Shalom Lamm on the Leap: How to Know When Your Side Hustle is Ready to Become Your Full-Time Business

Every entrepreneur knows the thrill of building something on the side—after work, on weekends, or between life’s many demands. For many, a side hustle starts as a creative outlet or a supplemental income stream. But at some point, it starts to grow. Sales increase. Clients return. People talk.

So, how do you know when it’s time to turn your side hustle into your main hustle?

Entrepreneur Shalom Lamm has been there. With a career spanning real estate, e-commerce, and social impact ventures, Lamm has made the leap more than once—and helped others do the same. In this post, he shares his insights on how to recognize the right moment to commit fully and turn your side gig into a thriving business.

The Allure—and the Safety—of a Side Hustle

Side hustles are appealing because they’re relatively low-risk. You can test ideas, build skills, and earn extra income without leaving the security of a full-time job. But staying in the “safe zone” for too long can stunt growth.

“There’s a point when your side hustle stops being a hobby and starts demanding the kind of attention only a full-time commitment can give,” Shalom Lamm explains. “If you ignore that moment, you could end up losing momentum—or worse, burn yourself out trying to do both.”

1. You’re Making Consistent, Reliable Revenue

A few lucky wins or viral moments don’t necessarily signal long-term success. But if your side hustle brings in steady monthly income—enough to at least match (or come close to) your living expenses—it may be ready to stand on its own.

Lamm advises entrepreneurs to look at trends, not just spikes. “You want to see three to six months of consistency,” he says. “If your revenue is stable and growing without you having to force it, that’s a great sign.”

2. You’re Out of Time (and Energy)

Balancing a full-time job and a side hustle can be sustainable for a while—but not forever. If you’re constantly sacrificing sleep, family time, or your mental health to meet client demands or fulfill orders, it’s time to reassess.

“Many of the people I mentor reach a point where they’re working two full-time jobs—one they’re employed for, and one they’re passionate about,” says Lamm. “Eventually, something has to give. The smart move is to choose the one that builds your future.”

3. Your Market is Responding

Beyond money, there’s another key indicator: demand. If customers are finding you organically, giving referrals, or requesting services you haven’t even marketed yet, your side hustle has serious traction.

“This is where intuition matters,” Lamm explains. “If you sense that the market wants more from you—and you just need more time to deliver—it’s probably time to leap.”

4. You’ve Validated Your Business Model

If you’ve tested your product or service, know who your audience is, and understand your acquisition channels, you’ve already done what many startups struggle with post-launch.

Lamm adds: “Before going full-time, make sure you know what makes your business scalable. Do you have systems in place? Can your model handle growth? If the answer is yes, don’t wait for permission.”

5. You’re More Excited by Your Side Hustle Than Your Day Job

Perhaps the most emotional—but telling—indicator: passion. If your 9-to-5 has become a source of frustration while your side hustle energizes you, you’re likely mentally already halfway out the door.

“I tell entrepreneurs, listen to your energy,” says Lamm. “Where are you most alive? That’s where you should be investing your time.”

Planning the Leap

Even if all signs point toward going full-time, don’t leap blindly. Lamm suggests the following steps:

• Build a 6-month financial cushion to reduce stress.
  
• Create a formal business plan with revenue projections and marketing strategy.
  
• Test full-time workflows during weekends or vacation to simulate life after the leap.
  
• Seek mentorship from those who’ve transitioned before.
  

“Jumping from side hustle to full-time is a calculated risk,” says Lamm. “But it’s one that can change your life—if you’ve done the homework.”

Final Thoughts

The leap from side hustle to real business isn’t about quitting a job—it’s about stepping fully into your potential. Shalom Lamm’s journey reminds us that success lies not just in building something profitable, but in knowing when to back it with your full attention.

If you’re seeing the signs, feeling the pull, and ready to grow—your side hustle might be telling you it’s time.

And when that moment comes, trust yourself to leap.