Are you ready to earn money online? Sounds so scammy. I know. But, with our current state of affairs, it’s more of a necessity than ever.

Follow my new blog as I share my experiences (good and bad) at making money while sitting on my sofa.

Something I looked into while being underemployed and grasping for straws to make ends meet a decade ago has become my livelihood.

It was about that time that one of my best friends mentioned that he was making a little money online while he took a hiatus from his legal practice for an additional degree. I was curious to know more because I’d done some writing back in high school and college for newspapers, the yearbook, and such.

Could I really use the internet to earn money? It was 2009 and the answer was surprising to me. “Yes!”

Digital Economy

Almost a decade later, I earn more online than I did at a 40-hour week professional position in education. I thoroughly enjoy employing our advances in technology to utilize the global economy in my favor.

I earn my living predominantly online now. It was a goal I had a few years ago. Crafting a location-independent career was my first step to a domestic version of ‘geoarbitrage’.

The term was made popular in The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. Basically, it’s a concept digital nomads use to earn good wages online and live cheaply, but well, in remote cities/countries.

I, instantly, saw the potential for Americans to use this concept to find their own oasis in more cost-affordable locales like small cities or towns and even rural and remote areas. Pitting the ratio of earning potential and cost of living strongly in your favor, you can make your money work more for you. 

My New Dream

By the way, the answer is still a big “Yes!” in 2020.

While it’s not for everyone, earning online is even better now – especially through freelancing and blogging –  more than ever before. A recent article in Forbes stated that 37% of the American workforce participates in the gig economy. Sure, not all of those are bloggers or digital freelancers but many are also earning from their small workspaces, like garages, co-working spaces, or even your sofa!

Yet, that’s just one part of my 21^st Century American Dream. The modern dream for many now, no matter what country you live in, is to meet those basic needs and be fine with that. Totally satisfied. For me, that has meant using alternate ways of earning, acquiring real estate, and determining where I need to focus my time while striving for realistic goals in order to make the most of my money, have safety and security, and enjoy life.

That’s why I started this blog. Some might think it sounds a lot like settling. It’s the opposite for me. I’m just of the mindset that less is more these days.

Customize Your Own Version

“Work smarter, not harder” is the quote my mom used to always say to me as a kid. I’ve used that mantra throughout my life. But, sometimes not enough.

I now aim to navigate the current system in my own way while experiencing a life of mindfulness in search of a better balance between working and living.

Want to join me?

I’ve grown my side hustle into a career. And, I’m still seeking growth in this method of making money. The flexibility and freedom are liberating!

It is estimated through a LinkedIn study that here in 2020, 43% of workers in the USA’s labor market will be independent contractors or freelance workers. Our digital gig economy is proving to be the new frontier for those of us looking to break out of the daily grind that tears so many people down mentally and physically. Stress is a silent killer and I was on the road to Doomsville. I still strive for a goal of balance but it is much more achievable after realizing there are multiple paths to earning money nowadays.

I was tired of running the rat race for others. I wanted to use the skills I have and make my own way. Now, I make thousands per month as a blogger, web content creator, consultant, and online freelancer. I’m more than happy to share my story with you.

It’s time to begin your own, customized version of that dream!

5 BASIC TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

1. My top tip is to start a blog on your own website. Seriously. I wish I had started years ago. Don’t make the same mistake I did.

2. Gather email addresses for a newsletter. Seems old-fashioned, right? It is. But, it’s still very important. (Subscribe to mine here!)

3. Affiliate marketing. Other than selling your own goods and services, promoting those of others is the next best thing in the world of earning online.

4. Don’t quit your day job. Yet! This will happen, but don’t stress yourself out over money if you don’t have to. If you’re unemployed, obviously disregard.

5. Content! Produce lots of content. Ditch the bad and edit the good. Build your brand. You should have started yesterday! Let’s do it.

(Photo by Bram Naus on Unsplash)

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**Affiliate Disclosure: Links within articles may be referral links where I share in marketing revenues for any purchases made via the links.