The Side Hustle And A Writer’s Dilemma

Lost In The Algorithms: Daily Odyssey #10

Ah, the side hustle — our modern-day labor of Hercules. “Keep grinding,” influencers and gurus tell you on social media. But is their mantra truly the salvation for creatives wandering in the wilderness of ambition?

As an aspiring writer and freelancer, I took this to heart, diving headfirst into the unpredictable tides of chasing a dream post-divorce. I traded the safety of a stable income for the siren call of a writer’s life. It’s been a wild ride, each turn more unforeseen than the last, making me wonder if this path is enlightenment or just a beautifully wrapped delusion.

The plan was grand, yet simple — write my way to fame and fortune. Unfortunately, while having lots of fun and ambition, I found myself navigating an avalanche of bills with a bank account crying for mercy.

My mantra of ‘grind away’ was less of an affirmation and more of a battle cry as I juggled writing, building a business, and single fatherhood.

Do I regret it?

Not for a second.

Sure, I was teetering on the brink of financial ruin, but those moments of unfiltered panic were my crucible, forging lessons more valuable than any steady paycheck. And I even met some pretty amazing people…