How Old Were You When . . . . .

You started to work or create a business?

I was 10 years old when I started my working career. Well, that's not really true. At 10 though, I did get a paper route. It wasn't very big, but then we lived in a small rural farming community. If memory serves, I think I made about 5 dollars a month, a goodly sum in those days. I felt rich when collection day rolled around, that is before Dad took half my income and laid aside for savings. Good lesson in finances, but I didn't really understand it at the time. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I would get the ocassional tip here or there.

Remember tipping the service guys? Back in those days, it was allowed. I remember my father would give the trash collector, newspaper boy, milk man, mail man and a few others, a Christmas card and in each he would leave a gift (tip). Dad said these guys deserved a small gift in appreciation for their service through the year.

I didn't have my route very long, it was more of a summer job, school was more important. I did learn that it was good to earn. Dad placing half of my income into a jar for savings was something I forgot about, at the time.

Soon after my 12th birthday, I asked my Dad if I could have a motorcycle. He responded by saying yes, which shocked me, and he continued by saying that I had to work to earn the money to pay for it, which depressed me a little.

It took me a while, but when I turned 13 I took my first real job. I was a dish washer in a small restaurant. Weekends only. In those days a young guy could do that with written permission from his parents. I worked hard, actually had fun, and unbeknownst to me, I started honing a work ethic at the same time.

When I had saved about 150 dollars, I started looking at ads for my motorcycle and found my dream. It was an old Kawasaki 90 which had been converted as a dirt bike. I had to have it. I told dad about it, we went to look at it and told the guy we would let him know. I was short by a few bucks, but guess what? Dad brought out my saving from the paper route and kicked in the rest. I had my bike!

That was how I learned hard work and financial management could lead to realizing dreams. I had various jobs after my military service, and ended my working days with a career in the medical field. Through all of this, I always had some kind of side hustle or other. I came to realize that multiple income streams was a good thing. I was that guy, you know, the one who could usually get you something when you needed it, and a good price. Nothing illegal or nefarious mind you.

And now, after retirement, I find myself comfortably ensconced here at WA, once again building and creating income streams. I came to supplement my retirement income for certain goals Wifey and I have in mind.

I never had thought to direct sales, but rather affiliate marketing was the direction I initially I went with. Chance and circumstance (opportunity) have come my way and I am now writing a book, two actually, creating and promoting my brand, and getting ready to start an online shop, or something along those lines.

Wealthy Affiliate has proven to be a vehicle I never thought possible until I became a premium member and started my journey. The doors of opportunity are before you my friends, don't be afraid to open them and look inside.

Greg