2011 Freelance/Side Income Breakdown
A huge goal of mine was to increase my income by 50% this year and bring in $25,000 in freelance/side income, and I am thrilled to say that I not only accomplished this goal, but I crushed it. Okay, well, maybe I didn’t crush it. But I definitely exceeded my expectations.
In 2009 I only made a few thousand dollars in freelance/side income, and in 2010, I made approximately $8,000. It wasn’t a lot, so how was I able to jump from $8,000 to $25,000? There isn’t an easy answer to that question. I worked hard, and had a couple of big breaks.
Here’s how my income broke down per month:
January $1,214
February $2,488
March $3,444
April $2,314
May $1,297
June $1,863
July $2,536
August $2,097
September $4,362
October $4,850
November $3,594
December $2,366
TOTAL: $32,425
My income started to skyrocket right around September, which coincided with taking on another freelance contract AND the Financial Blogger Conference. I don’t actually think that FINCON11 did anything for me in terms of directly increasing my income, but I do think that it helped me get more traffic to my blog.
2012
Well this will be the first time since I was 15 that I haven’t been employed by a company, and it’s scary. I spent the last 2 weeks freaking out about taking such a drastic pay cut by leaving my day job. But, after running the numbers for this upcoming year, I’m feeling a lot better about it. At least a lot better about meeting my obligations.
It looks like I’ll be able to count on around $35-40k coming in from steady freelance work. And as for the rest? Well that’s all up to me and my hustle. I’m aiming for a $70,000 salary, so that means I’ll have to bring in an additional $30-35k. That’s basically an extra $3,000 each month. Hmm.
20 Responses to “2011 Freelance/Side Income Breakdown”
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I think you killed it! That’s pretty awesome, especially considering you were working a full time job at the time and still having a life. Looks like you’re on a great trend to start on a really positive note in 2012. Good luck!
AMD @ amomsdime´s latest post —> January Budget
All the best as you strive for your goals!
Stephanie´s latest post —> Mid-week ramblings
Wow you did so good!
Thanks for this post! One of my goals is to make $25K in freelance income this year, and I have to say you are one of my inspirations. :) I can’t wait to read about your adventures in Europe.
Well Heeled Blog´s latest post —> 2012 Goals: Big Changes Are A Coming!
I read about that goal on your website, and I’m so excited and happy for you! It’s a great goal for you to aim for.
I think you’re rockin’. Keep up the good work!
My Own Advisor´s latest post —> December 2011 Dividend Income Update
This is pretty incredible! Just think of what you’ll accomplish once you get going with the full-time freelancing.
Don’t forget that you’re going to have all that other time you spent at your job to devote to your hustling now–I’d imagine you’re going to blow right past that $70K mark!
So jealous.
When you say a freelance contract, you mean guest posting on other financial websites?
The Girl Next Door´s latest post —> 2011 Highlights*, 2012 Goals
No, when I say “freelance contract,” I actually mean an ongoing writing assignment (like a column) with a major media outlet – like a magazine, newspaper, or big financial website.
“When you say a freelance contract, you mean guest posting on other financial websites?”
I’d love the know more about your freelance income as well. I find it hard to believe you can make almost $5000/month writing guest posts on other blogs. How many blogs actually pay for guest posts?
I actually don’t write for any blogs. I currently write for newspapers, magazines, and their online websites. Aside from writing, I am also a graphic designer, and I freelance in marketing as well.
Also, a lot of blogs pay for content. They might not pay very much, but the work is out there if you’re looking for it.
Great job! You are totally my inspiration! And I know you will hit 70k this year. If anyone can do it, you can.
Fig´s latest post —> Bits & Pieces 1/2/12
It’s so great to see your progress!! I don’t think you’ll have any problems reaching your 70K goal. I’m so happy for you and your upcoming adventure. Seize the day! :)
Carrie´s latest post —> Google in 2012
You go girl!!!! I am so excited you’re making this huge move to Europe and although at times it may feel like you’re moving backwards than forwards, it will pay off in the end!!! Go get em!
You definitely killed it! Way to go!!!
That’s impressive and I’m sure it must have been tough juggling your freelance work along with you full time job. Looks like 2011 was a huge success.
Every time I read your blog, I walk away totally inspired.I have no doubt that you’ll crush your $70K goal in 2012.
Jen @ SheBloggs´s latest post —> Goodbye 2011 and Goodbye Debt!
Nice work!!! Super inspiring!
Simple Rich Living´s latest post —> My Happiness Project Week 01-2012
[...] an additional $25,000. CHECK! I ended up making $32,425 in total. I am happy that I was able to achieve this [...]
Woot! You did awesome Krystal!!
Maybe we could go hiking together sometime lol. Then we can both cross hiking off our resolutions list.
I think you’ll crush your 70K goal too, but if you don’t, just be confident that you’re making $40K working part time on their own time/ own hours and many people can’t say that they can do that. Making $40K working PT is like living the financial freedom dream for many!
youngandthrifty´s latest post —> 2011 New Years Resolutions- A Year in Review
[...] blog has been inspiring me a lot this week, especially her 2011 freelance and side income breakdown and 2011 goals [...]
Reading about your financial adventures is really inspiring! I’ve only been employed at a large company for a year now (all of my previous jobs were part time or less than $15/hour) and I’ve only caught a tiny glimpse of what kind of money is to be made out there.
It’s one of my goals to gain more freelancing jobs for graphic design this year. Reading your blog is such an inspiration for me.
You will totally get your 70K goal! You’ve reached 32K so far and you can only go up! Woo~