A recent Bankrate survey reveals that nearly 39 percent of U.S. adults pursue secondary income streams.

What does that tell us?

We all have dreams, but sometimes those dreams demand more time and effort than our regular 9 to 5 allows.

That’s why a substantial portion of the population engages in side hustles. 

You might look at your career and wonder if there’s more to life than just the daily grind or feel uncertain if you have what it takes to pursue a passion project on the side.

How do you know if you’re cut out for a side hustle, or if it’s just a fleeting fancy that will fade with time?

After careful observation of numerous successful side hustlers, and juggling a side business myself while working full time, I’ve identified 7 special traits commonly shared among us.

If these traits resonate with you, it might be time to entertain the idea of starting your own side hustle.

1) They are self-motivated

People who juggle a full-time job and a side hustle are often driven by an internal engine of motivation.

They don’t need a boss breathing down their necks to get things done.

They’re self-starters, setting their own goals, deadlines, and standards.

The flip side to this is that they also know how to motivate themselves during tough times.

When the work gets challenging or the rewards seem distant, they know how to keep their spirits high and their eyes on the prize.

2) They know when to say no

While it’s easy to assume that those managing a side hustle along with full-time work are constantly saying yes to additional tasks and opportunities, the truth is often quite the opposite.

Successful side hustlers are masters of time management, and a big part of that is knowing when to say no.

They understand that every “yes” is a “no” to something else.

They’re careful about what they commit to, ensuring that each new task or commitment aligns with their goals and doesn’t drain their energy needlessly.

3) They are resourceful

People who successfully manage a side hustle along with their full-time job are often incredibly resourceful.

They know how to make the most of what they have, whether it’s time, money, or other resources.

They’re not afraid to learn new skills or find creative solutions when they hit roadblocks.

They understand that there’s almost always more than one path to a goal and they’re willing to explore different routes until they find one that works.

4) They’re early risers

Interestingly, many successful people who juggle a full-time job and a side hustle often have one thing in common: they’re up with the sun.

Yes, many of them are early risers.

Getting up early allows them to get a head start on the day, often dedicating those quiet morning hours to their side hustle before their full-time job begins.

This habit not only gives them extra time to work, but also allows them to start the day with a sense of accomplishment.

5) They embrace failure

Those who manage a side hustle while working full time understand that failure is not the end of the road.

It’s just a detour, or sometimes, a necessary pit stop.

They’ve experienced setbacks, disappointments, and outright failures, but they don’t let any of that stop them.

They’re not just okay with failure, they embrace it, seeing it as an invaluable source of learning and growth.

They understand that every misstep brings them closer to success, every mistake is a lesson learned, and every setback is a setup for a comeback.

6) They understand the value of downtime

Despite the constant hustle and bustle, successful side hustlers while working full time understand that rest is not wasted time.

In fact, they see it as an essential investment in their productivity and creativity.

They know that the mind needs time to relax and recharge, to process information, and to foster creativity.

They appreciate the value of a good night’s sleep, a relaxing walk, or even a short power nap.

7) They’re passionate

Above all, those who successfully manage a side hustle while working full time are deeply passionate about what they do.

Their side hustle isn’t just about extra income – it’s about pursuing what they love and making a difference.

Their passion fuels their drive and determination.

It keeps them going when things get tough, it inspires them to constantly learn and grow, and it makes the whole journey worthwhile.

Beyond the 9-to-5: Craft your side hustle story with perseverance

Embarking on the journey of managing a side hustle while working full time isn’t a decision to be taken lightly.

It requires careful planning, thoughtful decisions, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.  

It’s important to recognize that these traits aren’t necessarily inherent. They can be cultivated over time.

Self-motivation, resourcefulness, the ability to say no, embracing failure – these are all attributes that can be developed with practice and perseverance.

But remember, it’s not just about the destination.

It’s about the journey – a journey filled with learning experiences, personal growth, and moments of triumph that make all the hard work worth it.