Why 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Start a Purposeful Side Gig

Unlock the opportunity to create a meaningful, impactful business that aligns with your values and thrives in 2025.

Katja Groesser

Jan 06, 2025

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(Image generated with AI)

What do the following have in common?

Opening a farm in Turkey to produce organic vegetables.
Reviving an old, somewhat dilapidated bungalow resort on an island in Thailand.
Selling sweet cherries at a local market.

Nothing, right?

Only that these were business ideas we had.

And they weren’t just ideas—we took the leap to make them real businesses, not overthinking whether they would work or how we’d do it.

We jumped in with confidence, trusting that we could figure it out and learn what it takes to succeed.

These businesses were a long time ago.

They were offline ventures and required huge investments to start.

But now, it’s 2025. And everything has changed.

If you’re still thinking about whether you should take the leap to start your online business, let me tell you: Just do it!

2025 isn’t just another year—it’s your year.

If you’ve been dreaming about creating a business that aligns with your values, fuels your passions, and allows you to live life on your own terms, now is the time to act.

You might be wondering, “Why this year? Why now?”

The truth is, we’re living in a time of incredible opportunity.

The world is changing rapidly, and with these changes come new chances for creators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers like you to build thriving businesses.

Businesses that don’t just pay the bills but also make an impact and bring you joy.

Let me show you why 2025 is the perfect time to take the leap—and how you can position yourself to succeed.

The Case for Starting Now: Why 2025 Is Different

What’s Holding You Back?

I remember how I felt every time my husband came up with a new business idea. He’s full of ideas—so many that we’d need several lifetimes to bring them all to life.

At first, I always felt uneasy—fearful and insecure, as if my brain was flashing red warning lights.

But here’s the thing: that’s completely normal.

Our brains are wired to look for danger and hold us back from stepping out of our comfort zones.

After some time, though, those feelings would fade, and I’d start thinking about how we could actually make it work.

Of course, we didn’t act on every idea my husband had (and still has).

But when it comes to starting something new, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed.

Those negative thoughts aren’t trying to harm us—they’re just our brain’s way of trying to keep us safe.

Here’s the truth: when you decide to start a purposeful side gig in 2025, you’re not facing life-or-death risks.

There’s nothing truly dangerous about building an online business.

You’re not risking your life—you’re stepping into an opportunity to grow, learn, and create something meaningful.

Let’s address the most common fears:

Fear of failure or judgment: Everyone starts somewhere. The biggest difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is simply starting. Your biggest critic is yourself.
Not knowing enough: No one knows everything at the start. Building a business is a journey of learning and growing.
Overwhelm: You don’t have to do it all at once. You can figure it out, step by step. Small steps lead to big results.

A Time of Unprecedented Opportunity

When I started blogging six years ago, I thought I was already too late—that I’d missed my chance. But I was wrong.

Since then, the online business market has continued to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

A significant shift happened during the pandemic when schools, universities, and other places for learning were closed.

This showed us how much potential there is for building meaningful online businesses. So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time, know that it’s not too late.

In fact, now is the perfect time to start a purposeful side gig in 2025 and take advantage of this thriving digital space.

2025 is a unique moment in time.

Here’s why:

The online business world is more accessible than ever.
Consumer demand for authenticity and meaningful connections is skyrocketing.
The tools to create, grow, and monetize are affordable and easy to use.

Why the Landscape Has Never Been Better for Purposeful Businesses

The Creator Economy Is Booming

Yes, the creator economy is booming—great news! But it’s also evolving.

Instead of offering robotic advice, it’s now more about personality.

People don’t want teachers who feel distant, like in school. They want to connect with real humans who understand their challenges.

I noticed this in my own blogging journey.

At first, writing newsletters felt like the hardest part, but it also became the most rewarding way to connect with my audience. When I started adding more personality to my blog posts, not only did they perform better, but I also grew as a writer.

Now, more than ever, people crave authenticity.

Audiences want to connect with real people who bring value, solve problems, and share meaningful stories. Whether you’re a writer, coach, artist, or teacher, there’s room for you to shine.

The global creator economy is projected to grow to $500 billion by 2027. A big part of that growth is happening in niche communities like the one you could build.

If you’ve been thinking about stepping into this space, there’s no better time to start a purposeful side gig in 2025.

The world is ready for creators who are bold, authentic, and passionate.

Access to Affordable Tools

One of the best things about starting an online business is that you don’t need a huge investment upfront, unlike traditional offline businesses. This significantly reduces your risk.

That doesn’t mean you won’t invest later—because you will, as your business grows. But as a beginner, it’s better to start simple and grow strategically.

Gone are the days when starting a business required thousands of dollars and technical expertise.

Today, you can:

Launch a newsletter that reaches people across the world.
Build a website or blog with minimal cost.
Create digital products like guides, templates, or courses.
Start connecting with your audience through newsletters or social media.
Build a personal brand that directly connects you with your audience.

And the best part?

You can do all of this with minimal upfront investment using tools like Substack, Canva, and even AI-powered resources.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, now is the time to start a purposeful side business in 2025.

The tools and resources available today make it easier than ever to turn your ideas into a reality.

Purpose Matters More Than Ever

Have you ever purchased a digital product like an ebook or course? Do you remember why you chose that specific creator?

Let me guess: it’s because you felt a connection. You believed they could support you in achieving a specific result.

I’ve done the same. I’ve invested in countless courses to grow as an online business owner.

Even here on Substack, I’m a paid subscriber to several publications—not just because I want to learn, but because I feel connected to the creators and believe their work deserves support.

Consumers today are looking for more than just products or services.

They want to support people and businesses that align with their values.

Whether it’s sustainability, inclusivity, or community-building, purpose builds loyalty.

That’s why choosing to start a purposeful side business in 2025 isn’t just meaningful—it’s smart.

By grounding your business in your unique skills and values, you can create something that resonates deeply with your audience and inspires long-term support.

Why You’re Ready to Start a Purposeful Business in 2025

You Have More Experience Than You Think

Do you think you don’t have enough knowledge or aren’t an expert to start a purposeful business in 2025?

That’s only true if you believe it and compare yourself to others who seem miles ahead of where you are now.

In reality, you know more than you think.

You are a unique person with unique experiences and valuable lessons from the years. Maybe you even have a special skill.

This combination sets you apart from other creators. You have something to share that no one else could.

Starting a business doesn’t mean starting from scratch. You’ve spent years developing skills, gaining insights, and navigating life.

All of that experience?

It’s your superpower.

Ask yourself:

Do you have a skill you’ve mastered over the years?
Have you solved problems in your career that others struggle with?
Do you have a passion that inspires others?

These are the seeds of a business.

You don’t need to know everything—you just need to start sharing what you already know.

The Power of Community

When I started blogging, I often felt alone with my online business. If I had known about Substack, I might have started there.

But now, we have amazing opportunities to get connected to other creators and build our own community in a better and simpler way.

Platforms like Substack make it easier than ever to build a community around your purpose. If you're ready to start a purposeful business in 2025, these platforms make it easier than ever.

A community isn’t just an audience; it’s your foundation.

When people trust you, they’ll follow you, support you, and invest in what you’re offering.

Economic Opportunity in Times of Change

Being a business owner means being a problem solver.

In our offline businesses, this often meant solving issues within our own business.

As an online business owner, this idea doubles. You’ll learn to solve problems in your business, but you also help others solve specific problems.

Times of rapid change—like the one we’re in now—create opportunities.

Businesses that innovate, adapt, and solve real problems thrive during these times.

The key question is: What problem can I solve?

What a Purposeful Side Business Looks Like

A purposeful business isn’t just about making money. It’s about creating something meaningful for you and the people you serve.

You’re solving real problems: Helping someone learn a skill, achieve a goal, or overcome a challenge.
You’re passionate about your work: Every day, you wake up excited to share your knowledge and create value.
You’re building a lifestyle that supports your goals: Whether it’s more freedom, flexibility, or financial independence, your business gives you the tools to live the life you want.

The best part?

Purposeful businesses don’t have to start big.

You can begin small—with a single newsletter, a mini-course, or even just a weekly post.

Over time, those small steps add up to something extraordinary.

How to Get Started in 2025

Here’s a simple roadmap to help you:

Define Your Purpose and Niche: What are you passionate about? Who can you help?
Choose a Platform: Decide where you’ll connect with your audience – Substack (my favorite), YouTube, or social media. Start with one platform.
Start Small: Test your ideas with low-risk, easy-to-launch projects like a newsletter or a guide.
Build Your Community: Focus on creating genuine connections with your audience.
Scale Over Time: With consistency and feedback, you can grow your business into something sustainable and impactful.

Take the Leap in 2025

What’s your biggest goal for 2025? Are you ready to build a purposeful business this year?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below or reach out to share your vision with me 👇.