As I stand on the cusp of 60, retirement isn’t just a distant mirage anymore; it’s a tangible reality inching closer every day. With my two teenagers navigating the tumultuous high school years and a fulfilling career as a manager under my belt, I’ve found myself contemplating what comes next. How do I transition from a full-time job to a life that promises more leisure yet still offers engagement and fulfillment? How do I care for my family without that steady paycheck I’ve become accustomed to?
For me, the answer has been establishing multiple side hustles and leveraging online platforms, transforming them into income streams that could support me well into my golden years.
Discovering the Power of Trends
It all started with a spark of inspiration on Etsy. I have had an Etsy shop for over a year now, starting just before school restarted in September 2023. I’ve made a few sales occasionally, but nothing has been spectacular.
However, this past weekend, my journey into the world of e-commerce became somewhat serendipitous. Amid the buzz of the U.S. presidential elections, I noticed a trend on Twitter and a lot of candidate momentum buzzing.
By chance, I saw a horrible suggestion for an iconic symbol to be used for a candidate on Twitter—something to become synonymous with the candidate, like the Make America Great Again red ball cap, which is interchangeable with both Trump and the cult that follows him like braindead zombies.
In the past, I’ve seen political merchandise fly off the virtual shelves, such as the MAGA hat. I hated the design for the candidate I saw on Twitter, so I made an electronic drawing based on my preferences if I were the AVATAR.
I considered what appealed to me and my impression of the candidate. And then, I imagined the Kamala Harris Presidential Campaign 2024 Heels over Maga design. It consisted of a classically infamous royal blue pantsuit (the legs of which can only be seen), a pair of black leather high-heeled pumps, and a red MAGA hat being stepped on by said heels.
I saw an opportunity, and, driven by curiosity and the desire to diversify my income, I plunged headfirst into the design. I had to learn as I went because I am not a graphics guy. .
The decision proved to be more than just a side hustle; it became a deep dive into the mechanics of digital entrepreneurship. Saturday morning before 10 am, I had ten orders. The orders continued coming throughout the day, the night, the morning, and the next day.
By mid-day Sunday, I was already over $1000. It was my first one-thousand-dollar weekend.
Setting up shops on Red Bubble and TeePublic was the next logical step. Luckily I had set up these shops with designs over a year ago, too. These platforms opened doors to broader audiences, T-shirt aficionados, and trinket lovers. and I relished the challenge of creating alternate designs that captured the zeitgeist on different products.
It was a dope learning curve, one where creativity met commerce. Every hour became a hotbed of sales, with customers eager to get their hands on the latest trending items I created.
Five days passed, and my statement balance crept closer to $2.8k. Then Thursday hit, and I got a little depressed. The night before, I stayed awake until 3 a.m. to make another batch of designs. Over the past few days, I’d expected to wake up to the cha-ching notification on my phone indicating more sales.
This time, there was nothing in the early morning. The first sale came at 11 a.m., and then there was radio silence until after 3 p.m. This day was different, and I wondered if the momentum had shifted. It was quieter than a disco, and this fluctuation had me worried.
I looked up “Thursdays on Etsy” and discovered that low sales on Thursdays are typical. This news alleviated my fears, and now I expect a slower Friday; however, sales should ramp up again over the weekend.
A Supportive Partner Makes All the Difference
Through this journey, my wife Nghia’s support has been dope AF. We’re newly married, and her belief in my ventures has inspired my activities. It’s in these quiet, personal moments where her support shines the brightest. After 16 years in a previous marriage, the stark contrast is evident. Nghia’s genuine care and consideration are unparalleled.
On those long days when work and side hustles collide, and I find myself dragging my feet through the door well past midnight, Nghia is there. She gets out of bed, puts away my lunch box, and prepares a meal, even when the hour is ungodly. It’s these acts of kindness that make the grueling hours worthwhile. Her support is not just a comfort; it’s a source of motivation.
Balancing Act: Career and Side Hustles
Balancing a full-time job and multiple side hustles isn’t a walk in the park, especially when your full-time role demands flexibility and swing shifts. Twice a week, I come home under the cloak of darkness, exhausted but content.
Being the boss at my current job offers some flexibility, yet the demands are non-negotiable. This balancing act is where my managerial experience shines. The skills I’ve honed over a decade in training employees and shaping company culture have been invaluable. They’ve allowed me to navigate this new terrain with a certain level of ease, albeit not without its challenges.
The Thrill of the First Big Win
I’ll never forget my first $1,000 net weekend. It was a milestone, a tangible proof that my efforts were paying off. The thrill of watching those sales numbers climb, of seeing the tangible fruits of my labor, was exhilarating. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about the validation of my new venture. Reaching that milestone and potentially surpassing $3,000 for the week was a revelation. It proved that with the right strategy and luck, online businesses could be a viable path to financial freedom, even after retirement.
The Creative Outlet: Content Creation
Beyond the financial aspect, what truly excites me about this venture is its creative outlet. Designing merchandise, crafting marketing strategies, and engaging with a global audience have reignited a passion I hadn’t realized was dormant. It’s a different kind of fulfillment that complements the structured environment of my managerial role. In this digital space, I am not just an entrepreneur but a content creator, innovator, and motivator. It’s a role that demands constant adaptation and learning, and I love every moment.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Retirement
I am increasingly optimistic about the future as I continue on this path. These side hustles aren’t just temporary distractions and building blocks of a sustainable retirement plan. They offer the flexibility and freedom to explore life beyond the confines of a nine-to-five job. They are my ticket to a retirement where I am financially secure and creatively fulfilled.
Gratitude and Reflection
Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with gratitude—for the opportunities, the support from Nghia, and the chance to reinvent myself at this stage of my life. It’s a journey that has taught me the value of adaptability and the importance of seizing the moment. As I move forward, I am eager to see where this path leads and excited about the new adventures that await.
Conclusion: Embracing Change and New Opportunities
For me, retirement is not an end but a new beginning. It’s a chance to explore, grow, and make a difference. Retirement allows me to mentor young men, learn a new language, travel, and spoil my grandkids. With multiple side hustles, I hope I am laying the groundwork for a fulfilling and dynamic retirement by embracing online entrepreneurship and content creation. My blog, Etsy, TeePublic, and Red Bubble, offer an unparalleled journey filled with possibilities, and I am ready to embrace each with open arms.
