If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: start a side business early. For years, I believed the traditional career path was the right one—get a job, work hard, climb the career ladder. But economies shift, industries change, and jobs disappear, so stability is not guaranteed.
What I didn’t realize at the time is that having a side business isn’t just about making extra money. When you run even the smallest business on the side—whether it’s freelancing, selling a product, or offering a service—you create an additional financial safety net. No matter what the economic climate or job market looks like, you have something of your own to fall back on.
Beyond financial security, a side business teaches you a valuable set of skills that you might not get from having a job. You learn how to market yourself, manage finances, solve problems creatively, and build relationships with customers. These skills are transferable to every aspect of life, including your main career.
And here’s something else I wish I had realized sooner: a successful side business can completely change your retirement timeline. Instead of waiting until your 60s to step away from work, the income and flexibility from a thriving business can open the door to financial freedom much earlier. You’re no longer tied to the traditional path of “work until retirement age.” You gain the freedom to choose when and how you work.
So, if I could turn back the clock, the lesson I would impart to my younger self would be to start a side business as soon as possible.
Vanya Wryter Consulting Services 