If you can dream it, you can do it The only reason Ajayi was able to start earning money from his passion project is because he had access to the digital tools he needed to reach a wider audience and to market his product – all for free and all easily accessible and user-friendly. Developments in technology and the free – or cost-effective – availability of digital tools means you really have no excuse not to create something. In fact, if it weren’t for technology, Okechukwu says that he probably would not have a side hustle –and he even admits to sealing deals for OkadaBooks during bathroom breaks. “Luckily nobody flushed a toilet before the call was over but technology has allowed OkadaBooks to grow so much, simply because we don’t have an office space. Our office is Skype and WhatsApp. We’re able to collaborate with developers and staff all over the world and the platform has allowed us to create opportunities for other people. Without technology, I would not be able to have a side gig; I would have burned out.” And therein lies some of the biggest challenges of juggling a full-time job and a side hustle: prioritisation, long hours and compromise. But, if you have a healthy dose of passion, anything is possible.

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