Let’s talk.
You’ve got a 9-5 job that pays the bills. Respect. But you’re also feeling that entrepreneurial itch. Maybe you want more income, more freedom, or you’re just tired of making other people rich. So, you start a side hustle. Great move… in theory.
But here’s the truth: many side hustles don’t survive beyond the second birthday.
Some don’t even make it past the baby shower.
After more than 10 years in the entrepreneurship trenches, let me shed some light on two mistakes that silently sabotage most side hustles—especially for those of us juggling full-time jobs.
Mistake 1: Starting a Business You Know Nothing About
Let me say it clearly:
Just because someone is making money from it doesn’t mean you will.
A client of mine (full-time systems tech, smart lady, very driven) came to me frustrated. She had tried three different side businesses—all flopped. When we unpacked her entrepreneurial heartbreaks, we found the common thread: she kept diving headfirst into businesses she knew absolutely nothing about.
The final straw?
She was this close to starting a goat farm…
…in a district hours away from Kampala…
…while still working her tech job Monday to Friday.
Her motivation?
A colleague mentioned someone making money from goat farming.
And just like that—boom! She was sold.
But here’s the thing:
She had zero knowledge about goats, farming, or even rural business logistics. She was about to put her money into a venture where she’d be the least knowledgeable person in the room—worse, not even in the room most of the time.
Let me be blunt:
Starting a business you don’t understand is like flying blind in a thunderstorm.
You’ll crash—and it won’t be pretty.
You’ll get exploited.
You’ll make expensive mistakes.
You’ll burn out wondering where all the money went (hint: your “trusted workers” are driving nicer cars now).
Mistake 2: Ghost-Running Your Hustle While Working Your 9-5
Let me ask you this:
If your employer insists that you show up to work every day, why do you think your side hustle will grow without you?
A business is like a newborn.
It needs care, attention, time—and no, Zoom calls don’t count.
I had a client who runs a pharmacy on the side. Four years in, it’s thriving. But let me tell you what he did at the start:
He’d clock out of his day job at 5pm, then head straight to the pharmacy and work there until midnight.
Every. Single. Day.
For months.
That’s the kind of grit it takes.
Most people think:
“Let me hire someone to run the business while I check in once a week.”
I’m sorry, but no.
Your staff won’t see the opportunities.
They won’t feel the urgency.
They won’t innovate.
They’re not the founder—you are.
You need to be there to understand what customers love and hate, what sells, what sits on the shelf, and who keeps “borrowing” stock. Without your presence, the business is just… floating. Slowly. Towards failure.
So, What Should You Do Instead?
- Start With What You Know
If you’re in IT, start a tech-related service or product.
If you’re a baker, bake.
If you’re a good talker, sell.
Build from your strengths. Business already comes with a learning curve—don’t add ignorance to the mix. - Be Present. Religiously.
Carve out time every evening.
Get involved in the operations.
Study your customers like you’re preparing for a thesis.
It’s not forever—just until the business is strong enough to walk without you. - Resist Hype.
“My friend is making millions from poultry.”
Okay. Good for them.
That doesn’t mean it’s your path.
Follow wisdom, not WhatsApp forwards. - Delay the Delegation
Don’t hand over the reins too early.
Set up systems first. Understand the patterns. Then you can begin to let go.
In Conclusion…
Your side hustle doesn’t have to fail.
But it also won’t succeed on vibes and weekend visits.
You’ve got to show up.
You’ve got to be smart.
And most importantly—you’ve got to build something you actually understand.
Side hustles work. But only if you work them.
So before you register that new company name and start designing the logo, ask yourself:
Am I really ready to show up?
If yes, let’s build something solid.
If no, maybe just save yourself the money (and the heartbreak).
Unlock your true potential 