At 47, do I take the leap?

Written By Jude Davis

Hey Jude

I am a 46 year old IT support specialist working for a data centre. The job is fine. I have done it for years and could probably do it with my eyes closed. It pays the bills, but I am bored. Every day feels like I am just clocking in and out.

My real passion is storytelling through photography. I have spent years perfecting my craft and have all the gear. My camera goes everywhere with me. Over time, I started sharing my photos on Instagram and, to my surprise, my following grew from 20 to nearly 9,000.

That said, the popularity has not brought in much money. But I cannot shake the feeling that if I dedicated more time to it, it could. The challenge is finding that time with a full time job that involves shift work.

So my question is this. At 47, do I take the leap and try to turn my side hustle into a profitable business?

Vincent

Make side hustle a profession?

Hello Vincent

9,000 followers on Instagram. That is impressive and I can see why. I checked out your work and you are genuinely talented. I wish I could share it here, but I promised to keep all entries anonymous.

You said something that stood out to me. “I’m 47.” I hear this a lot.

Age is not a deadline.

It is never too late to do the thing that brings you joy.

Your question is one that many Black professionals are asking right now. About 39 percent of Brits have a side hustle in 2025, so you are not alone in wanting something more fulfilling. Yet only 3 percent of side hustlers earn more than £2,000 a month, which is why planning matters.

The wider economy is shifting. Hiring is slowing, pay growth is weaker, and unemployment is at its highest level since 2021. Turning your passion into a business is not just about aspiration anymore. It is also about creating stability when the job market is uncertain.

So, should you go all in? Not yet. Not until you have proof your passion can sustain you. But you should start treating it like it already is your business. Create structure around it, give it time, and see what momentum builds. When the income, confidence and consistency align, that is your sign to leap.

Have a plan Do not quit your day job overnight. Give yourself time to build a cushion and test what people are willing to pay for. Treat your photography like a business, even if it starts small.

Find your circle Eight in ten Black entrepreneurs say that support from the Black community is vital for their business. That matters. Surround yourself with people who understand the journey and will push you forward. You can find that energy at places like the UK Black Business Show, Black Tech Fest and of course, The BOP. Mentors and peers are fuel when you are building something on your own.

Be consistent You have already shown that people connect with your work. Keep showing up, improving your craft, and learning the business side of it. Growth comes from doing the work, not just dreaming about it.

Look at Misan Harriman He only picked up photography seriously a few years ago and went on to shoot the cover of British Vogue. Proof that it is never too late to start.

Source: Misan Harriman

Life is too short to be bored

So keep your job if you need the stability, but keep your passion alive too. Whether it becomes your full time career or stays your creative outlet, make sure it keeps you inspired.

One last thing Every big change carries risk. There will never be a perfect time, perfect plan or perfect safety net. Sometimes you just have to trust yourself and take the leap. Faith is not the opposite of strategy. It is what keeps you moving when the plan runs out.

Jude

Learn more

Set Podcasts

  • The Side Hustle Show – practical steps to grow an idea into income

  • Black Ambition Podcast – real talk on building and scaling as a Black entrepreneur

Books

  • Start With Why by Simon Sinek – purpose first, profit second

  • The Lean Startup by Eric Ries – how to test and learn before you leap

  • Black Fortunes by Sho Wills – true stories of early Black wealth and entrepreneurship

Events to attend

  • UK Black Business Show – founded by Dr. Raphael Sofoluke to celebrate and connect Black professionals and entrepreneurs.

  • @Black Tech Fest BTF® – co-founded by Ashleigh Ainsley a three-day festival showcasing Black excellence in technology, creativity and innovation.

Jude Davis
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