Years ago, I made a fairly bold declaration as a total newbie poking around the FIRE space. I said I wasn’t leaving my classroom, and I meant it. Now, wonderfully, more and more people are realizing that financial freedom doesn’t have to mean retiring early…or ever. Even so, there is so much talk about the … [Read more…]
OK, fine. Worry isn’t the right word. But I am *thinking* about Christmas in July. And if you celebrate that holiday or have any other big end-of-year plans, you should probably be thinking about it, too. Why? Because if you plan far enough in advance, it can be painless and, dare I say, enjoyable. In … [Read more…]
You know the three reasons why people go into teaching, right? June. July. And August. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this joke. But I can tell you that I’ve never actually heard a teacher tell it. Why? Because we know how short summers are getting, and we also understand how much … [Read more…]
What would it take for you to accept a pay cut? I’m asking for a friend. No, really. A reader sent me an email last week about a job situation she was facing. She also complemented me. OK, fine. She said she enjoyed my awkwardness. It’s. Still. A. Win. I immediately hit reply (after I … [Read more…]
I found financial freedom in a chocolate bar. Of course I did. It’s not like it was an ingredient or anything. It’s more like it was a lingering effect (which is a vast improvement over the “what have I done!?” feeling). I’ve been waiting my whole life for chocolate to be a metaphor, and it … [Read more…]
Does income matter on the journey to financial independence? Duh. I agreed to be a guest on a podcast panel where I could weigh in on that very question. To be quite honest, I wasn’t sure what I could possibly add to the discussion besides a hearty, “Of course!” Still, I agreed. I anticipated that … [Read more…]
Exactly one year ago, my maternity leave ended. In some ways, time has never moved faster. In other ways, I can’t believe how much things still feel the same. But for 365 days, I have had a full-time job in addition to being a mom. My son has spent more of the time that he is … [Read more…]
I have been freelancing for a long time. Not in the flashy, six-figure, time to make a course way, but in the holy cats, my job doesn’t pay super well, and I’d like some side money way. This isn’t just about teaching. In high school and college, I worked myriad part-time jobs for minimum wage. … [Read more…]
I did it. I finally did it. I doubled my salary. I’m not talking about my full-time income mixed with various side hustle streams. This has nothing to do with passion projects. No freelancing, no ghostwriting, none of it. I doubled my full-time salary. And I am so proud. There’s a lot of debate about … [Read more…]
VIPKID has an affiliate program. There. I said it. I’m not burying the lede on this one, fam. In case you have been living under a rock, VIPKID is the new darling of the side hustle world. For $14 an hour before taxes, you, too, can tutor out of the convenience of your home. VIPKID … [Read more…]