It has been an interesting month. I am a month and half into being self-employed and also my trip to Australia. I haven’t just been exploring this wonderful country I’ve also been working pretty hard. In fact, I’ve been on a pretty strict work schedule. So, for everyday that I travel I have to work a full day the next day.
What Have I Been Doing?
- Going through all of my old posts and optimizing them.
- Launching Colorado Luv Hub-my site about all things Colorado
- Tweaking The Shop My Closet Project and increasing my posts per week (Monday-Friday)
- Commenting on other blogs
- Writing for other people
- Taking Elite Blog Academy
- Starting to pitch to the types of organizations that I’d like to work with
Yep, I know it’s a little surprising. It is challenging doing this from abroad and I am very fortunate to be in my friend’s home with a great internet connection. I felt it was important to begin establishing a routine and set some expectations of myself-even though I’m traveling. I have also set a certain amount that I need to earn while traveling.
Because I’ve set an earnings goal that has also kept me engaged and organized. So far things are going well, but we’ll see if I meet my goal by February 28, 2015. I will begin pitching to the businesses I’m hoping to work with now as it’s getting closer to my return to Colorado. My hope is to schedule some meetings via SKYPE while I’m here or face to face the first or second week of March.
I have also begun working on my side hustles at the end of February and throughout March. I’m trying to decide if I will do a Brand Ambassador gig at a big event that’s coming up. The issue is that it’s out of state and having traveled for so long I don’t think I’ll be excited about leaving the state for awhile. That’s about it! Will keep you posted as things happen.
How Have I Been Feeling?
Towards the end of working my job I was dealing with a high level of depression, stress, and weekly migraines. I am feeling a lot better physically and mentally. I am also happy to report that I am no longer experiencing migraines and that I’ve also noticed a sharp decrease in clinching my teeth at night (which probably lead to the migraines). I am also sleeping 8 hours a day and don’t ever want to return to sleeping fewer than 8 hours a day again.
Link Love
- Lauren from L Bee and The Money Tree shared her Darkest Financial Secret
- Michelle from Budget Bloggess asks How’s That For Dedication? After canceling her trip to London this year.
- Cat from Budget Blonde talks about How To Find Your Ideal Client When Freelancing
- Michelle from Fit Is The New Poor gives herself a 6 Month Performance Review
TSMCP Around the ‘Sphere!
I had some amazing mentions around the blogosphere this month. I special thanks to the following websites and people who mentioned TSMCP in January.
- The Globe and Mail (Canada) shared my post on why I paid $72 to fix my pants zippers
- Debt.com around the web. Sadly, Australia has blocked Debt.com so I can’t read this until I return to the States in a few weeks.
- Credit Sesame Shared my Money is An Expression of Your Values post.
- 1500days.com asked me 10 Questions and A Pizza Place. This was a lot of fun!
- Tonya from Budget and the Beach included me in her compelling post asking How Do You Know When It’s Time To Change Careers?
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
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Hi Michelle. As a Melbournian I loved your last post, but also love your photo above. It looks to me like you’re standing on the beach at Apollo Bay- my favorite place in the world and eating an icecream from Dooley’s. We always have to have one of their ice creams (a day)when we stay there. The coffee is the best!
Hi!! You are right-that is Apollo Bay and I just ate some Tim Tam Ice Cream at Dooley’s. I wish that I’d had the coffee too. Another reason to return. I absolutely loved Melbourne, it’s a fantastic city.
Glad you are feeling better and everything is working out as planned! Enjoy the rest of your stay in Australia!
I’m feeling like a human again 🙂
It’s amazing how much stress can affect you mentally and physically. I’m so glad to hear your symptoms have improved and that you’re thoroughly enjoying Australia. It looks gorgeous!
I really can’t believe how stressed out I was. I was speaking with a friend about that today and we were amazed out how much stress our jobs were creating for us.
You are going to be ok….I’m glad your feeling better. Can’t wait to see how everything turns out for you. Love the new look of the blog.
Thank you Petrish!!! I have faith and I plan on working really hard. I’ve spent a lot of time on the site so I really appreciate the feedback.
Love the pic, you look super happy! I’m so happy to hear that you’re feeling better. It’s amazing how being in a high stress job can take such a toll on your health. I’m a teeth grinder too…UGH…I”ve had one root canal because of it.
You’re doing amazing! Keep the momentum going!
That day was phenomenal! I was so stressed out and I have noticed a huge drop in clinching and grinding my teeth at night. I didn’t know you could end up getting a root canal because of it?! I am ready to get back now to really start making money. I’m feeling super pumped!
You’ve been busy lately Michelle. Maybe it’s time to take a break and explore the place. Forget the stress and just HAVE FUN! Enjoy!
Haha! Don’t worry-I’ve had a lot of fun! I just alternate days. Australia has been great 🙂