Canadian Side Hustle Side Effect: Fulfillment and Satisfaction

Canadians are excited about side hustles! Numerous surveys and reports have found significant growth in the number of side hustles being launched in Canada. For example, H&R Block found 28 percent of Canadians are starting side hustles, an increase of 13 percent year-over-year (YOY).

Interac reports, “Nearly half of Canadian entrepreneurs (46 percent) said an increasing number of people in their personal networks have started a side hustle in the past year, and four in 10 (40 percent) are currently considering at least one other idea for a new venture.”

While money motivates most of them, there are a few more personal reasons that inspire these entrepreneurs to keep going, including fulfillment and satisfaction.

In fact, the same Interac survey found 55 percent of Canadian respondents were surprised at the level of fulfillment they experienced after starting a side hustle. As a result, 76 percent intended to continue their side hustle along with their ‘day job,’ and 17 percent will take it full time.

With this in mind, it makes sense that you should choose a side business that will enhance the side effect of professional fulfillment and satisfaction. But what exactly is professional fulfillment?

“Career fulfillment is a feeling you earn when you find a career that balances your interests and your skills,” explains Indeed. “Components that make up your career fulfillment may include doing what you enjoy, making a difference and creating meaningful work. By ensuring your work involves something you enjoy and excel in, you can feel more motivated to perform well.”

“Job satisfaction, the elusive beacon that lights our way through the labyrinth of corporate life, plays a pivotal role in defining our overall happiness and success,” adds Mohammad Aasif Ikbal Kazi. “It goes beyond mere contentment with a paycheck; it encompasses a deep sense of fulfillment, purpose, and pride in the work we do.”

To gain (or regain) that level of fulfillment and satisfaction, we can start a side hustle.

Note the difference between starting a side hustle and getting a side gig, at least for the purpose of this article. A side hustle is a business you start and operate, whereas a side gig often involves working for someone else (such as driving for Uber or MLM sales). You’re an independent contractor in some cases, but you’re still reliant on another business for work and income.

Focus On Fulfillment

If you’re side hustling for fulfillment and satisfaction, it’s important to start an online business that will support that goal. If you start a part-time business you don’t enjoy building and growing, not only will you continue to be unfulfilled but you’ll also run a bigger risk for failure. Conversely, don’t get caught up in the thrill of starting ANY business, make sure it’s actually a business that will provide the satisfaction that you seek indefinitely.

Answering the following questions will help you incorporate what you’re most passionate about, and ultimately bring you the most satisfaction from entrepreneurship.

  • What’s missing in your life, professionally?
  • What business skills do you have that you want to continue to use & keep current?
  • What business skills do you want to learn?
  • Do you feel strongly that you have knowledge to share/teach?
  • Do you have a skill that can be offered online as a freelancer?
  • What do you enjoy doing in your free time that could be brought into your business?
  • What’s on your bucket list? Have you always wanted to write a book or do something else that aligns with your professional goals?
  • Is giving back important to you? How do you want to serve others through business?
  • Does your current career align with your values?
  • What experiences do you want in life? How will you grow? How can you contribute?

“If you can take control of your own path and then devote yourself in service to the betterment of other human beings, you will find more fulfillment, more purpose, more contentment, and more happiness, than you can possibly imagine,” says Rich Roll. “And that will be your gift to humanity and to the planet that we all share.”

The Practical Side Hustle Questions

Once you’ve identified what will bring you the most satisfaction, it’s time to look at your side hustle options. That means asking yourself some additional questions.

  • How much time do I have?
  • How much do I need to earn?
  • What is my startup budget?
  • What skills do I need to learn?

“To have your own business in which you’re doing something you’re passionate about can motivate you to work harder to accomplish your goals,” suggests Indeed. Doing this in your own business can create more joy in your life by allowing you to achieve more personal goals.”

How do I Start an Online Side Hustle in Canada?

[DISCLOSURE: We may receive compensation for links to products on this website.]

Online businesses allow you to maximize your time so you can work on your business more, while also being present for others in your life. Internet-based businesses are also the easiest and least expensive side hustles to start.

The following guides will help you start and operate your Canadian online side hustle.

For a complete guide, check out our ebook: 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home

Posts:

Checklist: How to Start a Profitable Online Business in Canada

Best Online Side Hustles For Really Busy People

Should You Have Multiple Online Side Hustles?

Canadian Taxes for your Side Hustle

Satisfaction is the Gift That Keeps on Giving

The satisfaction entrepreneurs experience in their side hustles is also linked to key business milestones. The Interac survey shows that some take pride in that memorable first sale (22 percent), while for others it’s becoming profitable (25 percent), or the first hire (23 percent).

Fulfillment is Contagious

If you use these tips to choose a fulfilling side hustle, you’ll enjoy a level of professional satisfaction that most Canadians can only dream about. As a bonus, it will improve your life – and the lives of your loved ones – as only true fulfillment can.

“You don’t decide what your purpose is in life, you discover it.” ~ Bob Proctor

How will your side hustle bring more satisfaction into your life? Please share your thoughts in the comments below, or join us for a discussion in the Online Business Canada Facebook group.

Data Sources:

Interac survey shows Canadian entrepreneurs are embracing the nine-to-thrive

H&R Block survey

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Melody McKinnon
Digital Business & Marketing Manager at  | Website |  + posts

Melody McKinnon is an internet entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in a wide range of online business models, backed by a formal business/marketing education and enhanced by training and mentorship. She has owned or managed both educational and ecommerce websites. Her book, 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home, is available from all major ebook retailers.

Melody has worked with many businesses in a multitude of capacities. She can often be found on CanadianDigitalMedia.com, CanadiansInternet.com, CanadianFamily.net, and AllNaturalPetCare.com, as well as other quality digital publications. Her content has earned reference links from highly-respected websites, magazines and university textbooks.

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Eli

Fulfilling my mind, soul and bank account 😉

Luanne

But at what cost? That’s a heavy work schedule on top of a heavy work schedule. I guess if it’s more fulfilling than it drains you it’s all good. I’d like to try but I’m worried about biting off more than I can chew. Who has a side hustle they can tell me about that isn’t MLM?