What do you think?
I began teaching in 2006 but left the profession in 2012 for a variety of reasons, even though, I Ioved being a teacher. At that time, I decided I was going to create a new career online, although I had no idea what I wanted to do or how I would do it.
In 2013, I went through a divorce.
In 2015, I stumbled into Wealthy Affiliate. I had found my Eureka! However, I had no idea what I was doing. I wasn’t clear about a niche or target market. I knew there was money to be made online and I was going to make money.
I left WA in 2016, disappointed and broke.
In 2017, I discovered adult education, teaching English as a second language (ESL). It was a match made in heaven. I’ve been doing it ever since.
The 2020 pandemic lockdown forced teachers to learn to teach online. It was difficult at first but I soon came to love it. In 2021, it occurred to me that I was working in my target market and niche. For the fourth time, I returned to WA-this time with a clear idea of what I wanted to do-teach ESL online instead of having to drive to a school every day.
I swore I would not allow myself to become distracted by anything else until and unless I can first create a full-time livable income from my teaching website.
That lasted until 2023 when became distracted by the lure of affiliate marketing, primarily promoting WA, and also promoting cruises.
I created two more websites.
Like an amateur juggler, I was trying get three businesses off the ground simultaneously.
It was recommended that I not do that but…
In any case, I don’t recommend it to anyone. I can say without a doubt, it’s a recipe for frustration, burn out, lack of focus, and lack of success.
Recently, I realized I’ve been kidding myself trying to do what I was doing. I’m an English teacher at my core. It’s why I returned once and for all to WA. It’s what I’m good at and, I love doing it.
It’s a natural for me.
I decided to stop “playing the field” as it were and commit, “marry” one partner and be faithful “until death do us part”.
My real-life sweetie and I love cruising but I’ve gotten nowhere trying to promote cruises. I fully believe in WA and I want to promote it but none of the referrals I’ve gotten have upgraded. They’ve all just stopped in for a peek.
Being a staunch, long-time member of WA, I’m on the site every day, sometimes all day.
I’m happily “married” now with my English teacher website. I think it’s my best opportunity to do something I really love, truly know something about, and to make a difference in the world. It comes very naturally to me but I’m not really sure if it’s the best choice for making the money I want to make.
Maybe it is.
The problem is, WA is like the sexy neighbor who winks luringly at me when I visit, as I am often tempted to either switch and focus on promoting WA or stay focused on my “marriage”.
The bottom line is, I’m torn between doing what I do best or trying to do what I’ve always wanted to do. Trying to do both simultaneously has gotten me pretty much nowhere but frustrated.
I’m interested to know what you think.
Recent Comments
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Sounds like a similar story to myself not so far in the past Bob!!
My advice is to go with what feels best for you to be happy with what you do...
In my experience... not loving what we do will lead to failure eventually....
When happy.... all is rosy my friend!
😁😁😁
Hi Jessie, I think you're right. I just need to stay in my lane and get comfortable with resisting the temptation to do other things. Thanks for your comments.
Bob
.... the timeless question: What do you think? 🤔 A simple phrase, yet a gateway to endless possibilities, debates, and the occasional existential spiral. 😆
I love how your post encourages discussion and open dialogue. Too often, we get caught in 'broadcast mode,' pushing out content without really pausing to listen. But asking the right questions? That’s where the magic happens. 🚀
Engagement isn’t just about numbers... it’s about sparking thoughts, igniting curiosity, and creating meaningful connections. And the best part? Every response adds another layer to the conversation, making the discussion richer and more unpredictable.
So, what do I think? I think this post is a brilliant reminder that the best content doesn’t just tell, it invites. Well played! 🔥 Looking forward to seeing where this conversation goes!
Fleeky
PS
Listen to your intuition... what does it tell you?
Hi Fleeky, thanks for your comments. Yeah, different perspectives are good. There's almost always at least a small nugget I hadn't thought of.
Bob
I totally understand what you are saying. Most of my income has not come from affliate marketing rather from my business coaching and every client I have came from referral and not from my web site or marketing ability.
However my skill and knowledge level about so many areas building web site , affliate marketing, and other knowledge that I’m sure is somewhere out in the internet but not as accessible as within WA !
What I have learned from WA has greatly helped my knowledge and and expanded my insight and has had very positive impacts on my coaching business !
For me I plan to continue with WA learning as much as possible and changing some areas and hopefully began monetizing my site .
Bob, I get where you're coming from. I’ve been in the same situation, constantly pulled between what feels natural and what seems like the smarter business move.
After watching Kyle’s latest class, I finally made a decision—I’m developing a website in a trending niche and using it to promote WA. If my site takes off, that will be the proof I need to show future referrals that WA truly works.
It’s not easy choosing a single path when there are so many opportunities, but I respect your decision to commit fully to what you love. No matter what, I know you’ll make it work.
Wishing you success,
Boris
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Great post, Bob! And a question that so many of us have asked ourselves.
I'm in a somewhat similar situation so I will follow this post looking for a nugget or two of good information that will pertain to my situation as well.
As others have said already, follow what brings you the most happiness in your life.
Tim 🎼
Thanks Tim. That's what I'm trying to do. Happiness is not having what we want. It's wanting what we have. Good to hear from you.
Bob
Hang in there, buddy!
Tim 🎼
Same to you.
Bob