Week 11

If you’ve followed me this far, you know the steps I’ve been taking to successfully launch my freelance side-hustle.

With the dollars deposited into my account today, I’ve officially earned my first $1,000. When I began down this twisty path 11 weeks ago, I didn’t really think about how much money I was going to earn. Sure, I had a plan and goals I wanted to meet. But I never actually thought about what it was going to feel like earning that money. Watching my side freelance account grow to over $1,000.

Yes, this is pre-tax. And no, I’m not logging my potential 15 hours for my client (typically I put in around 7-9 a week). So is there potential to earn even more? Yes! And what happens when I get another client? And another? EVEN MORE.

I’m not going to pretend to be above doing this for extra cash. Sure, I believe money can’t buy happiness, or isn’t the key to life, or whatever the sayings are. But it sure helps – especially when you have student loans, auto loans, and are just starting this thing we call “adulting.”

But now that I’ve gotten into this, it’s more than that. It’s about pushing myself. It’s about doing something I’ve always dreamed of, but been too afraid to. It’s about building confidence. It’s about falling in love with writing again.

I first started writing when I was in kindergarten. I dreamed of being an author and publishing fiction books for young adults. I started taking journalism classes in high school, and started writing for a local newspaper and publication. I majored in journalism in college, where I wrote and edited at the college paper and several different magazines, both internships and as a writer.

But by the time my senior year came around, I didn’t want to be a writer any more. I was burnt out. The thought of working for a magazine or as a content producer mentally shut me down. So I added a minor, re-focused my masters degree, and switched to social and digital communications and public relations.

I’ve been in the workforce for three years. I’ve been a community outreach coordinator, member communications coordinator, and marketing manager. And again, I’m bored. What’s next? Sitting at a desk for the next 30 years climbing the corporate ladder and constantly seeking the approval of others?

NO!

And that’s why I am where I am. Falling back in love with the power of words. Feeling exhilarated knowing I’m helping others improve their lives. Working to build my own side-hustle empire where I can choose my clients and work wherever and whenever I want.

$1,000 down, unlimited $$ to go!