I've been in Steemit for exactly 28 days now. My application was confirmed on my birthday December 29 and that's also the day I wrote my most upvoted post - At 23.
I've never thought someone will read it or comment on it. I guess people in Steemit are highly appreciative and they can see through words as I wrote that article while pouring my heart out.
Fast forward to this day, I authored 26 posts including 2 contest entries and 4 pure photography entries. I also completed two cashouts already - thanks to 
My net earnings (gross minus bittrex & coins.ph transaction fee) totaled to around 20,000 Php (400 USD) in a span of 4 weeks being in Steemit. I also have a pending payout that I'm still saving for future use.
Earning such amount is not an easy feat. It requires effort, time, research and careful weaving of words.
WHERE DID MY EARNINGS GO?
I've been in a stress roller coaster the past few weeks. One of the reasons is rooting from financial incapability.
I was a self-employed contractual in a government agency. This year, all contractuals are being transitioned to a manning agency. This is the government's answer to issues on contractualization.
With this change, we have to provide new work requirements such as medical exam, NBI clearance, and closing of Certificate of Registration among other things.
My first cashout is around 8,000 - 9,000 pesos. I used this to pay for my tax fees and pay for my monthly rent.
My second and latest earnings amounted to around 11,000 PhP which I saved for two weeks before withdrawing. Another reason that I waited for 2 weeks is that there is a huge fall in the SBD and Steem value last mid January.
I used my 2nd Steemit earnings to go to my alma mater and get my diploma as this is another part of our work requirements. I allocated the remaining money for utility fees because we will not get our salary until after a month.
Hopefully, for my next cashouts, I'll be crossing out items in my to-do list:
- Pre-employment medical exam
- (4) Impacted teeth removal surgery
- Pay for next monthly rent
- Pay all debts incurred
- Open a savings account!
- Build a business 😏
GETTING MY DIPLOMA
It took me three years before I got a hold of my diploma since it's not yet available by the time of our graduation last 2015.
I also don't have the time and means since it's 6-7 hours away from where I work. I should also save for roundtrip fare, room booking fee, food allowance, and other expenses.
That's where steemit comes in. I was able to handle my own expenses to get my diploma. As I was enjoying the cool breeze in Baguio, I silently prayed for everyone who made this happen.
Here's some photos from my Baguio journey. I will post another write-up about my 1 and a half day stay in the city of Pines.
