Planning
The first twelve weeks of side work
Most people who stop side work stop between weeks three and six. That's usually the point where the setup is done, the first jobs are small, and nothing yet looks like it will last. Knowing that this stage is normal makes it easier to judge the work fairly.
Weeks one and two: candling
Potters warm a kiln gently at first to drive out moisture. Your first two weeks do the same job: set up profiles, read platform rules and fees, check your employment contract, and find out how side income is taxed where you live. Expect to earn nothing yet.
Weeks three to six: bisque
The first jobs arrive slowly. They're often small, and you'll take longer on them than you will later. Keep a log of hours spent and money received. It's the only way to see, later, whether things are improving.
Weeks seven to ten: glaze
If the work suits you, this is when patterns appear: a returning client, a few reviews, a routine that fits your free hours. If none of that is happening, the log will help you see why.
Weeks eleven and twelve: cooling
Take an evening to read the log. Divide the money received, after fees and costs, by the hours spent. Ask whether the hours came out of time you actually wanted to give. Then decide: keep going, change something, or stop. Stopping after an honest test is a good result too.
Keep the heat low
Start with fewer hours than you think you can manage. It's much easier to add hours in week eight than to recover from burning out in week four.
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