3 Months of Being The Boss and I’m Still Alive!

j. money work station
Can you believe that? It’s been OVER 3 months since that fateful day of getting terminated, and I’m still alive! Haha… How insane is that? I can tell you every last detail of that day as if it occurred yesterday, crazy man…

But here we are. 1/4 into my “1 year plan” of not applying to *any* jobs, and I’m not eating Ramen and cereal every meal of the day :) I eat cereal a LOT of the meals a day, but not because of money – I work and work and work into all hours of the night and sometimes I just forget to eat! The other night I literally poured some Raisin Bran at 2 a.m. for dinner – no joke. I obviously still have some scheduling problems to work out ;)

In fact, there’s a lot of new areas to deal with now that isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. So I thought I’d list out all the major differences I’m coping with now, to give you an idea of just how interesting self-employment is. And keep in mind my “new job” is blogging and building things I’m proud of online – not everyone who works for themselves necessarily does so from home, or while traveling across the country. Let’s start with the money (muah ha ha…).

The Money Situation

I definitely have a lot less of it (my $70,000 salary is no longer around), but I definitely don’t miss a lot of it either. Which is strange right? How can you NOT miss money when you’re a finance guy? I’m thinking it either hasn’t hit me yet, or I honestly truly enjoy what I’m doing ;) But you’ll have to ask me in another 3 months or so when the honeymoon phase has ended, haha… for now, as long as I continue paying the bills and working toward things that actually matter to me, all that money stuff is coming secondary. That’s why I’ve been saving up all these years! (And honestly, I’ve been working so hard that I haven’t even had TIME to go spend anything even if I wanted to. I’m turning frugal without even trying! haha..)

The Freedom

By far the best thing about self-employment to date. No more asking to take days off, or trying to wiggle yourself out of boring work conferences. Now you take them when you need ’em and you CHOOSE the conferences you’re actually dying to go to! (SXSW and Blissdom, for starters). The neat/crazy/weird part about not reporting to anyone is that your entire life really does OPEN up when it comes to scheduling. You still have the Saturdays and Sundays to look forward to (I think it’s just ingrained in us), but you no longer have those limits holding you back from adventure. And on the other hand, it can really bite you in the ashcroft too!

The New Schedule

While the freedom is the most exciting part of working for yourself, it’s also the hardest to control! And to be honest, I’m kinda sucking at it. Which is actually the biggest shock to me yet – I used to be good at waking up up and cranking things out! Apparently I jinxed myself ;) I mean, I still do all my work and projects, etc on a timely basis, I just end up doing it at 2 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. cuz I sleep through half the day. This is the 1 thing I gotta change. Even though I can technically work whenever I please, it just doesn’t feel “right.” Like I actually feel BAD waking up at 10 or 11 a.m. Weird, right? I finally have no one to report to in the morning and yet I still feel guilty. I gotta figure this one out.

The New “Office”

This is another one that’s a bit tricky. If you recall from my fired post, I moved right into an office with friends and set up my own little work station. I figured it would be a natural flow to keep up that same 9-5 schedule, but instead of going to my old place, I’d now go to my new place. Make sense, right? Well, you already know about my scheduling problems as of late, but apparently It’s a lot easier working out of my home than it is going into the city! I did NOT see that one coming. How can that be when I love seeing people so much, and I’m even PAYING to have a spot there? I can’t really answer that one. I do know, however, that I gotta figure it out though, and luckily my office-mates are incredibly flexible about the whole thing :) I’m gonna give it another couple of months and see if anything changes.

Oh! And before you ask, I’ve been trying some other methods out too. One day I worked out of Panera Bread for a few hours, and the next I hit up the library! Haha… talk about a whole other dimension. I felt kinda outta place at the library, but I did enjoy myself a bit at Panera. Both places got pretty pact throughout the day though, and eventually all the commotion was just too much for my A.D.D. I wouldn’t mind going back for shorter blips of time though, as I did like the drastic change of pace.

The Confidence

Yeah. This one fluctuates like a mother, I’m not gonna lie. Sometimes I wake up ready to take on the world, and other times I just keep hitting the snooze button cuz I’m all wishy-washy and wondering where I fit in to this new crazy world I’ve created ;) Lately I’ve been on fire and really workin’ it out, but I hope as time goes by I’ll get better at keeping it up. The way I look at it is that it’s all a journey right now. We’re only on month 3, and one day I hope to look back and be like “What?? YOU were doubting yourself? Come on bro, you’re J to the MONEY!! What are you smoking??” haha… but we’ll see what happens.

My Overall Happiness

Now THAT I have :) When all is said and done, I wake up every single morning afternoon and ask my self how the hell I got so lucky. I’m not joking. It only lasts a mere .5 seconds until I remember all the WORK I have to hurry up and get started on, but it does hit me – every single day.

‘Cuz for once in my life I’m not wondering “what if.” I’m no longer dreaming of that ONE day far off in the future that will change my life and allow me to do the things I wanna do. I’m living it right NOW. This very second as I type out all these words. And it’s both liberating and scary at the same time. I have no idea what happens next, or how long it’ll even last, but I do know that at this very moment I am happy.  No matter how it plays out, I can confidently say I DID it. And that is by far the most important thing I’ve done in quite some time.


PS: We’ll do another update in 3 months…
PPS: Is it weird that I take showers at 4pm now?

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43 Comments

  1. Wojo March 28, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    I’m happy to get a little glimpse into your life. I always wonder what’s it like on the other side, but not too many people share the details once they jump ship. I think I would have some of the same issues–scheduling, in particular, and some of the same joys–the freedom of vacationing, traveling. Who knows, maybe some day I’ll be a SAHD.

    Reply
  2. laura March 28, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    It sounds like you’re doing really well! Yay for freedom!!

    PS. I shower about 4pm too ;)

    Reply
  3. Sense March 28, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Yeah, I think Trent had some of the same problems when he went whole-blog and quit his job–I remember he said he was really lonely at times and had to go to places like coffee shops or the library to get some interaction. Sounds like changing the location of work helps a lot for you.

    as a fellow night owl…I HEAR you. my current employer does not care one iota when I get into work, as long as i put in my 8 hours, and most days, that is 10 am. sometimes, though? it’s 1 pm. and i feel AWFUL and SO GUILTY when it is. I hate myself for it all day, even if I only allow myself to do it when both of my bosses are out of the office and will have no need to contact me. but I get SO MUCH WORK done between 9 pm and 1 am! it is hard to balance that intense productivity with 9-to-5 pressure. and sleeping in is so nice… haha: “wake up every single morning afternoon” love it.

    whoops…it is one am now. time for bed I suppose. I got up at 9 am today and I could still go another 3 hours, easy. WHY is it so hard to make yourself go to bed? WHY am I so awake when I should be sleepy?! It is my ultimate nemesis, this schedule thing. good luck figuring yours out (and share your secrets…I’d pay lots of money for the cure, actually.)

    Reply
  4. Sense March 28, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    also: glad to hear it is working out and you are so happy! 3 months is a long time!

    Reply
  5. Ginger @ Ask the IRS March 28, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    I’m glad to see you’re making it — but don’t ask me why I’m semi-shocked at the $70k being blown in about 3 months!

    I’ve been working really hard to get to the next level myself, especially as a self-employed person. Most of the time, I go to bed earlier than if I actually had a job. 9 pm – 3 am is my sleep time, and I usually wake up at no later than 5 or 6 if I can help it.

    Panera Bread is great for me to get up and go to in the mornings. I have to make sure I eat so I don’t down pastries and stick to teas, and I’ve purchased a faster in home modem and another HotSpot for personal use on the go. So I will have *NO* excuses not to be online if I need to get some work done (well as long as 4g is covered in the area!)

    Have you considered creating a “vision” board? Also check out The Wealthy Freelancer, it’s a great book and they’re a great set of businessmen who you might find inspiration in sculpting your life from.

    Also check out Dan Kennedy’s No B.S. Time Management ;)

    Reply
  6. Ray Martin March 28, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Funny timing. I’m starting my day at the “office” and had to vacuum. Unfortunately I haven’t budgeted for a cleaning crew to come to my house yet. This is going to be a fun experiment as I just made the decision to work from home and start my own media consulting business after turning in my key card and being escorted out of Corporate America earlier this month. After a couple weeks of interviewing at other horribly managed sales organizations I just couldn’t bear the idea of being a slave for crappy health insurance and a future coffee induced ulcer.

    I agree with you about time budgeting. Ideally, I’d start my day at 8:00 or so by reading and checking e-mail then working the phones, but I’m finding myself cooking a nice breakfast cleaning up around the house and not showering until I have an appointment. One day last week I remember not showering all day and was wearing the same clothes from the day before! Then I just felt like an unemployed slob. There’s definitely some adjustments that need to happen. There’s tons of upside though! The freedom is nice. I don’t have to report to anyone how much business I’m pitching or how many cold calls I’ve made. The time I’m saving reporting my activity and commuting to and from an office is invaluable. Also, I’ve always wanted to go to CES and SXSW. Maybe next year?

    Keep us posted on how you’re doing. I appreciate the affirmation that I’m doing the right thing and that this non-traditional “job” can work.

    Reply
  7. Ashley @ Money Talks March 28, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Good for you! I’m glad to hear that your confidence wavers. It makes me feel better! I’ve been working from home for 5 years and I still have times when I think “what am I doing?”. But the thought of getting a real J.O.B. with a boss and a schedule and vacation days. No thanks! It’s so worth any extra hassle.

    I think you are doing an amazing job! I’m super proud of you. Jealous even. :)

    Reply
  8. MainlineMom March 28, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Sounds great! I personally love working from home, although I do go to coffee shops for a few hours once a week just for a change in scenery. Having kids keeps me on a pretty strict schedule work-wise. They get me up at 6am every day without fail, and I have to be dressed to take them to school around 8am. But I like that I can wait to eat breakfast till I’m back “at my desk”. I also like that I throw in some laundry (when I remember!) while I’m still “at the office”. I will say though that some people don’t appreciate my work schedule at all and think I should be able to get my grocery shopping done while the kids are at school or volunteer at school a lot. That gets annoying. Oh and showers in the middle of the day are AWESOME when you have kids to get ready in the mornings.

    Reply
  9. Amber, Blonde and Balanced March 28, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Nice work, J! I work from home 1-2 days a week and I do feel like a bum sometimes because, like you, I don’t take a shower til way late in the day. :)

    Keep it up! You are rockin’ it out! : )

    Reply
  10. MD March 28, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks for the insight J. The schedule is impossible to master and I can totally relate with you. I had to force myself to go to a coffee shop this morning just so that I can get some work done. I’m sitting here at Starbucks and I feel like “one of those people” lol!

    4pm showers are supposed to weird? I Imagine you’re doing much weirder things with your new found flexibility (drinking on a Monday?).

    Reply
  11. Trinnie March 28, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Dude, you’re my hero…I know I wouldn’t ever be able to work for myself. My husband and I have tossed around the idea of opening up our own business, and the conversation has always ended with me telling him “okay, you’ll run the biz, I’ll stay at my current job.” The idea of being my own manager/employee/HR person, etc freaks me out to no end. Even typing this, has me sweating…

    As far as time management, I don’t know how I’m pulling it off right now: work 40 hrs a week, full time college student, mom to a 4 yr old (and knocked up with baby #2!), I have to “try” to be a good wife….UGH! I wish I had some words of wisdom, but I dont…I’m just lucky to get through the day! :)

    Reply
  12. Andi B. March 28, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    My writing partner and I run into the same problems being independent. We both work from home and collaborate online, but the two biggest problems we experience are crazy schedules and stir-craziness. Not to mention adding in our significant other’s schedules on top of our own. Things can get kind of funky, and after a week of staring at the same four walls I’m bat-crap crazy, but we are excited about how much is getting done. Over the next couple weeks we’re focusing on schedule management to improve efficiency, and if you’d like to join us we’d be happy to have you.

    FYI, add an exercise routine into your day. It forces showering at a certain point, but also gives you an excuse, i.e., “I didn’t want to shower until after I exercised.”

    Reply
  13. Rafiki March 28, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    I can’t believe it has been three months already. I feel like it was only two weeks ago when you lost your job… Wow. That gives me inspiration for today’s post. Thanks J$.

    Reply
  14. Investing Newbie March 28, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    You can totes make a schedule for your day by pre-scheduling some fixed activities. GYM (but I’m sure you’re as sexy as your budgets), cooking (I love Honey Bunches of Oats, but it does get old sometimes), and leisure (reading, learning, napping,etc). In between those activities, try to be productive. That way, your body and brain can adjust and you can be motivated. That said, don’t you want to be prepared just in case a job offer does roll around?

    Reply
  15. Kelsey March 28, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Yay! Congrats! I’m so happy for you! (Truly, because I feel like I know you after reading your blog for about a year now! :))

    Reply
  16. CgK March 28, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Listen Dr. J Money, if you keep working hard and meeting your obligations, it doens’t matter WHAT time you wake up or go to sleep. It took me years to feel unguilty about waking up late (I normally get to work around 10–my company is totally fine with that) because most people have strong, irrational judgements about time. It’s somehow thought that waking up early is morally superior. Makes no sense. So, keep working, and keep sleeping whenever works for you. I love your blog!

    Reply
  17. Dani @ OK, Dani March 28, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    YAY FOR YOU!!!!! That’s really awesome and I cannot wait for the day when I’m working for myself on projects that I love.
    Congrats on getting canned :)

    xo,
    Dani
    http://www.okdani.com

    PS – I stole your starfish story the other day and popped it on my blog. Hope you don’t mind.

    Reply
  18. Ron March 28, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    This is awesome! Very inspirational since I’m beginning to sense a foreboding ax over my own head. If I can make it through the next few months I think everything will be okay but for right now, I’m quite a bit nervous about my employment situation.

    Reply
  19. Too Funny March 28, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Great post and I can totally relate. I’m home-office based and am almost always alone and it feels weird. My wife says I should go to Starbucks or Panera, but I don’t know. It’d be too hard to be on the phone.

    Reply
  20. retirebyforty March 28, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    Congratulation on making 3 months! heh heh.
    Great job man. Things are looking pretty well for you and you are enjoying it. Life is great!
    I’m taking 3 months off starting next week so I can have a taste too. woo hoo!

    Reply
  21. Laura March 28, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Thanks so much for this post. I got laid off February 18th and am blogging full time. It is TERRIFYING some days. I feel so much better just reading this!

    Reply
  22. Evan March 28, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Why not move the shared office closer to your house? May have better luck

    Reply
  23. Debbie Beardsley March 28, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I think the hardest thing to master about working from home is the schedule. It really is hard to do when you think you can just take time hear and then work later. You’ll figure out a schedule that will work for you.

    Reply
  24. Kate March 28, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    I’d say as long as you’re taking a shower, it doesn’t really matter that it’s at 4pm.

    Sounds like you’re doing pretty well!

    Reply
  25. Philip March 28, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Great update! Buy a kick-ass new wide screen monitor and put that baby up in your shared office space. That’ll get you up and out of the house.

    Reply
  26. Crystal March 28, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    At least you’re taking showers, lol. When my husband is off during the summers (school librarian), the shower thing is a 50% chance if I’m lucky…

    I am SO GLAD you are rocking the self-employment thing! I am about 9 months away from being right there with you and you have to succeed so I know I can. I know that might be a little extra pressure, but sorry. :-)

    Reply
  27. Mike Piper March 28, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Sounds like it’s going about as well as can be expected. Self-employment + working from home certainly requires several new skills, and it’s natural that they take time to develop.

    Congratulations again. :)

    Reply
  28. Jenna March 28, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Glad to know you are still alive! And seems like your sleep schedule is a little off through. Showering at 4PM and eating brinner (breakfast and/dinner) at 2AM… Although I showered at 6PM in college cause that is when I got out of practice, so whatever works for you.

    Reply
  29. 20 and Engaged March 28, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Congrats J! It’s been almost 3 months for me too, but I’ve only gotten serious about working for myself the past couple of weeks. The first 2 months were just brutal and hard to taken in, but I now see the layoff as a blessing in disguise. I agree with you; it’s easier to work from home! No commute is so much better than even a short commute. I also feel guilty about waking up at 10 or 11 so I moved it up to 8am so I can do a daily 2 mile walk. 4pm showers are pretty awesome too.

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  30. Money Reasons March 28, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    I bet it’s nice to escape the rat race. I’m sure you’ll find your entrepreneurial rhythm.

    Keep growing like wildfire, you get great material!

    Maybe next year you’ll travel and blog, since you are no longer trapped in one location by an employer. Even if it’s only for a month next year, wouldn’t that be awesome!!!

    Thanks for sharing your journey to date, it’s kick-ass to see you do your own thing and be your own boss!

    Reply
  31. Carol March 28, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Interesting discussion topic. I’m currently in job hunt mode, but will return with a revised list of what’s important. I’d like to just be working 3-4 days/week. I don’t have kids or a spouse, but do have an aging parent (out of state, so car travel is required), and having built-in time off would be ideal. I’m willing to trade money for time at this juncture.

    @16 cgk – I am probably naturally a semi-night owl, which is frowned upon in corporate-ville, like you said. Sorry, it’s just who I am. I take my showers at night, 10-ish, then I’m nice and relaxed when heading to bed. Morning showers don’t wake me up, they make me damp and humid for several hours – yuck. I’m trying to have a better sleep routine, and not be online till so late. It’s challenging, as there’s so much to read that’s interesting.

    I find it harder to work from home (ADHD + too many distractions + the cat), so I’d likely find myself in the library or coffee shop.

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  32. Kathryn C March 28, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    OH great, am I the last one to the party or what??? I just found your blog yesterday and now no more for 3 months? devastating.

    OK, I’ll hang on and not delete the feed, waiting for the next one in 3 months!
    Kathryn

    Reply
  33. Jon | Free Money Wisdom March 29, 2011 at 1:29 AM

    I long for the freedom that you have! Unfortunately, I’ll probably stick with full time employment. I’m in a unique industry where I can easily make 150k long term. I can’t imagine working from home though, that’s so baller. Your work shoes are your slippers, crazy times. You da man J Money.

    Reply
  34. J. Money March 29, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Glad you guys got something out of this :) It was hard for me at times to get parts of this out, but I did my best to be as honest as possible. I’ll continue posting up updates as time goes on to see how things end up changing. I can tell you that it def. messes with your brain at times! haha…

    Some responses…errr.. a LOT of responses:

    @Wojo – You better tell me the second you become a SAHD too! Or should that be SAHB (Stay at home blogger?) ;)
    @laura – Haha we should all time it so that we’re in at the exact same time every day! Or would that be creepy? ;)
    @Sense – Haha me too! I know we *shouldn’t* feel guilty for working different hours, but I guess we just can’t help it yet. One day we’ll get better ;) Thanks for the love!
    @Ginger @ Ask the IRS – Hey thanks, I’ll check them out :) And small edit — I didn’t actually spend $70k in 3 months, I meant to say I lost my $70k salary now that I’m working for myself. Went back to clarify more in the post – thx!
    @Ray Martin – Yeah dude, totally! I’m a) still in my clothes from yesterday actually, and b) all for you (and others) giving it a shot and experiencing the different lifestyle :) Glad you found this post helpful! Will continue doing them as time goes on. Would love to hear your updates later too, cool?
    @Ashley @ Money Talks – Awwww, thanks Ashley – that means a lot. My confidence most def. waivers and I think others in the same boat would agree too :) Let’s keep motivating each other and living the dream!
    @MainlineMom – Haha I bet! In a small weird way that also gets me excited to have kids in the near future :) So I am forced to get up every morning and take care of business! Both with them, and w/ my own stuff. I’d totally be a stay at home dad/entrepreneur ;) Go us!
    @Amber, Blonde and Balanced – Thanks Amber, you too!
    @MD – Haha… I’ve already accepted that drinking on ANY day is just normal now ;)
    @Trinnie – And you’re doing a mighty fine job of it too, Trinnie :) I’m always inspired by how positive and smart you are! You better send me a pic of baby #2 when he/she arrives :)

    @Andi B. – Yes! Exercise is def. something I’ve been trying to incorporate somehow within my days. I keep telling myself that as soon as Summer is here I’ll be working out and then hitting the pool for one hour every morning which will DEF add to the awesomeness of self-employment ;) The hardest part (Winter) is now over!!
    @Rafiki – Sweet! Share the link with us if you end up writing about it :)
    @Investing Newbie – You’re def. right, I just need to work on it more. As for job offers, they’ve already been coming in but that goes against me working for myself silly! haha… I’m not considering any of ’em until 1 year is officially over – then we’ll adjust if need be ;) Of course, if Britney Spears asked me to be her assistant then I’d have to scrap my plan. Haha…
    @Kelsey – Thanks Kelsey! I like it that you’ve been around for so long already – I haven’t scared you away yet!
    @CgK – I know, you’re SO RIGHT but I don’t know how to not feel bad yet? Was it just time for you or did something happen that snapped you out of it?
    @Dani @ OK, Dani – Haha, you do realize that you can get canned and work on your projects too if you really wanted to, right? ;) And cool you enjoyed the starfish post! Of course that’s okay!
    @Ron – It’s not fun, that’s for sure – but at least you’re THINKING about it so it wouldn’t be a surprise if it happened all of a sudden, right? Do you have a Plan B you’re considering?
    @Too Funny – Yeah that’s the downer of going into a place/restaurant – hard to talk and skype when you need to :( We also still haven’t met up yet! Wanna connect soon?
    @retirebyforty – Look at you go!! You should post about the 1st day leaving, and then your 3 months update too :) Would be interesting to see how different or similar your experience is to mine. Congrats!!!! You can rock it!!!
    @Laura – Awww congrats!!! If you ever want to Skype and chat about stuff, give me a shout: jay_monee — I love my full-time bloggers :)
    @Evan – Yeah possibly, but that just doesn’t excite me ;) I love the ladies in my office now, it’s just really getting OUT of my house in a timely manner.

    @Debbie Beardsley – Thanks Debbie, I’m working on it that’s for sure :)
    @Kate – Haha, true dat.
    @Philip – HAH! That would be slick, actually.
    @Crystal – YAY! We can both talk about it at the same time :) You better believe I’ll still be doing this in 9 months so I’m holding you to that! (now who’s got the pressure? haha…)
    @Mike Piper – Thanks bro, that means a lot. Things going well for you?
    @Jenna – Oh, my schedule is most def. off. You’d think I’d have figured it out after 3 months now ;)
    @20 and Engaged – Ooh that’s a good idea! Maybe if I get myself to do something more fun and brain-less first thing in the morning I’d get up faster too? I might have to try that :) Glad it’s starting to become a blessing for you too! I remember we both got laid off around the same time. But now it’s on, baby!
    @Money Reasons – Yeah, I’d love that! Only thing holding me back actually is my stupid house :( Can’t sell it, so we’re trying to see if it’s worth renting it anytime soon or not. But you’re right, that would be the life for sure :)
    @Carol – Thanks for sharing Carol :) Maybe I’ll see you online one of these late nights? I went to bed at 4 a.m. last night, haha… yay?
    @Kathryn C – Haha… well you’ll still get updates on my regular financial stuff, just not “working for myself” for a bit ;) Unless something crazy comes up – which is always a possibility!
    @Jon | Free Money Wisdom – I’m da man? no YOU are! $150k is no joke brotha – you soak that in and keep doing your thang! :)

    Reply
  35. Jason L March 30, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Freedom’s priceless… I had a similar situation myself recently (although I went voluntarily went unemployed). I really appreciate that you take the time to respond to everyone… I think it goes a long way to connect with your readers. Keep up the good work!

    Jason

    Reply
  36. J. Money March 30, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Thanks dude :) It’s getting harder as time goes on, but I always do my best to respond! Appreciate you telling me that – sometimes I wonder if people notice.

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  37. ross March 30, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I’ve been working full time online since 2006. It’s definitely had it’s ups and down. Income is not as stable as i’d like. But the key is to diversify your online projects, just like with stocks and have money coming in from a variety of sources.

    Also a schedule is important. I used to stay up really late and not shower until late afternoon. But, once i realized i had to just stick to a normal work schedule to stay sane, things have gotten alot better. I had to move my office upstairs, just to keep the computer away from me at night

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  38. Will @ HackingTheBank.com March 30, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Seems like you’re doing pretty awesome. I must admit, I am jealous you’re living in the now and living the life you want. I know if I wait too long it will never happen, but maybe in a year or so? Who knows, we’ll see. Definitely looking forward to the update in three months, though.

    Reply
  39. J. Money April 1, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    @Ross – Agreed 100% – All about diversifying and making sure there’s multiple income streams coming. Great point! And hopefully I’ll get to where you are too w/ the schedule – I woke up at 9am this morning, I’m proud of myself! haha…
    @Will @ HackingTheBank.com – Hey, there’s always a way if you truly want it enough ;) And you can spend the hundreds of hours working toward it! haha… it’s not always easy, but so far it’s rewarding. Thanks for stopping by Will, would love to hear updates on you progress too as time goes on.

    Reply
  40. Peter April 2, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Love reading about your progress and about how it’s going for you working for yourself. I remember reading about the layoffs and about how you were going to be living the dream. To me part of the dream would be sleeping in, showering at 4pm and working til the wee hours of the morning.

    I think I’ll be living vicariously until the time arrives that I can go full time as well. I have a feeling that’s going to be a while – or at least until i can figure out the whole health insurance situation – with a wife who has health issues. It’s tough finding affordable health coverage without getting group coverage.

    I’ll look forward to reading more about you adventures and ups and downs as a self employed blogging and do-gooding mogul!

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  41. Pat S. April 3, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Congratulations for getting through the trial so well. And no, it’s not that weird to shower at 4 pm. On most of my days off, I do the same…

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  42. Her Every Cent Counts April 4, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    Wow, I know how you feel right now. After getting laid off a year ago, I told myself I was not going to seriously apply to any jobs that I could get, beyond was I was required to apply to in order to collect unemployment. But I didn’t do a good job at that… I was extremely unmotivated, depressed, etc, and managed to end up in another job within a month. The month off was, unfortunately, not one of productivity, but one where I slept a lot and moped around. It was such a waste when I finally had the freedom and opportunity to be my own boss!

    It’s great to read that you’re being successful (at least to some extent) in being your own boss. Of course, you already have such a great blog (and likely other online properties?) that you’re investing more time into now that you don’t have a day job.

    The whole showering at 4pm and working and eating breakfast at 2am and sleeping until 1pm thing is really great, for a while. I hope you are enjoying it!

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  43. J. Money April 5, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    @Peter – Oh man, yeah that health insurance stuff is no joke. If we didn’t have my wife’s coverage through school, we’d be in a bit more trouble ;) But I SO HOPE you can go full-time one day my man! Love your stuff all the way and know that it’s def. possible for you. Without even getting laid off too! Haha… see ya at the Blogger’s Conference soon ;)
    @Pat S. – Haha, good to know. It’s already 6:30 pm here and haven’t even considered the shower yet! Still weird to accept.
    @Her Every Cent Counts – Haha, no I’m not enjoying it! that’s the sucky part – I feel “lazy”! :) But interesting to hear abour your past experience w/ this kinda stuff yourself. The old me would have done exactly that too, and in fact DID! But starting this blog was the best thing I could have ever done with my “professional” life, and it’s been a totally different mentality ever since. I hope to see you out there full-time too one day :)

    Reply

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