Why Every Software Engineer Needs a Side Hustle (And How to Start)
Why am I doing all of this for?
I’ve been creating content about software engineering for around two years now. You might be wondering…
Why?
Why am I creating content?
Why am I putting so much effort into creating all of this?
And the answer is to build leverage.
What is leverage?
By this I mean building something that will pay you back later on in your life.
As junior developer starting your career, your build leverage by:
→ Developing your technical skills
→ Improving you’re soft skills
→ Gaining practical experience building real projects
These experiences and skills belong to you now, and you can leverage them to secure better-paying positions.
But as you progress in your career you'll realise that you will reach a point where you need to begin creating leverage
outside of just improving your technical and soft skills.
In a way where you have total control over where and how you build this leverage.
This is why I highly recommend starting a side hustle as a Software Engineer.
Why?
Starting a side hustle allows you to build leverage in a way you have 100% control over.
With a side hustle you can:
→ Increase and diversify your income
→ Learn new skills and technologies
→ Pursue passions and projects you care about
→ Network and create incredible opportunities
Let's say you as a Software Engineer make £1000 from various sources i.e (YouTube, SaaS app, Newsletter)
That £1000 you made from your side hustles is worth much more than the £1000 made from your 9-5 job.
And the reason is because it's diversified.
Building a side hustle can provide you financial security especially agains unexpected layoffs which are very common in our industry
But if the value you create resonates deeply with your audience or users
You will be paid/rewarded for it directly for it (More purchases, more users, more subscribers etc…)
I can guarantee you feeling of gaining your gaining new subscribers to your latest SaaS app will always beat the feeling of achieving success at a 9 - 5.
It's a reminder that your work is directly impacting lives—and rewarding you for it
However in a 9 - 5 job, this isn't the case.
The skills or value your produce and apply today may not ever be rewarded unless you have a bonus or receive some sort of promotion
With a side hustle, you're taking control of your income, meaning you're being directly rewarded for the value you produce
So, what are some side hustles you can build as a Software Engineer?
Here are 3 of my favourite ways:
Build an Audience 👥:
Building an audience is one of my favourite ways as a side hustle as you're building a community of people who share the same passion or love for a topic as you do.
Building an audience is powerful. Whether you’re launching an app, seeking new job opportunities, or starting a startup, a ready-made audience dramatically increases your chances of success!
Building a SaaS app 📲:
Creating a solution to a problem has always and will always be a great idea for a side hustle which could eventually lead to a fully blown start up!
Be sure to understand:
→ The pain points / Problems you're actually solving
→ You've validated the idea by asking people
→ Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and iterate based on feedback.
Create Educational Tools 📚:
Look, there will always be people looking to learn how to code, it's an incredible skill, so why wouldn't they.
Create educational tools inspired by the resources that helped you learn. Add your unique perspective to improve their effectiveness.
Conclusion
The beauty of a side hustle is that it doesn’t just give you financial freedom—it gives you purpose, creativity, and the confidence to dream bigger.
Whether you dedicate 30 minutes or 10 hours a week, remember: every step you take is an investment into the life you want.
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