I managed to make money my own way by starting a side hustle while working full-time as an engineer. This side hustle involves a frequent flyer miles redemption service, where I help clients redeem their miles for air travel. This process can be confusing or overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the rules and guidelines of frequent flyer miles.

I first heard about these types of services at a travel seminar, but the idea to start my own service didn’t come immediately. A year later, when I was still working as an engineer, a colleague mentioned wanting to create a website. Rather than making a website without a clear purpose, I suggested offering a service to help people with frequent flyer mile redemptions. My colleague liked the idea, and we worked together to develop the website over the next few weeks.

Once the website went live, emails slowly started to come in from people seeking help. It was incredibly satisfying to assist in planning trips. Over time, I began to receive referrals and repeat clients, which was a good sign that I was on the right track.

To find your own side hustle, consider what questions people in your social circle frequently ask for your help with. If there’s a recurring theme, you likely have a skill or knowledge that can be marketable. For me, it was travel.

Another approach is to identify a market need where people are willing to pay for a product or service. For instance, during my time in Zanzibar, most local sellers offered seashell necklaces, snorkel trips, and taxi rides, which tourists largely ignored. However, one local man was selling aloe stems, which the sunburnt tourists found more useful than the other items. He understood the market need and capitalized on it.

Taking initiative is crucial. A great idea means nothing without action. My side hustle began because of a conversation with a colleague who wanted to build a website but didn’t know what content to put on it. His willingness to create the website for free was the catalyst I needed to get started.

A side hustle is a fantastic way to earn extra cash, but staying motivated can be challenging. It’s similar to starting a new gym routine: initially exciting and then hard to maintain. Keeping this mindset can help you stay committed. I hope my experiences inspire others to start their own side hustles.