Episode•March 19, 2020•19 min

Side Hustling Through a Layoff with Gertrude Nonterah | Ep. 32

Are you worried about a layoff? Learn how Gertrude, a biochemist, side hustled her way through a layoff and was able to build a business freelancing. Also, Tiffany shares some HR tips when it comes to relocating for a job. They also discuss why having multiple streams of income is so important to your financial journey. About Our Guest Gertrude (Gee) Nonterah is a former medical scientist turned blogger, freelance writer and speaker. Gee is the host of the Create and Prosper Podcast and she's passionate about helping bloggers and writers create stellar content and build profitable businesses. When Gee is not working, or keeping up with her family, she is watching spy movies. Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/geenonterah Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/geenonterah Subscribe on YouTube: Create and Prosper Connect with Tiffany on Social Media Facebook: Money Talk With Tiff Twitter: @moneytalkwitht Instagram: @moneytalkwitht LinkedIn: Tiffany Grant YouTube: Money Talk With Tiff Channel Pinterest: Money Talk With Tiff This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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Key Takeaways

1
Start building a side hustle long before you need it
Gertrude had been building her side hustle for 2.5 years before losing her postdoc job
She knew how to get clients, send invoices, and cover expenses when her job ended
Having a side hustle allowed a smoother transition into unemployment
2
Cost of living changes must be calculated before relocating for a job
Gertrude moved from Philadelphia to San Diego and found everything was twice as expensive
Her postdoc salary was insufficient for the new location's costs
Negotiate moving expenses and relocation support before accepting an offer
3
Results matter more than degrees in freelancing
Clients don't ask for degrees; they care about execution and results
Gertrude's social media skills drove traffic to her blog and attracted clients
Her PhD was irrelevant to her success as a freelance writer and social media manager
4
Multiple income streams provide financial security
Gertrude went from $0 to $1,200/month in side income within 3 months
In 2018 she generated over $22,000 in side income while working full-time
When laid off, her freelance writing could replace her lost income

Intro

In this episode, Tiffany Grant discusses side hustling as a safety net during layoffs with guest Gertrude Nonterah, a former medical scientist who transitioned into blogging and freelance writing.
Gertrude (Gee) Nonterah is a former medical scientist with a PhD in microbiology and immunology, now a blogger, freelance writer, speaker, and host of the Create and Prosper Podcast.

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– Gertrude's Side Hustle Origin Story

After moving from Philadelphia to San Diego for a postdoc at UC San Diego, Gertrude realized the high cost of living required additional income. She leveraged her social media skills to become a social media manager.

I decided one day, I just decided to become a social media manager as my side hustle.
– Gertrude Nonterah

She responded to a Craigslist ad and landed her first client for $300/month, growing to $1,200/month within three months through referrals.

– HR Tips for Job Relocation

Tiffany emphasizes researching cost of living differences before accepting a job that requires relocation. She also advises negotiating moving expenses before accepting an offer, as you have more leverage before starting.

Don't be afraid to ask for moving expenses, help with moving and things like that. Because that's another thing that often goes underutilized or under negotiated for.
– Tiffany Grant

– The Power of Multiple Income Streams

When Gertrude's postdoc ended due to grant funding running out, she was prepared because of her established side hustle. She smiled when told about the layoff because it meant more time to focus on her freelance writing business.

Nothing really is permanent. And so it's really important for you to start building a side hustle long before you need it.
– Gertrude Nonterah

– Results Over Degrees

Both hosts emphasize that in freelancing and side hustles, clients care about results, not credentials. Gertrude notes that no client has ever asked for her PhD, and Tiffany shares that her soap-making business requires no formal education.

They care that you can execute. They care that you can give them results.
– Gertrude Nonterah

Resources

Topics

side hustleslayoffsfreelancingmultiple income streamscost of livingjob relocationfinancial securitycareer transitionsfreelance writingnegotiation