Make Money · Side Hustle

How long until it pays you back?

Startup cost vs monthly profit, with and without the time you're giving up. Honest math — most projects fail or pivot before 24 months.

Inputs

Startup cost (USD) Tools, domain, design, initial marketing.

Monthly revenue (projected)

Monthly operating cost Hosting, ads, SaaS subs.

Hours / week

Your hourly opportunity cost Consulting rate, day-job hourly, or minimum wage.

Financial payback

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Time-adjusted payback

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Net at 12 months

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Net at 24 months

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Revenue is constant. Real projects have a ramp curve (slow early, growth later).
Time-value math assumes your hours are billable / have an alternative use. If you're trading TV time, opportunity cost ≈ 0.
Most side hustles need 6-18 months to validate; factor in learning curve and slow initial traction.
Tax on net profit not modeled (~20-37% self-employment).
Verdict thresholds: under 12 months = worth it; 12-24 months = marginal; over 24 = high risk.