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Why Most Officers Stay Broke (Even with a Side Hustle)
“Revenue is vanity. Profit is freedom.”
Let’s talk about a quiet truth most officers don’t admit:
They start a side hustle.
They sell gear, offer security work, teach a few classes.
Money comes in — but somehow, it never sticks around.
The reason?
They think more work equals more wealth.
But in business, working harder without tracking your numbers is just a faster way to stay broke.
🚨 The $5,000 Month That Lied to Me
When I started my security consulting side gig, I was pumped.
I pulled in over $5K one month — my best ever.
I felt unstoppable... until I actually checked the math.
Gas for site visits
Printing reports
Liability insurance
Software subscriptions
Gear replacements
When it was all said and done?
My “$5K month” was $187 profit.
That’s not freedom. That’s glorified overtime.
So I built something different — a simple system that made sure my effort actually paid off.
⚙ Tactical Application: The 3-Number Framework
You don’t need fancy accounting software.
You just need three numbers you track like your life depends on it.
1. Revenue – What Comes In
Every dollar your business collects.
Track it weekly, not just “in your head.”
Use a spreadsheet, whiteboard, or app — consistency matters more than tech.
2. Expenses – What Goes Out
Know your monthly “nut” (recurring costs).
Add your variable costs (mileage, tools, insurance).
Anything you don’t track is stealing from your profit.
3. Profit – What You Keep
Revenue minus expenses = freedom fund.
If your profit can’t replace your take-home pay, you don’t have a business — you have a busy schedule.
Run this every month. Adjust.
If you can’t measure it, you can’t fix it.
🧭 Big Picture: Hustle ≠ Profit
Most officers build their side hustle the way they were trained to work shifts — nonstop, reactive, and tactical.
But business isn’t about hours. It’s about outcomes.
Real success isn’t measured in hustle, it’s measured in profitability.
Profit gives you options.
Options buy back time.
And time buys you freedom.
💬 Final Word
Stop bragging about “big months.”
Start building consistent margins.
Because the truth is, overtime pays the bills — but profit buys your life back.
🔁 Repeatable Quote
“Revenue is vanity. Profit is freedom.”
Big Idea Recap: Most officers stay broke because they chase revenue, not profit. Track three numbers — revenue, expenses, profit — and start building real freedom.
CTA: Reply with your take 🧠
Kevin St John
Business Strategist, Beatline Capital