Kenya’s economy will grow at an average rate of 5.2 percent between 2024 and 2026, according to a recent report from the World Bank. This positive outlook comes as the global economy is experiencing sluggish growth, an average of 3.1 percent since 2023.

Despite this promising economic outlook, an increasing number of Kenyans are turning to side hustles to supplement their income from formal employment. In a recent study by Tala, a significant 64 percent of Kenyans employed are contemplating engaging in side hustles to meet their needs in these challenging economic times.

The study revealed that many individuals are exploring opportunities in digital product resale and agriculture to supplement their income.

Side hustling involves selling your services or products part-time while maintaining a 9-to-5 job. Individuals leverage day-job technical, soft, people and vertical skills into a revenue stream. It is all about making that extra cash.

Many pursue side hustles to supplement their income and discover new interests and skills outside their regular jobs. But are these they worthwhile? Will they help create millionaires, or are they destroying careers?

Engaging in a side hustle offers more than just a way to earn extra money. It provides a chance to pursue your passions and interests. Side hustles are valuable in skills, development, and experience that can benefit your primary job or even lead to alternative career paths. Taking on extra work can reveal talents. For those who will eventually venture into business, a side hustle can be an asset if you use it to test or validate a startup idea.

Side hustles have become increasingly popular in Africa, offering individuals additional income streams and creative outlets. Across the continent, about 63 percent of the labour force is involved in some kind of side hustle. In Kenya, agribusiness is the most popular side hustle for young people. But beneath this lies a dark side for many!

The idea that success and self-improvement require constant hard work has become more popular with the rise of hustle culture. While it’s crucial to pursue our ambitions with dedication, working nonstop and pushing ourselves too hard can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness in the long run.

Side hustles can significantly impact one’s career trajectory. Engaging in a side hustle typically involves exchanging your time for money, like selling coffee. The drawback of this hustle is that you are trading your time, rather than your skills, for financial compensation. This can lead to sacrificing valuable time with family, neglecting your health, or failing to fulfil other essential responsibilities.

Without expanding your knowledge base, you may stagnate in your career growth. It is important to seek opportunities that allow financial growth and personal development.

Engaging in side hustles can also lead to stress, making it vital to thoroughly investigate the potential benefits before embarking on a new hustle. Some, like developing and selling online courses, can generate significant profits without requiring much or any initial investment, providing lucrative returns when promoted on the right platform.

A side hustle can be a valuable way to diversify income and increase your bank account, but it can also consume a significant amount of time and energy. Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job can be challenging, but with careful planning and time management skills, you can avoid burnout and ensure the success of your side hustle. Avoid focusing on side hustling as a long-term plan.

Striking a balance between passion, income, and well-being is essential for achieving long-term success. Setting clear boundaries and priorities can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

— The writer is an Innovations Evangelist and a PhD candidate; machariamuhoho@gmail