Nine months ago, I embarked on a journey that I never imagined would lead to earning money — writing on Medium. What started as a creative outlet to share my thoughts on topics I loved has grown into a fulfilling side hustle.
The best part?
The journey has been more rewarding than the monetary benefits.
Here’s how I got started, what keeps me going, and the three critical factors that have helped me succeed.
How It All Began
Passion First, Profit Later: Writing was never about money for me. As a Senior Manager in an MNC, I have a fulfilling job.
Writing became my way to express, reflect, and share my insights on living a balanced life across health, wealth, and relationships.
Breaking Free of Insecurities: Initially, I felt intimidated by the idea of putting my thoughts out in the world.
Comparing my first steps with others’ polished articles almost stopped me. But then, I asked myself:
What if my words resonate with just one person?
That thought gave me the courage to start.
Starting Small: I began writing about what I knew — life lessons, productivity tips, and personal experiences.
With no audience in mind and no expectations, I focused on consistency and enjoying the process.
Critical Factors for Success
1. Start Despite Your Inhibitions
Face the Fear: The hardest part of any journey is starting. For me, it was overcoming the fear of judgment and the inner voice saying, “What if no one reads it?”
Action Over Perfection: I stopped waiting for the “perfect” article and just wrote. The key was to put my thoughts out there, even if they felt imperfect.
Momentum is Everything: Each published article made the next one easier. Before I knew it, writing became second nature.
2. Love the Journey to Stay Consistent
Creative Outlet, Not a Chore: Writing became my way to unwind, reflect, and process life’s challenges.
Whether it was a lesson learned from running my first 5K or finding balance in life, writing helped me organize my thoughts.
Enjoy the Wins, Big or Small: My first claps, comments, and even a single new follower felt like major milestones.
Consistency Builds Momentum: I set a manageable goal of writing regularly.
Some weeks, it was one article; other weeks, it was two. But I never let long gaps creep in.
3. Write for the Reader, Not the Crowd
What’s In It for Them?: Early on, I learned to ask,
How can my story help someone else?
Each article became a conversation with one imaginary reader who might benefit from my experiences.
Relatable, Not Perfect: Readers connect with authenticity. Sharing my struggles, like overcoming work stress or building a running habit, resonated more than polished advice.
Focus on Impact, Not Views: Even when views were low, I reminded myself that if one person found value, my job was done. Over time, those small impacts compounded.
How Writing on Medium Became a Side Hustle
From Passion to Income: When I joined the Medium Partner Program, I didn’t expect much. But slowly, my articles began earning.
A few dollars turned into a steady monthly side income — albeit small but enough to feel validated.
Opportunities Unlocked: Beyond earnings, writing opened doors to connect with like-minded individuals, learn new perspectives, and refine my storytelling skills.
The Bigger Picture: The money is a bonus.
The real reward is the satisfaction of sharing my wisdom and helping others build balanced lives.
Why Money Wasn’t the Motive
As someone with a stable job and a fulfilling career, writing was never about financial gain. Instead, it was about:
Expression: A creative outlet that brought clarity and joy.
Sharing: Spreading lessons I’ve learned on balancing health, wealth, and relationships.
Impact: Making a difference, no matter how small, in someone’s life.
Key Takeaways
Start despite your insecurities. Your story matters.
Enjoy the journey; consistency will follow.
Write with the reader in mind. One meaningful connection is worth more than 1,000 views.
If you’ve been thinking about starting something new — whether it’s writing, running, or any passion — take the leap. The journey might surprise you in ways you never imagined.
If you love my content, join me on this journey of building our freedom together here!
