I’m typing this to you on my second day of having power back after Irma and let me tell you…I’ve got a bit of survivor’s guilt.

The last major hurricane I went through, I was employed. That meant that even with a good, understanding employer, I was doing the dance of trying to work, come home and do the 875 things you have to do to prepare for a hurricane, and then worry afterward about when you’ll be expected back and whether your employer’ll be cool with you coming in sticky and looking rougher than a night in jail.

This time, I was an outsider, doing the same thing on my own time, but also listening to what store workers were saying…

“Got all your water?

“When does the curfew tomorrow start again?”

“What time are they letting us go home? I need to board up.”

I took a leisurely week of destruction prep and I’m thankful for it. It would have been a completely different story though, if I hadn’t spent my last few years prioritizing my income as a freelancer.

I make no apologies for it…I’m an income-focused freelancer.

I prioritize peace in my life even higher, but right below that? It’s money. Not prestige, excitement, or entertainment…I get those in other areas of my life.

That is a decision that requires a very practical focus, and it’s one anybody can pull off if they’re willing to continually answer a few, critical questions. Those questions are what we’re going to work through right now.

Answer these directly and to the best of your ability. You’ll be doing them again in six months, so don’t feel pressure to smear anything one way or another.

What's your minimum hourly earning rate? (Not what you charge)

Are you making that rate? (It’s totally ok if you’re not! We’re just being honest right now.)

Are you saving for taxes or paying your quarterlies? If so, how much? (Again…if you haven’t been, it happens. I was 3 years in before I started setting money aside proactively.)

What's your next income goal? (A new monthly minimum, doubling your rates, covering your car payment, etc.)

No shame here. Getting comfortable with taking control of your income takes time and attention, so give yourself space. The more you put into it, the more comfortable you’ll feel with raising (and meeting) those higher income goals.

Talk to you soon!

Megan