Over the past few years I’ve seen an increasing trend among our peers. That is, this idea of side gigs or side hustles. I would offer that folks that this is the development of the Weekend Entrepreneur. I’ve even written about this concept in the past, when I asserted that you can only save so much, but you can earn even more.

Similar yet Different

When I was growing up, in Long Island, New York, I knew of many people who augmented their day job salaries with side jobs. In fact, when I was running passenger ferries to Fire Island, we had a good handful of people who had day jobs in New York City, and would come and work the weekends at the ferry company. We called them Weekend Warriors.

The concept of a Weekend Entrepreneur is very similar. A Weekend Entrepreneur still has a day job, they are likely also looking to augment their income, yet the activity is not something they want to pursue full time.

Examples of a Weekend Entrepreneur

The most relevant example of a Weekend Entrepreneur for this blog, is an Amazon Reseller. As a reseller, you will probably put some time in during the week, in addition to the weekend. You have control over your business and can really decide how much you want to do, not someone else.

Another example, though, at least from personal experience, not as lucrative (but infinitely more rewarding from a connecting with fellow enthusiasts perspective) is blogging. Most bloggers spend some time each day, so it may not technically be a weekend endeavor, unless you write on the weekend and schedule the posts throughout the week.

A third example of a Weekend Entrepreneur is a group of Travel Hackers who recently launched The Points Consultants. Richard, Jeff and, Spencer, launched The Points Consultants to provide points strategy evaluations and really, overall points portfolio management. Think of them as like an investment advisory but for your miles and points. 

Weekend Entrepreneur Gurus

I’m sure your next logical question is “how can I learn more.” Well, I will be writing more in the coming months, but there are three authors that I have followed and learned a lot from.

When I was in college, I began reading Ramit Sethi–who I think was also in college–who writes I Will Teach You To Be Rich. He is one of the driving factors for where I am today. I haven’t signed up for all of his courses, but I have read a lot of his work and have been able to leverage some of the systems he writes about. His latest Weekend Entrepreneur focused effort is Growth Lab. 

Perhaps the most well known Weekend Entrepreneur guru is Tim Feriss. He’s a serial entrepreneur who  does so through experimentation and diligent note taking. If you don’t believe me, read his 4 Hour Body book. That said, I picked up the 4 Hour Work Week many years ago, and as a result, tested out my first venture in Weekend Entrepreneurship. Right now, I’m reading his latest book, Tools of Titans.

While Ramit and Tim both travel hack, Chris Guillebeau is perhaps more well know in the Mile and Point / Travel Hacking community. Chris started the Travel Hacking Cartel, a subscription based group, some time ago. He’s written two books on entrepreneurship, with a focus on side hustles. Chris’ latest effort is the Side Hustle School. I was even highlighted in Episode 19. 

While I’m not as well written as Chris or Ramit or Tim, I’d like to think that I’m a pretty good resource as well. Long time readers are well aware of some of the resources on the blog, such as my Beginner’s Guide to Fulfillment by Amazon. In addition, I’ve partnered with Phil Hall to launch and operate the Mile High Reselling Club, and I continue to hold ResellingDO meet-ups. You can also always Ask Tagging Miles, if you have particular questions you’d like answered or covered on the blog.

Wrapping Up

I think it’s fair to say that everyone would like to earn more money, or somehow increase their buying power. I would argue that Travel Hacking augments one’s buying power, but it could also lead you to an Weekend Entrepreneur-like opportunity. I think there is definitely value in embracing this growing trend.

Are you a Weekend Entrepreneur? What is your side hustle? Please share in the comments.

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