Dyslexia & The Gig Economy
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Starting a part-time business can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. You’ve got a day job, family obligations, and a whole bunch of doubts swirling around in your head. In this episode of “Ask Me a Question and I Will Answer,” we tackle Mike’s query about taking the leap into a side venture. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of the big stuff we covered, plus some practical steps to help you move forward.
This chat is all about busting through common fears and uncovering those early steps that can set you off in the right direction. We explore how to keep costs manageable and keep anxiety at bay. The podcast player will be right at the top of this page, so have a listen once you’ve grabbed a few pointers here first.
Why a Part-Time Business?
Many of us dream about extra income or exploring a passion project. A part-time business lets you dip your toes in without ditching your main source of income. This is perfect for anyone with dyslexia or ADHD who’s juggling multiple interests. You can test your idea before going all-in.
Starting on a small scale also gives you the chance to experiment. You can refine your offerings, build confidence, and see what resonates with customers. The slower pace can remove some of the pressure, so you can figure out if you truly enjoy doing it.
Identifying Your First Few Steps
You’ve got the spark. Now how do you begin? This might be the biggest hurdle. To make it easier, start with bite-sized tasks rather than jumping into a grand plan. Think small and steady.
- Choose an idea that excites you, especially if it can cover real-life needs.
- Sketch a super simple budget. Decide how much you're happy to invest.
- Pick a short timeframe, like two to three months, to give your idea a test drive.
Little goals make it easier to see progress. If you try to solve everything at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Embracing the Learning Curve
Everyone worries about failing. That’s normal. The trick is to keep learning as you move forward. It’s never about being perfect, especially when dyslexia or ADHD might add extra quirks to the journey.
In the podcast, I mention one of my favourite pieces of advice:
“If you don’t take that first small step, you’ll never know what’s possible.”
Look for resources, speak with people you trust, and watch for the lessons hidden in your early attempts. You’re not aiming for instant success. You’re building experience one step at a time.
Balancing Work and Life
Mike’s question hits home for many of us who are busy. We’ve got 9-to-5 jobs, family commitments, and sometimes a lack of focus. The key is to pick time slots for your fledgling business. Think about your regular routine and add simple tasks where they fit best.
Even 30 minutes a day can stack up to something visible by week’s end. Decide which tasks matter most, then do them first. When you protect those small windows of time, it’s amazing what you can accomplish.
Practical Mindset Tips
A part-time business should feel exciting, not like a ball and chain. Set realistic goals. Mistakes are bound to happen, so focus on what you can learn from them. If you start small, you can scale up once you’re comfortable.
- Create mini-milestones, so you can see regular wins.
- Give yourself permission to make mistakes. No guilt, just growth.
- Talk to friends, mentors, or online groups. You’ll learn a lot from shared stories.
Remember you’re not aiming to impress the world overnight. You’re exploring a new path, building confidence, and sorting out where you want to go next.
- Start small and test your idea before going bigger.
- Set aside specific times for your side venture.
- Embrace the inevitable mistakes along the way.
- Seek out a supportive community or mentor.
Ready to discover more? Listen to the full episode at the top of this page. You’ll hear my personal experiences, extra tips, and loads of encouragement for turning that initial spark into something real.
