Side income under tension
Compare real hourly figures, not headlines
Two jobs can look equal until fees and unpaid messages are counted. Then the tension changes.
Headline rates are what clients see. Your tension depends on what remains after the cut.
| Job A | Job B | |
|---|---|---|
| Quoted | 120 | 90 |
| Fees and costs | −25 | −8 |
| Tax set-aside | −18 | −14 |
| Hours (with admin) | 6 | 3.5 |
| Real hourly | 12.8 | 19.4 |
Illustrative figures.
Job B pulls less of your week for more real pay. Prefer spokes that balance load and return.
Educational content only. Not financial, tax or legal advice; talk to a qualified professional about your situation.