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If there’s one thing I know, it’s hustle. Moreover, I know a lot about side hustles and a full-time job.

I’m an elder millennial—I feel like I invented the side hustle.

For as long as I can remember—starting in my early 20s—I’ve always been the kind of person who couldn’t sit still creatively. I’ve worked in dental practices my entire career (and still do), but I always had something else brewing on the side.

Sometimes it was helping another dental office with admin or marketing. Other times, it was launching a cozy little at-home bakery or picking up freelance remote work late into the night. At one point, I think I was juggling four things at once—but here’s the thing: I loved the challenge. I was curious, scrappy, and determined to create something that was mine.

Eventually, one of those “side hustles” turned into something much bigger: my dental billing company. What started as an idea to make an extra $1,000 a month (yes, that was literally written in my iPhone Notes app and I keep it there to reflect) grew into a 7-figure business that changed my entire life. I used to calculate goals by what they could cover: “If I make $250 this week, that’s my car payment!” Those small chunks of cash mattered. And still do.

As wild as that journey was, it didn’t end there. That business lit a fire in me for branding, marketing, and design—and one side hustle led to the next. Now? I run One Wild Brand, where I help women build bold, scroll-stopping brands through Showit website design and Canva-friendly content that actually converts.

And while that all sounds lovely, I won’t sugarcoat it. It took a lot of late nights, missed naps, and full-on breakdowns. But it also taught me how to build momentum even with a full-time job and two little ones running around.

So today, I want to share what really helped me manage side hustles and a full-time job—and how you can do it, too.

1. Schedule Time Like It’s Non-Negotiable

If you’re waiting for “free time” to work on your side hustle, it won’t happen. I had to learn early on that the only way I’d make progress was by scheduling it in like a doctor’s appointment.

For me, that looked like:

•Blocking out a couple of evenings a week

•Working during naptimes (hello, toddler life)

•Stealing quiet weekend hours while everyone else was still asleep

Of course, it didn’t always go as planned. There were times I missed a block and had to regroup. But having those dedicated windows helped me treat my business seriously—even before it became my real business.

2. Side Hustles and a Full-time Job Will Wear You Down - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Support

Here’s the truth: I couldn’t have done this alone.

My husband was (and still is) my biggest support system. From wrangling the kids so I could work uninterrupted to being my sounding board after a rough client call, he showed up in every way. If you’re building a business while working a 9–5, you need a support system. Whether that’s a partner, a parent, or a friend who checks in on your progress—lean on your people.

3. Outsource Within Your Zone of Genius

Another game-changer? Letting go of the stuff I didn’t need to do.

That meant eventually hiring help with admin tasks, bringing in a bookkeeper, and saying goodbye to things like manually formatting emails or designing graphics when I was too burned out to enjoy it. Yes, in the beginning I bootstrapped like crazy. But as soon as you’re able—start delegating. Your energy is one of your biggest assets, and you don’t need to do everything.

4. It’s Okay to Break Down (Just Don’t Quit)

Listen, I’ve cried on my laptop. I’ve questioned everything. I’ve felt like I was drowning in emails and diapers and deadlines.

But I always came back to my why.

In the early days, my why was small: I just wanted to make $1,000 more a month. That number feels cute now, but back then? It felt like freedom. And even today, when things get overwhelming, I remind myself that little dreams grow. The breakdowns aren’t failures—they’re signs that you’re doing something big and brave.

5. You Can Love Your Job and Build Something on the Side

One thing I want to make very clear: I never started side hustling because I hated my job. Quite the opposite.

My full-time role at a dental practice has always felt like home. I’ve been lucky to work for people who value me and have supported my flexibility over the years. The work is meaningful, the pay is solid, and the team feels like family. I’m not trying to escape—I’m just someone who always wanted more.

So if you’re in a similar boat, hear this: You don’t have to quit your job to pursue your dream. You just have to get creative with your time and clear about your priorities.

 

Final Thoughts: Remember Your Why

It’s called a hustle for a reason.

But your why? That’s what will carry you through.

Whether your goal is $1,000/month or a business that transforms your life, it’s all valid. Keep showing up, one hour at a time.

Ready to build something wild?

Here are a few ways I can help:

•✅ Need a jump start on your social media? Grab my Done-For-You Canva Templates

•🧠 Download 30 Days of Content Ideas

•📅 Book a 1:1 strategy call with me

•🎙 Listen to The One Wild Brand Podcast for honest convos about female entrepreneurship, growing your brand, and the actual strategies it takes to do it

You don’t have to build it all overnight.

But you can build something beautiful. One wild step at a time.