How to Make More Money—Without Starting a Side Hustle
When people think about making more money, the first thing that often comes to mind is starting a side hustle. And while that can be a great option, it’s not the only one. In fact, there might be opportunities right in front of you—without adding more hours to your day.
One of the most overlooked ways to increase your income is by increasing your value right where you are.
More Value = More Money
Whether you work for a company or run your own business, the principle is the same: The more value you provide, the more money you tend to make. But what does providing value really mean?
If You Work for a Company
Your paycheck comes from the company, but your influence starts with your direct supervisor. If you want to increase your income, think about what they find valuable.
What problems are they trying to solve?
What makes their job easier?
What makes them look good to their boss?
When you align your efforts with their priorities, you become an asset they want to keep—and possibly promote.
Managers are often looking for ways to:
Cut costs
Improve efficiency
Increase profits
Solve headaches before they escalate
If you’re not sure what your manager cares most about, don’t guess—ask. A simple, “What’s the most important thing I can focus on this month?” can go a long way.
And remember: If you only ever do the bare minimum, you’ll only ever be paid close to the bare minimum. When you go above and beyond—consistently—you stand out.
If You Run a Business
If you’re self-employed, the question becomes: What do my clients value most?
It’s tempting to compete on price or try to cut corners to save time. But people don’t stick around because something is cheap—they stick around because they feel like they’re getting way more than they paid for.
Your job isn’t to be the cheapest—it’s to be the most valuable.
Ask yourself:
What do my clients really care about?
What would make their experience unforgettable?
How can I overdeliver, without burning out?
The goal is to offer such high-quality service that your price feels like a deal of a lifetime—even if it’s premium.
A Few Reminders:
Overdeliver consistently, always. If you try to do just enough to not get fired, you’ll get paid just enough to not be a drain on the company. Real value comes from going above and beyond—not just coasting.
If you feel underpaid, ask yourself this first: Are you truly bringing your best effort? Some people feel underpaid—but when you look closer, they’re barely showing up. The hard truth? You don’t get paid for your potential—you get paid for the results you actually deliver. Can you uplevel your effort, knowledge, and skills?
Don’t just wait to be noticed. If your work isn’t being recognized, your next move isn’t always to do more—it might be to do it better. Ask for feedback. Apply it consistently. Then give it time to compound.
Don’t expect immediate results. Show your supervisor that this new standard isn’t a one-time push—it’s who you are.
Understand the risk-reward tradeoff. If you work for a company, your paycheck shows up whether the business thrives or struggles. Your manager takes on more risk—and their income reflects that. If you want to earn more, take more ownership. Be someone your team relies on, not just someone who clocks in.
If all else fails, you can always take your value elsewhere. If you know you’re consistently showing up, overdelivering, applying feedback consistently without reverting, and still being undervalued—it may be worth looking for an opportunity willing to pay for the value you provide.
Final Thoughts
Making more money doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes, it means doing what you already do—but doing it better, more intentionally, more strategically, or more consistently.
Whether you’re working a 9-5 or running your own business, you have more power than you think.
You don’t have to hustle harder to earn more. You just have to offer more value where it matters most.
P.S. You don’t have to earn more to feel better about money.
Whether you make $30K or $130K, I help people build a plan they can stick to—without shame, restriction, or confusion. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and finally get ahead, I’ve got you.