The Rise of the Side Hustle: Women in Singapore Balancing Dual Careers
October 1, 2024, 9:51 pm
In the bustling city-state of Singapore, a new wave of women is redefining work-life balance. They are not just clocking in for their day jobs; they are also pursuing passion projects that ignite their creativity and provide financial stability. This phenomenon is more than a trend; it’s a movement. These women are the architects of their own destinies, building fulfilling lives brick by brick, gig by gig.
The landscape of work is changing. The traditional 9-to-5 is evolving into a multifaceted existence where side hustles flourish. Women are at the forefront of this shift, proving that ambition knows no bounds. They are fibre artists, pet ferry service founders, tourist guides, and climbing wall route setters. Each story is unique, yet they share a common thread: the desire for more.
Take Alicia Kirwan, a creative director by day and a fibre artist by night. At Hunter & Match, she collaborates with a team, crafting marketing strategies. But when the sun sets, she transforms into the founder of Beeyarnd, where yarn becomes her canvas. For Alicia, fibre art is not just a hobby; it’s a sanctuary. It allows her to express emotions and create bespoke pieces that resonate with collectors. The duality of her roles brings balance. One feeds her strategic mind, while the other nurtures her artistic soul.
Then there’s Ed-Linddi Ong, a technical theatre practitioner who thrives on variety. Routine is her nemesis. By day, she sets the stage for theatrical productions, and by night, she runs Waggin’ Rides, a pet ferry service. Her love for animals and her need for spontaneity led her to this venture. She ferries pets to daycare and vet appointments, finding joy in the simple act of caring for furry companions. Each gig offers her a fresh perspective, a chance to detox from the other. It’s a delicate dance, but one she performs with grace.
Jaclynn Seah’s journey is a testament to resilience. After being retrenched, she seized the opportunity to become a tourist guide. With a background in travel writing, she found her voice in storytelling. Guiding tourists through Singapore allows her to share her passion for her homeland. Balancing her full-time job as an audience and outreach development manager at a museum with her guiding gigs is no easy feat. Yet, she embraces the challenge, knowing that each tour enriches her life and connects her with people from around the world.
Elsa Mickayla embodies the spirit of creativity. By day, she is a route setter, designing climbing paths that challenge and inspire. By night, she is a music producer, crafting melodies that resonate with listeners. For Elsa, both roles are forms of art. They require imagination and skill, whether she’s shaping a climbing route or producing a new track. The thrill of seeing climbers tackle her routes mirrors the joy of sharing her music with the world. Each endeavor fuels the other, creating a harmonious balance in her life.
These women are not just juggling jobs; they are weaving their passions into the fabric of their lives. The motivations behind their side hustles vary. For some, it’s financial necessity. For others, it’s a quest for creative fulfillment. Regardless of the reason, they are proving that hard work and determination can lead to a life that reflects their true selves.
The rise of the side hustle is a reflection of a broader societal shift. As traditional job structures become less stable, many are seeking alternative paths. Women, in particular, are harnessing their skills and passions to create opportunities. They are not waiting for permission; they are forging their own paths.
In Singapore, this movement is gaining momentum. The gig economy is thriving, and women are leading the charge. They are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. The narrative is changing. No longer are women confined to specific roles; they are multi-faceted individuals with diverse talents.
The impact of this shift extends beyond personal fulfillment. It has the potential to reshape the economy. As women pursue their passions, they contribute to a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and innovation. Their side hustles are not just hobbies; they are businesses that can drive economic growth.
Yet, the journey is not without challenges. Balancing multiple roles can lead to burnout. The pressure to succeed in both arenas can be overwhelming. However, these women are resilient. They understand the importance of self-care and community support. They lean on each other, sharing tips and encouragement as they navigate their dual careers.
As we look to the future, the side hustle movement shows no signs of slowing down. Women in Singapore are setting the stage for a new era of work. They are pioneers, carving out spaces where creativity and ambition can thrive. Their stories inspire others to pursue their passions, to embrace the hustle, and to redefine what it means to have a fulfilling career.
In a world that often prioritizes traditional success, these women are a breath of fresh air. They remind us that fulfillment comes in many forms. Whether through art, service, or storytelling, the essence of their journeys is the same: the pursuit of passion and purpose. As they continue to break new ground, they pave the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. The side hustle is not just a trend; it’s a testament to the power of women’s ambition and creativity.
The landscape of work is changing. The traditional 9-to-5 is evolving into a multifaceted existence where side hustles flourish. Women are at the forefront of this shift, proving that ambition knows no bounds. They are fibre artists, pet ferry service founders, tourist guides, and climbing wall route setters. Each story is unique, yet they share a common thread: the desire for more.
Take Alicia Kirwan, a creative director by day and a fibre artist by night. At Hunter & Match, she collaborates with a team, crafting marketing strategies. But when the sun sets, she transforms into the founder of Beeyarnd, where yarn becomes her canvas. For Alicia, fibre art is not just a hobby; it’s a sanctuary. It allows her to express emotions and create bespoke pieces that resonate with collectors. The duality of her roles brings balance. One feeds her strategic mind, while the other nurtures her artistic soul.
Then there’s Ed-Linddi Ong, a technical theatre practitioner who thrives on variety. Routine is her nemesis. By day, she sets the stage for theatrical productions, and by night, she runs Waggin’ Rides, a pet ferry service. Her love for animals and her need for spontaneity led her to this venture. She ferries pets to daycare and vet appointments, finding joy in the simple act of caring for furry companions. Each gig offers her a fresh perspective, a chance to detox from the other. It’s a delicate dance, but one she performs with grace.
Jaclynn Seah’s journey is a testament to resilience. After being retrenched, she seized the opportunity to become a tourist guide. With a background in travel writing, she found her voice in storytelling. Guiding tourists through Singapore allows her to share her passion for her homeland. Balancing her full-time job as an audience and outreach development manager at a museum with her guiding gigs is no easy feat. Yet, she embraces the challenge, knowing that each tour enriches her life and connects her with people from around the world.
Elsa Mickayla embodies the spirit of creativity. By day, she is a route setter, designing climbing paths that challenge and inspire. By night, she is a music producer, crafting melodies that resonate with listeners. For Elsa, both roles are forms of art. They require imagination and skill, whether she’s shaping a climbing route or producing a new track. The thrill of seeing climbers tackle her routes mirrors the joy of sharing her music with the world. Each endeavor fuels the other, creating a harmonious balance in her life.
These women are not just juggling jobs; they are weaving their passions into the fabric of their lives. The motivations behind their side hustles vary. For some, it’s financial necessity. For others, it’s a quest for creative fulfillment. Regardless of the reason, they are proving that hard work and determination can lead to a life that reflects their true selves.
The rise of the side hustle is a reflection of a broader societal shift. As traditional job structures become less stable, many are seeking alternative paths. Women, in particular, are harnessing their skills and passions to create opportunities. They are not waiting for permission; they are forging their own paths.
In Singapore, this movement is gaining momentum. The gig economy is thriving, and women are leading the charge. They are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. The narrative is changing. No longer are women confined to specific roles; they are multi-faceted individuals with diverse talents.
The impact of this shift extends beyond personal fulfillment. It has the potential to reshape the economy. As women pursue their passions, they contribute to a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and innovation. Their side hustles are not just hobbies; they are businesses that can drive economic growth.
Yet, the journey is not without challenges. Balancing multiple roles can lead to burnout. The pressure to succeed in both arenas can be overwhelming. However, these women are resilient. They understand the importance of self-care and community support. They lean on each other, sharing tips and encouragement as they navigate their dual careers.
As we look to the future, the side hustle movement shows no signs of slowing down. Women in Singapore are setting the stage for a new era of work. They are pioneers, carving out spaces where creativity and ambition can thrive. Their stories inspire others to pursue their passions, to embrace the hustle, and to redefine what it means to have a fulfilling career.
In a world that often prioritizes traditional success, these women are a breath of fresh air. They remind us that fulfillment comes in many forms. Whether through art, service, or storytelling, the essence of their journeys is the same: the pursuit of passion and purpose. As they continue to break new ground, they pave the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. The side hustle is not just a trend; it’s a testament to the power of women’s ambition and creativity.