Arizona State University issued the following announcement on Aug. 4.
Despite having a plan for professional success, your path can sometimes branch off into an entirely new direction. New opportunities can present themselves, hobbies can develop into a full-time pursuit and side hustles can bloom into a career. People often start a side hustle to earn additional income or as a creative outlet, then uncover ways to turn that passion into a profession. Many experienced this over the past year.
As the economy shifted due to the 2020 pandemic, industries like hospitality, arts and travel were impacted nearly overnight. A multitude of people subsequently found themselves rethinking their future plans, as they had to quickly navigate economic changes in a time of uncertainty. Workers across the country dared to reimagine the possibility of living their dreams and pursuing their passions.
Since then, the concept of side hustles has gained extra attention and shows no signs of slowing down. One in three Americans have a side job and 61.1 million Americans plan to start one by the end of 2021, according to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll.
ASU Online students are no exception, and have found that the act of doing something fulfilling outside the parameters of a 9-5 can spark new self-esteem, creativity and avenues to success.
Samantha Harker, an English major from Anaheim, California, creates and sells calligraphy and circuit light-up cards as her side hustle. This personal passion, coupled with the ability to pursue her passions in writing and art at ASU Online, has instilled faith in her ability to achieve her goals.
“My side hustle has taught me how to have confidence in my abilities,” she said. “I practiced calligraphy and art for several years and I am mostly self-taught. My side hustle helped me learn that if I can teach myself these skills I can succeed in almost anything.”
As you plan your next endeavor, consider exploring the possibilities of a passion project. The key is to start small and manage your expectations for where it may lead you next.
Original source can be found here.
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