Setting Realistic Side Hustle Goals: How to Earn Your First $5000 in 3 Months

Author

Lala Ina
September 21, 2023

Diving into the side hustle world, I often hear ambitious targets. And while it's exciting to set your sights on, say, an extra $5000 in a short period, it's also good to be realistic. Think about it: your success relies not just on ambition but on your unique skills, the time you can invest, and your existing responsibilities.

You might say, “What’s the danger in aiming too high?” Overloading yourself is really tempting. I've seen many wear the badge of "side hustler" while juggling two full-time jobs. But that's not side hustling; that’s just doubling your 9-5.

The essence of a side hustle is to supplement your primary income, not replace or double it. Whether you reach your financial goals quickly or over time, the critical part is to tread carefully. Always prioritize the quality of your work and maintain good relationships with clients. Because, trust me, sacrificing your reputation for quick cash is a game you don't want to play.

Now, before we jump into the strategies on how you can earn that extra $5000, let's start with the basics.

Understand Your Starting Point

What's your strength?

Every one of you has skills you can monetize right now. Maybe you're in marketing, project management, or even admin roles. Believe me, there's a virtual version of what you do, and someone is willing to pay for it.

Market research

I'm not over heels for those common freelancing sites, but they have their merits. They're kind of like the window display of the freelancing world. A quick look at Upwork can give you a feel for the demand for your skills. If you see a bustling market for what you offer, that's a green light. But remember, it's not just about grabbing the first opportunity. Platforms like LinkedIn are fantastic for cultivating direct, meaningful client relationships. Think of those freelancing sites as the stepping stone, not the destination.

Time commitment

Let's be real. How many hours can you set aside weekly for your side hustle? If you're clocking in at about 5-10 hours, it might be wise to look at project-based gigs. Now, if you're leaning towards a virtual assistant role, many are hourly. But for those with specialized skills, say in project management, you might find that project-based work suits your schedule better and can be more rewarding. Always make sure your commitment matches your capacity. That's the key to a sustainable and successful side hustle.

Breaking Down the $5000 Target

Earning $5000 in three months means targeting about $1600+ monthly.

To make this clearer and more achievable, let's break it down into potential services you can offer and how much you can earn from each:

Example #1: Content Marketing Services

If you take on multiple tasks, the combined income from your content marketing services over three months could be:

  • Content Writing: $600 per month - 5 hours per week.

  • Newsletter Management: $250 per month - 5 hours per week.

  • Virtual Assistant: $750 per month - 10 hours per week.

Total for the combined services: $1600 per month or $4800 over three months.

Example #2: On-Demand Project Management/Consultancy Services:

With specialized skills in project management or consultancy, you can command a higher rate. Offering on-demand services for clients that need specialized help can be lucrative:

  • Project Management/Consultancy: $1500 per month - 5 hours per week.

Total for this role: $1500 per month or $4500 over three months.

Remember, these figures are approximations. Your actual earnings might vary based on client needs, market rates, and your efficiency. The key is to choose roles that align with your skills and availability and to remain adaptable and proactive in your approach.

How to Promote Your Side Hustles

Build a Portfolio

This is always the first step when you start freelancing. And before you say something like you don't have any previous clients to do a portfolio yet, you honestly don't need to. Create real-life examples yourself. As long as you can showcase that you can actually do your services, there is nothing wrong with using examples you generated yourself.

Sometimes, you might spend your initial month setting this up without seeing a penny. That's precisely why rushing to quit your day job isn't the best idea. Ease into it; let your side hustle grow organically.

Use Social Media Wisely

Between all the trending topics and personal updates, platforms like LinkedIn are untapped resources for freelancers. If you're not already leveraging LinkedIn automation, now's the time. It's a nifty way to make LinkedIn do the heavy lifting in networking. Remember, it's not just about being present; it's about being proactive!

Network with other freelancers

Your fellow freelancers are not your competitors. More often than not, they're your ticket in. Collaborate, engage, and be genuinely helpful. When they're overloaded with tasks, guess who they'll think of for a helping hand? That's right, you. And when it comes to communities like Fud, think of it as a social hub of like-minded pros, many of whom might just be looking for the exact skills you offer!

How to Maintain Consistency and Motivation

  • Track Your Progress: Digital tools like Notion or Trello can help you manage your tasks and deadlines effectively, keeping anxiety at bay.

  • Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledge even the small victories because they fuel your motivation. Also, it's not about hitting $5000 immediately but building a sustainable side hustle. Adjust goals as needed.

  • Overcome Challenges: Side hustling has its ups and downs. Understand that it's a journey. Find a mentor, join a community, and always be open to learning.

How to Prepare for Growth and Expansion

  • Invest in Efficiency: Consider tools that automate repetitive tasks or step-by-step guides that enhance your skills. Platforms like Fud offer guides for side hustlers.

  • Delegate: As demand increases, consider hiring or collaborating with other freelancers.

  • Have a long-term plan: If you're content with a side hustle, that's perfect. But if you envision it as a full-time gig in the future, start planning now.


    The journey towards a successful side hustle begins with a single step. Know your worth, strategize, and, most importantly, start.

Additional Resources

Fud provides actionable insights and step-by-step guides for budding side hustlers.

Here are some of the step-by-step guides we'd like to highlight.

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