Career & Finance

You win some, you lose some. And if you’re here with me now, I am going to go ahead and assume that you’ve found yourself in what TikTok likes to call “a flop era,” which essentially refers to a period of time in which someone experiences a failure—whether it’s epically large or only small enough for you to notice. While the size of the flop doesn’t matter all that much, the way it can make you feel, no matter how big or small, can take a toll on you and make figuring out how the hell to bounce back from failure feel like a colossal undertaking.
But hey, without failure every now and then, how are we ever going to learn and grow? It’s a natural, albeit annoying, part of life that we all have been through and will inevitably go through again. Luckily, there are practical steps you can take to bounce back from failure and become stronger than before, and we’re sharing them in a step-by-step guide ahead.

How To Bounce Back From Failure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Give yourself a break
First things first: Take a deep breath and give yourself grace. Failing doesn’t mean that you’re a failure. Read that again. If you failed at achieving your goals, don’t let that lead you to a fear of not being good enough to reach them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances or you’re disappointed, that is OK, but don’t beat yourself up for it. Take this time to relax and reflect so you can come back stronger than ever.

Find the lessons
I know that the last thing you want to do is spend time finding the light in a less-than-ideal situation, but the truth is that there really always is a silver lining; there is always a lesson (or two or three) that you can take away from a crap situation. Whether you know you did things that led you to where you are now or you believe that what happened had nothing to do with you, I urge you to use this as an opportunity to learn from it. And don’t be afraid to dig deep and get uncomfortable in doing so. Maybe this means you’re learning more about yourself, someone else, your career, or something else altogether. Either way, the lessons you learn now will help you (excuse me for sounding like a professor who uses too many cliches) find success in the future.

Develop a plan for moving forward
Nothing changes if nothing changes. Harsh, I know, but once you’ve spent time reflecting on what happened and what you can learn from it, there’s no sense in wallowing in the past. Instead, start developing a plan.
To start, ask yourself the following questions: How will I approach my goals differently knowing what I know now? What kind of support do I need that I didn’t have before? How can I avoid the things that interrupted my progress the first time around? Next, think about ways that you can hold yourself accountable: scheduling check-ins with yourself on your calendar, telling a friend about your plan, or keeping a log.
Now, write down your new plan, including as much or as little detail as you need. This could look like a written step-by-step plan with check-in points, a refreshed vision board, or an intention stuck to your mirror to remind yourself what you need to do every day for your goals. It doesn’t really matter if it’s written down or in your head. All that matters is that you do what works best for you—otherwise, you will find yourself in the same situation as before.

Take small steps toward your goal
You might feel like you’re behind because you’re starting over on your goals or pivoting your plans altogether. That is normal, but the reality is that you’re not behind and you don’t need to rush; everything happens in its own time. So don’t go overscheduling yourself to death trying to “catch up”, and instead, set your eyes on the small steps you need to take in order to yield big results.
For example, if you wanted to start working out more but “fell off the wagon,” it doesn’t do you any good to go to the gym twice a day for two hours each to make up for the lost time. Start small and commit to 2-3 days a week for 30 minutes, and when you can stick to that, then you can adjust your workout routine. Going in too hard too fast can lead to burnout, and that is what we want to avoid if we are trying to make long-term changes for the better and avoid failure.

5 Things Successful Women Do on Fridays So Monday Isn’t a Nightmare More

A short, four-month stint living in Washington D.C. taught me one thing: none of the guys I seemed to match with on Hinge had any hobbies. In fact, the concept of carving out time for something you chose actively not to monetize or share on your resume was completely foreign to them. Wait… so you *choose* to read? You’re knitting just for… fun? I stared back and responded with a flat “yes”—that’s kind of the point.
I don’t blame them. In our world that emphasizes productivity above all else, we’ve all been fed the idea that maximizing our hours is the ultimate goal. Boredom? Impossible—I could be growing my audience on TikTok! But in recent years, we’ve collectively turned away from this inclination toward toxic productivity (the #girlboss is dead, after all). Thankfully, this has inspired a new perspective on personal development, one that pursues growth for growth’s sake alone. Professional and personal gratification, after all, rarely come from the external measures of success—stats, peer approval, etc.—that we believe will make us feel like enough. Fulfillment is an inside job.
Of course, we can sharpen our skills and go after growth to support our careers—this isn’t a bad thing. It’s only when we prioritize our to-do lists and tasks above all else (or in an effort to avoid ourselves), that concern arises. As I mentioned a few times to the aforementioned political and finance bros: the ever-elusive quest for balance is the key. That’s right, I’m a fun first date.
So, to uplevel my career, dive deeper into my hobbies, and satisfy my ever-curious mind, I’ve been making the most of my Skillshare account. Keep reading for the classes I’ve favorited and am plowing through. Growth awaits. 

What is Skillshare?
Back to the beginning. Similar to platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Khan Academy, Skillshare is an online learning community that allows users to access educational video content. And as you’ll see from the classes I’ve been taking, that content runs the gamut. You can enroll in everything from illustration to UI/UX design to video production to making your own furniture. Whatever you want to learn, there’s a course for it.
To start, you can enroll in a free month-long trial. After that, you can select from either a monthly membership ($32/month) or an annual subscription ($168/year, broken down to roughly $14/month).

My Favorite Skillshare Classes
With 35,000+ classes, it can be easy to get overwhelmed when starting Skillshare. However, as a member, I’ve found that the user experience allows me to sort through and explore classes easily, helping me find the exact specific niche I’m looking for (clay miniature sandwiches, anyone?). And, once you start using it for a little while, the algorithm begins serving you up classes that end up being exactly what you’re looking for. With the basics established, let’s get into the Skillshare classes I’m obsessing over:

Sewing Basics: Make Your Own Clothing
I’ve been wanting to learn how to sew for years. Based on friends’ creations and all the inspo I’ve taken from social media, it’s clear that when you know how to sew, the sartorial possibilities are endless. After being gifted a sewing machine for my birthday (the Brother CS7000X, as recommended by Wirecutter), I set out to find the perfect beginner course.
“Sewing Basics,” taught by designer and patternmaker Denise Bayron, is a two-hour, beginner-level course that takes you through sewing fundamentals to set you up for any clothing project. In it, you’ll learn:

How to set up your sewing workspace (including how to actually work your machine!)
Essential techniques like sewing straight lines, corners, and various seam styles
Tips on how to shop for fabrics

This is the perfect course to begin your sewing journey. Not only is the class organized with an intuitive progression, building on the skills you learn within each video, but Denise’s instruction is world-class. She speaks clearly, patiently, and with an obvious enthusiasm that makes every video engaging. What’s more, the overhead camera angles give you a close-up visual of the techniques and skills as she describes and teaches them.

Start Your Creative Career: Build a Sharp, Smart Online Presence
If entrepreneurship is calling, start this course asap. While social media is awash with countless creators and business owners living the dream as their own boss, it can be hard to know how to go out on your own. As the course’s instructor, entrepreneur Sonja Rasula, explains, she isn’t teaching rocket science. However, the skills shared in this course comprise the essential business training to help you establish your brand and grow your presence online and on social media.
Oftentimes, creative professionals aren’t equipped with the nitty-gritty information to get their business off the ground. Sonja covers everything from creating a brand bible to building a website to utilizing social media effectively. In this course, you can expect to learn:

How to interpret website and social media analytics to uplevel your content and drive conversions
How to build a brand bible to effectively convey who you are and what you offer
Tips for designing your website to create a streamlined user experience

If you’re an artist, designer, writer, small business owner, or anyone who wants to build a creative career, this course sets you up with tools to effectively communicate your brand online. Not only does it include fundamental information, but I was surprised to discover in each video small, but game-changing tips that have ultimately transformed how I share my work and content.

Content Marketing: Blogging for Growth
Blogging has been around for even longer than many of us have been alive. And while some may assume that blogging requires less thought and effort than other forms of writing, effective blog posts are the result of strategic planning and intention. There’s so much that goes into blogging—from brainstorming a topic to outlining your draft to finishing things off with a headline that draws readers in—writing for the web requires countless more skills than you might initially think.
This course is basically Content Marketing 101, taking you through the basics of what constitutes an effective blog post. And though it discusses mostly fundamentals, I found that it’s both great for beginners as well as marketers who want to improve their content production skills (hi, it’s me!). In it, you’ll learn:

How to build your audience as a blogger/content writer
An effective approach to writing a blog post start to finish (including how to brainstorm your topic, outline your post, and incorporate research)
Next steps for building consistency with blogging (how to create an effective editorial calendar)

I will preface that the instructor, Eric Siu, founder of the growth marketing agency Single Grain, isn’t quite as personable as other teachers. In taking the course, I found it more difficult to engage with what he was saying. However, the content and information he provides is top-notch. Personally, as someone who has built her career writing online, the most valuable lesson I took from this course was how to write a captivating headline—after all, how many articles have you only read the headline of? Probably a few many more than the entire blog post itself.

Build Your Site & Shop: Beginner’s Guide to Shopify & Website Design
If you want to establish an online presence—whether for yourself or your online business—having a beautiful and user-friendly website is key. But… you might be intimidated believing that you have to have extensive coding knowledge or pay thousands of dollars to build a website. This course makes it clear: you don’t need either to design a website that works for you.
A disclaimer: this isn’t a course that’ll teach you all the backend ins and outs of building a website. Instead, if you want to create a website for yourself as a freelancer, small business owner, or a portfolio, I’d suggest enrolling. This course focuses on utilizing Shopify—taking you through all the steps of using the platform, tips for designing your site, and how to determine if you should use free versus paid templates. Some key things you’ll learn:

A complete and thorough overview of Shopify (how to add products, build collections, and track inventory)
An effective template for designing your Shopify site plan
Bonus: how to build a portfolio on Adobe portfolio (great for designers and copywriters)

As you can tell, this course will be great for you if you’re already considering using Shopify and aren’t sure where to start. While it does touch upon skills and teachings that can apply to other programs and platforms, I would only recommend taking this course if you’ll be hosting your work and product offerings on Shopify.

Intro to UX: Designing with a User-Centered Approach
For me, “Intro to UX” was more of a passion project/I’m-curious-about-this-topic course. While my day-to-day tasks don’t specifically require UX/UI knowledge, I do work adjacent to these designers. One day, after a meeting where I realized I had no idea what my co-workers were talking about when they referenced the “user flow” of our site, I decided to dive in. From taking this course, I realized there was a whole discipline of web design that I knew absolutely nothing about—and only wanted to dive into all the deeper.
Clearly, this isn’t your course if you’re already working within user experience. However, this class is great if you have a casual curiosity about it like myself or if you’re a marketer or creative professional whose own work often coincides with this discipline (again, like myself). A few key things you’ll learn from “Intro to UX”:

How to understand the user’s end-to-end journey
How to improve your final product through testing and iterating
How to identify your audience and prioritize their needs

Beyond discussing the basics of user experience, the teacher, Cinthya Mohr, Sr. UX Manager at Google, does an incredible job of communicating the philosophy behind UX. Personally, as I began learning about the topic, all of it felt relatively abstract and hard to grasp. But Cinthya uses real-world examples and case studies to convey how user experience shows up in our everyday lives. 
This is a relatively short, 45-minute class that sets you up with all the basics answering the what and the why behind user design. Definitely recommend pressing play.

Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Your Perfect Space
Like many of us, I’m home-design obsessed. The viral audio confirms: there’s one thing I get money’s worth from—I’m always at home. Lauren Cox, Design Program Manager for the online interior design brand Havenly, created this course to share the ins and outs of interior design. Yes, how we arrange and style our living spaces depends largely on personal taste and aesthetic. However, there are key principles—rules, if you will—that’ll help you uplevel your home. Expect to walk away from this course knowing the following:

How to define your personal style and express it consistently throughout your home
How to style according to specific aesthetics (i.e., Modern Farmhouse and Preppy Coastal)
The ins and outs of the four key principles every interior designer utilizes: Color, Balance, Scale and Proportion, and Rhythm and Repetition

I loved this course because Lauren gave concrete, tangible shape to the elements of home design I didn’t know how to describe. Everything from creating a sense of rhythm and balance within your space to developing a process for selecting pieces you’ll love for a lifetime—it’s all here. What’s more, Lauren’s tips apply to any budget and any home size. (PSA: Equipped with the knowledge Lauren provides in this course, you don’t have to be a millionaire to design a space you love.) 

9 Productivity Improvement Tips That Will Help You Clear Your To-Do List More

I don’t know about you, but the mere idea of going to my boss, hat in hand, and asking for more money is enough to get my heart rate up. After all, discussing finances is awkward at best and uncomfortable at worst, but meeting with your manager face-to-face at least gives you the opportunity to use your personality, charm, and list of accomplishments to win them over, and asking for a raise via email erases that completely.
That being said, while requesting a pay raise via email can feel impersonal and unprofessional, it certainly has its upsides. It gives your manager time to consider your request without feeling put on the spot and can remove some anxiety and increase your confidence. And since WFH and digital communications are now commonplace, asking for a salary increase over email is more acceptable than ever.
If you’re curious about how to ask for a raise via email, you’ve come to the right place. With these tips and tricks, you can confidently craft the perfect message to your employer and get the raise you deserve. Keep scrolling to learn more.

How To Ask For a Raise Via Email

1. Know your audience
Before you begin the process of asking for a raise via email, you should consider all of the different external factors that might impact your request. Has your company just had a round of layoffs? Have they cut department budgets due to the impending recession? Situations like these might affect whether or not your request for a raise is approved.
On the flip side, have your company’s end-of-quarter meetings revealed skyrocketing profits? Is your team or role expanding? If so, now might be the perfect time for you to send that email.
The size of the company you work for can also come into play here. Larger corporations might be able to keep up with inflation while smaller ones can’t. If the latter is true of your company, waiting for the upswing is more likely to get you the answer you’re looking for.
In the end, knowing your audience is key in this process. So consider the current climate of your company and industry when requesting a raise. After all, you want a yes here, so biding your time may be worth it in the long run.

2. Make a clear request
You’re busy, your boss is busy, their boss is busy—the whole world is busy, so it’s a good idea to get right to the point. In both the subject line and opening paragraph of your email, make it clear that you’d like to talk about a pay increase. A subject line along the lines of “Salary Increase Request” or “Formal Request for Pay Raise” will be enough to get your boss’s attention. Then, reiterate what your subject line says in the first or second sentence of your opening paragraph so there’s no confusion about what you’re emailing them about.

3. Back up your request
Simply telling your manager you work hard won’t be enough, so before you request a raise, take the time to review your major accomplishments and key contributions to the company. You can use a recent performance review, additional responsibilities you’ve undertaken, or data that demonstrates how much your work and efforts have benefited the company. Having specific examples that back up your request will not only make you feel more confident about asking for a raise, it’ll also show your boss why you deserve one as well.
It’s also a good idea to conduct plenty of salary research before you send an email asking for more money. To do this, use a free online salary calculator, platforms like LinkedIn, or an employee resource group if that’s available to you. In addition to knowing what you’ve given to the company already, knowing where your salary falls in line with today’s current job market will help ensure you’re not underselling or overselling yourself when it comes time to make the ask. Location can also play a big factor in salary ranges so make sure you’re cross-referencing your findings to ensure your request is in line with the area your employer is in. 

4. Be reasonable
Much like the best salary expectations question is open-ended, the best raise request is too. The average annual raise is about 3%, but it’s always good to ask for more than you want. You never know; you may be surprised with an above-average pay increase. Instead of throwing out a specific number, consider asking for a raise of 7-10%, but you can aim higher if you’re trying to battle sky-high inflation or have taken on additional responsibilities and feel like you’re in a position to ask for more.

5. Schedule a meeting
A raise is a big deal, and chances are, your boss will need plenty of time to mull over what you’re asking. So before signing off, make sure they know that you’re open to scheduling a meeting to discuss this proposition further. This will give you both more time to prepare and dive deeper into the request, and will also give you extra time to talk through your ask, get clear on what you’re looking for, and prepare for possible negotiations.

6. Be polite and gracious
Above all else, keep the tone of your email polite and gracious. Thank your boss for their time at the end of the email and show appreciation for them and your current position in the company. This will help you stay professional and look good to the higher-ups, which can definitely work in your favor.

Raise Request Email Template
Template 1
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out today because I believe now would be a good time to discuss my compensation for my role as [job title].
I have made significant contributions to the company over the last X years, including [insert accomplishments]. I have also taken on additional responsibility in X ways over the past year, which shows my commitment to the team beyond my job description.
Given all of this, as well as what people with my experience make in my position, I would like to ask for a salary increase of X%, and would love to set up a meeting with you to discuss this further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]

Template 2
Hi [Manager’s Name],
Now that I’ve been at [Company Name] for X years, I wanted to reach out and see if we could schedule a time to talk about an increased compensation of X%. Based on my contributions of X, along with the current job market and rising inflation, I believe this is a reasonable ask. 
I’m very proud of the work I’ve done and am excited to continue growing my role alongside the team. I’d like to discuss this more with you, so let me know if we can schedule a time to chat after you’ve had the chance to consider my request.
Thank you so much!
Best,
[Your Name]

Template 3
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’m reaching out today to discuss my compensation.
Since my salary was established, I have shown commitment to my role and demonstrated my abilities as a team player and trustworthy employee. In addition to my day-to-day duties, I’ve also made contributions that have greatly benefited the company, including:

[insert accomplishment here]
[insert accomplishment here]
[insert accomplishment here]

My current salary is $XX,XXX, which is X% lower than the average salary of someone in my position with my skill set. Based on this information, along with my skill set and work performance, I would like to request a salary increase of X%.
Please let me know if we can set up a time to discuss this further. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]

What To Do if You’re Told “No”
What happens if you send that email, have a meeting with your manager, and are ultimately told “no”? Whether your manager provided you with feedback that will help you get to where you want to be or your company just doesn’t currently have the budget (despite the fact you’re qualified), that answer is tough to hear. Sit with your feelings for a moment and then take one of these next steps:
If you’ve been given constructive feedback, reflect on this conversation and then meet with your manager to discuss next steps. Ask them what they’d need to see from you in order for you to earn that raise. Then, in your subsequent check-ins with them, demonstrate the ways in which you are working towards that place. If you check everything off their list, that raise will be yours in no time. 
On the other hand, be prepared for a no if your company is not financially in a place to give you a raise. Chances are they see how hard you work, want to give you the raise you deserve, but can’t at this time. Ask your manager when a good time to circle back would be and mark that date on your calendar. In the meantime, keep being the kickass employee you are so when the time comes, you might be able to receive an even bigger bump than you originally asked for.

Can’t Negotiate To Save Your Life? This Expert’s Tips Will Help More

Do you ever feel like your stomach is doing backflips and your palms are all sweaty just from thinking about speaking in public? Well, you’re not alone. For so many of us, speaking in front of a group can trigger a fight or flight response that makes us want to sprint in the opposite direction. Especially since we’ve now become so accustomed to Zoom meetings and remote positions, public speaking is arguably more nerve-wracking than ever. But with the right tips and tricks, you can stand at that podium or in front of that boardroom with Beyonce-type confidence in no time. From deep breathing exercises to actually visualizing success, we’ve got you covered with effective strategies that will make you feel like a pro in front of any audience. Here are 7 of our go-to tips and tricks for the job:

5 Tips To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

1. Become an Expert in Your Topic
When it comes to public speaking, knowledge is power. Although it sounds a bit obvious, it’s a crucial point to remember: the more you know about your topic, the more confident you’ll be when presenting it to others. So, be sure to research your topic thoroughly and gather as much information as possible. This can mean reading articles or books, watching videos related to your topic, talking to experts in the field, or even attending relevant events to gain new insights. Go above and beyond in your research—there is literally no such thing as being too prepared! This will not only boost your confidence but also make your presentation more interesting and informative for your audience. All in all, be the know-it-all.

2. Prepare an Outline or Create a Notecard
Organization is key when it comes to delivering a successful speech or presentation. Creating an outline or note card can help you stay on track, and keeps you from getting lost in your thoughts or choked up from nerves. What makes a successful notecard, you may ask? First and foremost, you obviously want to avoid reading everything you’re saying word for word off a piece of paper. So, start by brainstorming your key points and most prominent supporting information, then take the time to organize them in a logical sequence that flows well and makes sense to your audience. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect on the first try, as you can always revise and refine it as you practice. Not only will this help you stay organized and focused, but it can also alleviate some of the extra stress and anxiety that comes with public speaking. If one of your biggest fears is drawing a blank, then this tip is your best friend. 

3. Make That Eye Contact
Eye contact is not only important for building a connection with your audience, but it also helps you keep them engaged and focused on your presentation. Staring at your notes or the floor throughout your speech will make the audience’s attention wander elsewhere, like their phones or what type of sandwich they’re going to get on their lunch break. By making eye contact, you let your audience know that you care about them and their presence in the room. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who couldn’t care less about them, right? If you’re feeling nervous about making eye contact, start with small groups of people or even practice in front of a mirror (cheesy, but it really does help!). And don’t be afraid to smile or show a bit of personality when making eye contact. It’ll make you seem more confident and therefore get into a better, more natural groove. The goal is to make a connection with your audience, and making eye contact is key for that aspect.

4. Practice Deep Breathing Techniques
Ever since we were little kids, we’ve been told to take a deep breath when we need to calm down. And guess what? It works. When we get nervous, our breaths become shallow and rapid, which can increase our anxiety and make us feel even more anxious. So by practicing deep breathing, you can calm your nerves and reduce stress, which ultimately leads to a stronger, more confident speech or presentation. Before you begin, take a few moments to focus on your breaths, and breathe in slowly through your nose and fill your lungs with air. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then release it slowly through your mouth, and repeat this process several times to allow your whole body to loosen up and feel relaxed. If you start to feel nerves creeping up while you’re speaking, find a good moment for a natural pause and get in one good breath. Staying grounded is everything, and breathing is one of the best ways to do it. 

5. Visualize & Manifest Your Success
It’s time to be your own hype girl. If you go into a situation insisting that it’s gonna go horribly, chances are that’s way more likely to happen. Visualizing a successful speech or presentation and telling yourself that you’re gonna nail it can help you mentally prepare by creating a positive mental image of yourself delivering it with ease. Leading up to the big moment, try to visualize yourself standing in front of your audience, feeling calm, collected, and confident. Imagine your voice is strong and clear, and that your audience members are engaged and captivated by your points. Give yourself some positive affirmations, and know that you’re going to do the absolute best that you can. Public speaking is very much a mental game, so if you genuinely believe you’re going to nail it, you probably will. Now go own that podium. 

Networking Works: Here’s How One Connection Changed My Entire Career More

I didn’t mean to start a side hustle. It just kind of happened. I started writing for fun and then I blinked and seven years later, here I am. And while I accidentally found myself side-hustling, I’m relieved to know I’m in good company. 50% of Americans have a side hustle! 1 in 2 people are working their 9 to 5 jobs, and then as soon as they clock out, they’re focusing on their 5 to 9 side hustles. From creating online courses to walking dogs to freelancing to becoming a content creator, the type of side hustles available now seems limitless. While side hustles are a way to supplement an existing income, their genesis differs from one person to another. Some people start a side hustle to increase their income and their lifestyle, while others utilize side hustles as a creative way to build new skills and boost their resume.
No matter the reason you want to start a side hustle, there are a lot of things to consider before taking the plunge. What seems like a good, easy idea can lead to working an 80-hour a week side hustle, leaving you tired, stressed, and overwhelmed. And while many people hear all the buzz and find themselves wondering how to have a side hustle, it might be more important to focus on why not to have a side hustle. If you’re wondering what those reasons are, here are six.

Don’t Start a Side Hustle If…

1. You Value Your Down Time
If you’re the kind of person whose downtime is filled with non-negotiables like practicing self-care, nurturing relationships, or focusing on self-improvement, side hustles may not be for you. While side hustles sound fun and flashy, they take up a lot of your hard-earned downtime. You may start a side hustle with the intention of saving extra money and creating a lifestyle of freedom, but what you might end up with is a rich bank account and a time bankrupt life. If a lack of time for the activities you love stresses you out, you might want to pause your plans to start a side hustle.
But if you’re willing to negotiate on a few of the items in your life that you used to see as non-negotiable, it could be time to take the leap. If you think you’re ready, here’s an activity you can do to test the waters. For one week, track your time, including your downtime. This will help you take stock of how much free time you actually have during the week and where you’re willing to change how you spend your time. Once you have a clear understanding of how much available time you’re willing to devote to a side hustle, it’ll be easier for you to get started.

2. Your Current Role Is Your Priority 
Side hustles require a lot of effort to get off the ground and maintain. Now think about adding that workload onto the current responsibilities of your full-time role. Does that feel like too much to manage? If so, now might not be the time to start your side hustle. If your current role is your focus because you’re trying to grow in your career or land a promotion, that is absolutely where you should dedicate your attention. Yes, many people call it a rat race, which sounds negative and unappealing, but aiming to build a career you love in a field you’re passionate about is something to be proud of.
Side hustles often get glamorized on social media and can instill a sense of FOMO. But they are of no value to you if they become a distraction from work. Getting a side hustle off the ground takes time, and it takes even longer if you want to turn a sustainable profit. So, it’s OK if you realize the modern-day American dream looks different to you. Everyone’s journey looks different, and there is no “right” career path. If a side hustle isn’t a part of yours right now, or ever, feel confident knowing you’ve built a career that works for you.
If you ever find yourself curious to dabble in the entrepreneurial space, know that going from a 9-to-5 a serial entrepreneur doesn’t happen overnight, which means you need a job to sustain you along the way. If you’re confident you can effectively balance your current role with your desire to start a side hustle, go ahead and get started. But know that it’s a balancing act, and if push comes to shove, the activity that actually pays your rent may take precedence.

3. It’s Misaligned With Your Goals
People aren’t always looking to get into the side hustle game because of money. Sometimes it’s for something money can’t buy: skills and experience. Learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience is an invaluable way to grow or pivot your career. I could write a book filled with true stories that illustrate this. Why? Because it’s exactly what I did. 
When my five-year plan after college began to crumble, I needed to figure out what was next. To do that, I started writing to process my career journey. I loved it so much that I decided I wanted to make writing a part of my full-time gig. But hiring an accounting major for a writing or communications role can be a hard sell. And so, I started freelance writing to gain transferable skills to land a new job. I was ready and willing to do whatever it took to prove I was worth hiring. It took a lot of unpaid gigs, early mornings, late nights, and missed plans. In hindsight, it was absolutely worth it. But it’s not for the faint of heart.
If your current personal or professional goal is to pivot careers or add valuable skills to your resume and a side hustle can support your goals, take every opportunity to get started. But if creating a side hustle feels misaligned with what you’re striving for, it’s OK for those plans to take a backseat so you can focus on achieving the goals at the top of your list.

4. You’re Looking for Immediate Passive Income
Side hustles are a great way to earn income, sometimes even passively. But it’s unrealistic to expect a cash flow from products and enjoy the passivepreneur lifestyle from day one. It takes upfront work to get to a place where you can set it and forget it to earn an automatic income. And while it sounds like rainbows and butterflies, there isn’t a magic button you can press to get you there. It often takes a solid business plan, substantial investment, grit, and determination. If you’re not in a place in your life where you are willing to put in the work and sacrifice some of your time, money, and comfort now to earn a passive income later, then I’d reconsider your side hustle plans. 

5. You’re Risk Adverse
Risks can be scary, and rightfully so. They challenge us and put us in uncomfortable situations without guaranteeing success. Taking a risk can often feel like a big leap of faith, and that’s exactly what starting a side hustle feels like. A risk-averse person may prefer never to start something if there’s no promise it’ll work out. But without risks, there are no rewards.
Risk-averse people may also seek comfort in job security. Job security is a wonderful thing, but it’s also a promise that a side hustle can’t keep. Starting a side hustle while you have a full-time job can help mitigate some of the risks that come with something new. If your idea fails (which it’s a totally normal thing that can happen and doesn’t mean you’re a failure), you have the cushion of a job to support you. Only you can determine your comfort level when launching a side hustle. But if you’re waiting for the right or safe time, know it may never come.

6. You’re Not Comfortable Marketing Yourself
When you start a side hustle, you’re a one-woman company. You have to wear many hats because you are the sales team and the talent and the customer service agent and the social media team and the tech team—and literally everything else. You are the face of your side hustle and the sole person responsible for making it happen. If you’re thinking, “Game on, I love this type of work,” then you’re ready to dive into a side hustle. But if it’s cause for hesitation, then I’d reconsider.
Being forward facing and putting yourself out there can be incredibly uncomfortable for people, but it’s absolutely necessary when side hustling. Being uncomfortable isn’t a bad thing. Growth often comes from discomfort. But you have to be ready to take on the uncomfortable stuff and market yourself to make your side hustle successful. It’s up to you to decide if you’re ready for the challenge.

5 Signs That You Should Take Your Side-Hustle Full Time More

I don’t love talking with strangers. I’m an introvert at heart, and making an effort to engage in social interaction often drains my energy. But still, I do it. Not because I feel like I have to, but because while it can be exhausting, it’s equally energizing. Talking with new people or even people you know of but have never engaged with before is how connections are made, friendships are formed, and potential business partners and clients are identified. Love it or hate it, chatting with people and making small talk is a necessary skill if you want to converse with strangers IRL instead of solely through social media DMs and text. But just because it’s necessary doesn’t mean it’s an innate skill everyone possesses. If you’re wondering how to have meaningful conversations, that’s where good conversation starters come in.
To help you start conversations that go beyond small talk, you need to have a few good conversation starters up your sleeve. And because I was equally as curious to have a few great conversation starters in my back pocket that spark memorable and interesting discussions no matter the situation, I did the work so you don’t have to. Here are 150+ good conversation starters for any situation. 

150+ Good Conversation Starters
We find ourselves in a lot of different situations throughout our lives that require very different ways to start a conversation. So, I’ve divided the list by different styles of great conversation starters to help you find the best conversation topics you may want to add to your list.

Easy Conversation Starters
Sometimes, we need an effortless way to get the conversation started. The next time you’re in need of something simple, try these.

I really like your [insert anything the person has on them or with them]. Where did you get it?
Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
What are you currently reading?
What’s the last show you binged?
What’s your go-to comfort show?
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
What podcasts do you like listening to?
Do you have a favorite sport?
What’s your favorite holiday?
Do you have any pets?
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla?
Are you a sweet or savory treat person?
What sports teams do you root for?
Are you a beach or mountain person?
Do you have any trips coming up?
What restaurant do you always recommend to out-of-town guests?
What was the first cell phone you had?
What’s the one app on your phone that you use the most?
What’s the last picture you took on your phone?
Do you believe in ghosts?
What are your kids really interested in right now?
Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world with all expenses paid?
Would you rather have a chauffeur or a personal chef as a gift for one month?
What’s your least favorite household chore?
What was the last thing you bought on Amazon?
What’s your favorite thing you purchased in the last year?

Deep Conversation Starters
With the right audience, deep conversation starters are a meaningful way to dive into great conversations.

What piece of advice would you give your 22-year-old self? 
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What advice would you give your younger self?
If you could change one thing about the way you were raised what would it be?
What’s a core memory from your childhood?
Do you have siblings? What’s the dynamic like and what role do you play?What’s one thing you miss from your childhood?
What’s one thing that used to be an insecurity but now you love about yourself?
If money wasn’t a concern, how would you spend your ideal day?
Education, experience, and money aside, what is your dream job?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
What’s something you’re currently struggling with?
What is one thing you’re grateful for right now?
If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
What motivates you?
If you were frozen in time, when would you want to be unthawed?
If someone came to you for advice, what would the topic be?
Biggest difference between your current decade and your previous one?
What’s a compliment you received that really stuck with you?
If you could change one thing about yourself, with the caveat that it can’t be anything physical, what would it be?
When was the last time you cried?

Conversation Starters For Texting
Not all conversations start in person. And while AIM isn’t a thing anymore (am I dating myself?), texting is. If you’ve exchanged numbers with someone after a successful first meeting and are not sure where to take the conversation next, try these fun conversation starters.

I need to know your opinion on… *insert topic*
You won’t believe what just happened! *insert story*
This is random, but *insert story*
Do you have any *insert topic* recommendations?
How did *insert topic* go? (try to tie in something from your in-person conversation)
I have nothing to watch, any recommendations? 
What are your most used emojis?
If you had to choose a song to describe your vibe what would it be?
What’s been your favorite part of the day so far?
What are your green flags?
Do you have any plans for this weekend?
How many photos are on your camera roll?
What’s your favorite local restaurant?

Work Conversation Starters
You may need good conversation starters in the office, at interviews, or even when working remotely. Or maybe you’re looking for networking conversation starters for your next event. No matter where you use them, do your best to keep the conversation professional.

What did you do this weekend?
Are you working on an exciting project right now?
What’s the best team-building activity you’ve ever been a part of?
What do you like to listen to when you’re working?
Do you prefer standing desks or sitting desks?
What’s your Starbucks order?
What was your very first job?
What is the best professional development book you’ve ever read?
What is your favorite work-related podcast?
What one skill you’re currently working on?
If you could work from anywhere, where would you work from?
What are your desk must-haves?
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
What’s your favorite part about working at your current company?
What has been the most enjoyable networking event you’ve attended?
How does your team measure success?

Family Conversation Starters
Conversations with family can feel safe and warm (or at least that is my hope for you). If you’re in a comfortable environment with those you love, it’s delightful to get the conversation going with questions centered around your family, past gatherings, and enjoyable memories.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What’s your favorite family gathering you’ve ever been to?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
What’s your favorite movie from your childhood?
If you were stuck in an elevator full of family members, who are the five people you’d want to be trapped with?
What was your favorite subject in school and why?
Who is someone who positively impacted your life but doesn’t even know it?
Which family member cooks your favorite food?
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
What were your parents like when they were your age?
How has our family dynamic changed over the years?
What is something you wish we did more of as a family?
If budget wasn’t an issue, what would your dream family vacation be?
What are you most proud of?
What’s the best piece of advice you gave this year?
What’s the best thing about our family?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
What’s changed the most about me since I was a kid?
What are you glad I inherited?
If you could relive one moment of the past year, what would it be?
What’s a gift you really wanted as a kid but never got?
If we had to compete as a family, what Olympic sport do you think we could dominate at?
If our family had a reality show, what would it be called?

Flirty and Date-Worthy Conversation Starters
Are you on the apps and bored with all your Bumble conversation starters? Or are you looking for a way to freshen up your first date questions? Don’t worry. Try a few of these to get your flirt on.

What’s the first thing you noticed about me?
What’s your story?
What do you look for in a partner?
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn how to do?
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
If you could be anyone for a day who would you be and why?
If you had to give your younger self advice, what would it be?
What would be your theme song if you had to pick one song to play every time you walked into a room?
What’s the worst date you’ve been on?
What’s your biggest turn-on?
If you took someone on a tour of your hometown, where would you take them and why?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
What’s the most attractive quality in a person?
Who was your first kiss and what’s the story behind it?
What’s your love language?
What’s something you could talk about forever?
Are you the type to be friends with your ex?
How many times have you been in love?

Party Conversation Starters
When it’s time to get the party started, you can often use conversation starters that are a bit more fun and adventurous. Try a few of these at your next gathering.

How do you know the host?
What’s your go-to drink order?
If you’re looking to have a good time, what’s the first thing you do?
When was the last time you laughed so hard that you almost peed your pants? What happened?
If you were a dog, what would breed would you be, and why?
What would the title of your autobiography be?
If you could star on any current television show, what show would you be on?
If you were going to star in a movie, who would you want to be your costar?
What’s a movie where you loved the original, but hated the sequel?
If you could host any reality show reunion, what would it be and why?
What’s your real housewife tagline? 
Do you have a hidden talent?
What songs would be played on a loop in hell?
If you were invisible and could go anywhere, where would you go?
What would you bring if you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things with you for entertainment?
What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever Googled?
What is the most famous true-crime story from your hometown?
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever broken?
What word do you always misspell? 
What product could you be a spokesperson for?
If you could have any talent, what would it be and why?
If you could build your dream home tomorrow, where would it be, and what are your must-haves for the design?

Road Trip Conversation Starters
Is there anything more fun than taking a road trip with good friends? If you’re traveling with someone, I’d like to think you’re already pretty well acquainted. But if you want to learn something fun and new about each other, try these questions.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
What’s a trip you want to take but haven’t had the chance to yet?
Have many states and countries have you traveled to?
Who are your top artists on Spotify?
What would you order for your last meal?
If you could get tickets to any concert, whether the band/artist is dead or alive, who would it be?
What is your favorite gas station snack?
What’s a personal goal you’re trying to achieve?
What are three words that best describe you?
What’s on your bucket list?
What music did you listen to in high school?
What song would you pick if you had to listen to one song for the entire car ride?
Who’s your role model?
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Who’s your current celebrity crush, and who was your first celebrity crush?
If you could only subscribe to and watch one streaming service for the rest of the year, which one would you choose?
If you were going to become immortal, at what age would you want to be when you stop aging?

6 (Non-Awkward) Ways To Approach Someone You Want To Be Friends With More