A few years ago, I was working a decent paying job that ate all my time. Suddenly, someone with a lot of ins in my industry took notice of my work. We became good friends, and the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself. I had a few thousand dollars saved up, but the opportunity would take all my time, so I left my job and went out on my own.
Well, things didn't pan out, but I'm glad I tried. I just needed to get a day job again. No biggie…
At first I was honest in interviews. I saw no need to lie. I've excelled in every role I'd ever been offered, and I was clearly determined and smart. But interview after interview I was denied, even for low paying jobs that were guaranteed to be shitty, and for which I was way overqualified for.
I stopped bringing up the side hustle for fear that it sounded like bragging or like I was too invested in other things. It wasn't okay that I had saved up thousands of dollars to pursue a million dollar, once in a lifetime, opportunity. What if I did it again? What if this $15 entry level position isn't taken seriously? The only forgivable reason for unemployment is completely external forces– a market downturn… Layoffs. You aren't allowed to employ yourself. You aren't allowed to have a side hustle. It's the grind or nothing.
I'm in a similar position today. It's not okay that I saved up $7k to pay myself while I work on my side hustle for a month or two. I just adjusted my resume to reflect “still employed” because these idiots are terrified of anyone who can choose to leave.
End rant.