• I edit academic papers, blogs, and  other miscellaneous documents.
• I plan special events.
• I am a program manager, grant-writer, funding-seeker for various organizations in the field of public health.
• I am a research specialist, administrative coordinator, and hospitality worker.
• And most importantly, I blog at Scribbles & Tostitos Blog.

My job description has not always been this diverse; but, after being let go from a job unexpectedly a few years ago, I’ve learned to master the art of hustling. I hustle; I work. I work, while I hustle.

Like most US citizens, I relied on one job to meet my every need. Out of the blue one Thursday in May, I was called into a boardroom and told, “I’m sorry, Yaa, but we have to let you go.” It was like the wind had been knocked out of me; I had no clue how I was going to support myself without this job. I felt powerless. A couple weeks later when my job-search was in high gear and my unemployment checks were rolling in, I vowed to never put myself in that helpless position ever again. I would establish what Rich Dad Poor Dad author refers to multiple streams of income, where money would constantly come in from a variety of sources no matter what was going on with my 9 to 5 job.

The life of a hustler is a challenging one. My week days begin as early as 3:30 in the morning and end as late as 11:00 at night. My Toyota Corolla is my mobile office and I have two other unofficial offices around town known to you as Chick-Fil-Ay and Starbucks. Free and speedy wi fi make it easy for me to participate in teleconferences, edit papers, respond to e-mails, and make phone calls. As a person who loves to be busy, the grind is mostly exhilarating, but at times, it can be painful. Often, I am forcing myself to drive or work when I am extremely tired. While the money may not be what I want at the moment, I am confident that at some point, I will be making my dream salary.

I encourage everyone to hustle while they work, especially 20-somethings. The amount of time and energy we have on our hands place as at an advantage over others. We have the time and energy to do whatever it is we love to do, without the responsibilities of taking care of a family. Hustling and saving money in your 20’s will afford you the lifestyle you want later in life.

So, S&T Reader, what is your hustle?