Level 3 Here I Come?

109 followers

6 years ago

Mummy would often tease that I was em, difficult when I was a wee girl. I was painfully shy, I couldn't make up my mind on ANYTHING, I didn't have many goals and god, was I judgmental. I'm still most of these things. I'll leave it to you to figure out which ones ;) However, opportunities and certain alliances still managed to steer me away from my small island in the Caribbean.

I'm Not Good At Making Plans

I entered and exited uni not knowing why I was there. Shortly thereafter, a tip from a friend sent me across the US to become a volunteer for an international non-profit. I had no plans as to how I would live, make payments on my student loans, build my CV or fund my way back home for that matter. Carefree living became my M.O. Terrified masked as defiant, I told people I didn't believe in mapping out a plan for one's life. Stay open, I'd say, and your next opportunity will find you. It seems fashionable but really I just didn't (and still don't) know the next move.

"Ok Google"

Volunteering and travelling abroad have bewitched me. I can't imagine going back home to the lifestyle and expectations that await me. Nevertheless, volunteer visas do expire. Last year in particular, I figured if I kept researching alternative means of working, Google would get it right and it would find me. Sure enough, I was about to listen to a favourite song on YouTube when some strange man's ad came on. He presented me with the idea of leaving the traditional work setting and joining him and many others on this journey. Vague, but I was intrigued. I paid a small fee--refund guaranteed--filled out a form, joined a closed Facebook group of affiliate marketers, sat in on a web conference and even received a phone call out of the blue. My curiosity ran wild! At the height of this "new life, new you" frenzy, I finally hit a massive brick wall. In order to move on to the next level of training, there was a new fee. This fee was so extortionately high, I felt my second-hand pockets deflate.

All Hail The Humble Website

I was devastated for days. Just about the time it took my initial small fee, which I thought was seed money, to be returned to me. Devastation turned to frustration and I took to the internet hoping for this company to be exposed as a scam but really it was just out of my financial scope. From my research, I did come across something interesting. One of my searches directed me to a humble site reviewing other affiliate marketing companies and Wealthy Affiliate was at the top of the list with the highest recommendation. My seed money was returned to me just in time.

Now, as I look at my lovely little website, I am elated. It's mine. It's my "internet real estate," a term I've learnt here at WA. My website focuses on the tips and tricks of volunteering and travelling on a budget, whilst managing my MS. I have made absolutely no money yet, I'm nearing the end of Level 2 but I am so damn proud and I have no idea why?!

Going forward

The hope above all hopes is that I will not stop my training for whatever reason. Volunteering keeps me busy as it is but I truly enjoy what feels like a separate life here at WA. The amount of support and encouragement I've received at WA is unbelievable and I did not expect such a strong community when I signed up. I actually believe I can build something out of my website. Every lesson I complete I get the feeling I've turned a corner of sorts and I have no idea what that may be.

Unlike many other decisions I've made thus far, I get the sense there is a massive safety net of support and advice here at WA. I can't put a price on that feeling.

Cheers,

B the travelling MS x