Ryan Hogue, a former senior web developer and adjunct professor, has carved a path few expected, transforming his career from coding to generating a staggering $49,000 per month in passive income through multiple side hustles. Hogue’s journey began modestly in 2016 when he took on freelance coding projects for additional income. Now, having built nearly a dozen income streams—including a YouTube channel on financial literacy, an online course platform, and various e-commerce brands—he has completely shifted away from traditional employment. Recently, Hogue shared three common myths that hold people back from building successful, steady side hustles.
Myth #1: You Need to Invest Capital Before You Can Generate Money
According to CNBC, Hogue believes the idea that initial capital is essential to make money is outdated, especially in the digital age. While traditional business models often require upfront investment for rent, inventory, and employee wages, online models like print-on-demand allow entrepreneurs to start without upfront costs. In 2017, Hogue began his own print-on-demand venture on Amazon, using this low-risk model to sell custom-designed products like t-shirts and coffee mugs.
Since this model only incurs costs when an order is placed, Hogue could expand his business without initial expenses. Through services like Printful, he outsources the printing and shipping, while paying platform fees only after a sale is made. This approach keeps his overhead low, letting him retain more profit with less financial risk. His success with this model has encouraged him to expand his offerings to platforms like Etsy and eBay, proving that a savvy business model can be more important than initial capital.
Myth #2: You Can Earn Passive Income Without Any Effort
One of the most persistent myths around passive income, Hogue explains, is the idea that it requires little to no effort. He points out that with the exception of dividend stock investments, most passive income streams demand significant time, dedication, and hard work, particularly in the beginning. In his own experience, building reliable side-hustle income required a major commitment, often demanding hours of work daily in the early stages.
While some side hustlers eventually reach a point where they can step back from daily operations, Hogue stresses that consistent engagement is crucial to reach that level. Discipline and delayed gratification, he advises, are essential traits for anyone trying to create steady income as a sole proprietor. For those who seek easy money, he warns that the pursuit of side hustles will require more sustained effort than initially expected, especially in the first few years.
Myth #3: You Need a Team to Run a Business
Another common misconception, according to Hogue, is that building a successful side hustle requires a team. While having staff can enhance operations, he insists it’s not essential. From his own experience, Hogue has learned that a single person, equipped with today’s digital tools, can effectively manage and scale a business.
When he first launched his Amazon e-commerce business, Hogue dedicated up to four hours daily to manage it. However, as the business scaled and automation technologies evolved, he found himself able to reduce his time commitment drastically. Now, he spends just one hour a week maintaining that side hustle, relying heavily on AI-driven tools like MyDesigns, which assists him in auto-generating SEO-friendly product listings across multiple marketplaces. Hogue believes these tools empower solo entrepreneurs to expand their reach without the burden of managing a team.
“Today’s AI tools and design platforms allow me to create custom designs and streamline tasks that used to require significant manual effort,” he says. This automation enables him to focus on strategic growth and creative expansion rather than the repetitive tasks that would traditionally demand hiring additional help.
The Path to Sustainable Passive Income
Reflecting on his journey, Hogue emphasises that achieving a steady monthly income of $49,000 required years of consistent effort and strategic planning. The passive income streams he enjoys today, he says, are the result of a carefully cultivated foundation, not overnight success. Through his story, Hogue hopes to encourage others to break free from outdated myths and recognise that the right business model, consistent effort, and leveraging automation tools can lead to substantial financial freedom.
He also offers advice for anyone considering the side-hustle path: “The journey isn’t easy, but once you put in the work to establish these income streams, it’s liberating. Now, I can take time off whenever I want, knowing my passive income remains stable.”
