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Hello all fastlaners. Here is a background of the last couple years (rather long). You can skip to end for TLDR if pressed on time.
Background:
I graduated from college in 2013 with - you guessed it - a business degree
There were great times and definite benefits of college, however, I feel that I could have received similar benefits from traveling, work experience, and self taught education in a greatly reduced time period.
After college I worked two jobs for 5 months while saving money up to backpack Europe. Backpacking Europe was an incredible learning experience about myself and it involved a lot of deep introspection of who I was, who I am, and where I want to be. I learned that ultimately I want to have enough income to not constantly worry about bills while at the same time making a positive social impact (helping people directly or indirectly). I believe that this is what the vast majority of millennials want to do as well.
After returning from Europe I worked for a start-up and a brewery for a while but it wasn't rewarding or challenging enough. I then switched to a non-profit where the purpose was very fulfilling.
There was one constant theme that rang true at every organization I have worked for: none of the managers were leaders. Not only did they not know how to lead a team but the majority of the time they actually provided motivation to do a bad job. It's very frustrating especially when employees including myself want the organizations to succeed.
This experience has led me to the conclusion that I want to start a company that employees love coming to work for. I want to provide an organization that helps millennials grow as professionals and people all while providing an awesome service/product for customers. I believe there are a handful of companies that operate like this but far too few. This is my end goal.
Currently I work 40 hours a week at the non-profit making $16/hr. My income is usually around $2,000 a month sometimes a little bit higher. My expenses are around $2,000: $700 rent, $500 bills/food/fun, $500 student loans, $200 savings, $100 retirement. It's a tight budget and I constantly have to dip into savings for any unexpected expenses.
One day about six months ago I laid down and wrote where I was in life and where I wanted to be. Although starting a company is my end goal, it's extremely difficult to do give my financial constraints. I figured I needed a transition period where I could build my skill set and earn more income. To me there were 3 options that gave me a high chance of success: 1) Better job 2) Independent contractor (think Uber) 3) Freelance
I have chosen to freelance.
I am currently applying to higher paying positions as a backup option.
I started my freelance journey on June 1st with $500. I have chosen to become a web developer because it will increase my income and allow location independence. I have never coded before but after 24 days of hard work I am now able to produce quality websites using html, css, and php.
Through my network I have already signed two clients. The first client is paying me $500 for a portfolio website. The second client is doing trade for a similar website.
I am telling my story because I want people who have crappy jobs to know there is hope.
I had no idea things would kickstart so fast. I understand freelancing can be difficult and is trading time for money but to me it's the perfect stepping stone for my situation. Through hard work and persistence I have adjusted my road. It may only be a degree or two today but when stretched out over the coming years it will be a huge difference.
I firmly believe that this has been the best decision I have made. I cannot wait for the experience and growth that will happen over the next 6 months.
TLDR - college did not set me up for success. I started web development freelancing with zero experience. I am just completing my first month with two clients and $500 in revenue.
Background:
I graduated from college in 2013 with - you guessed it - a business degree
There were great times and definite benefits of college, however, I feel that I could have received similar benefits from traveling, work experience, and self taught education in a greatly reduced time period.
After college I worked two jobs for 5 months while saving money up to backpack Europe. Backpacking Europe was an incredible learning experience about myself and it involved a lot of deep introspection of who I was, who I am, and where I want to be. I learned that ultimately I want to have enough income to not constantly worry about bills while at the same time making a positive social impact (helping people directly or indirectly). I believe that this is what the vast majority of millennials want to do as well.
After returning from Europe I worked for a start-up and a brewery for a while but it wasn't rewarding or challenging enough. I then switched to a non-profit where the purpose was very fulfilling.
There was one constant theme that rang true at every organization I have worked for: none of the managers were leaders. Not only did they not know how to lead a team but the majority of the time they actually provided motivation to do a bad job. It's very frustrating especially when employees including myself want the organizations to succeed.
This experience has led me to the conclusion that I want to start a company that employees love coming to work for. I want to provide an organization that helps millennials grow as professionals and people all while providing an awesome service/product for customers. I believe there are a handful of companies that operate like this but far too few. This is my end goal.
Currently I work 40 hours a week at the non-profit making $16/hr. My income is usually around $2,000 a month sometimes a little bit higher. My expenses are around $2,000: $700 rent, $500 bills/food/fun, $500 student loans, $200 savings, $100 retirement. It's a tight budget and I constantly have to dip into savings for any unexpected expenses.
One day about six months ago I laid down and wrote where I was in life and where I wanted to be. Although starting a company is my end goal, it's extremely difficult to do give my financial constraints. I figured I needed a transition period where I could build my skill set and earn more income. To me there were 3 options that gave me a high chance of success: 1) Better job 2) Independent contractor (think Uber) 3) Freelance
I have chosen to freelance.
I am currently applying to higher paying positions as a backup option.
I started my freelance journey on June 1st with $500. I have chosen to become a web developer because it will increase my income and allow location independence. I have never coded before but after 24 days of hard work I am now able to produce quality websites using html, css, and php.
Through my network I have already signed two clients. The first client is paying me $500 for a portfolio website. The second client is doing trade for a similar website.
I am telling my story because I want people who have crappy jobs to know there is hope.
I had no idea things would kickstart so fast. I understand freelancing can be difficult and is trading time for money but to me it's the perfect stepping stone for my situation. Through hard work and persistence I have adjusted my road. It may only be a degree or two today but when stretched out over the coming years it will be a huge difference.
I firmly believe that this has been the best decision I have made. I cannot wait for the experience and growth that will happen over the next 6 months.
TLDR - college did not set me up for success. I started web development freelancing with zero experience. I am just completing my first month with two clients and $500 in revenue.
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