Is that a window of opportunity? Let's compare my traditional source of income with the potential that steemit has. First of all, for the record, I'm new at this, and until steemit came on the scene, I was basically unfamiliar with posting things online, and usually just used the internet for sending messages to friends or family members or looking on craigslist, besides a doing a few periodical google searches. Mostly, I was an observer. I like to write a lot and think a lot, and have a strong desire to require less of an income so that I can find something to do from home with my family to take care of our financial needs, but the internet really played no part in that.
These days, due to the mainly to the internet, there is an opportunity for many to be able to work from home. However, plenty of those who desire to be artists, photographers, freelance writers or similar things still struggle, and many give up or get so overwhelmed in the workforce that they are unable to spend much time developing their hobby and making a career out of it. Does that sound familiar to anyone else?
Now, thanks to STEEMIT, many are finding they may have another option. Once they understand that it's not just some crazy online lottery where periodically winners are selected to "hit it big" and once they move past continuously posting junk in an attempt to figure out how to "work the system", a new understanding is reached. If one is ready to take the time to post quality blogs about their lives and passions, they may be able to make a profit. If I go to a traditional job and do a halfhearted job at it, I'll either get fired or not be able to make as much. That shouldn't be news to anyone. But, if I really try hard and put forth a lot of effort, I may be able to progress professionally and be worth more to the company.
Personally, I am taking steps, some even drastic and counterculture, to get where I want to be in this life, and I work my tail off doing it. Some days it's a good break just to get back to work, and take it a little easier. My wife and I are transitioning from living the city life with me working at a warehouse to trying to set up a more or less self-sufficient homestead and farm, all the while raising and homeschooling our four little ones, who are all six and under. Thus far, we feel that we are heading in the right direction and are very glad that my friend Mark https://steemit.com/@noganoo took the time to point me in the direction of steemit. I've been actively participating in this community for about a week now, and have learned a lot, and enjoyed the interaction that we can share.
From a work perspective, I realized that there was a potential for me to be successful, and have been diligent in developing my skills. I certainly enjoy informing others and sharing ideas, and I thank each and every one of you for viewing my posts, for upvoting them, and for the comments. Without your encouragement, I'm not sure if I'd still be here. You have definitely made a big difference in my life already, and I could not have done it without YOU (you know who you are, so thank you.)
Let me then compare the two jobs I've worked this last week. I've done a lot of jobs over the years from fast food to real restaurants (including being an assistant manager in New Orleans) to factory and construction work to warehousing and supervising to office work to being self employed as traveling handyman and a subcontractor. Currently, I'm subcontracting in the hardwood flooring industry. It's hard work, but it's rewarding. The cover photo was a job I was putting the final coat on earlier today in Missouri. Whether it's updating an existing hardwood floor or new construction, it's nice to be able to look at a really sweet floor when you're done and know that you did that. Plus, real wood can be incredibly beautiful.
Check out the grain on this Hickory. Anyways, I put in a lot of hours over this last week doing flooring. Often I'd spend at least a couple hours a day traveling, plus I had to work through the night to do jobs at places that are open during the day. Overall, from last Tuesday until today, I put in about 50 hours away from my family (since I did not work on Saturday or Sunday) and banked about $815 total. Since I started actively participating in the steemit community about the same time. I've probably spent about maybe up to 10 or 12 hours working on my posts (it's really hard to pin down, especially with working two different this past week flooring, and it could be less or more, but probably not too much more). Also, I'm pretty quick on a keyboard with a lot of information generally right on the tip of my tongue, so that helps. Anyway, from my introduction post 7 days ago until now, my wallet has grown up to $763, with a few more blogging rewards coming my way.
So, financially, over the past week working on steemit has provided just as well for my family as working as a subcontractor. However, I got to be at home to do it, it did take less time, and the time invested was more enjoyable; being with my children and wife, walking around eating plants in the woods, gardening, and taking pictures. There is a reward in that as well.
Mind you, I had no $10,000 posts either, just some decent blogging rewards for some decent posts. Anyway, for me personally, steemit seems like it could play a vital role in my self-sufficiency, especially since once we by our land, build our house, and set up some infrastructure, I'd like to be at the place where I do not need to earn $700-$800 a week just to survive and provide.
In conclusion, has steemit now become a viable career option? I think so. So thank you all.
