“I only earn enough to make the minimum payment on my loans.”
“My boss doesn’t pay me enough, so I can’t save a dime.”
“I’d love to quit my job, but I don’t think that’s realistic.”
The Naysayer Brigade makes statements like the examples above — statements that give power to their bosses and the economy, while demoralizing themselves.
Most of the fighters in Afford Anything’s rebellion understand that you’re the only person who can change your own life. You can afford anything — not everything, but anything. You can boost your income by an extra $500 or $2,500 or $5,000 per month. You can ignore the naysayers who’d rather blame their boss than take matters into their own hands.
To fuel the fires of rebellion, I’d like to introduce you to another success story: a longtime Afford Anything reader named Erin who quit her low-paying job, moved to a lower-cost-of-living area and launched her own business. Is she a millionaire? No. But she enjoys greater freedom, more flexibility, better career control and lower bills than ever before.
A few years ago, Erin used to earn $12 per hour. Despite her then-low pay, she committed to building a mountain of savings, and afterwards, for dessert, she flung her spare money towards her student loans. She lived in a basement apartment, rarely dined at restaurants (once or twice a month, if not less), and committed to building a shatterproof financial foundation.
To phrase it bluntly: Erin was determined.
Her emergency fund came in handy a few years later, when Erin decided to escalate her “side hustle” into a full-time calling. Like all risk-takers and adventurers, she had no idea if her idea would work out, but this cash cushion allowed her to embrace a career risk — one that’s paid off.
Fellow Rebels, meet Erin.
#1: Let’s start at the beginning: Tell us about your early career.
I graduated college with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. I lived on Long Island in New York, and the police department there is one of the highest paid in the nation.
Unfortunately, that meant that I faced tons of competition, so I sadly didn’t use my degree at all.
I had aspirations to become a forensic psychologist, but that required a masters degree, and I didn’t want to put myself into further student loan debt. I decided to take the first full-time job I could get after I graduated.
#2: Tell us about your first job.
When I initially applied to my first job, I was told it would be an executive administrative role. It turns out it was customer service. I left after 6 months because frankly, the job description didn’t match my actual duties at all. I raised my concerns and kept getting strung along with, “Oh, we’ll train you on this soon.” I was salaried and making the equivalent of $12 per hour.
#3: You hard-core committed to building an emergency fund. Why?
My parents were in debt, and they didn’t have any savings. I saw how severely this impacted them. Any time something broke in the house, they were frantic, as they couldn’t afford to repair it. I never wanted to end up in that situation — I wanted to make sure I could handle all the curveballs life could throw at me.
#4: Until recently, you lived in a 700 sq. ft. basement apartment in Long Island.
Yes. The basement apartment I lived in was located in classic suburbia. I lived underneath my landlord in a 2-story family home and paid $1,250 per month in rent. I never thought I’d live in a basement apartment, but thankfully, this one was newly constructed and it had a decent layout, even if it was small. It wasn’t dark, dank, or musty as you might expect a basement to be.
#5: Living on a tight budget, what did you do for fun?
I’m lucky to have friends who are fairly budget-conscious and love to have game nights and potlucks. The beach was also very close, and it was $10 for parking. Taking walks is also fun. I try to limit dining out to once or twice a month, if that. I’m not a foodie by any means.
#6: After you built an emergency fund, repaying your student loans became the next big priority. Why?
One day my fiancé and I were taking a walk, talking about our future, when we realized the implications of paying the minimum on our student loans. The thought of still paying them back 8 years from that point was depressing.
When I got home from the walk, I did the math and saw how much interest was costing me. That motivated me to prioritize getting rid of my student loans.
I hopped online and started searching for others who had succeeded at paying off their debt. That’s how I stumbled into the personal finance community. I found their stories inspirational.
#7: How did this all culminate in moving to North Carolina?
I always knew I wanted to get out of New York. Long Island, while not Manhattan, is still very expensive, and it just wasn’t worth the price to live there.
My fiancé took a full-time job at a company where relocation was necessary. He had to wait a year to be eligible for a promotion, at which point we could move. We planned on moving to a lower cost of living city, but we didn’t know what openings would be available until that first year came to a close. When he was finally ready for his promotion, Charlotte was on the list, and I had heard great things about it, so we gave it a shot.
#8: Why did you decide to try self-employment?
I had been stuck in administrative positions, and they weren’t paying very well. I figured it was worth a shot at making more by being my own boss and setting my own rates. (And being a receptionist isn’t very fulfilling to me personally.)
I was inspired and encouraged by all my “blog friends” that had made the jump and succeeded. I had a sizable emergency fund to cover me, so there wasn’t much to lose. I figured if I didn’t get a hang of things in the first six months, I’d go back to the traditional workforce.
It’s important to note I wasn’t doing it alone, since my fiancé was still earning an income. We were essentially living off one income plus my savings for a few months last year. That allowed me to take my time in growing my business the right way.
#9: How did you land your first client?
My first client was a fantastic fellow personal finance blogger named Kali Hawlk, who had recently quit her day job and transitioned to working for herself. She knew I had been searching for work and graciously took me under her wing.
Basically, I put myself out there. I made it known I wanted to be a freelance writer. Kali and I had connected months before that because I loved her blog (still do!) and commented on just about every post of hers. Additionally, Cat Alford, who was my writing coach, referred me a number of clients as well.
Word of mouth is extremely powerful, and it also helped that I had a blog of my own to showcase my writing and skills.
[Note from Paula — Check out this guide to starting a blog in 5 minutes.]
#10: How did this impact your income?
I am making more than I was at my previous job, before tax.
After tax, according to my estimations, I’m hovering around what I was getting paid before. It took about 6 months to get to that point. I also get to enjoy more flexibility and freedom, which is nice. And I know my income potential is higher.
#10: How do you avoid “racing to the bottom” in terms of prices? In other words, how do you charge what you’re worth?
That’s a common problem. I hate hearing about people under-pricing themselves. There are people out there who are willing to pay your price, you just have to have the confidence and skills to back it up!
My advice is to figure out what you need to charge to be able to pay the bills, and work up from there. The worst someone can do is say no, and you can usually negotiate with people on rates. If you’re looking to earn more, target actual businesses, as they’ll have a larger budget.
Don’t be afraid to ask other freelancers what they charge for their services, or ask for feedback from more experienced freelancers. I have friends that are starting out, and I love helping them get a feel for how pricing works.
Along with that, join a community of fellow side hustlers! There are plenty out there, and the advice you get is invaluable.
#12: What do your family and friends say when you quit your job?
My parents have always been supportive of me, and they knew I had the drive to make it work. They generally don’t question my decisions too much. Most of my other family members didn’t quite understand how I would be making money, but they didn’t judge me. My friends think what I do is pretty awesome, and they’ve been supportive.
#13: What’s the hardest part of being self-employed?
Not working yourself to death, at least, for me! Being able to work from home and set your own schedule is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great to have that flexibility, but on the other hand, you can easily work for hours without a break and not realize it.
It’s also very easy to get caught up in saying “yes” because you want to earn more money. You need to know your limits.
#14: What’s the most awesome part?
Being able to take trips without needing approval. I’ve been able to go back home and visit family twice now, and I don’t have to worry about asking for time off. I can still work, not lose any income, and put family first.
#15: What advice would you give to an Afford Anything rebel who wants to boost their income through an online business — either as a full-time gig or as a side hustle?
Do it! Just get started. An incredible amount of people are succeeding with various side hustles these days, and it’s easier than ever to start a business online. Your overhead is super low, and the opportunities are endless.
You just need to figure out what you want to do. Think about your skills and what you enjoy doing, then evaluate whether or not there’s a market out there for it. There are people making money in unexpected ways, so don’t discount your abilities.
The worst mistake I made was waffling on getting started. I got caught up on analysis paralysis, trying to learn as much as I could beforehand. Guess what? Nothing beats learning through experience. Put yourself out there!
#16: Any final words of wisdom?
I would say do what’s right for you. Self-employment and even side hustling isn’t for everyone, so make sure you ask around and get a lot of insight from those who have been there and done that.
While I’ve always been a very dedicated, motivated employee, there have been really tough days when I think about returning to the traditional workforce. It takes a different kind of tenacity to succeed when your success is solely on your shoulders, but it’s also extremely empowering. I’ve learned so much about myself these past months, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
____
Key Takeaways:
- Even if you only earn $12 per hour, you still have the power to save.
- Saving is the starting point; it’s the first step, not the last.
- Choose your own path through life. Don’t follow the conventional prescribed route if it doesn’t fit you.
- Embrace risks that can result in higher income + greater freedom and happiness.
- Don’t waffle or get locked into analysis paralysis. Just start.
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Great post here! It’s wonderful to see success stories like Erin’s. I can’t tell you how much I was nodding my head at her situation in her first job – many similarities there. I’ll definitely be using some of the tips and tricks Erin utilized!
I’m so glad it was helpful for you! That first job was awful for many reasons, but it’s never fun to end up in a position that’s not suited for you or to be misled.
I like how you called it an analysis paralysis. I’ve been victim of that too, and it’s probably why it took me years to finally start my own blog. I admire how you managed to vigorously save even when you made $12 an hour. You’re amazing and I admire all that you’ve accomplished!
Thank you so much! Even though my family experienced some tough times, I’m glad it taught me the importance of saving early on. I remember getting my first part-time job and being excited to stash money away. I’d much rather have my freedom than be in debt.
Great job Erin! One question I have is how much did the fact that your spouse was earning a salary play into your decision to become self-employed? Someone single may say they do not have that opportunity, but I can see you protected yourself by saving a years worth of expenses which was definitely great.
Good question – it definitely made me feel much safer to know we had some form of income coming in. That said, if I was single, I still had enough to cover my expenses. I’ve always been a fan of having an emergency fund and never relied on my significant other to provide that for me.
I have to be honest, though – if I had been single, the entire move might not have happened, and that was the main catalyst for becoming self-employed. Interesting to think about!
Fantastic Erin! I don’t have much to say, but here are a couple of my favorite statements by Erin.
“Do it! Just get started.”
“It’s also very easy to get caught up in saying “yes” because you want to earn more money. You need to know your limits.”
Oh, and moving to North Carolina is always a PLUS in my book.
Cheers and congratulations,
Randy
Thank you so much Randy! NC has been very nice, I’m glad we had the opportunity to move here. Definitely better than chilly NY!
Randy, a little off topic, but I am so happy to see you commenting! I loved your feature a while back about rental property.
Great to see you here, Erin! This may be the kick in the pants that I needed to apply for a new side hustle…
Do it! I think just about everyone can benefit from having a side hustle. If you need any help, feel free to shoot me an email. =)
Great interview! I always enjoy reading posts about other freelancer’s experiences. Great job Erin!
Thank you Michelle, it’s an honor to be featured here. =)
Paula,
We simply LOVE your articles & style of writing plus the positive
drive & vibes it radiates.
Keep on pushing ( and writing! ).
Kind Regards,
Capt.Bill
Excellent interview. I can’t wait until i’m able to travel without having to get someones approval again.
It’s honestly the best part. I remember saving up my one single week of vacation for the entire year to visit my parents when they moved. Then I realized I’d have to choose between family or going to a new destination every time I wanted to take off. Not fun!
My life just purely SUCK!!! I am 53 years lod,living with mom,no girlfriend,no money,and 31 years an unsuccessful entrepreneur,never made adime!!! Now that’s downright sad,dispicable,preposterous,and disappointing.Or better yet,maybe this the hand that life has dealt me.
Calvin, I’m sorry to hear that. I realize life isn’t always easy, nor does it work out how we’d like it to. I’ve seen my dad lose his job twice and he never recovered from the last time. Not having any earning power can be awfully degrading. However, being accepting of it sadly doesn’t solve the problem. I know it’s easier for me to say, but if you truly want to succeed, you have to keep experimenting and changing what isn’t working until you find what works. Enlist the help of others and make sure your business idea is viable. Don’t attribute your circumstance in life to failure – you can always keep trying. Failure is only temporary, and it can also be a great learning experience.
Erin, that is awesome advice!
It’s tough to keep getting up again after you get knocked down, but I agree with you- there is no choice but to keep trying!
Inspiring, down-to-earth interview with practical advice. I especially identified with the analysis paralysis part. I eventually decided I’d have to cut down on the research and now I’m finally starting to put myself out there.
Thanks Amber! The research part took me a few months to get over, and I regret not getting started sooner. Putting yourself out there and gaining experience is much better than sitting there, reading about what you should be doing. Taking action always yields better results. Good luck!
Excellent article. I’ve been self-employed since 1990, and I’m just a couple of years into my fourth new business. Side hustles are wonderful. Your business acumen grows and each new venture is easier than the last.
That’s awesome to hear, Charlene! I can imagine it gets easier as your experience grows.
Hi Erin,
I love your attitude about money and life. I have thought about freelance writing, but really am unsure of where to start and how to find people who would actually read it. I also feel like my writing has always been a strength of mine, but it could always be better. You mentioned you found a writing coach. Where would you suggest someone go for this help?
Thank you! If you don’t have a blog yet, I highly recommend starting one. They serve as a great portfolio, and it’s also a way to build an audience so you’ll start to have a following. Most people recommend figuring out what topic you want to write about first, and going from there.
“Writing has been a strength of mine, but it could always be better.” I’ve felt this way many, many times! I’ve always loved to write, but I’m also my worst critic. It can be tough to start and push past those barriers, but it’s not as bad as you might think.
As far as coaching goes, there are a lot of successful freelance writers turning into coaches and sharing their wisdom with others! Paula may actually be able to help you out, but if not, feel free to email me and I can give you some recommendations. =) One thing I will mention – coaching was far more valuable to me than any courses were, so try not to get sucked into them.
This was the feel good I needed today! Thanks, Erin! I love that you had the courage to put yourself out there when you were ready to go full throttle. I recently sought out a “been there, done DAT” mentor and it was a great decision for me, too. You’re right in that the entire Afford Anything Rebellion is super supportive. Unlike the wonks in Corporate Sadville, they realize there’s a lot of room at the top and that anyone can make it – IF they’re willing to flex some hustle-muscle! Bravo, woman – go on wicha bad self! Pop-POP!!
Thank you!! Having a mentor definitely helped get me over the last hurdles I needed to jump in order to succeed. Everything took off from there. There is plenty of room for everyone to grow! I love helping fellow freelancers out when I can. =)
I love your story, Erin! I think it’s so awesome you’ve created your own career and been able to do it on your terms. Congrats to you for making it work so very well!
Thank you as always! Sometimes I can’t believe I made it this far, it’s a bit surreal. =)
“you just have to have the confidence and skills to back it up!”
This this this this this!
Confidence is so important to succeed in life and it’s a skill being de-emphasized by society right now. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
Yes! I see this all the time. I have a few friends that are feeling down about their jobs, but they’re not doing anything to improve their situation. It doesn’t matter how much of a pep talk I give them, they just don’t believe in themselves. It has to come from within.
Congrats to you and your success! It is well deserved. I’m glad that I found your blog early on and was able to follow your decision-making leading up to what you’ve accomplished now. It’s pretty awesome. Hopefully, it will show others who are stuck in dead-end jobs or jobs that they dislike that there is another path.
Thank you Andrew! That’s exactly why I’ve shared my journey with others – to show them that it IS possible. I never thought I’d be self-employed, or successful, but I managed to pull through. =)
Great interview Erin!! I have loved watching your journey and the progress you have made over this last year plus. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you so much, Shannon! Likewise – I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you!
Great story and inspirational to people that think they can’t save while earning lower incomes.
Erin I have been following your blog for a while and its great to hear your story. Good luck with your future adventures and I look forward to hear about it all.
Great job finding your path in life. Im sure anyone can get used to having all that freedom, because its a real benefit to set your own schedule. Good luck freelancing in 2015.
What do you do about health insurance? To self-insure, even w/ Obamacare, is usually out-of-the-question expensive.
@Anne — My health insurance is $154 per month. That’s hardly “out-of-question” expensive. That’s for a 31-year-old female. Will pays $197 per month, as a 35-year-old male.
Tips to buy great health insurance:
1) Use eHealthInsurance.com or some other “aggregator” website to shop between plans
2) Choose a health plan that has a high deductible / lower premiums
3) Pick a plan that’s HSA-compatible so you can pay health care bills with pre-tax dollars
Here’s an article I wrote about it: http://affordanything.com/2011/10/05/health-insurance-when-you-quit-your-job/
This was super inspiring! As a new FT freelance writer myself, still making a very low income, I find that I occasionally fall into slumps of self-doubt, especially when it comes to saving for future financial goals. That self-doubt only makes me less productive. I have actually been feeling this way the last couple of days, so I think reading this post was a sign to keep on keeping on 🙂
Btw, you have the right idea to get out of NY — what a money pit! I will soon follow.
Nice interview. It’s so good to hear stories such as Erin’s. Sometime you just need to take that first step and let it unfold.
Loved your story Erin. Sometimes it seems hard to get ahead when we feel like we can save enough but you demonstrated that even with the smallest salaries anyone can save, build an emergency fund, pay any debt and with effort be able to earn more by working on their own. Really motivated by your story. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story Erin! It is useful to hear the nuts and bolts of what you went through to start your side gig and eventually turn it into a full-time job. It was also great to read about the ups and downs as it is never a straight path.
Best part of your story was “#9: How did you land your first client?…Basically, I put myself out there.” Really helps to know what it takes.