How to find your perfect fit creative side hustle

If you are in a structured — I should say quote unquote — “proper” job right now, and maybe you’ve had even the faintest whisper that you want to try something different, but every time your brain entertains the idea, your brain maybe shuts it down… I feel it can be quite normal. Because it kind of makes sense that it’s so totally outside of the realms of what you’re trained in — or even what the culture or the zeitgeist of where you work is.

And so that’s why, before even thinking about how to decide what to do that’s outside of clinical work, we probably need to name one of the biggest blocks that people have: identity.

Who Are You Without the Title?

We’ve all been shaped by a system that teaches us how to think and how to exist.

Part of our identity is our title, right? What we call ourselves. Everybody knows what a psychologist is, what a dietitian is, what a physiotherapist is. And once we step outside of that, it’s like, “Oh my gosh, what do I say? How do I introduce myself? What do I call myself?”

For me, it was like: I’m going to introduce myself with something I don’t need to study — like a copywriter. You don’t need to do a degree or anything like that. So there was safety in calling myself a psychologist. I’m still a psychologist, but there’s a safety in defaulting to that.

It’s Not Always Burnout

You don’t necessarily need to be burnt out to want to do something that’s non-clinical.

There’s often a stereotype that people leave clinical work because they’re super burnt out — and for some, that’s true. But for others, it’s just a lack of something. Something’s missing. Maybe you don’t feel a sense of joy. Some of the symptoms might look like burnout, but it’s not really burnout.

You’re maybe so depleted from not doing something you enjoy that it feels like burnout.

I think that was the case for me. I remember when I was doing full-time psychology work — I felt so burnt out. Emotionally exhausted. Cynical. I checked all the boxes for burnout.

Then I went on a massive holiday. I had a month off. It was amazing and I felt like myself again. But as soon as I stepped back into clinical work, everything came back.

That made me realise: maybe it’s not burnout. Maybe there’s something more to the story.

And that’s when I started exploring copywriting. Now that I’m doing it, I don’t feel those burnout symptoms — because it fills my creative cup.

Be Gentle With Yourself

That’s why, when we start thinking about making a change, we really need to be gentle with ourselves.

There’s a lot going on here. It’s not a simple, “Just do this” or “Stop doing that.”

Have self-compassion. Start by simply noticing. Awareness is always a good first step.

If You’re Thinking About Trying Something New…

If you’re at the stage where you’re thinking, “Yes, I want to do something different, but I don’t know what,” — maybe you haven’t felt safe or allowed to even listen to what that something is.

Maybe there’s been a little niggling thought or feeling. Something you’re drawn to. Something you daydream about.

Our fantasies tell us so much about our desires. Our daydreams tell us what we want.

So if you’re even remotely curious about what I talk about in my podcast — there’s something there. It doesn’t have to be clear yet. That’s okay. It might take time.

Reflection Questions (Inspired by Ikigai)

Here are a few reflection questions that might help you start thinking about what your non-clinical creative business could be.

These are inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai, your “reason for being.”
Your ikigai is found at the intersection of:

• What you love

• What you’re good at

• What the world needs

• What you can be paid for

What do you love?

• What do you lose track of time doing?

• What gets you into a sense of flow?

• What brings you joy?

• What gives you fulfilment?

What are you good at?

• What comes naturally to you?

• What do people often ask you for help with?

• What soft skills or hard skills do you have?

Soft skills: people skills, explaining concepts simply, navigating conflict
Hard skills: writing, design, anything teachable or demonstrable

Even if it feels random, list it all. You might find patterns or connections later.

What do people need or want?

• What do people complain about or feel overwhelmed by — that you could help with?

• What kind of support do you wish someone had offered you five years ago?

What can you be paid for?

• Is there a demand for it?

• Are there people making money doing something similar?

If that last one feels like too much pressure, leave it for now. You don’t have to figure it all out today.

Start Small and Stay Curious

You don’t need a five-year business plan. You don’t need a team.
Start with baby steps. Start with joy.

Years ago, I made baby play mats for friends. It was fun! People loved them. Someone even said, “You should start a business!”

But I didn’t like it enough to turn it into a job. And that was useful information too. You’re allowed to do something just for fun.

Try something low-commitment:

• Sell something on Etsy

• Make a small digital product on Gumroad

Productise Your Knowledge

You can take what you already know and turn it into:

• PDFs

• Guides

• Resources

• Digital templates

You’re not aiming for “passive income” — just something helpful and shareable.

Get Support

If you’re saying, “Yes, I really want to do this,” — get support.

Find a coach, mentor, or someone who’s walked this path.

Doing something different can be scary. But also exciting. Rewarding. Liberating.

And remember: there’s no one right way to build a creative business. There’s just your way.