Is it realistic?

[DayOne]

I've graduated from my undergraduate degree at university and am currently studying for a masters degree (in journalism), I will complete my masters in September and am therefore beginning to think about what to do next.

Like a lot of people on here seem to be, I'm 9to5aphobic! I really want to be my own boss, manage my own time and aim for success on my own. I don't want to go straight into a 9 to 5 job without giving something different a go.

I was therefore thinking that, starting today, I would begin making websites (I've done it before and have a couple of ideas). I'm able to commit significant amounts of time to it as I currently only work part-time at weekends and have six hours of university during the week (plus private study obviously).

I could really put a lot of effort into developing a couple of websites between now and September and see if I could generate any income from them. However, after September, I will have about £200 per month in student loan to pay off, and don't have any significant savings. I'm earning money at my part-time job, but I'm not sure if I'm being unrealistic in thinking that I have any chance to earn a living purely by setting up websites (and maybe a bit of freelance journalism work if I can get it - though I'm not sure how).

...in writing this and thinking about how people might respond, I have partially answered my own question actually. I guess I don't have anything to lose by trying. I'm not doing anything else until September so I might as well go for it.

I would still be interested in hearing opinions though. Do you think my plan is sensible? Do you have any advice about how I could make it succeed? One of my website ideas is to do with aquarium fish (an interest of mine), I thought it has potential to attract a significant number of visitors whilst still being a niche topic. It also has the potential to expand into selling/recommending aquarium supplies. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[theknightwhosaysni-NI]

It could work, however the best way to know is to try

Have you considered being a free lance journalist, as your masters in journalism ?

[DayOne]

Originally Posted by theknightwhosaysni-NI

Have you considered being a free lance journalist, as your masters in journalism ?

Yes definitely, though it's a very competitive area and I'm not sure how to go about getting started. You're right though, it is definitely something I should look into more seriously.

[1000feet]

This could be your chance to do something innovative related to journalism - it might not make you a lot of money (or any) but you could be noticed as someone with an interest in making things better.

[theknightwhosaysni-NI]

Originally Posted by DayOne

Yes definitely, though it's a very competitive area and I'm not sure how to go about getting started. You're right though, it is definitely something I should look into more seriously.

I know it will sound a simple answer, but you cold definitely make a blog where you write your own articles.

If they are quality articles, you'll have 2 benefits :
-you'll have some traffic
-it will make you appear as someone serious and may lead you to get potential contracts with newspapers.