In the world of side hustles, success stories often shine the brightest. Meet Carter Osborne, a 28-year-old who embarked on a side hustle that not only doubled his income but also transformed into a lucrative six-figure venture.
Osborne’s journey began in 2017 while pursuing his master’s degree in public administration at the University of Washington. It all started as an endeavor to earn some extra cash. Little did he know that advising high school seniors on their college application essays would pave the way for a significant financial milestone.
Coming from a family of educators, Osborne had a unique perspective on the college application process, one he found enjoyable during his own academic journey. Drawing inspiration, he sought the guidance of a consultant he had worked with when applying to Stanford University for his undergraduate degree in political science. This consultant, generous with her knowledge, agreed to mentor Osborne and even referred three clients to kickstart his venture.
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Osborne’s side hustle “snowballed,” as he describes it. In 2021, he assisted 40 students with their college admission essays, resulting in earnings of $113,550 for the year, as per documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. Even in the following year, as he scaled down slightly to avoid burnout, Osborne worked with 33 clients over Zoom, still raking in an impressive $77,120. Astonishingly, his side hustle income began to rival his full-time salary as a public relations account director.
Osborne’s path to success is a testament to the power of word-of-mouth referrals. With no marketing expenses, his clients came to him through recommendations. However, this journey demanded dedication. During the peak application season from October to December, Osborne juggled a staggering 70-hour workweek between his two roles, often joking with friends that he’d see them again in January.
His clients come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own aspirations, financial situations, and writing abilities. As a result, his workload and earnings vary significantly. Osborne charges around $180 per hour for his services but offers discounts to families in genuine need of financial support. Crafting multiple essays, including personal statements, supplemental prompts, and the sometimes-optional “Covid essay,” can be a time-consuming task, especially for students applying to numerous schools.
Yet, Osborne’s commitment goes beyond just writing. He serves as a mentor and sounding board, helping students navigate the daunting task of expressing their unique stories effectively. In his own words, he walks “the ethical line,” refusing to write essays for students and occasionally challenging parents’ overly involved suggestions. For Osborne, the essence of each essay holds greater importance than its construction.
One of his success stories highlights how he guided a student who was passionate about fantasy football to uncover the valuable skills gained from this hobby. The resulting essay showcased creative writing, statistical analysis, graphic design, social media, and marketing skills, ultimately securing the student’s spot at his dream school.
Emotionally investing in his clients during a critical phase of their lives is rewarding but demanding. Osborne often takes late-night phone calls, striving to be there for his students. To strike a balance, he scaled down his side hustle in the past year, particularly after achieving a promotion in his full-time job. His earnings from the side hustle even played a pivotal role in purchasing a house with his girlfriend.
By reducing his client load and avoiding weekend work, Osborne improved his focus, memory, and overall well-being. Despite the challenges, he finds fulfillment in helping students achieve their dreams, acknowledging that sometimes embracing the struggle is part of the journey.
