I think there are some real opportunities here. I do have some of the skills required. It’s appetizing because there are very few jobs of any sort near me, and the few that are available are low-level retail—Walmart, for example. A depressing prospect.
After many years of struggle, a friend of mine is leading a pretty blissful life in one of the loveliest areas of the US since she began freelancing as a writer using online resources like this. Writing is a particularly difficult field to work in via online freelancing because there are so many Indian, Philippinos, and Chinese who are native English speakers
and are willing to do the work for a buck an hour.
My main hurdle is the necessary internet access. I live in a remote area where I’m not near regular internet. I have to save enough from my $10-an-hour Home Depot job to install a satellite dish, and commit to an expensive contract. That’s a major gamble for me.
“My main hurdle is the necessary internet access. I live in a remote area where I’m not near regular internet. I have to save enough from my $10-an-hour Home Depot job to install a satellite dish, and commit to an expensive contract. That’s a major gamble for me.”
There is a fascinating book you can get from the library; “The Millionaire Next Door.” America has thousands of millionaires, most living in modest homes in ordinary neighborhoods. The author interviewed a representative sample and they have much in common.
Read the book. Then, given the circumstances you described, pen a plan that involves what you do have available. Working at the Home Depot is a huge advantage as most of the millionaires are self made and many started in a menial job. The poorly dressed guy* you see weekly buying plumbing supplies who owns his own business is a good place to start. You might begin moonlighting with him to learn the ins-and-outs of his trade and gain customer and supplier contacts.
* The book reveals that many of the millionaires appear much less wealthy because they only spend their money on things that truly matter. For example, on average, their cars are 10 years old. It’s an eye opening book. Try it.
Best of luck.
Gen.