreign exchange.

They hustle hard. And some of them do it not just for survival, but to build, to invest, and to send value back home. That level of work ethic is a blueprint—one that we should all study and borrow from.

You’re Not Just an Employee—You’re a Value Creator

Have you ever felt underutilized at your workplace?

Maybe you’re a civil engineer with a knack for graphic design, or an accountant who makes killer pastries on weekends. If your employer doesn’t need those extra skills, why let them rot?

Your side hustle is your way of using what you have, where you are, to create what the world needs.

It could be:

• Running a small shop in the evenings
• Teaching yoga or gym training on weekends
• Making liquid soap and selling online
• Offering freelance writing
• Offering data entry services remotely, etc.

But Isn’t That Too Much Work?

Yes—it requires discipline, sacrifice, and solid time management.

Balancing your main job with a hustle isn’t easy. But many people—especially successful entrepreneurs—started out just like that: working evenings, weekends, and public holidays to grow something of their own.

Start with: Clear goals (e.g., earn extra UGX 500,000/month), Defined working hours (e.g., 2 hours on weekdays + 5 hours weekends), Weekly planning (set KPIs to track your effort), & Rest schedules (you’re not a robot—pace yourself!).

Handle Your Hustle Ethically

This part is critical.

Do not misuse your employer’s resources. Don’t use office internet or stationery to run your gig. Instead, communicate. If your side hustle grows and starts earning income, negotiate for a 6-hour workday or 4-day workweek if possible. You could even request output-based work arrangements where feasible.

Respect your main job while building your dream.

Time Isn’t the Problem—Discipline Is

Let me be honest—many of us have more “free” time than we admit.

I know a place where some staff would come to the office and spend over 50% of their time watching YouTube entertainment videos (not educational ones!). The organization decided to restrict internet access to emails only. Interestingly—but not surprisingly—some of these same individuals still complain about delayed salary payments or being broke almost every week!

If you can binge-watch a series from Friday to Sunday, you can certainly run a small online store or write content for clients in that time. It’s not about time—it’s about how you use it.

The Power of a Support System

If you’re married, have a conversation with your spouse. Align your schedules. Share the vision. If possible, get help—a delivery rider, a Virtual Assistant like Prisci, a committed team running your side hustle or even a friend who holds you accountable.

You don’t have to build alone, but you do need to start.

Final Thoughts: Create, Don’t Just Consume

Side hustles aren’t just for the broke or the bored—they’re for anyone who wants to create more value in the world and gain greater freedom in the process. I’m currently running two and gearing up to launch my third!

So if you’re sitting on extra skills, time, or ideas—don’t let them gather dust.

 Turn your skills into solutions.
 Turn your “free” time into income.
 Turn your dreams into plans.

Start small, stay focused, and build a life that’s not just about getting paid—but about growing, giving, and becoming more.

Let’s build together—one hustle at a time.

—Dr. Mwesi Leo
 Life | Business | Productivity