How do I make my first hire when the money is irregular?

Question

I'm a copywriter in Durban running a paid newsletter that's finally making real money. My accountant says I need a VA for admin and research, but I'm terrified of committing to a salary when my income swings 40% month to month. I've been using freelance platforms, but the quality is all over the place. How did you know when it was safe to hire, and how did you structure it so you didn't drown?

Yousef A. Al Suwaidi · Accepted Answer

I tried a VA for three months. The cash flow was okay, but the real issue was onboarding. I spent more time explaining than doing. What worked better was hiring someone for one repeatable task—like scheduling social posts—and paying per batch. It was a test. It failed at first because I didn't document the process. Once I did, it worked. So I'd say: pick one thing you do weekly, write it down step by step, then hire for that one thing. Not a general VA.

Liam Doucet · Answer

Hire for a specific task. Not a role. Put a number on the hours.

Noor Rashid · Answer

You're smart to ask before jumping. I've been exactly where you are, and what worked for me was starting with a part-time contractor on a fixed monthly retainer for set hours. That way you know the cost, and they know the commitment. It felt like a big step, but it freed me up to focus on the work that actually brings in money.

Vikram Gupta · Answer

Just set a fixed salary and trust the process. If you hire the right person, they'll generate more than they cost. I did it and never looked back.

Lars Dekker · Answer

Your accountant is right that you need help, but wrong that it has to be a salary. I'd look at your revenue over the last six months. If the lowest month can cover a part-time contractor's fixed hours, do that. Otherwise, you're gambling. I made that mistake and had to let someone go. It sucked. Now I only hire when I have three months of their cost in the bank. Not glamorous, but safe.

Desmond Ellison · Answer

Following. Let me know what you decide.

How do I make my first hire when the money is irregular?

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