Hello Midlifers,
Welcome to my blog!
Disclosure: This post generates income from advertising and may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
I started this blog to find honest side "hustle" income opportunities from reputable companies for those in mid-life that are looking for a way to supplement their income in a real and impactful way. And what makes me stand out from the rest of the crowd is that I don't only research these opportunities, I am going to try them out myself. I report back to you what my honest experience was with each of these ventures and whether or not I felt it was worth my time. And I want to know your opinion as well. If you had a different experience than me, please drop me a line and let me know what your experience is. I want to spread the wealth, not keep it for myself. I am truly hoping to find opportunities that can benefit everyone...for free.
We didn't have a lot growing up, and I learned to hustle early. After baby, dog and house sitting as a young child, I started my first real job at 15 working at a local amusement park. My first daughter was born when I was young (18), and I did everything legal and ethical I could do for money until I finally went back to school and finished my degree at 30. I worked at a hot dog stand. I was a nursing assistant. I delivered newspapers. I was a plasma donor. I was a mystery shopper. I sold items on Ebay I picked up from garage sales. I cleaned houses. I did data entry that paid by the piece. I worked for a call center out of my basement. I did absolutely everything I could think of that was legal, ethical, and flexible enough to work around my kids and school schedule just to, say, buy milk for breakfast.
I eventually received a degree in Software Engineering, which I took full advantage of in my 30s and mid 40s. But as I am getting older, it has become clear that there aren't that many software developers in their 50s or 60s. So, it's time to find another hustle now that I am getting older.
This was 20+ years ago, and I am ready to give (most) of these ventures a try again. And I want to give you my honest opinion of these opportunities today vs the early 2000s. I am still a hustler, up until a few months ago I worked a part time gig doing software development for a company I previously worked for, but that has since gone by the wayside. It's time for me to find a new hustle. And I hope I can help you find one too.
If you're like me, you're still working your primary job, you know, the job you've been doing for 20 years. Your kids may have left home. Or you are paying for college. Or they are in their 20s or 30s or perhaps 40s and have moved back into their childhood home. While you are coping with the emotional and financial impact of this, perhaps you are also caring for an elderly parent. You are looking at what the not too distant future might look like for you. You are also wondering, is a comfortable retirement even possible? Is the current present even maintainable?
The world has changed since our parents retired. Social Security was a reliable retirement certainty, and it actually paid a living wage. Our parents put in their 30 to 40 years at a company and the majority of their companies still offered lifetime pensions. Our parents also received inheritances from their depression era parents who pinched pennies and fought for a better future for their children.
Today times are different. Most pension plans are a thing of the past. We also have multiple generations to care for, both children and parents. And it all costs money. A lot of times, this necessary money comes from credit or loans. And we wonder, what will it take to be able to pay these bills once we retire?
The good news is, we are living longer and healthier lives. We are also willing and able to work longer and harder for a better future for ourselves and our children. My goal is to find the hidden gems in flexible work options that will actually pay you a reasonable amount of money. I don't want to waste your time. I want you to find something financially and emotionally satisfying. Something that is worth your time and effort. Something you look forward to doing each day.
Let's get hustling!
Comments