Guest Author
By Hiren Deliwala
In recent years, the rise of the side hustle has captured the imagination of many, especially within the Indian diaspora in the United States. From casual conversations over dinner with friends to social gatherings, it’s almost inevitable that the topic turns to real estate, stock investments, or starting a small business. For some, these side ventures are about building wealth and securing a second stream of income, fueled by a growing fear of job insecurity. But for those who are already making a comfortable living, a question emerges: when is enough really enough? And is there a better way to spend our time?
We often pursue a side hustle thinking it will bring us financial freedom. But ironically, these ventures often end up taking away the very thing we sought in the first place—time. Time for family, time for ourselves, and time for leisure. The hustle culture sometimes lures us into a never-ending chase for more, without us really understanding what the end goal is. For many of us, especially those who are financially stable, this pursuit is not about survival but rather about keeping up, often driven by social pressures or the fear of missing out (FOMO).
When Indian friends gather, especially in communities where entrepreneurship is celebrated, like among Gujarati families, the talk inevitably turns to who has opened a new gas station or invested in a hotel. Everyone has a story of someone who has “made it big” by branching out. Then, there’s always that one friend who reminds us that jobs are no longer the safe havens they once were. They share tales of layoffs and job loss, invoking the fear that if we don’t have a secondary income source, we’re left vulnerable. This constant narrative can leave a lasting impression, often pushing us to consider whether we, too, should jump into a side hustle.
However, once the party is over and the excitement fades, reality sets in. Many of us dismiss the idea, convincing ourselves it’s too risky or time-consuming. Yet, the seed is planted, and we find ourselves caught in an internal debate—should we take the plunge? Should we join the side-hustle bandwagon? After all, there is something undeniably thrilling about launching a business or diving into a new venture. The sense of adventure, the opportunity to learn something new, and the potential for financial gain can be very appealing.
But this is where we need to pause and ask a critical question: What are we sacrificing in pursuit of more money? Time with family? Our health? Our personal relationships?
What if, instead of a side hustle, we considered a side hobby?
A side hobby offers a refreshing alternative. It allows us to break free from the grind, channel our creativity, and engage in something fulfilling without the pressure to make it profitable. Unlike a side hustle, a hobby gives us the opportunity to grow and develop without the stress of deadlines or financial targets. It allows us to harness qualities like resilience, patience, and drive—skills we often reserve for work—but in a way that promotes balance and well-being.
More importantly, a hobby provides a lifelong opportunity for learning and mastery. Whether it’s painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in sports, hobbies cultivate new skills that stay with us, even if jobs or businesses fade away.
They offer a sense of progress and accomplishment that can rival the satisfaction of a side hustle—without the trade-offs that often accompany a relentless pursuit of more money.
Engaging in a side hobby can also expand your social circle, introducing you to new people, new experiences, and find new ways of thinking.
It forces you out of your comfort zone, engaging different parts of your brain and enriching your life in ways many business ventures might not.
In a world where the pressure to keep up is constant, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a side hustle is the only way to stay ahead. But for those who are financially stable, perhaps the better question to ask is: What do we really want more of? Is it money—or is it time, creativity, and balance?
Next time you find yourself caught in a conversation about real estate or stock investments, consider steering the discussion towards something equally fulfilling, but without the financial pressure. Talk about hobbies, creativity, and the joy of learning something new. In the long run, that might just be the more rewarding path.
Hiren Deliwala currently serves as the Leader of Solutions, Architecture for the Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He received his MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Contact: [email protected]
