Balancing a 9-to-5 with a side hustle

School, side hustle, fun—you can have it all!

The alarm buzzes at 6:30 a.m. and it’s time to study and hustle. Just five more minutes… or maybe 10? The bed is warm, the world is cold and I’m pretty sure I just fell asleep five minutes ago. But alas, duty calls.

Balancing a part-time job, school and my side hustle isn’t easy, but somehow, I make it work. If you’re in the same boat—whether you’re part of an organization, running a small business or launching a creative project—this guide will help you navigate your day without losing your mind (or your social life).

6:30 a.m. – Morning prep and pep talk

A neutral-toned workspace featuring a cup of black coffee, a white smartphone, tortoiseshell glasses, and a vase of white hydrangeas on a textured table. — *Via GIPHY*

I finally roll out of bed (begrudgingly), throw on some comfy clothes and stumble toward the kitchen. A quick breakfast and an unnecessarily large cup of coffee later, I’m semi-functional. Before diving into the day, I take a few deep breaths and glance at my planner. Prioritization is key when juggling a thousand things at once.

Tip: Plan your day in advance! Apps like Google Calendar, Trello or Notion can help you keep track of deadlines so you don’t wake up in a panic wondering what day it is.

9:00 a.m. – The nine-to-five hustle begins

SpongeBob SquarePants excitedly declares he is ready to work while Patrick Star cooks in the background. — *Via GIPHY*

Laptop open, notifications popping up, emails rolling in—here we go. My nine-to-five is the non-negotiable part of my day, so I give it my best. But let’s be real: the side hustle is always lurking in the back of my mind.

Between tasks, I jot down ideas for my part-time work, reply to a quick message or upload a social media post. Lunchtime? That’s when I make moves—whether it’s responding to friends, checking analytics or brainstorming my next class project that is due.

Tip: Use breaks wisely! Even a 15-minute window can be enough to reply to friends, schedule content or brainstorm ideas. But don’t forget to eat, too! No one does their best work on an empty stomach.

5:00 p.m. – Transition time (a.k.a. Coffee #2)

An illustration of a person stretching at her desk in front of a computer screen, with the bold text "TAKE A BREAK!". — *Via GIPHY*

The second school or part-time work day ends, I breathe a sigh of relief and do a little victory dance (yes, even on bad days). But before I jump into my side hustle, I take a mini break. Maybe it’s a walk, watching a funny video or staring dramatically out the window like I’m in a music video. Anything to signal to my brain: “OK, we’re shifting gears now.”

Tip: Build a transition ritual between your school or your part-time work and side hustle. It can be a short walk, stretching or even blasting your favourite hype song.

6:00 p.m. – Side hustle mode: on!

A young girl sitting on a bed with stuffed animals behind her, speaking with the caption "IT'S WHAT I LOVE TO DO". — *Via GIP HY*

Now, it’s time to shine! Whether I’m working on a new book, baking cookies or editing content, these are my golden hours. Some nights, I’m in the zone, firing off ideas left and right. Other nights, I stare at my laptop, questioning all my life choices. But hey, that’s the hustle life, right?

Side hustles come in many forms, from selling handmade crafts online, tutoring students and launching a YouTube channel to offering freelance graphic design, photography or social media management services. Some people turn their hobbies—like making jewelry, designing clothes or fitness coaching—into an extra stream of income. Others invest in passive income ventures like print-on-demand shops or rental properties. The options are endless!

The key to sustaining a side hustle is passion. When you genuinely love what you do, it won’t just feel like extra work—it becomes a fulfilling part of your routine. Passion fuels perseverance, helping you push through late nights and self-doubt. It’s what turns an idea into something bigger, whether it’s a thriving small business or just a meaningful creative outlet.

Tip: Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound). Instead of saying, “I want to grow my small business,” say, “I will gain 10 new customers in the next two months.”

8:30 p.m. – The “why am I like this?” hour

A man in a black t-shirt gestures with intensity against a green screen with the caption "Don't let your dreams be dreams." — *Via GIPHY*

The part of the night where my brain decides to remind me of all the things I haven’t done yet. Maybe I should start a Youtube channel? Maybe I should revamp my portfolio? Maybe I should learn a whole new skill by tomorrow? (Spoiler: No, I should not.)

Tip: If you find yourself overwhelmed, take a step back. Write down your thoughts, then break them into small, manageable steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your empire.

9:00 p.m. – Recharge and reflect

A woman with voluminous blonde hair and a young man in a red uniform looks surprised in the background, with the word "PAUSE". — *Via GIPHY*

Time to wind down. I put my work away (even if my brain is still spinning with ideas) and do something relaxing—watch a show, read or just lie on the floor and dramatically sigh. Before bed, I jot down any lingering ideas for the next day so I don’t stay up overthinking (again).

Tip: Your brain needs rest to be creative! Prioritize sleep, eat well and don’t forget to stay hydrated.

10:00 p.m. – Lights out (or so I tell myself)

A woman in blue pajamas stretches happily in bed, with the text "ME WHEN I GET TO SLEEP IN". — *Via GIPHY*

I turn off the lights, scroll on my phone for way too long and then finally convince myself to sleep. As I close my eyes, I remind myself why I’m doing this. The dream of making my side hustle a full-time job keeps me going. Some days are harder than others, but the passion makes it all worthwhile.

Final tip: Keep your passion fun! If it starts feeling like just another job, step back and reevaluate. You started this because you love it—never lose sight of that.

Juggling school and a side hustle isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, dedication and a bit of fun, it’s absolutely possible! How do you manage your grind? Share your routine with us @shareignite and inspire others to master the hustle. (Bonus points if caffeine is your secret weapon!)

Feature image courtesy of Robert Bye via Unsplash.

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