Road to Financial Abundance – Week 59

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Diversify my writing portfolio by doing a Weekly Writing prompt at least one day a week
2. Search for jobs on craigslist everyday and apply to at least 3
3. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services

So sorry it has been almost two weeks since my last post, guys.  But I’ve just been so busy after getting a job AT AMAZON!  Woo-hoo!  I can’t tell you how exited/relieved I am.  Just finishedmy first week, and my coworkers are great and I really enjoy the job itself.  I’m looking forward to growing and supporting my coworkers.

Well I feel like taking a break in the whole hunt for abundance; I feel like this job will bring me lots of wealth.  I do still want to continue my writing and write regularly for a film and/or gaming website.  That can still be part of my tasks.

Next week:

1. Diversify my writing portfolio by doing a Weekly Writing prompt at least one day a week
2. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services

 

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 57

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Diversify my writing portfolio by doing a Weekly Writing prompt at least one day a week
2. Search for jobs on craigslist everyday and apply to at least 3
3. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services

Sorry I missed last week, guys.  I’ve been busy going to interviews, yard work, side work for a local realtor, and dealing with my poor quality of sleep.  All excuses, I know, but at least I’m being proactive, hehe.

Alas, I have not been diversifying my writing portfolio, due to the afore-mentioned reasons.  I know I need to take responsibility, but sometimes it feels so hard when outside factors seem to weigh down on me.

I have been searching for jobs on craigslist, but the pickings have been slim.  Thank god I just had two interviews with a great company this week; I hope I get one of the positions.  I should know within a week.  In the meantime, I’ll continue searching craigslist, but I’m really hoping I get one of these positions.

I haven’t reached out to film websites lately as well.  Arghhhh…  I will do that today.

Next week:

1. Diversify my writing portfolio by doing a Weekly Writing prompt at least one day a week
2. Search for jobs on craigslist everyday and apply to at least 3
3. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 55

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Tap for better sleep
2. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
3. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

Ever since the weekend, where I just took it easy, I’ve been able to sleep a lot better.  Mom got me melatonin and suggested that I take up to 5 grams, since past dosages haven’t been effective.  So, I’m actually going to try that tonight.  Good sleep is the foundation of sanity, I’m finding.

Found and reached out to at least 10 movie websites yesterday, so I feel pretty good about that.  I always get excited when I come across really well-designed movie websites.  Hopefully a great one will want to work with me.

Have not been diversifying my writing portfolio; I guess I’ve put that on the back burner since I decided a few days ago that it was more important to apply for jobs everyday.  So I’ve been incorporating applying for jobs into my daily morning routine.  I find it difficult to add writing to my morning routine, which already consists of a 45-min workout and showering and chanting (this takes a little over an hour).

OK, tomorrow I need to do one of those Weekly Writing prompts – get the ball rolling.

Next week:

1. Diversify my writing portfolio by doing a Weekly Writing prompt at least one day a week
2. Search for jobs on craigslist everyday and apply to at least 3
3. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 51

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
2. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

OK, I definitely am depressed about something, which is a big factor in my lack of action.  You’d think I would be over the moon excited about finally securing a job.  I worried this would happen – I would still worry even after securing a job.  Worried I would screw something up.  Worried people would see that I’m incompetent.  Also, I do better at executing personally-assigned tasks when I’m at home.  I’m getting better at doing them while at my boyfriend’s house, but there’s still a big difference.

Next week:

1. Journal or tap (or both) everyday to root out cause of depression/anxiety
2. Fix depression/anxiety
3. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
4. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

 

 

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 50

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Find and reach out to other websites centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
2. Diversify my writing portfolio every day
3. Reach out and help at least one person a day (called “giving The Gift” in the book, The Gift).  This has basically become a habit by now, since it gives me such joy, so I won’t be listing this as a task anymore

I have not been reaching out to other websites and offering my writing services, because I suppose I was celebrating my new job prospects by not doing a damn thing.  Funny how I even want to take a break from things I enjoy.  Part of the problem may be the thought of reaching out to an undefined number of websites.  So, I will reach out to at least one website every day.

Have not been diversifying my writing portfolio, though I found a fun writing exercise, which I will post today.

My interview with the tutoring center went well; now I just have to finish a take-home SAT.  God I remember how difficult math was for me back then and even now.

I’ve been leaving my schedule this week clear, in case Aerotek sets up interviews with Amazon for me.  I have a phone interview on Friday for a cool company, so that’s exciting.

It’s funny how, despite going to networking events and reaching out to my network for work, all these job prospects are coming to me through other, random ways (i.e., craigslist, staffing agency finding my resume from two years ago)

Next week:

1. Find and reach out to at least ONE website centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
2. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

 

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 49

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
2. Find and reach out to other websites centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
3. Diversify my writing portfolio every day
4. Reach out and help at least one person a day (called “giving The Gift” in the book, The Gift)
5. Figure out how to install Google Ad Sense on this blog (having trouble)

Like I mentioned in my accompanying Body post, these past two weeks have been a low point in my life.  I’m so sick of not having an income, so sick of job hunting, so sick of going to networking events… I debated whether or not to talk about this, but I think it’s important to showcase all aspects of a journey, including struggle and hardship.

Let’s see, I’ve been checking craigslist every day for writing and modeling jobs.  Found some interesting positions for which I applied, so I’m waiting to hear back.

I do need to do better about diversifying my portfolio.  In defense, I’ve been revising a test article a social media marketing company, so that’s been great practice.

I’ve been getting better about asking more questions of people, as I try to figure out how to help them.  Oddly enough, it can be tough to figure out exactly what people want and what I can do for them in that moment.

The Google Ad Sense has been really frustrating.  I’ve decided to put it on the back burner, since I feel I could be devoting more time to job hunting.  I’m thinking of switching to Blogger so I can easily install Google Adsense.

*UPDATE*

I started the above post yesterday, and today, I have two interviews set up with amazing companies!!!  An overwhelming feeling of joy, relief, and happiness has been hitting me in waves all day today.  I have my first interview tomorrow, and another next Tuesday.  The one for next Tuesday, I have to come up with a 15 minute lesson plan and teach it, which should be exciting.  I will create that tomorrow at the latest.

Next week:

1. Find and reach out to other websites centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
2. Diversify my writing portfolio every day
3. Reach out and help at least one person a day (called “giving The Gift” in the book, The Gift).  This has basically become a habit by now, since it gives me such joy, so I won’t be listing this as a task anymore

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 47

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Finish reading What Color Is Your Parachute?
2. Complete all relevant exercises in What Color Is Your Parachute?, to better aid my job hunt and goal of getting a flexible, part-time admin job by May 31st
3. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
4. Find and reach out to other websites centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
5. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

Well, I was out of integrity last week – I used the Memorial Day weekend as an excuse not to do the majority of the above tasks.  I did have a good time at the beach with my boyfriend and some friends though, so I’m glad my time was well spent in other ways.

I didn’t finished reading What Color Is Your Parachute?, due to a fairly large exercise.  It’s the main exercise of the book, so I’m excited to finish it and glean some useful information, namely “transferrable skills”.

I have been checking craigslist nearly every day for writing & modeling jobs, but no such luck.  As I declared about a week ago, I want a flexible, part-time admin job that pays my expenses ($800/month) and a bit more, so that I can devote more time to building other avenues of income.  Hmm, perhaps I didn’t declare that last bit; good thing I’m doing it now, hehe.  I’ve realized that,

A) It’s much more safe to rely on multiple streams of income, since most jobs nowadays cannot guarantee longevity

B) I enjoy my free time – I enjoy having a flexible schedule so that I can travel, do more spontaneous things, and schedule events with a certain amount of “wiggle” room

I’ve been looking for some type of admin job in the entertainment industry (tv, radio, film, etc), since I’m really interested in such industries.  But, there are definitely more full-time positions than part-time ones, and most of the positions I’ve found are secretarial work, where I have to be behind a desk for an allotted time.  I know I’m probably being picky here, but I still want a flexible schedule, even in my part-time job.  I just want to create things – how I do it and when I do it are my own business.  I understand there are deadlines and I actually love them, because they force me to be more productive and make a game out of completing the task.  But with a 9-5 (or 8-12 in my case) job, it’s so boring.

I did get a response from a film site, Film-Book.com, about a writing position, so I’m happy about that.  I’m excited about writing movie reviews and other things movie-related.  The only concern I have with the site, is that it’s very dense with ads, which throws off the aesthetics and navigation of the site.  I want to see what other film sites are out there, but for now, I’m going to give this one a shot.  I’m looking forward to when I can write for such sites with peace of mind, knowing that I have a reliable income that pays my monthly expenses.

Have not been doing a good job about diversifying my writing every day.  Ugh.  Trying not to feel guilty about it, as I know it doesn’t help.

As somewhat of an excuse for all this non execution of my tasks, I have been going to a lot of networking events.  I have been to 2 since my last blog post – one organized by a local BNI group, one by the GSBA, and I’m going to one tonight by the Eastside Networking Event (a LinkedIn group).  Whew!

One last thing I want to share – last week, a local SGI Buddhist member graciously invited me and some other friends over for dinner, since I reached out to him asking him about his experiences as a tv writer.  I shared with him my frustrations about the lack of mentorship/guidance among professionals, and he gave me a signed copy of a short book he and a few others had written, titled The Gift.  Basically, it’s message is that, when we give and help people without an agenda, it has many benefits.  Namely, that it can be a great feeling to have helped someone, and when you help others, they help you. So, I have been doing all I can to help others, and it is really paying off.  I feel much lighter, I’m excited to help people achieve their goals, and job leads are coming to me from the people I have helped!  It’s pretty amazing.  So, I’m looking forward to tonight’s networking event, which my best friend Ray will attend as well.

Next week:

Hopefully I’ll have a flexible, part-time admin job I love, which pays my expenses

1. Finish reading and complet all exercises from What Color Is Your Parachute?
2. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
3. Find and reach out to other websites centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
4. Diversify my writing portfolio every day
5. Reach out and help at least one person a day (called “giving The Gift” in the book, The Gift)

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 44

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
2. Find and reach out to other websites centered on interests, and promote myself
3. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

I’ve been doing very well with checking craigslist every day for writing & modeling jobs.  I applied to some, which felt great, though at the same time, I think, “It would be a lot better if I got a job through a contact, so there would already be a level of trust established”.  Oh well; I guess either method works, as long as I find a job I love.

So my mom & I attended a guest speaker event last night at the Landmark Education office.  The event was centered around breakdowns.  The biggest thing I got from it was that it’s so very important to COMMUNICATE, especially during a breakdown, as your peers can help you spot your blindspots and help you think up new actions to take.

So I made a new commitment out of last night–

To have a flexible, part-time job that I love by May 30th

As you all might know, I’m also working hard on becoming a writer full-time, so I am writing every day, in order to diversify my portfolio and just to exercise my creative muscles.  But in the meantime, I figured I’d do admin work, since that’s what I have the most experience in, and it seems like it’s a more stable job than writing.  Ideally, I’d love to work with the entertainment industry (i.e., tv, radio, flim, etc).

A lovely young lady sitting next to me last night recommended I check out BNI.com, which is a global networking organization that organizes regular networking events.  She said I should come to the one in Fremont on Thursdays.  Their website also lists networking groups/events happening in my neighborhood (Kirkland), with all of the events taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  So, I’ll attend both until I find a part-time job.

Just ordered 250 free business cards from VistaPrint (Christ, I’ve heard that ad so much on Pandora.com).  I’m excited to start using them to promote myself and my skills, and to network with others.

I need to find and reach out to websites centered on film/movies & video games, as I would love to write for free for such industries.

Next week:

1. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
2. Find and reach out to other websites centered on film/movies, and offer my awesome writing services
3. Diversify my writing portfolio every day
4. Attend BNI networking events in Kirkland, then assess whether I should attend those of surrounding areas

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 43

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
2. Find and reach out to other websites centered on interests, and promote myself
3. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

Been doing better about checking craigslist everyday for writing, modeling, and admin type jobs.  But I find when I reach the end of the list, I get depressed and hopeless about ever finding a job.  I know I’ll find a great job (or jobs, if I can do freelance writing to pay my monthly expenses), but right now it feels totally hopeless.  Can you tell I’m in a low place?

Been doing EFT (tapping) to help work through all this frustration and to get in a positive attitude (law of attraction).

I have been reaching out to websites centered around film/entertainment and video games, as I’m finding that I’m really passionate about those two things.  But I haven’t heard back from any of them, which leads me to believe that my time is better spent networking.

It’s been very fun adding to my writing portfolio every day.  I find that I’m better able to express my thoughts & feelings in more concise and creative ways, as a result of writing every day.

One of my biggest frustrations from networking with other professional writers (or professionals in general), is that the majority of them are so reluctant to give REAL help.  The majority refer me to some great resources (mostly websites) for writers, and say “Good luck!”  But no offer to reach out to see if they know anyone who might be hiring writers; no offer to answer any other questions I may have; no offer for guidance/mentorship.  Did these people forget that they were once struggling, aspiring writers?  Or did their family or peers always hook them up with jobs & opportunities?

I know I have way more people/forces helping me, than those who are not, but at the moment, I feel only anger & frustration at the majority of professionals unwilling to be a guide/mentor.

One of the biggest aspirations I’ve gotten out of this most recent job hunt and from Landmark’s teachings about networking, is to set up some sort of mentorship system in the US public education system.  I remember in high school and college, the most we had was job shadowing, but even that had a lukewarm energy to it.  There was no real effort to ensure a long-lasting, mentor-like relationship between an apprentice and a master.

When I have financial abundance, I’m going to set up some sort of mentorship system in the US public education system.  I’m going to make millions of people realize that they are always both an apprentice and master in at least one area in life.  And, that it’s their duty as a master to educate, pass down, and guide willing apprentices to mastery of that area.

A recent quotation I read really sums up my feelings about this:

“The greatest gift of success is to teach others how to obtain it”

Or something along those lines.

I feel like an old man in his rocking chair on his battered porch, whining about “what’s wrong with this country”.  The problem is that nobody wants to be a mentor to anyone.

In the meantime, I’m tapping at least once every morning before I do anything, in order to get myself in a positive state of mind.

Next week:

1. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
2. Find and reach out to other websites centered on interests, and promote myself
3. Diversify my writing portfolio every day

 

Road to Financial Abundance – Week 42

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Search for jobs on craigslist
2. Search for websites & blogs centered on interests (video games, film, languages, fitness, technical writing, food, travel, etc) via AllTop.com.  Ask website owners if you can write for them
3. Finish reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
4. Write every day, whether it be on this blog or GamersRoute.com

I’ve been focusing more on adding to my writing portfolio, than I have been about searching for jobs on craigslist.  No reason why I can’t do both though, so I will check craigslist for part-time technical writing or customer support type jobs, as well as modeling jobs.  Right now, I’d really like a part-time customer support or virtual assistant job that will at least pay my monthly expenses.  That would reduce a lot of stress.

I have only reached out to a few webmasters, since I’ve been focusing more on writing/editing articles for GamersRoute.  So far, I’ve been writing/adding one piece every other day.  Reason being, I was at my boyfriend’s this past week doing tons of yard work.  But I don’t want to use any excuses; I want to diversify my portfolio every day, or at least 5 days per week.

Finally, I finished reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People!  Woohoo!  The chapters about Habits 2 & 3 were a little too technical, and I almost gave up reading it, but I chose to read all of it so I could glean as much useful information as I could.  I definitely recommend it.

This Sunday, April 29th, I will be modeling for a collaborative shoot for AMDEF – an independent collaboration between the communities of Art, Music, Dance, Entertainment and Fashion.  I’m really excited, because I’ll be able to promote myself as a great representative for the hybrid (half Asian, half white) community.  I’m committed to inspiring and empowering people from my modeling, through creative, original media formats (photography, television, film, etc).  For more details, check out the Facebook event details here: Collaborative Promotional Photoshoot for AMDEF Artists

Next week:

1. Check craigslist everyday for writing & modeling jobs
2. Find and reach out to other websites centered on interests, and promote myself
3. Diversify my writing portfolio every day