Remember when you were little and all around you, you were told you could be whatever you wanted to be? Well, let me tell you something. You still can.
I’m not saying it’s easy and I’m not saying to go spend every last dollar you have, but please, don’t forget to get out there and live!
About a year ago I found myself in the middle of jobs and feeling a little frustrated. I needed to feed my soul, not just my bank account. So (with the help and support of my hubby,) I did.
I had already been blogging a bit and it came easy to me. I like to talk so I have a lot to say and rather then blab to Nick all day, I started writing and sharing. It wasn’t easy and it didn’t come right away, but soon I had secured my very first, remote, freelance writing position! I still write for this 80s website in which I started and will write about the 90s too, come this fall.
I find myself working four (part-time) positions, and I couldn’t feel better about it. You see, I never wanted (nor excelled) in a 40 hour work week, at the same job. I always preferred multiple endeavors (and income streams) and it turns out, nothing has changed.
But all the sudden. I work from home, with a schedule that’s mine to make, and (almost) more work then I know what to do with. And well this may not be your dream, I just want to encourage you to remember YOUR dream. And make it happen.
How do you do this? Well, you have to figure out what it is you want. What do you love to do? What do you do everyday, “work day” or not? What makes you smile? Laugh? What do you loathe? Dig deep and make sure to be honest with yourself.
Find ways to indulge your soul. Do more of what you love. Want a new job but don’t know where to start? Do something on your own, at home or whenever you have time, unpaid, and dive in. If you start a blog, make sure to post more than once a week. Want to become a personal trainer? Talk to someone at your gym and see what they have to say. You can further your education with free online courses (some even taught by Harvard!) Whatever you do, remember this is your life. Don’t waste it.
The thing is, for me, I laugh at myself. Why? Well, everyday, I like to write, cook, and workout. The weekdays are filled with this (and tapings.) But then, so are the weekends. I find myself always wanting to do these things whether it is a workday or weekend day. A holiday or vacation. For instance, I’m on a train in Norway, right now, on vacation. And what do I do? Write.
As for my other jobs, because I know you’re wondering, here you go.
- I write for LT80s (liketotally80s.) Like I said, it’s remote (from anywhere I want) and freelance, making it fit into my life, my way. Also, starting in the fall, I will be writing for the same boss for another website he’s procured, noduh90s. As an 80s baby and a 90s kid, both of these writing gigs are nostalgic and fun.
- I work as a mystery shopper for A Closer Look. This job is too fun, fully reimbursed, sometimes includes a bonus, and includes write offs. The company has “shops” all over the US and even into Canada. Taking in a great meal, visiting the dentist, or even having a drink at the bar are all things that you can do with this company. Love it.
- I work for Trust Review Network. This job sends me products (again, fully reimbursed) to try out and write a review on. If you share it, you make more money. If you tape yourself doing a video, you make more money. In a couple of months, if they are happy with my work, I will make more money. Pretty awesome, huh?
- I test recipes for HelloFresh. As a part of their taste makers program, I am sent recipes to test and try (most of which I already have the ingredients for as I am an avid foodie and cook) and then I complete a short, concise survey, and I’m done.
Oh, and did I forget my blog? I guess that’s five jobs. Not to mention I have written four self-published (mostly cookbooks) in the past year as well.
So, that’s that I guess. And the thing is, since starting vacation (a little over a week ago,) I have received next to no work emails, stressed phone calls, or anything. It has been over two years since both Nick and I have taken a non-work vacation, and it’s a true and honest vacation this time. What a blessing.
But here we are, on the train, working. Haha. Happy Monday!
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