The ups and downs of freelancing are starting to help learn to be a little more flexible and not quite so rigid in my everyday life. But at the same time, I have to continue to be very scheduled as I have little time for unplanned things.
Last week Wednesday I did take a little break from my evening routine of freelance work to take my dog for a walk and check out the local Farmer’s Market. It was a beautiful evening and I really enjoyed getting away from the computer for a bit. But whenever I do that, I always find myself thinking, “You aren’t getting paid if you don’t work!”
Despite this though, I’m trying to find a bit more balance in life. Therefore, I decided to put in notice at my part-time job instead of keeping it around for “back up” when I finally leave my full-time job.
As Carrie pointed out to me on the phone the other day, “You don’t want to do more work for less money.” – Touche Carrie! 🙂
Quitting my part-time job will cause my income to go down about $150-200/month, but freeing up those 6-8 hours on the weekend will help me to feel more refreshed, less stressed, and hopefully I’ll be able to get more other things done on the weekend (including some freelancing). Additionally, it’ll cut down on the temptation to spend money on a “quick-lunch” at Subway, Sonic, etc. on the way to work when I’m running behind. So this will save me some gas money and probably $30-40 on eating out each month too.
The income from my part-time job isn’t counted in this report, but I just wanted to give you a little update on my path toward full-time self employment.
Now, for my online income report:
My online income for May 2015: $1,873.40
Here is a breakdown of how I earned my money:
VA/Blog Management Services – $770.40
Writing – $765.00
Advertising on SHNM – $330.00
Other – $8.00
My income was up slightly from April, which is good, and I expect it to be up for June too as I’ve re-negotiated with a lot of my clients for higher rates. Additionally, I’ve taken on some new work at higher rates of pay too. Hopefully these changes will be enough to put me where I need to be to pursue my business full-time.
I did beat my May goal, which was $1,350, so I’m happy about that too.
As always, you need to know that I don’t count my online income until the month it gets deposited into my account, so this is from some work at the end of April through about mid-May. I have made some more since then, but it will be included on my next report since it didn’t hit my account until June 1st (or later).
Remember, that my online income has not yet been taxed, which means that about 30% of what I make is going to be taken by Uncle Sam, and another portion of my income will be used for expenses, like internet, computer repairs, tech services, my staff writer, and PayPal fees. Additionally, I’m saving some of my income to be used for FINCON15!
While I’m enjoying my online work, I’m certainly no pro at blogging or at making money online, but if I can get started you can too! If you have any questions about how to get started blogging, freelancing, or about my online income don’t hesitate to contact me! I promise that I will do my best to answer your questions and if I can’t I will point you to someone who can!
I’m going to set my June income goal at $1,500! I’m excited to see my income and goals going up over time.
Here are my other online income reports to-date:
- April 2015 – $1,691.51
- March 2015 – $2,131
- February 2015 – $1,534
- January 2015 – $596
- December 2014 – $1,503.50
- November 2014 – $753
- October 2014 – $1,080
- September 2014 – $581
- August 2014 – $280
- July 2014 – $285
For kicks and giggles I decided to average my monthly online income for the 11 months I’ve been freelancing. Even with the smaller months at the very beginning, my average monthly online income (gross) is $1,118.95.
Did you make any online income in May?
20 Comments
Great job on your online income. You are doing well!
Thanks Michelle! 🙂
You’re kicking it, girlfriend – way to go! I agree about quitting the part time job too. You got this. I haven’t figured out my May income yet. Gotta get on Quickbooks and get tracking caught up!
It can be a pain to do the accounting, but it’s always a good feeling when I calculate how much I brought in.
Nice work, Kayla! Exceeding your income goal is always a good thing!!
Yes it is. Thanks Amy!
Kayla, I think you will very easily replace that $200 bucks with writing or a project that will pay more. I love these types of posts! Sending good vibes.
I think I can too. 🙂
Having that extra time back must feel great! Sometimes its good to de-stress in one area so you can better focus your efforts elsewhere.
It will be great after my last 2 weekends are done. I turned in notice on Saturday, so have 2 shifts left before I’m done with my PT job. 🙂 Yay!!
You’re doing so great, Kayla! I understand why you initially thought to keep your part-time job, but I think you were wise to quit now. I bet you earn that money through new jobs and work less hours too. I understand your desire to push yourself to work every minute (I do the same too) but we also need breaks to provide balance and respite. Otherwise we risk burnout and I know personally when I put too much on my plate – my work suffers too.
Thanks Shannon! Yes, I definitely need a little more down-time in my schedule. I can feel the burn-out coming around the corner and my efficiency in some areas has slowed down (mainly my response time as I’ve just gotten so busy). A few adjustments are in order for sure.
Well done on the online income again! You are totally killing it. But as you say, it is important to have balance. You are motivated to get rid of your debt, but you don’t want to work so hard that you aren’t able to enjoy your life. 🙂
That’s exactly right and why I decided to quit my PT job. Plus I’m earning more working in my PJs at home than I am standing on my feet sweating in the summer and dealing with cranky customers with smelly feet. 🙂
I think you made the right choice. You can replace the time you spent at your part-time job earning more income from freelancing. Just make sure you don’t burn yourself out working too much!
Burning out is part of why I quit my PT job. I should be able to make that income up in way less hours with my online freelancing. 🙂
Hi Kayla,
Very impressed with your earnings so far – keep going and you will beat that debt figure sure enough!
I’m Putting together a mega report featuring bloggers who report their income and would love to feature you in the report if I may?
Let me know what you think
Raj
Hi Raj, thanks for the compliment. You can certainly link back to my income report and feature me in your post. 🙂
I love it when people track how their online income has gone up since they started making some. I think it’s encouraging to know it can be done, but also realistic to look over how many months it takes to get to where you want to be.
Thanks Mel! It does take work – lots of work. But I find it’s worth it to me 🙂