Once a month I meet up with two of my social worker friends to have lunch. We started getting together about a year ago. We are close in age and have similar thoughts about how we want to transition into retirement or semi-retirement. The irony is that we never eat during our lunch meet ups. Our time is consumed with talking, laughing and catching up. I should add that we don’t always laugh. Sometimes we figuratively hold each others’ hands and try to help each other get through harrowing situations. We enjoy each other as we share our skills and experiences.
The three of us did not get together for about five months due to some unfortunate circumstances. We were dealing with life and trying to get through some difficulties. We finally met last week, however, and caught up. We had a raucous conversation as we shared our activities and outcomes over the past six months. One of my friends was offered a new work opportunity. My other friend also shared an opportunity that she was pursuing. We each have a professional direction we plan to work towards.
I shared with them that I started mentoring social workers who wanted to start a side hustle business. One of my friends stopped me in mid-sentence and said “wait a minute; what is a hustle?” She had never heard the word used in that way. She said that she was familiar with the dance from the disco era. My friend even started to sing the song “The Hustle” by Van McCoy, which was a popular dance song from the 1970s.
I can understand her confusion. The word hustle traditionally refers to something done in haste or hurry. It also carries the negative connotation of swindling or aggressively luring someone into a nefarious activity. In the article Words we’re Watching The Origins of ‘Side-Hustle’ Merriam-Webster Dictionary indicates that the phrase originated in the African-American experience. It was used to describe scams as well as legitimate work. Today the word has evolved to be used as it relates to work or jobs.
My other friend and I explained that a side hustle was a second job a person worked in addition to having a full time job. She added “a lot of social workers have them since we don’t make very much.” They listened intently as I explained that through my mentorship, social workers would develop a foundation for a sustainable, successful and satisfying side hustle. My program starts by guiding the mentee through five smart questions.
The questions help to determine the form the side hustle should have so that it fits their skill level, personality and desired outcomes. The questions also help them to assess the level of support they might expect from friends, family, professional colleagues and others. Additionally, they gain clarity regarding the product or service they plan to offer and how well it will be received by potential customers or clients. Finally we work together to scale the side hustle so that it fits their lifestyle and does not take away from the important things in their lives.
Our conversation continued as we talked about different aspects of maintaining a side hustle. Full-time employees should always have a clear understanding around the policies the company or organization has regarding second jobs or part-time employment. Some organizations have policies that restrict their employees from working 2nd jobs. Many organizations, however, allow 2nd jobs, but may require some form of notification if the work relates to the same clientele or provides a similar service.
We didn’t dwell on work. We planned to attend a continuing education training together and also explained the origin and meaning of “Bye Felicia.” Honestly, it is hard for me to believe that someone doesn’t know about the classic 1995 movie Friday with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. Well, my friend didn’t, but that is a story for another day.
Marcyline Bailey, ACSW, LCSW is the author of Five Smart Questions Social Workers Should Ask if They Want to Boost Their Social Work Income e-book Starter Guide and Planner. These free downloads contain five strategic questions to consider before taking on a side hustle. You may also want to view Side Hustle Success as a Full Time Social Worker one of the webinars in the Side Hustle Social Worker Webinar Series.
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