Risk: Moderate

Starting a side hustle as an English teacher can be a moderately risky venture for someone starting from scratch, especially if they can't afford to lose money. While the potential losses may primarily involve time and energy, there could also be financial costs associated with materials, certifications, or marketing efforts. Beginners may invest in teaching resources or advertising without seeing immediate returns. Additionally, there could be startup costs for acquiring teaching materials or certifications that might not pay off if the individual struggles to attract students. Online discussions often mention challenges with finding clients or competition from established teachers. I'd rate the risk a 3 out of 5 because beginners might face initial financial losses and uncertainties in building a client base.