In my last post, I laid down the gauntlet. I said it out aloud. I am not going to lie. It was overwhelming and I got scared writing it all. The more difficult part was clicking the publish button.
Everything that could go wrong went through my mind. I made note of all the different what-ifs as they raced through in front of my eyes. I think it all boils down to accountability. If I put it out there, I will have to live up to it. And if I fail, I will be a social pariah.
It did not stop me. I realized, no one will read this. Its a new website and probably not even indexed in Google. I will get to that part in a couple of weeks if I am publishing regularly. See, I have a backup plan already. Hate the pessimist in me.
I published what my goal is going to be, so what’s next? I need to own my money now.
Who Owns My Money Stream
Before I can get to saving and investing or starting a business, I need to know money, my money. The roads in front of me will only open I am aware of where I am exactly.
So, a little more introduction about myself. I am a Sports Blogger turned Communication Professional turned Business Analyst turned Freelance Data Analyst turned Sports Blogger.
Money has usually been tight for me. I returned to writing for sports as it was lucrative, and the exchange rate from USD to Pakistani Rupee made the decision easier.
I have been at it since June 2021. I liked doing it initially but not anymore. And I know AI is coming for my job. It pays the bills and I am happy about it. So, I cannot complain.
But it is a freelance contract. The employers are nice but they are also doing business. They have no loyalty to me, it is to their objectives. And since I have been made redundant before, I cannot allow them to be the sole providers of my money.
What Are the Other Money Streams
I am a freelancer with just one client. This is bad. Again, as I type this out, I realize how big a problem it can be. I cannot rely on this source of income alone.
So, I need to find other sources of income. What are the options that I have.
- Find another client
- Start a business
- Temporary jobs
- Ask the current employer for more work
To be safe, I should start searching for a new client. That should be my first target. I found the current client thanks to cold emailing. I will have to go through the same routine again.
I know I should have done this a year ago but I succumbed to Newton’s third law and enjoyed comfort far too much.
About starting a business, I do not think I can do that right now. Far too timid at the moment. But this is where you all come, my invisible audience. I want you to spur me on.
A temporary job is not an answer right now as well. I am not at risk of losing my job and have saved for around three months. If shit hits the fan, I will be of to the races for it. I will be cycling around Munich to do that. But first, I have to find a new contract.
A fourth option can be asking my employer for more work. I can save money or possibly retrain in some other field. That can help in the long run as well. And if nothing, I can improve my conversation for seeking work. Fingers crossed.
My Streams Are Running Dry
Football is life.
Dani Rojas – Ted Lasso
I love football and writing about it makes me nauseous about the game. I want to watch the games but do not want to put in the extra effort to even turn on the television. It makes me think about work. And I just don’t go through with it then.
The bigger issue is that I am at the same level that I started at. My skill level has deteriorated and with good reason. I only write on this one subject and for one specific reason. And I am not helped in any way to improve this: no stats provided, no data shared. They can fire me in the next instant and replace me with a monkey who can type. And there will be no difference.
So, it’s time to move away. I need to find another source of income. I have been doing Hubspot’s Digitial Marketing certification and can put it to use. I seriously need to think about my career and whether I should change it or not. I have 30 good years of working left in me and I want to make the most of it.
Takeaways From the Second Session
I realized that my income source is a vulnerability and I need to address it. My money tap can be switched off with one sto
While I increase my financial knowledge, I need to diversify my sources of income. Finding another client is top priority, which is closely followed by asking for more work. Will update my plans and activities on this front later.
I am realizing that I am making some very bold statements in these blog posts. It’s like talking to my inner voice. I make these promises in my head as well. But there are more people there. That’s a discussion for some other day, so we will get into it later.
Bye, catch up with you all later.