How Side Work Has Helped Me Grow Over the Years
At any given point in my professional career, I have always had some form of side work—whether it was a gig, freelance project, or contract work. Over time, I’ve come to realize just how much these extra opportunities have benefited me. Beyond providing additional income, they have sharpened my skills, made me more productive, and reinforced the importance of being fast and prepared.
The Power of Productivity
One of the biggest advantages of balancing side work has been improving my productivity. Productivity is a skill that can be developed, and I’ve seen firsthand how it can grow over time. I’ve learned how to complete tasks more efficiently without sacrificing quality. More importantly, I’ve mastered the ability to respond quickly to those who rely on my work, which has made me a more valuable professional.
I’ve always been a naturally driven person—an "achiever" at heart, as the Enneagram personality test would say. Wasting time is something I cannot stand because it's one of the few things we never get back. Side work has forced me to be intentional about how I spend my time, always looking for the most efficient ways to get things done.
If there’s a way to streamline a process, I’ll find it. I don’t believe in reinventing the wheel or spending hours on something that already has a solution. Over time, I became accustomed to using templates, automating repetitive tasks, and refining my workflows. This small shift in mindset skyrocketed my productivity and allowed me to focus on high-value work—the kind that requires strategic thinking and creativity.
The Value of Speed
Through my side work, I’ve also learned the importance of speed—not just in execution but in responsiveness. In today’s hyperconnected world, there’s no excuse for slow communication. Clients and teams appreciate quick responses, and I’ve made it a priority to be available when needed.
This efficiency has been a game-changer for my professional relationships. Despite being a digital minimalist—having no social media and using a Light Phone with only call and text functions—I’ve been able to maintain strong communication with my clients and team. The consistent feedback I receive is how much they appreciate my promptness and attention. Being responsive builds trust, and that trust has led to long-term professional opportunities.
The Power of Being Prepared
Lastly, keeping side work has taught me that success often comes to those who are ready when opportunities arise. I’ve been fortunate to receive work time and time again, and I never take that for granted. In a borderless workforce where clients can choose to work with anyone in the world, I am honored when they choose to work with me. But I know that wouldn’t happen if I weren’t prepared.
Being prepared means more than just having the skills—it means staying organized, managing time well, and never bluffing about what I can or cannot do. I’ve learned to take ownership of my workload and to always be ready for new opportunities.
Recently, two things reminded me just how valuable these traits are: a new contract with a former full-time employer and the book Be the Unicorn by James Vanderbloemen. Both experiences reinforced my gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned from side work.
Closing Thoughts
Keeping side work over the years has done more than just enhance my career—it has shaped my mindset. It has made me more productive, faster in response and execution, and always prepared for what’s next.
In a world that moves quickly, these traits have been invaluable. If there’s one piece of advice I’d share, it’s this: Stay sharp, stay ready, and never stop improving. Because when the right opportunity comes knocking, you’ll want to be the one who’s prepared to open the door.
