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Cost of living side hustle

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[#13536910]

Singletrack hive mind, help me… a little while ago unfortunately the cost of living crisis got to me. Despite our household having 2 full time incomes that put us well above average, the pressure got too much financially and I started up my own business. Cue nothing happening for 6 months, a bit of soul searching, lots of time on the socials and a bit of cash down the drain, and suddenly things kick into overdrive when I pivot the business to a new model. I’m now wondering if I can keep both balls in the air. Anyone out there got some lived experience? I need to keep both on the boil for the time being, and also respect and like my workmates. Ideally I would like to negotiate a bit more flexibility with my fulltime job to allow me to cover all my goals. Hints, tips, suggestions to do this without burning any bridges?


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 9:37 pm
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It all depends on what the day job is, and who you're doing it for.


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 9:45 pm
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Posted by: johnstell

would like to negotiate a bit more flexibility with my fulltime job

Request Flexible Working?


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 9:50 pm
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Only advice I can offer is make sure you are properly declaring earnings from the side hustle - HMRC have been cracking down on such things. 


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 10:04 pm
kelvin reacted
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Will need to know all the details of your side hustle to be in a position to advise. ALL details.


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 10:14 pm
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I think we have to assume it's Only Fans

wondering if I can keep both balls in the air.

Some pretty niche stuff too


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 10:19 pm
FuzzyWuzzy and reeksy reacted
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When I read “ on the socials” I thought you meant you were unemployed on social security 🤣 


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 10:33 pm
reeksy reacted
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That will depend on your market.  If your market is sustainable i.e. large enough for you to expand for the next 10 years etc, then you need to prepare yourself to decide if you will start your own or keep the ball in the air until such time as your business is able to provide all the income you need. 

In the meantime, keep the ball in the air.


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 11:03 pm
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I work in the wine industry for one of the 2 big supermarket chains in Australia. It’s an on site pack specialist role with a bit of flexibility 


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 11:29 pm
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lol, the side hustle is a estate automation, essentially installing, renting and selling large robot mowing systems for rich folk. I can get a good chunk of it done evening and weekends. It’s got pretty strong growth potential.


 
Posted : 31/08/2026 11:33 pm
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Great option. There’s a lot of wealthy retirees with big properties that need servicing here.

If you don’t build the business someone else will, so maybe get a sidekick and flex hours until you are sure it wil float on its own.


 
Posted : 01/09/2026 1:21 am