John le Carré once wrote, "A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world." I’ve taken that to heart. My office is often a seat on a Cathay Pacific flight, a guest house in Asia, or a hotel room with a view of the Hong Kong skyline at 2 a.m.

I structure my business around my life, not the other way around. After landing, I can connect to the airport Wi-Fi, sync emails, check in with my team, and handle customer support before even heading into the city. This routine of morning work and afternoon exploration, repeated in places from Vietnam to Laos, might sound like a fantasy. But it’s a reality for thousands of people who have built a side hustle business that gives them total freedom. Their stories aren't about magic; they're about finding a better way to work.

From Piano Teacher to Global Nomad

Take Brandon Pearce. In 2009, he was a successful piano teacher in Utah. He loved teaching music but, like many of his colleagues, was bogged down by administrative work—scheduling, billing, and sending reminders. He realized that music teachers want to teach, not run an office.

He didn't set out to build a huge company; he just wanted to solve his own "disorganized music teacher problem." He created an interface for himself, which eventually became Music Teacher's Helper, a platform that lets teachers build websites, handle scheduling, and manage billing. He found a real market need and offered a fish, so to speak. He showed teachers how his service could actually save them money by preventing missed payments and saving time.

Three years later, Brandon’s life looks completely different. He and his family live in Costa Rica, and he runs the business with ten employees scattered across the globe. He spends about eight to fifteen hours a week on it, and the business is on track to earn $360,000 a year from recurring subscriptions. His journey is a prime example of turning a side hustle to full time freedom, allowing his family to live anywhere they choose.

The Accidental Photographer

Kyle Hepp’s journey into entrepreneurship was far more unexpected. After moving to Chile with her husband, Seba, she was doing side projects for AOL. Then, their life was upended in a single weekend. Seba was laid off, and two days later, Kyle was hit by a pickup truck while jogging. Her injuries weren't permanent, but she couldn't walk or even type for weeks, ending her contract work.

Facing a tough situation, they decided to take a honeymoon they never had and booked a trip to Italy. Before leaving, Kyle, who had dabbled in wedding photography, updated her website to accept bookings. A request came in immediately. When they returned to Chile, they decided to pursue photography full-time, "at least until the money ran out."

The money never ran out. Two years later, they were earning $90,000 a year and were booked a full year in advance, shooting weddings everywhere from Argentina to Spain. They built a business by connecting with well-traveled clients who valued their work and the relationships they built. For them, starting a freelance photography business wasn't a plan; it was a lifeline that became a passion.

The Spreadsheet King of Thailand

Then there’s Bernard Vukas from Croatia, a roaming entrepreneur who told me his entire office fits in a single backpack. From a beach in Thailand, he helps companies manage large amounts of data using Microsoft Office applications.

He started his freelance hustle by setting his rates at a level that was a good wage in Croatia but a bargain for North American companies. This strategy helped him build a strong client base and reputation. His best move, however, came when he tripled his rates for new clients. He once made $720 in a single day—more than many people in his home country make in a month. Bernard proves that a good side business can be built from anywhere, leveraging skills that are in high demand globally.

Becoming Your Own Publisher

These stories show that there are many paths to building a business that gives you freedom. One of the most profitable side businesses you can create revolves around information publishing. The game has completely changed. Today, self-published work can rival the quality of traditional publishers, and creators are deliberately choosing to go direct, keeping more of the profits and control.

You don't have to write a traditional book. Digital publishing often involves one-off products, courses, or recurring subscriptions. Brett Kelly, a software developer, is a perfect example. He was a power user of Evernote but noticed there was no detailed user manual. He spent months creating Evernote Essentials, a comprehensive PDF guide filled with tips and tutorials.

He made a deal with his wife: if he sold $10,000 worth, she could quit her restaurant job. He hit that goal in just eleven days. The guide continued to bring in around $300 a day, projecting over $120,000 in annual revenue from a side project. Because it was a digital product, the profit margin was huge. His success with this online writing business even led to a job offer from Evernote. Brett's story shows the power of turning specialized knowledge into a valuable, scalable side hustles.

How to Start an Information Business

You can follow a similar path. The process is straightforward:

1. Find a topic people will pay to learn about.
2. Capture that information by writing it down or recording audio/video.
3. Package it into a downloadable digital product.
4. Create a compelling offer that clearly states the value.
5. Set a fair price based on the value you provide.
6. Find a way to get paid using a service like PayPal.
7. Publish your offer and get the word out.

Of course, it’s not just about building something and hoping people show up. Success requires focusing on the "work" part just as much as the "anywhere" part. Starting a side hustle while working full time demands effort upfront, but the payoff is the possibility of complete freedom.

Finding Your People

To build a successful business, you need to know who you’re serving. But forget traditional demographics like age and location. The new way of thinking is about shared interests, passions, skills, and values.

The Kinetic Koffee Company, for example, sells great coffee in a crowded market. They succeeded by targeting a specific group: outdoor enthusiasts like cyclists and skiers. Their focus was on shared values, not age brackets. Similarly, Kris Murray, a consultant for child care providers, initially struggled. Her business took off only when she "changed the WHO"—pivoting from small, budget-conscious day-care centers to multi-location owners who could see the value in investing in her services.

To figure out what your audience wants, just ask them. Don't ask if they "like" an idea; ask if they would pay for it. Simple questions like, "What is your biggest problem with _?" can reveal incredible insights and build momentum for your launch.

Crafting an Offer They Can't Refuse

A great product isn’t enough; you need a compelling offer. Think of it like this: if you're a marathon runner at mile 18, an offer of a fresh orange slice is irresistible. An offer of a donut? Not so much. The context and timing are everything.

Your offer needs to give people what they actually want, not what they say they want. Airlines know travelers complain about legroom but ultimately buy the cheapest ticket. A great offer speaks to that deeper desire. It feels more like an invitation than a hard sell.

To make your offer even stronger, build in a sense of urgency. A yoga studio might offer a steep discount on a four-month pass that’s only available in September, encouraging people to commit early. Use an FAQ page not just to answer questions but to overcome objections. Address concerns about trust, value, and security head-on. And finally, offer an incredible guarantee—or no guarantee at all. A weak, confusing guarantee hurts more than it helps.

The Art of the Launch

How you introduce your product to the world matters immensely. Think like a Hollywood studio. They don't just release a movie; they build anticipation for months with trailers and press. You should do the same for your side hustle business. A well-planned launch can generate incredible results.

Karol Gajda and Adam Baker proved this by creating a "fire sale" of digital products. They bundled together over $1,000 worth of content from 23 different creators and sold it for just $97 for only 72 hours. Their promotion was built on creating massive value and extreme urgency. The result? They generated $185,755 in three days.

A successful launch tells a story:

1. The Teaser: Hint at what’s coming to build curiosity.
2. The "Why": Explain how your project will benefit people.
3. The Plan: Detail how the launch will work, including any bonuses.
4. The Final Countdown: Remind everyone right before it starts.
5. The Launch: Open the doors and make the offer live.
6. The Follow-Up: Share success stories and address any issues.
7. The Closing: Create a final push before the offer ends.

The goal isn't just to make sales but to build your relationship with your entire audience, even those who don't buy. When you start your side hustle, a thoughtful launch can set the stage for long-term success. Turning that idea into a full time side hustle isn't a fantasy—it’s a process. And it starts with taking that first step away from the desk.