'My side hustle as a DJ has been anything but a distraction to my work'

I never expected anything from DJing. It became my side hustle almost by accident. I was at a party late one night when I had a go on some decks and my best friend, who also happened to be the top DJ in town, was quite impressed with my sense of music and so they offered to teach me.

 

I started as a music lover, became a bedroom DJ, and now get to perform to crowds of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people at some of Hong Kong’s coolest clubs and events. It was a hobby that I loved from the start, continued to work at, and eventually became a source of income for me.

 

Since those first days on the decks, my day job has also evolved; from my first role as an administrative officer in a boutique advertising agency, to managing artwork productions, to client servicing positions in larger agencies, where I’ve worked my way up to my current role as business director, working with clients with multi-market requirements across Asia, and beyond. I can’t deny the exhilaration of playing to packed dancefloors into the wee hours of the morning, but while my career in advertising is perhaps slightly less thrilling most of the time, I’m really passionate about it and it’s always been my priority.

 

My DJing wasn’t exactly my dirty little secret, but I was certainly never very open about it at work. I never wanted it to distract from what I was doing in the agency, for clients, and it also felt something very personal—a separate part of my life that should probably stay that way. I was working hard to prove myself at work, and I didn’t want to give the impression that my heart was somewhere else, that I wasn’t focused. The clubs I was DJing in felt like a world away from the office and it was easy enough to just simply never really mention the fact I was spinning records on the side. It only helped that the schedules are so different too…. the only thing I had to occasionally sacrifice was sleep.

 

When I take a step back though, I realise that my side hustle has been anything but a distraction to my work in advertising. While DJing is a completely different creative outlet, I can confidently say that it has genuinely helped me with my day job, and vice versa.

 

One big advantage I've gained is the open-mindedness and confidence I have when I meet new people. DJing pushes you to interact and bond with a wide range of individuals, and I've really started to appreciate the experience of getting to know different people and hearing their stories. Being able to build trust quickly and establish strong relationships is especially vital in account servicing. I've definitely improved in this area over the years, and I credit DJing for a lot of that growth.

 

Creatively, not only have I developed a stronger sense of art in general, I have a greater appreciation for the critical role music plays in a brand’s communications, especially for TVC and online video, but also on social media, at events, etc. Likewise, building the vibe and creating emotion through music in advertising also serves as inspiration for my DJ performances. Knowing how to drive emotions and connect with those on the dance floor is something that is hard to explain; it’s an instinctive feeling that guides me in choosing what tracks I’m going to play next. This instinct and general ability to engage an audience is something I continue to improve on and am able to use in both roles, be it from behind the DJ decks, in front of a PowerPoint presentation, or considering the consumer a campaign hopes to connect with. 

 

Having not been very forthcoming about my side hustle, I have rarely ever invited colleagues to any of my events. Of course, as my DJing became more of a profession and my following grew, it was only a matter of time before my worlds somewhat collided… and I distinctly remember the first time I was recognised at a gig. I was performing at an outdoor party at Central Harbourfront, and both colleagues and clients spotted me on stage and later asked if it was really me up there. I remember feeling very awkward but had to come clean and say yes. To my surprise, the reaction was incredibly supportive…. and it’s never not been since I’ve revealed this fact about myself.

 

Ultimately, being able to carry off a successful side hustle requires a strong character and confidence in yourself. I think a lot about how I want people to see me and what impression I want to make, be it before I start on a work project or hit play on a track. Everything from my outfit to my interactions at work or during gigs is something I’m mindful of. For a long time, I believed it was best to keep my day job and my side hustle totally separate, but I’ve recently started to see things differently. Over time I’ve come to realise that people will only perceive my side hustle as a distraction if I portray it as that. I can actually embrace both sides of myself without one overshadowing the other.

 

I also realise I’m lucky to be in a work environment that is extremely supportive of creative pursuits outside of the agency. DDB’s famous 'Four Freedoms—freedom from fear, freedom to fail, freedom from chaos, and freedom to be—are important governing values for our agency, and I know I am absolutely free to DJ, and still be respected and appreciated in the office. Both DJing and advertising require passion and professionalism and I should be proud of what I continue to achieve in both.

 

I think it’s also worth noting that there is a liberation in sharing more of yourself at work. My colleagues and clients are always curious and encouraging—sharing this part of myself is usually met with an impressed, “wow, DJ Jodi!”, or something like, “that’s so dope!”. I’m always surprised at how positive the reaction is, but I’m so appreciative and it continues to boost my confidence. I even got on the decks at a recent agency party which felt a bit surreal—but the world didn’t fall apart, it was great fun and everyone loved it.

 

No matter where you are in your career, who you're working for, or what your workplace is like, it's important to stand firm and proud in your own skin and not be afraid to show your character. I can’t say that a side hustle is a good way to balance the chaos of work life, but it is a good way to discover your true self and help you express it. It’s been a journey to find the pride in wearing two hats but I would say that if you can find a side hustle that allows you to be yourself, and be proud of yourself, then go for it… and don’t be afraid to share your journey.

 

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