For Jade Thompson, financial security isn’t just about saving—it’s about earning smart. By age 29, Jade had built five income streams that allowed her to quit her corporate job and pursue creative work full-time.
“I never wanted to rely on just one paycheck,” Jade says. “When the pandemic hit and friends were losing jobs, that fear became real. I needed to take control.”
She started small—with a side hustle tutoring students online after work. Then came affiliate marketing through her blog, a print-on-demand Etsy store, digital products, and eventually dividend stock investing.
“The key is to layer your income,” Jade explains. “Some streams are active—like freelancing. Others are passive—like investing in index funds on Schwab or earning royalties from e-books.”
Jade dedicates each Sunday to managing her “income ecosystem.” She tracks revenue, adjusts pricing, and researches new opportunities. “It’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about building piece by piece.”
She also cautions against burnout. “I automate as much as I can. Tools like Notion and QuickBooks help me stay organized and sane.”
Now, her combined income exceeds what she used to earn at her corporate job, but with more freedom. “I can work from anywhere, take breaks when I need to, and most importantly—I feel in control of my future.”
Jade shares her journey on TikTok and hosts a monthly webinar on side hustling for beginners. Her biggest tip? “Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start with what you already know and build from there.”
She encourages newcomers to check platforms like Side Hustle Nation for real examples and guidance. “There’s room for everyone to create something valuable,” she says. “Money doesn’t just come from working harder—it comes from working smarter.”
