What inspired you to start your side hustle?

Performing has always felt natural to me—I’ve enjoyed it since childhood through music co-curricular activities (CCAs) and talent competitions. I started a YouTube channel, @nyoombaku, to document my music journey and share my work with the world. While studying at the National University of Singapore (NUS), I joined band interest groups like NUS Amplified and NUS Voices, which significantly accelerated my growth as a musician. Landing gigs became second nature, evolving from a fun hobby to a potential side income as we began getting paid for performances at various programmes and events.

How do you balance it with your full-time job?

It takes a lot of self-discipline particularly in knowing when to say no – whether it’s avoiding overexertion in my main job or not taking on too many gigs which could affect my full-time work. Personally, I’ve always struggled with gauging when I’m pushing myself too far, so I manage my time more quantitatively. I track the hours I dedicate to work, fun, family, friends, and rest to keep a healthy balance.

Admittedly, I don’t have it all completely managed. I’ve definitely had my fair share of burnout weeks. But it’s all part of the learning process. What’s important is recognising those moments, learning from them, and remembering to always communicate with others when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

What inspired you to start your side hustle?

I love keeping myself busy, and since dancing has always been something I enjoy, I thought, why not teach some classes over the weekends and earn some extra cash? That’s how my journey as an instructor started.

How do you balance it with your full-time job?

Proper time management and prioritising my tasks are key. When I have an urgent proposal to submit at work, I’ll spend extra hours over the weekends or in the evenings to complete it, especially if it coincides with any dance classes I might have that week. I also make sure I have enough time to recharge because it’s important to have a clear mind when working at a communications firm. Thankfully, dancing is a form of de-stressing for me, and I’m able to find joy in teaching. This, in turn, clears my mind and motivates me for my full-time job.

What inspired you to start your side hustle?

I’ve always had many hobbies, and I suspect that my constant desire to learn new things is linked to my search for dopamine. I used to engage in photography, skating and outdoor-style coffee brewing on bikepacking trips. However, since having my kids, I’ve found that I’m needed more at home. Among my many hobbies, coffee brewing has proven to be the most suitable and practical for balancing work and family responsibilities.

My approach to coffee brewing is all about versatility and convenience. I don’t just brew at home; my setup allows me to do it anywhere, whether it’s at work or in the back of my 2008 Sienta. I use a portable stove to heat water, a hand grinder to grind beans on the spot, and durable plastic coffee drippers designed to withstand outdoor conditions. This style of brewing adapts to different environments and showcases the unique versatility of coffee preparation.

How do you balance it with your full-time job?

Balancing coffee brewing with my full-time job is quite manageable due to the flexibility of my setup. I bring my coffee equipment with me to work, allowing me to brew a fresh cup before starting my day or during lunch, depending on what’s most convenient. This way, I get to indulge in my passion for coffee without it interfering with my work schedule.

What inspired you to start your side hustle?

This project stems from a passion that began long before my corporate career. I’ve been passionate about singing since young and I began performing in Getai shows alongside my twin sister at the age of 15. Since then, we have pursued this path with unwavering commitment.

How do you balance it with your full-time job?

I pursue this passion in my free time, as most Getai performances take place in the evenings after office hours, allowing me to balance it with my corporate work commitments. I also dedicate my weekends to performing whenever possible, taking advantage of the flexibility to accommodate shows at various times.

Seeing the audience brings me great joy because it’s a reflection of the friendships that we have built over time. The applause after each song is heartwarming, reassuring me that the audience values and enjoys my performances.

What inspired you to start your side hustle?

I’ve always loved trance music, so when a DJ reached out online to collaborate on trance tracks, I jumped at the opportunity.

How do you balance it with your full-time job?

When everything comes together and people enjoy the tracks we release, it makes all the effort worth it. I also love that it allows me to express myself and connect with others through music!

What inspired you to start your side hustle?

I’ve always had a passion for martial arts since I was young. After graduating from university and starting my first full-time job, I made the decision to pursue boxing and Muay Thai, using my newfound financial independence to invest in these interests.

How do you balance it with your full-time job?

Juggling the demands of preparing for a competition while working full-time is no easy feat. Effective time management became crucial, along with the willingness to sacrifice rest for long hours of training. Before I entered the workforce, I used to think that competing while holding a full-time job was impossible. However, I’ve come to realise that if you’re truly passionate about something, you’ll always find ways to make it work.