Side hustle while managing two young kids - realistic?

Nov 281 min read

I keep seeing people talk about side hustles like it's just... a thing you do. But where do you find the TIME? My wife and I are both working full-time, we have a 5yo and a 2yo, and by 8pm I'm literally falling asleep on the couch. I had this idea for a freelance writing thing but I can't even imagine when I'd do it. Am I just being lazy or is this actually impossible with young kids? Genuinely asking.

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Comments(10)

CChuck M.Regular18h ago

Honestly the time isn't there until both kids are in school full-time. That's just the reality of your stage of life. No shame in that.

PPaul T.Regularjust now

I tried the side hustle thing when my kids were that age and it lasted 6 weeks before I realized I was being stupid. You're already working full-time. You don't have the bandwidth.

BBen H.Regularjust now

Could you do something super passive that doesn't require active time? Like writing one article a month instead of trying to build a whole thing? Even that might be too much but it's smaller than what you're imagining.

TTony V.Regularjust now

People who have side hustles either have way less going on than you or they're sacrificing sleep in a way that's probably not healthy. Don't compare yourself to people in different situations.

NNoah B.New Dadjust now

I get the hustle mentality but man, with two under 6 and two full-time jobs? You'd be looking at like 5am-6am before anyone wakes up. Is freelance writing worth destroying what little sleep you get?

SScott W.Regularjust now

People who successfully do side hustles with young kids either have childcare help, WAY more energy than average humans, or they're lying about how much time it actually takes. Don't compare yourself to them.

HHugh S.Regularjust now

You're not gonna have time for a side hustle right now. A 5yo and 2yo plus two full-time jobs? That's your life. The side hustle can wait 5 years honestly.

FFrank D.Regular1d ago

The people talking about side hustles usually either don't have young kids, or they're not being honest about sacrificing sleep/relationship time. You've got enough on your plate.

MMarvin T.Regularjust now

Realistic answer: you can't right now. With a 5yo and 2yo and both working full-time, a side hustle will destroy you. Wait until the 2yo is in school at minimum.

DDave K.Regular6h ago

Maybe the question isn't WHERE'S the time but whether this is the right season for it. Write that idea down. Revisit it in 2-3 years when your 2yo is more independent.