Thank you so much for your comment. I'm really glad you're enjoying the game!
The way I play hirelings is that they usually start off as generic 'Footman', 'Archer', etc recorded on the notes and hirelings sheet (sometimes with names assigned). They are presumed to have their own inventory etc but I don't track it as I'm effectively treating them as mercenaries. I'll put a tick in two attribute boxes for each to mark them as primary, either randomly (d6) or whatever I think suits their role. These hirelings are generally for above-ground wagon guarding or similar.
My PC's actual companions were generally elevated from hireling status (or met through other circumstances etc), at which point I flesh them out on the companion sheet, tracking inventory, conditions, experience, etc, and these guys follow my PC down into dungeons and get a half share of loot, as well as an increased wage (though more often than not I remove the wage if they are getting a share).
Mechanically there isn't much difference between hirelings and companions, except companions can gain xp and become stronger with your PC. They should all hopefully be quite quick to run. I'll generally establish more character details for companions too, such as appearance, quirks and motivations, however I track that separately on my character list.
The total number of followers that a PC can have (CHA check bonus +2) are the number of hirelings and companions combined. However, when playing solo I think it's fine to be a bit less strict with this.
I'll definitely add a section on hirelings and companions to my to-do list, thank you!