Ghanaian businessman and entrepreneur, Dr Daniel McKorley, has urged young professionals and entrepreneurs to rethink how they approach work and careers, stressing that in today’s economy, building a side hustle is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Sharing reflections from his career journey, the founder of McDan Group explained that starting out in business without privilege meant there was no safety net if he failed. He stressed that every decision mattered because failure was not just a personal setback; it would have meant letting down the people who depended on me.
According to him, people born without wealth or powerful family connections must create their own cushion against life’s uncertainties. For some, this could mean climbing the corporate ladder with intention, but for many others, it means deliberately building something on the side that could eventually secure their independence.
“Children of privilege inherit considerable wealth from their parents, go to private schools, and get their first job through family connections. They often have a cushion that allows them to experiment without fear of falling. If you do not have that same cushion, you must create your own,” he indicated.
He noted that those who rise fastest in life are not always the most naturally gifted, but the most intentional, disciplined, and purposeful. That discipline, he said, must extend to money management, including earning, saving aggressively, and investing in skills that remain valuable regardless of economic shifts.
“Life rewards those who are willing to bet on themselves, stay disciplined, work above the odds, and keep moving forward when the road gets hard,” he admonished.
He stressed that side hustles are not side distractions. Done with consistency and clarity, they are lifelines; avenues to expand opportunities, gain financial resilience, and prepare for uncertainties that a single paycheck cannot cover.
He said, “I know this is easier said, but please, expand your options: start a side hustle, pursue further education, or even move to a new place if it gives you access to opportunities you would not otherwise have. Whatever path you take, do it with clarity of purpose.”
McDan insists that side hustles are built not on wishful thinking, but on clarity, discipline, and relentless execution.
