The Hustle Mentality
Not too long ago, having a stable 9-5 job was seen as the ultimate career goal in Nigeria. Parents encouraged their children to become bankers, engineers, doctors, or civil servants jobs that promised steady paychecks, job security, and a clear path to retirement.
But today, that traditional path to financial stability is becoming less reliable.
With rising inflation, stagnant salaries, and economic instability, more Nigerians are realizing that depending on a single income is a financial risk. Bills are going up, the value of the naira is fluctuating, and job security is no longer guaranteed. A sudden layoff or economic downturn can leave someone stranded overnight.
This harsh reality has fueled a new wave of financial independence: side hustles. Across different industries, young Nigerians are turning their skills, hobbies, and talents into profitable businesses.
Some started out of necessity, others out of passion, but all have one goal in mind: multiple income streams for financial freedom.
From bankers running fashion brands to tech professionals investing in crypto and civil servants baking cakes on weekends, the 9-5 work structure is no longer the only way to survive.
The traditional belief that a single salary is enough is being challenged daily by people who have realized that true wealth comes from having more than one source of income.
But can people truly balance a full-time job and a side hustle? What are the challenges? And how are social media and technology making side hustles more accessible? Let’s dive into the real-life stories of Nigerians rewriting the rules of work.
The Hustlers’ Stories: Real People, Real Grind
From Banking to Bags – Adanna’s Fashion Hustle
In an interview with Janey’s Corner 32-year-old banker Adanna shares how her passion for fashion turned into a full-fledged side hustle.
“I started making custom handbags as a hobby,” she recalls. “At first, I only made bags for myself and close friends. But when I posted them on Instagram, the response was overwhelming.”
Within months, orders started rolling in. Adanna reinvested her banking salary into getting better materials, and soon, her side hustle became a brand.
“Now, I make almost as much from my handbag business as I do from my banking job,” she says with pride.
But balancing both isn’t easy.
“I wake up early to process orders and spend late nights responding to customers. Weekends are for production and deliveries,” she explains.
Despite the stress, Adanna wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“The goal is financial freedom. One day, I hope to leave banking completely and focus on my brand full-time.”
The Accountant Who Bakes – Tope’s Sweet Success
Tope, a tax consultant in Lagos, shares how his love for baking became a second income stream.
“During the COVID-19 lockdown, I started baking to pass the time,” he tells us. “My sister posted a picture of my cake on Twitter, and before I knew it, people were asking for prices.”
At first, he was unsure if he could handle both tax consultancy and a baking business. But with proper time management, he made it work.
“I take orders during the week and bake on weekends. I even have a part-time delivery guy now.”
His cakes are now a hit at office parties and birthdays.
“My boss once ordered a cake from me without even knowing I was the baker,” he laughs. “That was a big moment for me.”
Would he ever leave accounting for baking?
“For now, I love both. But if my business keeps growing, who knows?”
The Tech Bro and Crypto Hustle – Dami’s Digital Goldmine
Fintech professional Dami reveals how he built multiple income streams outside his 9-5 job.
“Tech is fast-paced, and I realized early that I needed other sources of income,” he said. I started trading crypto as a side hustle, but it didn’t stop there.
“I created an online course on web development, and people started buying it,” he explains.
Today, Dami earns a significant part of his income from crypto trading, freelance coding gigs, and online courses.
“Social media changed everything,” he adds. “You can make money from anywhere if you know what you are doing.”
Balancing a Side Hustle with a 9-5: Is It Really Possible?
While side hustles sound great, juggling a full-time job and a business is not easy. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and smart time management.
How People Make It Work:
• Strict Schedules: Side hustlers wake up earlier, stay up later, and use weekends for business.
• Automation & Delegation: Some outsource tasks like deliveries, social media management, and bookkeeping.
• Sacrificing Leisure Time: Less Netflix, fewer outings, and more late-night work sessions.
The biggest challenge? Burnout. Many struggle to find a balance between their job, business, and personal life.
The Role of Social Media and Technology
One major reason why side hustles are booming is social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Twitter have made it easier to sell products, market services, and reach customers without needing a physical store.
• Adanna built her handbag business on Instagram.
• Tope gets most of his cake orders through WhatsApp referrals.
• Dami makes money by selling online courses and freelance gigs.
Technology has leveled the playing field, allowing people to build profitable side businesses with minimal startup costs.
Challenges & Wins: The Reality of the Side Hustle Life
Challenges:
• Time management struggles Balancing work, business, and personal life is exhausting.
• Burnout and stress – Working overtime can take a toll on mental health.
• Capital constraints
Growing a business requires funding, which can be tough to secure.
Wins:
• Financial security – More income streams mean more financial stability.
• Career flexibility – Some turn their side hustles into full-time businesses.
• Fulfillment – Doing what you love (and making money from it) is rewarding.
The Future of Work – Will Side Hustles Take Over?
As more Nigerians embrace multiple streams of income, one thing is clear: the 9-5 job is no longer enough. Salaries aren’t increasing fast enough to match the rising cost of living, and job security is never guaranteed.
But does this mean people will completely abandon 9-5 jobs? Not necessarily. What’s happening is a shift in mindset people are no longer putting all their financial hopes on just one paycheck.
The smartest move? Use your 9-5 to fund your side hustle until your side hustle can sustain you. Many professionals now view their day jobs as stepping stones to entrepreneurship rather than lifelong careers.
If you have been thinking about starting a side hustle, now is the time.
In this economy, one paycheck is too risky but with multiple streams of income, the possibilities are endless.
So, what’s your hustle? Yes