Finding my way to entrepreneurship (Part 7)
Breaking the One-Job Mindset: How Mongo Inspired My Side Hustle
Growing up in an Asian household in the US, the mantra was pretty clear and straightforward: work hard, secure a stable job, and hope that job will be your sole source of income and benefits. This was more than advice; it was a deep-seated belief, a cultural imprint that shaped my view of success and stability growing up. However, in the last few years, I began to question this singular path that had been laid before me.
My Side Hustle Epiphany
At Mongo, our conversations frequently revolve around the dynamic landscape of work and how we can reshape the way we think about our earnings potential. This past summer, I decided to dedicate my time to building the Mongo platform but was surrounded by many of my MBA peers who were working internships with a salary. On the other hand, as I built Mongo, I was not receiving a salary; instead, I was channeling my savings and time into a product that was a manifestation of my belief and vision. Amidst this atmosphere of focus and ambition, my excitement for what I was creating with Mongo was undeniable. However, this excitement existed alongside a palpable sense of financial anxiety, a constant reminder of the risks inherent in forging a more unconventional path.
While this sense of anxiety was a dark cloud over me, I was determined to not let it hinder the development of Mongo so I continued working with my team to build our platform.
Mongo is a financial education and wellbeing platform focused on providing young people a fun and engaging way to learn about their personal finances. While I was developing the lessons for the Mongo App on the topic around maximizing earnings potential, a realization struck me. The world today offers myriad ways to earn, from delivery gigs to creative endeavors on Etsy. It was time I practiced what I preached.
During my free time, I’ve always enjoyed assisting my friends, family and peers with interview preparations, resume reviews, and helping them in the application processes for their dream universities or masters programs. In the past, I was working on a side gig with a platform called Ringle, helping Asian clients with English interview practices.
As I was making the lessons for Mongo and reflecting on the stress I was feeling about my own financial position, I had a stark realization…why wasn’t I utilizing side hustle platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to maximize my own wealth? It was time to harness my abilities through a side hustle. I set up my Fiverr profile, offering advisory services for university applications and finance interviews. I started coaching clients, not just for monetary gains, but as a means to alleviate the financial stress I faced.
Mongo inspired me to start my side hustle on Fiverr…which has been successful since I started in September!
Mongo: A Catalyst for Change
Mongo didn't just help me in my entrepreneurial journey; it altered my perception of money. It showed me that starting a small side hustle could significantly impact my financial comfort.
We live in a time where our earning potential is not confined to a single job. Technology and the modern economy empower us to explore multiple interests and income streams. Whether it's selling clothes on Depop, creating content, or offering specialized services, the possibilities are endless.
Looking Ahead
If you're passionate about a side hustle or seeking ways to manage financial stress and maximize earnings, then your journey is filled with a whole lot more potential!
For those interested in my advisory services, here are the links to my offerings for preparing for finance interview (resume reviews, cover letter, mock interviews, etc.) and preparing for your university, scholarships or MBA applications. And for insights into leveraging your earnings potential, I invite you to download the Mongo App on the App Store!