Hustling for the Hike

The best side hustle might be the one you never intended to start

By Thomas Funke

Editor’s Note: Tom Funke, a longtime environmental educator and outdoor writer, will now add MichiganTrailMaps.com to his lengthy resume. Beginning in January Funke will be in charge of the web site’s e-shop and product development as well as team up with Jim DuFresne to contribute the best blogs, Facebook entries, and features you will find on any trail. The following are his thoughts on a how a hike across the Upper Peninsula lead to the best lifelong adventure he could ever imagine.

Nearly 25 years ago, I started keeping a journal while hiking 500 miles across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I wanted to document the experience. I recorded the trails, the people I met, the birds, the places I visited and the lessons I learned along the way.

My late Aunt Ellen read what I had written and encouraged me to turn it into a book. More importantly, she helped make that happen. Her encouragement gave me the push I needed to take my writing seriously.

That first experience eventually led to two hiking guidebooks and a freelance career writing about the outdoors. Along the way, I continued working in conservation and outdoor recreation, building a career that combined my professional expertise with my passion for Michigan’s trails.

Writing was never my primary job. It was something I enjoyed doing on the side.

Fast-forward to retirement. I’ve found myself receiving unsolicited requests to write for various publications. After nearly 25 years, the work continues to find me. One person actually tracked me down at my place in the UP!

It has reinforced something I’ve come to believe: A good side hustle isn’t necessarily about making extra money. It’s about developing a skill, building a reputation and doing something you genuinely enjoy.

The best ones can grow alongside your career, provide opportunities you never anticipated and remain valuable long after you retire.

You don’t have to build a business empire or chase the latest trend. Sometimes, you just need to follow your interests, develop your craft and keep showing up.

For me, it started with a journal, a 500-mile hike and an aunt who believed I had a book in me. Twenty-five years later, I’m still writing.

What’s your side hustle, and could you see yourself doing it in retirement?