From Side Hustle to Full-Time Success: The Journey of Carter Osborne

In the bustling city of Seattle, Washington, Carter Osborne has carved a niche for himself in the world of college essay consulting. What began as a side hustle in 2017 to help with tuition payments during his graduate studies has blossomed into a thriving business, Carter Osborne Tutoring. In January 2024, he took the bold step of leaving his full-time job as a PR director to focus entirely on his passion for helping students navigate the college application process. This article delves into Carter’s journey, the challenges he faced, and the insights he gained along the way.

The Genesis of a Side Hustle

Carter’s foray into tutoring was initially driven by necessity. As a graduate student, he needed to supplement his income to manage tuition fees. "I started tutoring as a side hustle, thinking it would be a temporary solution," he recalls. However, as he honed his skills and developed a rapport with his students, he realized that this side gig was more than just a financial stopgap; it was a calling.

The Push and Pull of Change

By 2024, the demands of balancing a full-time PR job and his growing tutoring business became overwhelming. "During the busy college application season, I was essentially working two full-time jobs," Carter explains. The push to leave his PR position was fueled by the realization that his tutoring business was not only financially viable but also deeply fulfilling. "I love the artistic and creative aspect of working on college application essays," he shares. The decision to transition to full-time tutoring was not just about revenue; it was about passion and purpose.

Revenue Growth and Client Expansion

Carter’s journey from side hustle to full-time business has been marked by impressive growth. Between 2020 and 2023, he doubled his revenue from $58,000 to $114,250, increasing his client base from 37 to 54. After committing to his business full-time, he achieved a remarkable $222,000 in revenue with 66 clients. "My business is highly seasonal," he notes, with the majority of revenue generated between July and December, coinciding with college application deadlines.

The Power of Referrals

In the world of college admissions consulting, referrals are invaluable. Carter emphasizes that parents often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations when selecting a consultant for their children. "When parents want to hire someone for something as high-stakes as college admissions, they want to hear from someone they trust," he explains. This reliance on referrals has allowed Carter to build a robust network, leading to exponential growth in his client base.

Navigating Challenges

Transitioning to full-time tutoring has not been without its challenges. Carter has had to adapt to a significant increase in administrative tasks, from managing emails to scheduling and invoicing. "Staying on top of the administrative workflow has been one of the biggest challenges," he admits. As his client base grows, so does the need for efficient systems to manage the increased workload.

Looking Ahead: Building a Team

As Carter envisions the future of his business, he is excited about the prospect of building a team. "I’d like to bring someone on to help with editing and some of the at-home essay work," he shares. However, he is cautious about handing off responsibilities without thorough training. "It’ll be a long process to get the person I hire up to speed," he acknowledges.

A Global Reach

One of the most rewarding aspects of Carter’s work is the opportunity to connect with students from around the world. "Over half of my clients come from outside of Washington state," he notes. This global reach not only enriches his professional life but also allows him to learn from diverse perspectives and stories.

Advice for Aspiring Tutors

For those considering turning a tutoring side hustle into a full-time venture, Carter offers practical advice. "Map out your finances and assume that it won’t work," he suggests. This constructive negative thinking can help aspiring entrepreneurs prepare for potential challenges. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the realities of independent work, which can be both liberating and daunting.

Conclusion

Carter Osborne’s journey from a side hustle to a full-time business is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and strategic planning. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and tutors alike, illustrating that with dedication and a clear vision, it is possible to turn a passion into a thriving career. As he continues to help students craft their personal statements, Carter remains motivated by the stories he encounters, finding joy in the creative process and the impact he has on young lives.

For those looking to explore similar paths, Carter’s journey is a reminder that success often lies at the intersection of hard work, passion, and the courage to take risks.