As a personal update, I want to let my readers know that I am going through a bit of change in my life. Recently I made a change from a full-time employee to being employed part time while filling the rest of my income by web-working. In this article I would like to talk about what web-working is, what the pluses and minuses are, why I am only doing it part time, and why I am doing it at all.
What is web-working?
Web-working is exactly what it sounds like: working on the web. Basically, if you make any of your income working on the Internet, whether from home or otherwise remotely, whether it be for yourself or an employer, you are a web-worker. In my case, as a blogger, I have been hired on as a staff writer for MakeUseOf.com, a very popular technology blog. In so doing, I receive part of my income from home writing articles for a website. That is why I consider myself to be a web-worker. I guess you can say I am a part-time web-worker.
What are the pluses and minuses of being a web-worker?
I am glad you asked! The reason being is that the whole idea of working from home, making your own schedule and being your own boss seems very appealing but it may not be all it’s cracked up to be! It is true, I do LOVE the flexibility of making my own schedule and such, but it is not always easy! I am learning that there are a few lessons I need to learn. I am learning to be self-motivated. I am learning to be more organized. I am working on being focused (something I have always had a hard time with). I am even learning how to make my own goals and complete them. All of these are really awesome things to learn and if I do it will affect other parts of my life positively. However, you must realize that it is NOT for everyone! Everyone may not even enjoy it.
Why am I only doing it part-time?
This is a good question! If I enjoy the flexibility and the learning/growing experience, why not do it full-time? Well, the main reason is that I need stability. What would happen if either I was asked to step down as staff writer, or worse, if the site I write for goes under? I would be on the street! And nobody wants to hear a grown man weep! Well, there’s nothing wrong with a man that cries, but you know what I mean! I like the safety of having more than one stream of income, especially when the economy tanks. Another reason is that right now I only write for one site, and the income is only a part-time income. Am I actively looking for more writing gigs? Well, other than having INTENTIONS on continuing my own blogging, not really. Would I turn down another gig if I was offered one? It would depend:)
Why am I a web-worker at all?
One reason has already been leaked earlier in this article: I like the flexibility! As was also mentioned, I like the growing experience. There is more though. I like being able to spend more time home with my wife. I like working on the Internet because it’s something I know and have enjoyed growing with through the years (I have also grown to respect it as a great power for both good and evil). Similarly, I enjoy working at a computer (manual labor makes me cry – j/k!). And I like working in the comfort of my own office in my own house in my own bedroom! How’s that work for ya!?
So, what do you think? Am I totally off my rocker? Have you ever thought about taking a similar leap? Are you currently a web-worker? Share with us!
Awesome! Congrats on taking the plunge! Even though it’s part time, it’s still a BIG step on the road to doing what you love. Keep it up and I look forward to more updates along the way.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy´s last blog ..How Many Customers Do I Need To Make A Living?
I’m considering doing a few series branching off of this step including tools I use and productivity tips (as I learn to actually be productive myself).
Thanks! Nice to hear from you again!
Best of luck with it! The one thing I would say is try and jump in to it full time as soon as you can possibly afford it as it will need most of your time! The good news is that it is the most fulfilling thing you will ever do and really exciting but the bad news is that it will totally consume you and oyu’ll have very little spare time! Exicting time for you
@Niall Thanks for the advice! Perhaps eventually I’ll get into it full time. For now I am comfortable with not letting it consume my life. Right now I am excited about the flexibility web working brings me and the stability working my other job part time brings me.
I’ve heard the “jump in with both feet” advice before and it’s good. It’s just not right for me where I am in my life right now.
timmy´s last blog ..Learning from my blogging mistakes
I liked the blog. I am a web worker too. I have been for sometime, but without actually realizing it. I started a few small companies in Chicago, and I slowly was working out of the house or a Starbucks more and more.
I realized I liked the time to myself, and able to just think. I find when sitting in the office I can get a lot of busy work done, but rarely do I have time to sit and think about my situation, task, or whatever.
I do find it difficult to divide my time, or focus sometimes. I learned how to reduce the “noise”, and pick 2 to 3 major tasks to fulfill each day, and the rest is gravy. It gives me the freedom to accomplish what my mood and energy level is best suited for, but doesn’t sacrifice my deadlines.
Good luck, and keep on blogging.
sincerely,
Marty
@Marty: Great to meet you! I was checking out your blog and I like your advice about choosing 2 to 3 major tasks every day. I think I have been leaning in that direction without actually realizing it.
Thanks for stopping by!
timmy´s last blog ..5 Things REAL Coffee Does For Me