If you're like me, we live life freestyle.
I haven't had a 9-5 in over ten years. I haven't had a regularly scheduled job since 2013, and I don't want to look back. I'm done with that enslavement of my time and energy just to get by.
Since then, I have ebbed and flowed between USD prosperity and deficiency, whilst always living in abundance. I don't believe money in itself is evil, but the debt and usury that it has come to represent in our society is. My resistance to this form of enslavement has been quite the journey. Attempting to balance my missions in life requires me, at times, to participate in a system I don't agree or feel resonant with. I often feel as though I'm straddling a chasm in this great time of transition. My continued immersion in Babylon is with the intention to bring forth systematic change and evolution, which means I sometimes have to play the game, or "consciously chase the dragon" as I Iike to put it.
Recently, after a dwindling surge in USD wealth, I traveled to Hawaii.
Just before I left, my car began overheating and required some repairs which sucked up a good portion of my travel funds. After the first set of repairs, it still needed more, and I left it with a mechanic recommended by a friend, while I flew across the ocean for a magickal adventure.
The car was supposed to be done before I left, but, alas, even upon return, it was not finished. Though he had already been paid $300, I went through a month of attempting to get my car back from him, and when I finally did, it was taken apart with no new parts. This devastated my vision for hitting the ground running after traveling. It snowed, alot. I was unable to pay rent or phone bills or go grocery shopping on my own. Public transportation wasn't an option, since I have a new pup that can't yet be left alone. Although I had some support, my confidence and attitude was plummeting.
Although I detest my current need for USD, I recognized that in order to not be a burden upon my community, I needed to obtain some fast. I needed to take action. I went on craigslist.org and began searching.
I write this article for those of you who may find yourself in a similar situation. I want to share what I did so that if you feel a need for some extra USD income, you have some ideas, channels, and resources that may give you that boost to get you over the hump. Some did require me to plug back into the system more than I had been in years, but they also put food in my mouth, so I surrendered to my fulfillment of what was emerging in the possibility portals.
Here's what I found:
- Transcription work- I enjoyed this because it required me to listen intently and brush up on my grammar skills. While I'm no grammar nazi, I do enjoy discovering how to enhance the flow of my written language, and learning the rules so I can break them. The best site I found for this was http://rev.com. After some training sessions, the pay increases and so do the parameters and requirements of your quality and timeliness of submissions. I managed to make about $200 before they "fired" me for one too many late submissions. (I suggest not taking on too difficult of projects before your skill levels are up to par) Oh well. It helped while I had it. After checking out other transcription avenues, I abandoned this for more lucrative and inspiring ways to spend my time. I only recommend this for those who have good basic grammar skills and type quickly.
- Dog sitting/ walking- Why not gain from my love for animals? I found a site called http://Rover.com. They take about 20% of earnings, but after making a profile, the requests just rolled in, and I didn't have to do much more than hang out with new furry friends. There are, obviously, other avenues to accomplish this that don't require you to lose any earnings, but this was very convenient as I didn't have transportation nor a clientele without great effort.
- Busking- I love to go out in the public and entertain. Sometimes I even get some cash on top of feeling great about putting out good vibes into the world. If you do music, live painting, dance, magic, or any other talent that may bring joy to those who set upon you, take it to the streets!
My favorite place is Manitou Springs, CO, but Pearl Street and the 16th St. Mall are also great local spots. Feel free to leave your local favorites in the comments.
Panhandling doesn't feel good to me. Just asking for money is not my style, and I have seen how detrimental it can be to the good vibes of a place. If you are going to ask, I would recommend offering something in return (maybe more than smiles and hugs, since that's already a mutual exchange), a joke, a trick, advice, a footrub, impromptu yoga class, or something creative of real value, and never expect anything from anyone. - Crowdfunding- After I got my car back, I took it to a legit shop and got an estimate for $693 that I did not have. I was overwhelmed and, reluctantly, decided to do a GoFundMe to pay for it. It gave me a lot to reflect on, reaching out to the commUnity like that. And we did it!!
How is this different than panhandling? Well, the people know exactly where the money is going, for one. They don't have to walk away wondering if they just funded someone's crack habit. Secondly, I feel it is more conducive to opening abundance portals everywhere. People have an opportunity to feel into their own abundance, and widen their avenues for receiving by letting it flow through them, without being confronted by any expectational gaze. (see Lakshmi below)
I also offered massage to anyone who gave over $40. (I'm just about to get rolling on those divine exchanges!) - Massage for donations- Have people often told you they find your therapeutic touch to be catalystic to healing? Maybe you even have some training, as I do. If you have some good energy to give others in this way, you can offer this exchange. I always do by donation because one, I am not certified, and two, I feel it is the most aligned way to allow the abundance to flow through this channel and create accessibility to healing. If you don't feel confident in this skill, consider taking some classes or trainings. Everyone has the ability to give positive touch, and everyone needs it. I highly recommend my teacher Eric Bell if your 're in Colorado. https://www.facebook.com/ericbellthebodyelectric
- Delivery Services- Now that I've got my car back, my possibilities have expanded. I found something called postmates while doing my initial craigslist search, but didn't follow it since I was still waiting on my car. The other day a dear friend stopped by with her new precious starseed baby, and told me she's been doing well with DoorDash. It's an app that connects you with food delivery requests wherever you are. So I signed up, and after I go pick up my gear and get oriented, I'll be on my way to another opportunity for earning in my own time and flow. Plus she gets a good commission once I complete a certain amount of deliveries. Her referral code is http://drd.sh/6Zn105/ in case you're interested.
- steemit.com - Duh.
~~ MOST IMPORTANTLY ~~
Please believe, and don't forget, abundance exists in all forms, and success, prosperity, and well-being do not require money. If one channel is blocked, know that there are infinite other possible ways for you to receive what you need, want, and envision. For me, this life is a balancing act between being a burden and contributing what I can to service of the greater good. I am learning so much in the in-between.
Painting by Mark Henson http://markhensonart.com
I also encourage you to start or continue to look into alternative forms of currency, trade, and barter. The organization I co-founded StarTribe Alliance http://startribealliance.org has initiated one based on time called StarTribe hours that are, currently, being mainly distributed through event and festival alliances in support of the volunteers who make them happen. We are looking to expand their abilities to support the growing ecovillage network as well. Find out more here: https://startribealliance.org/startribe-hours
om shrim maha lakshmiyei swaha
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/lakshmi.shtml
Infinite Love,
~Alexis~ aka @alexstacy
Thank you for sharing this!!
While I am not living totally freestyle, I am a Pre-K teacher so my summers are free and I still look for ways to generate income that don't require long term commitment. I've heard about people doing transcription work, but had no idea where to start. I can almost guarantee that I'll be using rev.com to get some extra cash to travel!!
Keep up the great work!
Blessing sent your way 💜 💜 💜
That's great to hear you are inspired! So happy you've got a lead on something that can facilitate your joy. And hey part of being freestyle is not always being freestyle. ;-) Feeling the mutual blessings~~~ <3
Feel free to check out my introduction post or check out my free tarot reading post. Since your post was so helpful, maybe I can offer something in return :)
~Lynx~
Great finds... never give up. There is always another way and you seem very resilient and able to find your way when you need too.. I hadn't heard of some of these services - I think it's great that in this decentralized society . there are so many opportunities to provide useful services to society.
We are all of the flavors!
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Cool perspective
Although I am attacking life with the opposite approach, trying top accumulate as much USD as possible while I'm still young-ish, I sympathize with your worldview and admire your efforts. I too used to walk dogs for extra income, and it was immensely enjoyable and surprisingly profitable. #keepstackin those good times!
Well I'm all for good people making monay and distributing wealth in positive ways! It just hasn't been my main avenue for motivation to date. I can see how many things would be made much more available and easier to come by, yet I've lived such a life of joy and wonder, that I believe I am choosing the paths that are right for me. Thank you for sharing your compassion.
So cool
how we each get to choose our own path and make a difference! and share our experiences here on Steemit!
I personally have been a nomad for about a decade and I have found that as long as I never allow suffering to take over I always find a way. Many times it my skill set that warms my pockets, gives me a place to sleep and allows me to eat. Sometimes its supporting another's dream, which I have done so many times I can not count, and in supporting I get taken care of and honored. Sometimes I am left with less and I have to just count that as a lesson learned.
I am blessed to have done well in many things so I can actually show up and do what is required of me. I am looking for a IN into communty where we all thrive and mutually build upon a self sufficient and everlasting prosperity plan. I know this is possible yet .. .. have yet to fully experience in that way.
Alexis you met me on one of these Adventures and we have been soul fam every since. EVEN though the circumstances were not OPTIMaL.. I count the fact that I met you as More than I could ever have been paid.. so in this way I experienced a different kind of abundance.... I got to meet a epic ONE of A KIND soul. A sister that is so much in resonance I could not have planned it. So these types of experiences teach me to be humble and just listen watch and wait.
We all can do this and if we all choose to step up and step together we will change this world from lack to love.
We are truly resonant soultribe! I love this reflection. It is indeed important to remember all the treasures in different forms we gather along the way. They are far more valuable than any money. I love you!
Thank u... I am in SA and also rebel against a 9 to 5 job... My favorites are busking, Tarot reading and up cycling stuff... Following your great blog. Ps:u will love my dance clips
I remember you from Earth Nation meetings and forums! You are a wonderful soul and you let it shine through. I have enjoyed your dance ripples for some time now. Happy we are connected here now as well.