Thanks so much for the update! I appreciate that you came back and let me know how you did.

I think you made a smart decision: you set a goal, looked at your goal attainment, and you made a decision based on your assessment of the complete situation.

This seems easy, but is actually a very difficult decision. People tend to fall in love with a dream to the point of ignoring some blatant signs of reality. Then they get caught in a ruthless stubbornness, hanging onto a course of action when they can do better sticking to the plan. We should continue to pursue our dreams, but we want to do this with both eyes open and more importantly – involve BOTH our heart AND our mind.

Best wishes to you and keep in touch!

Jane

I looked over my earnings for November and I’m happy to report that I earned almost $30 online. Sure, it’s not the $270 or $27,000 that I was shooting for, but I feel that I’m beginning to go somewhere with my work.

Because my earnings weren’t enough to cover my expenses, I’m going back into the work force before the end of the month. I still plan on producing content online, but until I can make enough to be able to consistently support myself, I’ll need a job to cover my expenses.

Thanks for the support and I hope to reach my goal of being able to support myself with my passions!

You’re welcome!

3 months is a reasonable time-frame; however, given that December tends to be a slow month and most people take off for the holidays, you may want to build that factor into your metrics.

One of the ways to stay on track is to build metrics into each month’s milestones.

For example, in order to reach $270, what activities do you need to do, for how much or how often per month? This way you have something clear and manageable, and you’ll know exactly whether you’ve achieved your targets or whether you’ve set the bar unrealistically.

I’d also build into your goals an initial action plan you’d take for Plan B (i.e. getting a job). For example, if by month 2, you are X percent below goal, you’ll do steps A, B, and C in preparation for potential job search. If by month 3 you are X percent below goal, you’ll add steps D, E, and F in preparation for potential job search.

I hope it makes sense!
Jane Chin

Having read this post, I have given myself a 3-month time frame. Is this reasonable or should I give myself more time to establish myself?

Here is my goal: My goal is to generate at least $270 a month on average within 3 months by posting content not only on my own website, but by using online services like Helium, Associated Content, Triond, etc. If I have not reached this goal by the end of January, I will apply for a job in-town. I will continue to publish content for money, but I will hold a job until I reach my goal of $270 a month on average.

• WalterReade: @janechin I’ld challenge him to find someone he can help succeed.
• shwen: @janechin He needs to get on twitter and start twetting — perfect solution for the on demand support group.
• codyrobert: @janechin lonely – meet people doing what ya do. Only way to stop fear is to act and get it over with. After, it’s “that wasn’t so bad”

Thank you, Walter, Shwen, and Cody for your help!