Going Fractional: The Greatest Side Hustle Ever

The future is fractional.

The traditional 9-to-5 job model is crumbling and for good reason as companies rescind benefits, force workers to return-to-office and expect increased productivity with AI but with no benefit for workers.

All in the glorious name of "increasing shareholder value". 

In 2023, productivity per employee was up 2.7% compared to the average 1.5%. 

That's a 55% increase! But we still work 40 hours/week and wages are lagging behind productivity. 

So it makes sense people are looking for new gigs, but don't want to throw away their hard-earned skills. 

All that smells like a contrarian shift just waiting to happen and that's why we are seeing the rise of flexible, freelance work in areas that used to be full-time positions.

One of the fastest-growing trends in this space is going "fractional," where you perform a high-level job function at a company but as contracted work.

Think of roles like

• Fractional CFO
• Fractional CMO
• Fractional COO
• Fractional Sales Development Rep
• Fractional Social Media Manager
• Fractional Controller

This isn't just happening at the executive level, but all levels of work for people with solid skills and processes in place.

This is what we are seeing with the business leaders we work with in the Design Mastermind.

Companies benefit by getting expertise without the full-time price tag, and you, as the fractional professional, get flexibility, control, and multiple income streams.

Let’s dive into why this can be the perfect side hustle and how it has the potential to turn into your main gig.

What Does It Mean to Be 'Fractional'?

When you go fractional, you're essentially working part-time for multiple companies, offering high-level expertise on a contract basis.

These roles are perfect for experienced professionals who want more freedom and the ability to control their schedules while earning a substantial income.

Imagine being a Fractional CFO. Instead of being tied to one company, you handle the finances for several businesses at a time, getting paid for your expertise by each of them.

You're providing massive value without the full-time commitment, giving smaller companies access to the kind of talent they wouldn't be able to afford otherwise.

The Benefits of Going Fractional

Here’s why taking on a fractional role can be a game changer:

• Diversified Income Streams: When you work for multiple clients, you’re not reliant on one paycheck. If one contract ends, you’ve still got other sources of income flowing in, reducing your financial risk.

• Flexibility: You set your hours. Most fractional roles let you manage your workload in a way that fits into your life. Want to travel more? Want to focus on other projects? This gives you the freedom to make your schedule work for you.

• Higher Earning Potential: Fractional roles often pay higher hourly rates than full-time positions because you’re offering specialized expertise. The companies benefit from only paying for what they need, and you benefit from the increased rate.

• Professional Growth: By working across various companies and industries, you're constantly learning and expanding your skill set. It’s an incredible way to stay sharp and relevant in your field.

• Networking Opportunities: Being fractional means you’re connected to multiple companies and decision-makers. This opens the door to more opportunities, whether for new contracts, speaking engagements, or even full-time offers down the road if you want them.

Why It Makes for a Great Side Hustle

• Low Commitment: You’re not tied down to one company or even one industry. This is a great way to dip your toes into something new without quitting your full-time job. Whether you’re a full-time employee or running your own business, a fractional role can be stacked on top, creating another income stream.

• Work-Life Balance: Because you’re fractional, you get to choose how much time you want to commit to this side hustle. If things get busy in your personal life, you can take on fewer clients. The control is in your hands.

• Tax Benefits: As a contractor, you’ll have business expenses you can write off that you wouldn’t have if you were just an employee. That means saving money come tax season.

How Fractional Work Can Become Your Main Gig

So you’ve started as a fractional CMO or CFO on the side, but you realize how much you enjoy the freedom and flexibility. Could this be something you do full-time? Absolutely.

• Scalability: As you get more clients and build your reputation, you can gradually increase your rates and hours until it becomes your primary source of income. Many fractional executives find they can make more working part-time for several companies than they did full-time for one.

• Fulfilling Work: You’ll find that fractional roles often involve helping businesses at crucial points in their development. The impact you can make is significant, and you’re more likely to work with businesses you genuinely care about. That sense of contribution can make fractional work deeply rewarding.

• Control Over Your Career: With fractional work, you’re in the driver’s seat. You choose your clients, your workload, and your terms. If you’ve ever wanted to break away from the traditional corporate grind but still use your hard-earned skills, this is how you do it.

Full-Time To Fractional

Going fractional isn’t just another side hustle—it’s a smart, flexible way to earn more, gain control over your time, and potentially scale into a full-time gig that gives you the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

Whether you’re a finance expert, a marketing guru, or a strategy whiz, there’s a fractional role out there waiting for you.

The best part?

You don’t have to quit your day job to find out if it’s for you.

But if you decide to make the leap, the freedom and potential are waiting.

If you want more information about how we are helping business leaders go Fractional, check out our Design Mastermind and schedule a free consultation call.