As we continue to see more hybrid professionals in the workplace, they will be creating careers that satisfy all their passions.
Some of those may be passions described as more analytical or technical.
Another side of their interests could be creative and innovative.
I heard a quote on a podcast the other day where they referred to “corporate” vs. “creative” positions.
This might imply that the technical positions are tied to corporate roles (unless you are in the creative department).
Another way I’ve heard this described, is the reference to the “day job” vs. “side hustle”.
My Perspective
These descriptions trouble me.
They imply that the creative/side hustle are less important than the corporate / day job.
At a time when companies need creativity more than ever, we don’t want people believe to feel they need to check their creativity at the door before they enter their day job.
What if we could take the best of each of these worlds and infuse those qualities into the other?
The side hustle could teach corporate how to react quickly, manage a tight budget, and push yourself to learn new things.
The corporate role could teach the side hustle how to add process and discipline to make the business run more smoothly.
To make any of this happen, the culture needs to change.
We must lose the stigma of “side hustle” taking employees away from their “day job” and instead celebrate the new ideas they will discover and bring to the business.
What if we encouraged team members to develop a side hustle? What might they explore and discover? How could that benefit both the employee and the company?
Your Turn
Do you have a side hustle?
If so, what have you learned that makes you better at your mainstream role?
What has your mainstream role taught you that helps with the side business?