Alright, buckle up, because this is going to be a bit of a rambling ride. I never thought I’d be *that* person, you know? The one with the carefully curated Instagram feed showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit, making passive income while sipping lattes on a beach in Bali. Nope. Not me. But funny thing is, I’ve stumbled headfirst into the world of side hustles, and honestly, it’s been a wild, unpredictable, and sometimes downright hilarious experience.
The Accidental Start: It All Began with a Closet Cleanout
It all started with my closet. I mean, doesn’t everything these days? I was drowning in clothes I hadn’t worn in years. Stuff I’d bought on a whim, items that no longer fit (thanks, pandemic snacking!), and things that, let’s be honest, were just plain ugly. I’d been putting it off for months, dreading the sorting and the inevitable trip to Goodwill. Then a friend mentioned Poshmark. I’d heard of it, of course, but I always thought it was for fashion bloggers and people with actual *style*.
Turns out, it’s for anyone with clothes. I figured, what did I have to lose? I downloaded the app, took some (terrible) photos of my old jeans and sweaters, and threw them up online. I honestly expected crickets. Seriously, I thought my stuff was destined for the donation bin. But then… something happened. People started buying things! It was slow at first, just a few dollars here and there. But the feeling of someone actually *wanting* my discarded clothing? It was… addictive.
From Clothes to… Vintage Board Games?
So, Poshmark was ticking along nicely, a few sales a week, enough to cover the cost of my daily coffee. But then, something unexpected happened. My grandma passed away, leaving behind her… well, a *lot* of stuff. An entire house full, actually. And one of the things she had was a massive collection of vintage board games. I’m talking stuff from the 1950s and 60s, games I’d never even heard of. At first, I was overwhelmed. What was I going to do with all this?
Then, a lightbulb moment. I remembered seeing people selling vintage items on Etsy. Could board games be a thing? A quick search revealed that, yes, people actually collect this stuff. Who knew? I spent hours researching each game, trying to figure out its value. It was like being an amateur detective, piecing together the history of these old, forgotten games. And then, I started listing them. And people started buying them! Wow, I didn’t see that coming.
The Etsy Learning Curve: A Comedy of Errors
Etsy, though, was a whole different ballgame than Poshmark. It required better photos, more detailed descriptions, and a whole lot more customer interaction. I definitely made some mistakes. Ugh, what a mess! There was the time I accidentally shipped a game to the wrong address. And the time I completely underestimated the cost of shipping and ended up losing money on a sale. And let’s not even talk about the time I tried to “professionally” photograph a game using my phone and a bedsheet as a backdrop. The results were… less than stellar.
But slowly, I learned. I watched YouTube tutorials on product photography. I scoured Etsy forums for tips on shipping and customer service. I learned how to write better descriptions and how to price my items competitively. It was a steep learning curve, but I was determined to make it work. And you know what? It started to work. The sales started to increase, and the positive reviews started rolling in. I was actually building a business, albeit a very small and slightly chaotic one.
The Unexpected Perks: Beyond the Money
Honestly, the extra money is nice. It’s not enough to quit my day job, not even close, but it’s enough to pay for a few extra treats each month, like those fancy lattes I mentioned earlier, or maybe a weekend getaway. But the best part of this whole side hustle adventure hasn’t been the money. It’s been the feeling of accomplishment, of learning new skills, and of connecting with people who share my passion for vintage games.
I’ve “met” collectors from all over the world, people who are just as enthusiastic about these old games as I am. I’ve learned about the history of board games, the evolution of design, and the stories behind these forgotten treasures. It’s been a surprisingly enriching experience, far beyond just making a few extra bucks. I mean, who knew that old board games could lead to such interesting conversations and connections?
The Future of My Side Hustle: Uncertain, But Exciting
So, what’s next? Who even knows what’s next? I’m still selling clothes on Poshmark. The vintage board game business on Etsy is chugging along, and I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities. Maybe I’ll start selling handmade crafts. Maybe I’ll write an e-book about my side hustle experiences. Or maybe I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, slowly but surely building my little empire of secondhand goods.
The truth is, I don’t have a grand plan. I’m just taking it one day at a time, learning as I go, and trying to have fun along the way. And you know what? That’s okay. It’s more than okay. It’s actually pretty great.
My Biggest Regret (So Far): Not Starting Sooner
If I have one regret, it’s that I didn’t start sooner. I spent so much time thinking that I wasn’t qualified, that I didn’t have the skills, or that I didn’t have the time. I let fear and self-doubt hold me back. And that’s a shame. Because the truth is, anyone can start a side hustle. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need a fancy business plan. You just need a little bit of motivation, a willingness to learn, and a healthy dose of perseverance.
I remember staring at the piles of clothes and the mountains of board games, completely overwhelmed. I almost gave up before I even started. I thought, “This is too much. I can’t handle this.” But then I took a deep breath and told myself, “Just start with one thing. Just list one item. Just take one photo.” And that’s all it took. One small step, and then another, and then another. And before I knew it, I was on my way.
The App That Saved Me (And My Sanity): Trello
Okay, I have to give a shoutout to Trello. Seriously, that app has been a lifesaver. With all the different things I’m juggling – Poshmark, Etsy, my day job, family commitments – it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Trello helps me stay organized, keep track of my tasks, and prioritize what needs to be done. It’s basically my digital brain.
I use it to track my inventory, manage my listings, and keep tabs on my orders. I even use it to plan my social media posts. It’s simple, visual, and incredibly effective. If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, or if you’re already running one and feeling overwhelmed, I highly recommend giving Trello a try. It might just save your sanity.
My Advice? Just Jump In! (But Maybe Wear a Helmet)
So, if you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, my advice is simple: just jump in! Don’t overthink it. Don’t worry about being perfect. Just start. Find something you’re passionate about, something you enjoy doing, and see if you can turn it into a source of income. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We all make them. It’s part of the learning process.
Just remember to wear a helmet. Figuratively speaking, of course. Because the world of side hustles can be a bit of a bumpy ride. But it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. And who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. I know I did. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a stack of vintage board games to photograph!
