'I turned my side hustle into a career. Here's what I want everyone to know.'

Thanks to our brand partner, CQUniversity

When it comes to building a career, there used to be a myth you had to follow a straight line: get a degree, climb the ladder and stick to the plan. But the more stories we see and hear — online and in real life — the clearer it becomes that careers are rarely linear.

Now, we're bombarded with another fairytale — "just start a side hustle!". As if turning a hobby into six figures is as easy as posting on Instagram and waiting for the money to roll in.

Whether you're doing school pickups or trying to remember the last time you had a moment to yourself, both stories can feel unrealistic.

Enter Sam Devers — proof there's a third, realistic path. She turned her bookkeeping business into a thriving company — not overnight, but step by step around her real life.

"I'd worked in accounts and payroll, but when I was pregnant with my last child, I knew I needed more flexibility," Sam told Mamamia.

With newborn nights and a blended family to care for, Sam knew she had the resilience to take on something big — so she backed herself and started a business.

"I needed to work around my family and shift-working husband, so I completed my Cert IV in Bookkeeping and BAS Agent certification," she explained.

What started as a practical work–life balance solution became much more. Now, Sam is Founder and Director of Small Biz HQ, Central Queensland's only independent bookkeeping and payroll firm — and the first female president of the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce in 130 years (yes, 130 YEARS of blokes before her).

Here's what Sam wants you to know about turning your side hustle into a full-time career.

Lesson 1: The right education can transform your future.

As Sam's bookkeeping business began to grow, she realised education would be key to taking it to the next level. Despite past setbacks, she found her path at CQUniversity.

"As a Central Queensland local, CQUniversity was a logical step," she explained. "The Graduate Certificate in Business Consulting seemed like a good fit to gain insight into my own business and help my clients in a more practical manner beyond just bookkeeping."

Image: Supplied.

What made all the difference was CQU's recognition of her real-world experience.

"Before this, I'd dropped out of uni twice and never finished an undergraduate degree. The application by certification of my work experience meant I could access further education without feeling like I was less than. This was my way of seeing if I could go back to study — and I loved it."

The impact was immediate. "It showed me the research behind things I was already doing and implementing in my business and how to improve on what I'd been doing."

"For example, we had to write a Capability Statement as part of the course, which was a fantastic practical application of what we learned. And the Transformational Leadership unit made me reflect on how I lead and how I can improve those skills."

Lesson 2: Starting small doesn't mean staying small.

Sam's business journey began humbly — the classic dining-table-as-office kind of humble — but quickly expanded.

"My reputation and business grew from working around my dining room table with casual staff to shared office space with part-time staff to where I am now: in my own office with a permanent team and a business partner."

Lesson 3: Be prepared for the reality of business ownership.

Sam doesn't sugarcoat what it takes to turn a side hustle into a business.

"It's like being a parent — rewarding but nonstop, with no days off. If you're brave enough, you'll grow in ways you never imagined."

It's not just Instagram flat lays and 'passive income' moments. Sometimes it's midnight spreadsheets and doubting yourself (but at least you're in your pyjamas).

Sam advises tapping into government and association resources to start then moving on to formal coaching and study when ready.

Lesson 4: Flexibility is everything.

For Sam, fitting learning around her commitments wasn't just nice, it was non-negotiable. When you're already juggling family responsibilities, study has to work around your schedule not the other way around.

"The course at CQU was online, which let me fit study around my workload and family. Watching recorded lectures in my own time meant I could add study to my busy schedule."

Sam found creative ways to fit learning into her life. "I listened to lectures during my commute, reviewed materials later and took my reading anywhere — camping, doing housework or waiting for kids at the bus stop."

Lesson 5: You know more than you think you do.

One of the most powerful revelations for Sam was discovering the value of her existing knowledge.

"The study was so validating. Taking knowledge from life experience, understanding the theories behind it and applying it while improving my own business was incredible. I achieved high grades for all my subjects and that made me proud."

Her message to others, especially women considering returning to study, is the pep talk we all need:

"For women who've given up parts of careers or study for families, further education is well worth it. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience — it just needs to be applied. We know more than we think."

Lesson 6: Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential.

Making time for self-care is essential for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.

"Prioritise yourself and allow for downtime. Meal planning helped take daily decisions off my plate. Support from family and friends is the only way to make it all work."

"Take days off where you do nothing. Binge-watch movies or go camping with no technology. It's amazing how much you can accomplish if you just REST. And learn to say NO. I haven't yet but I hear it's a really good skill."

Lesson 7: Creating your own path brings unique rewards.

Looking back, Sam values the freedom her business gives her.

"My favourite part of working for myself is being there for my family — for special events and whatever life throws our way. I've built a business that lets me work from anywhere, and I plan to take full advantage one day."

She's also very proud of her journey: "I built this business from the ground up, learning every painful lesson the hard way but with help from great programs and coaches, I'm still here."

When asked about turning her side hustle into a career, Sam summed it up simply: "Mind-opening."

Isn't that what we all want? Not just a job but something that opens our minds to new possibilities?

Visit CQUniversity to explore flexible study options.

Feature Image: Supplied.

At CQUniversity, we know excellence can take many forms. Through contemporary courses combined with more choices and real support, we empower our students to achieve their ambitions and career goals, whatever they may be. Create the success that means more to you. Be. With CQU.