In this episode of Pull Up a Chair, co-hosts Brandee Blocker Anderson and Haleh Rabizadeh Resnick dive into the complex world of side hustles, debating whether starting a business on the side is a brilliant path toward financial freedom or a fast track to burnout.

Using the classic IRAC legal framework, they examine the critical tension between employee autonomy and employer expectations. Brandee shares her personal journey of transitioning from corporate law to launching her own animated series, Teach Me Antiracism: Allyship, while Haleh offers a pragmatic counter-perspective on the professional risks of dividing your focus and the value of keeping outside ventures under wraps.

Finally, they break down the CLEAR test—a five-part ethical and practical checklist (Contract, Loyalty, Energy, Assets, Records) designed to help you safely evaluate and manage your side gig without jeopardizing your day job or professional reputation.