When you’re working full-time or have your hands full with family responsibilities, increasing your income by $1,500 per month might seem like an unrealistic goal.
But consider this: The average side hustler earns $1,122 per month working 11 to 16 hours per week, according to a recent survey by survey by Side Hustle Nation. Granted, the after-tax income is a little low and the time investment is too high for people already stretched thin, but “average” means some people are doing much better than that.
With all that in mind, I challenged ChatGPT to produce a plan for making $1,500 per month by working just 10 hours per week. Here’s how it said to approach the plan:
Step 1: Evaluate Your Skills and Generate Fast Cash
ChatGPT suggested devoting three months to building a solid foundation for your long-term gig while generating some quick cash. To do this, you can start by listing skills that might help you land side gigs that could realistically pay $37.50 per hour (that’s $1,500 divided by 40 hours per month).
If you have an academic background or a professional license or certification, a tutoring platform like Varsity Tutors might be a good place to start. If you’re a programmer or a creative, a money whiz or social media maven, get on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fivver. You might even do some pro bono work for a charitable organization. The goal here is to identify markets for your skills and start building a portfolio of work.
In the meantime, consider signing up with a quick-start side gig like rideshare or deliveries. The extra cash will help tide you over while you develop your long-term plan.
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Step 2: Choose Your Side Hustle and Raise Your Rates
By month four, you should have a good sense of what’s working and what isn’t. ChatGPT said this is the time to “pick one lane” and, over the next four months, shift your efforts from freelance platforms to marketing directly to potential clients.
With that shift comes a rate increase — no more competing against freelancers willing to work for peanuts. Not surprising, the chatbot suggested using AI to “speed delivery without sacrificing quality” as you craft marketing materials like email and social media posts.
Step 3: Create Your Systems
Your business needs standard operating procedures, a budget, an efficient workflow and a marketing funnel. ChatGPT recommended getting these systems in place by month nine so you can scale up quickly.
At the same time, look for opportunities to “productize” your services. For instance, a web designer might create a four-page starter package that includes a template-based homepage and “About,” “Products” and “Contact Us” pages for a flat fee.
How To Decide if This Plan Is Right for You
ChatGPT ignored important considerations like taxes, business insurance (risk mitigation) and the potential for burnout. It’s a good idea to ask yourself whether these aspects of a side hustle align with your goals and other priorities. If they do, then full speed ahead. If they don’t, you can always continue your quick moneymaker or platform work while you revise your long-term plan.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT for a Side Hustle Roadmap To Earn $1,500 a Month — What It Said
