The perfect side hustle fuses passion, expertise and a prototyping mindset. Hustling comes naturally to entrepreneurs, and during the pandemic, it has become even more essential to get out there and make a buck. To naysayers who fear a side venture might divert them from an amazing startup or great job down the line, listen close: side hustling is cross-training for your best business performance. It builds on your talent and develops new muscles and capabilities. Changing not just how you jump on hot trends, but how you adjust your trajectory mid-career. And you never know how far it might go. More than a few side hustles have become hugely successful startups, starting with Craigslist and Airbnb.

This story is not about standard side gigs like driving for Uber, renting out your extra room on Airbnb or knocking off a few tasks on Fiverr. We’re showcasing a higher hustle that encapsulates who you are and where you’re headed. The side hustle that is ideal to expand your skills, hone your acumen and get to your next big thing. Let’s meet a few people on this path. (Read more.)

(This article was originally published in the February 14, 2021 edition of StartupNation.)