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Promise Amajuoyi
- 2 Min Read
Can You Really Go From Broke To Booked With Just A Side Hustle?
Let’s be honest. Being broke isn’t just about money—it’s the stress, the self-doubt, and that feeling of being stuck.
I’ve been there. No savings. No connections. Just a dream, some free time, and a phone.
But here’s the question:
Can you really go from broke to booked—just by starting a side hustle?
The short answer?
Yes. But not the way social media makes it look.
1. First, What Does “Booked” Even Mean?
Being “booked” doesn’t always mean you’re making 6-figures.
It means:
You have consistent clients or customers
People are actually paying you for your skill or service
You’re not begging for gigs—you’re turning some away
It’s proof that your hustle has turned into something real.
2. What I Started With (And You Can Too)
I didn’t have fancy tools, a laptop, or any experience. But I had:
Free time at night
A willingness to learn
A phone with Canva, WhatsApp, and Google Docs
I chose a no-cost skill to sell: making simple flyers and Instagram content for small businesses. I practiced using free templates, then messaged 10 business pages offering to design 1 free sample.
That’s how I landed my first paid client—within a week.
3. The Turning Point: Value Over Perfection
Most people stay broke in their hustle because they chase perfection instead of value.
Here’s what flipped the game for me:
Offering results, not services (e.g., “I’ll help you attract more customers” > “I make flyers”)
Asking for referrals after each job
Raising my price slightly every few jobs
You don’t need to know everything—you just need to solve a small problem well.
4. Mindset Shift: You Don’t Need Permission
No one is going to tell you “you’re ready.” You have to decide you are.
If you wait until you feel confident, you’ll never start.
If you start, confidence comes from the results.
Here’s what helped me stay focused:
Keep it simple: One offer. One platform. One goal.
Track everything: Who you pitched, who replied, who paid.
Celebrate small wins: $5 today could be $500 a month from now.
5. From Broke to Booked: Real, Not Instant
Let’s be clear:
I didn’t make millions. But I did go from zero to:
Clients messaging me for work
Earning more than my old job, part-time
Building skills I can now sell for even more
That’s what “booked” looks like when you start from nothing.
Want to Start Your Own Journey? Try This:
1. Pick a simple skill: (design, writing, editing, tutoring, voiceovers)
2. Create 1-2 samples using free tools (Canva, CapCut, Google Docs)
3. Offer it to 10 people today. Don’t overthink—just offer.
4. Improve with each job. You’ll get faster, better, and more confident.
Final Thoughts:
Yes, you can go from broke to booked.
Not overnight. Not without effort. But with the right mindset, one skill, and the courage to start messy—you’ll get there.
You don’t need perfect.
You need proof that it’s possible—and now you have it.
Your Turn:
Have you started your side hustle journey yet?
What’s stopping you—or what helped you push through?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s grow together.
