Hi, my name is D.J. and it’s so rad that you showed up.

I am a total geek about side gigs and freelancing. I love to write about it and in the blog I share my experiences, with all honesty intact. That may be helpful to you, or maybe just entertaining. Either way, you get to read stuff and I get to drink more coffee, because without the coffee there is no writing or helping.

’80s references are included, interpretation may be required.

More about me…

Way back in the days before streaming TV, I lived the corporate life. I was good at it, too. I went on coffee runs for my co-workers. I never microwaved leftover seafood or burned the popcorn. I got raises and promotions and had health insurance. I lived in some great places and provided for my family. I enjoyed my job and I worked with some amazing people.

But something was missing. I felt like I was doing well, but where was it all heading? There were things I wanted to accomplish that didn’t have anything to do with working in an office. I wanted to make things. I wanted to created art and write books. I wanted to be in charge of my days and my future.

So I quit. And here’s the first hot tip I have for you: Don’t do that.

Our family struggled for many years while I figured out what the hell I was doing. I made tons of mistakes. It was way harder than I thought. I realized that it would have been a lot easier if I had stayed at my job while I built that independent lifestyle I dreamed about.

On the other hand, it was also exciting. Our lives were an adventure, we were in the wilderness, uncharted territory. We got really good at coming up with creative solutions to income and alternative living situations. There was that alpaca farm in rural Oregon… but that’s a story for another time.

Today I own a custom screen printing business, I freelance doing illustration and animation, I write books, and I do a few other things that manage to keep me busy. My side gigs have side gigs.

I believe that everyone should absolutely have a little side gig. It’s not just extra money to blow on Charleston Chews and Teen Beat. Creating something outside of your regular 9-to-5 is security. It’s freedom.

Take me home tonight. I don’t want to let you go ’til you see the light.

If you want to start a little side gig then I am here for you.

I’ll be your guiding voice, the little cricket on your shoulder who helps you figure out the right path. You might be thinking it’s impossible, or it’s too late, or you’re too old (spoiler alert: you’re wrong). Maybe you have a family to support and the thought of starting something of your own is just crazy. It’s not and you’re not.

I’ll show you how to do the things you want to do without going broke and ending up eating out of dumpsters. I know things. I’ll tell you the things and you can know them, too.

You can always ask me anything or just tell me your own story. I’d love to hear from you. dj@littlesidegig.com