Hide Hustle: Make Money on the DL

You might need a hide hustle — a side hustle that you can do discreetly, without risking your primary job.

Do you want to achieve financial independence, pay off your debt, or save for a big purchase? If so, you might be interested in starting a side hustle — a secondary or additional source of income that you do outside of your main or full-time job.

But what if your employer doesn’t allow you to have a side hustle, or you don’t want them to find out about it?

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What are hidden hustles are and how they differ from regular side hustles
• Why a hide hustle may be better than a traditional side hustle for some people
• Some examples of hide hustles that you can start in 2024
• How to manage a hide hustle alongside your normal W-2 / 9-5 job
• Whether you should tell your full-time employer about your hide hustle or not
• What you can do with the extra money you earn from your hide hustle

What Is a Hide Hustle and How Is It Different From a Regular Side Hustle?

A side hustle is any activity that you do outside of your main or full-time job to earn extra money. It can be anything from driving for Uber, to walking dogs, to selling crafts on Etsy.

A hide hustle is a special type of side hustle that you can do discreetly, without your boss or coworkers knowing about it. It’s usually something that you can do online, from the comfort of your home, or in your spare time.

A hide hustle is different from a regular side hustle in several ways:

• A hide hustle doesn’t interfere with your primary job. You don’t have to take time off, work during office hours, or use company resources.
• A hide hustle doesn’t create conflicts of interest. You don’t have to worry about competing with your employer, violating non-compete clauses, or disclosing confidential information to your clients.
• A hide hustle doesn’t affect your reputation. You don’t have to risk damaging your professional image, losing your credibility, or getting fired if your employer finds out about your side hustle.
• A hide hustle gives you more freedom and flexibility. You don’t have to follow your employer’s rules, policies, or expectations. You can choose your own projects, clients, rates, and schedule.

Why a Hide Hustle May Be Better Than a Traditional Side Hustle

A hide hustle may be better than a traditional side hustle for some people, depending on their situation and goals. Here are some reasons why you might prefer a hide hustle over a regular side hustle:

• You want to avoid conflicts of interest. Even if your employer doesn’t explicitly ban you from having a side hustle, they may still have concerns about your loyalty, integrity, or productivity. If you work in a competitive or sensitive field, a hide hustle may help you avoid potential legal or ethical issues that could arise from your side hustle.

• You want to maintain work-life balance. Having a side hustle can be stressful and exhausting, especially if you have to juggle multiple commitments, deadlines, and expectations. A hide hustle may allow you to keep your work and personal life separate, and reduce the risk of burnout.

• You want to pursue your passion. Sometimes, your side hustle may not be related to your main job at all, but rather to your hobbies, interests, or dreams. A hide hustle may give you the opportunity to explore your creativity, express yourself, or learn new skills, without worrying about what your employer thinks.

Examples of Hide Hustles in 2024

If you’re looking for some ideas for hide hustles that you can start in 2024, here are some examples:

• Online tutoring. You can use platforms like Wyzant, Peardeck, or Chegg to offer your expertise in various subjects, such as math, science, languages, or test prep. You can set your own rates and schedule, and work with students from anywhere in the world.

• Freelance writing. You can use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to find writing gigs in various niches, such as blogging, copywriting, editing, or ghostwriting. You can choose your own projects and clients, and work on your own terms.

• Graphic design. You can use platforms like 99designs, DesignCrowd, or Dribbble to showcase your design skills and create logos, flyers, websites, or illustrations for various businesses and individuals. You can participate in contests, bid on projects, or sell your work directly.

• Podcasting. You can use platforms like Spotify for Podcasters, Buzzsprout, or Podbean to start your own podcast and share your voice, opinions, or stories with the world. You can monetize your podcast by getting sponsors, donations, or subscriptions.

• Blogging. You can use platforms like WordPress, Medium, or Substack to start your own blog and write about topics that interest you, such as travel, fitness, or personal finance. You can monetize your blog by displaying ads, selling products, or offering services.

• Dropshipping. You can use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce to start your own online store and sell products that you don’t have to stock, ship, or handle yourself. You can source products from third-party suppliers, such as AliExpress, Spocket, or SaleHoo, and earn a profit from the difference between the wholesale and retail price.

• Selling digital products. You can use platforms like Gumroad, Teachable, or Podia to create and sell digital products, such as ebooks, courses, or software. You can leverage your knowledge, skills, or passion, and create passive income streams.

These are just some of the many ideas that you can. The key is to find something that you enjoy, that you’re good at, and that you can do without compromising your main job.

How to Manage a Hide Hustle Alongside Your Normal W-2 / 9-5 Job

Managing a hide hustle alongside your normal W-2 / 9-5 job can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are some tips to help you balance your hide hustle and your primary job:

• Set clear boundaries. Make sure you have a clear separation between your hide hustle and your main job. Don’t use your work email, phone, or computer for your hide hustle. Don’t work on your hide hustle during your work hours, or vice versa. Don’t let your hide hustle interfere with your work performance, or your main job interfere with your hide hustle goals.

• Prioritize your tasks. Make a list of all the tasks that you need to do and rank them according to their urgency and importance. Focus on the most critical and valuable tasks first, and delegate or eliminate the rest. Use tools like Todoist, Trello, or Asana to organize and track your tasks.

• Use your time wisely. Make the most of your available time for your hide hustle. Use your mornings, evenings, weekends, or breaks to work on your hide hustle. Plan your schedule in advance, and stick to it. Use tools like Google Calendar, RescueTime, or Clockify to manage and optimize your time.

• Avoid burnout. Working on a hide hustle and a main job can be stressful and exhausting, so make sure you take care of yourself. Set realistic expectations, and don’t overcommit. Take breaks, and reward yourself for your achievements. Seek support from your family and friends.

Should You Tell Your Full-Time Employer About Your Hide Hustle?

One of the most common questions that hide hustlers face is whether they should tell their full-time employer about their hide hustle or not. The answer depends on several factors, such as:

• Your contract. Some employers have clauses in their contracts that require their employees to disclose any outside work that they do, whether it’s related to their industry or not. If you have such a clause, you may have to tell your employer about your hide hustle, or risk breaching your contract and facing legal consequences.

• Your industry. Some industries are more sensitive or competitive than others, and may have stricter rules or regulations regarding outside work. For example, if you work in finance, law, or healthcare, you may have to follow certain ethical or professional standards that could limit your hide hustle options.

• Your relationship. Some employers are more supportive or flexible than others, and may encourage or allow their employees to have a side hustle, as long as it doesn’t affect their work performance or loyalty. If you have a good relationship with your employer, you may benefit from telling them about your hide hustle, as they may offer you advice, resources, or referrals.

• Your career. Some side hustles are more relevant or beneficial to your main job than others, and may help you improve your skills, network, or portfolio. If your hide hustle is aligned with your career goals, you may want to tell your employer about it, as they may appreciate your initiative, creativity, or ambition.

Ultimately, the decision to tell your employer is yours, and you should weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you decide to tell them, make sure you do it in a professional and respectful way, and emphasize how it can benefit your main job, not harm it.

If you decide to keep it a secret, make sure you do it in a discreet and ethical way, and avoid any conflicts of interest, legal issues, or performance problems.

What Can You Do With the Extra Money You Earn From Your Hide Hustle?

One of the best things about having a hide hustle is that you can earn extra money that you can use for various purposes. Here are some examples of what you can do with the extra money you earn from your hide hustle:

• Invest. You can use the extra money to invest in various assets, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. Investing can help you grow your wealth, diversify your income, and achieve financial independence. You can use platforms like Vanguard, Fidelity, or Schwab to start investing with ease.

• Pay off debt. You can use the extra money to pay off your debt, such as credit cards, student loans, or mortgages. Paying off debt can help you save money on interest, improve your credit score, and reduce your financial stress. You can use tools like Undebt.it, or Debt Payoff Planner to manage and track your debt payments.

• Save for emergencies. You can use the extra money to save for emergencies, such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Having an emergency fund can help you cover unexpected expenses, protect your financial security, and avoid going into debt. You can use tools like Oportun, Qapital, or Chime to automate and optimize your savings.

• Treat yourself. You can use the extra money to treat yourself, such as buying something you want, taking a vacation, or indulging in a hobby. Treating yourself can help you reward your hard work, boost your happiness, and motivate you to keep hustling. You can use tools like Honey, Rakuten, or Groupon to find the best deals and discounts for your treats.

Conclusion

A hide hustle is a side hustle that you can do discreetly, without risking your primary job. It can be a great way to make extra money, pursue your passion, or achieve your goals, as long as you do it in a smart and ethical way. Whether you choose to tell your employer about it or not, make sure you balance your hide hustle and your main job, and use your time and money wisely.