Investing time and energy in a hobby, project, or side gig — what a healthy idea! We know that pursuing interests outside of work can help stave off burnout, prompt us to pursue career goals, and guard against the belief that our value lies solely in our full-time jobs. In practice though, these projects often leave us feeling guilty instead of fulfilled, especially when they gather dust.

In this episode, Emily faces up to her neglected personal projects and makes progress, with the help of Brianna Caza, a professor who studies people who pursue work outside of their full-time jobs. She provides useful advice on finding enough time, energy, and support to spend your life the way you want to.

Guest:

Brianna Caza is a management professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Resources:

• “How to Make Room in Your Work Life for the Rest of Your Self,” by Brianna Barker Caza et al.
• “The Strategic Side Gig,” by Ken Banta and Orlan Boston
• “Make Your Side Hustle Work,” by Jennifer Nahrgang et al.
• “How to Figure Out What Your Side Hustle Should Be,” by Dorie Clark