A Conversation That I Will Remember For the Rest of My Life
After downing a hefty couple plates of a hodge-podge of Indian foods belonging to an Indian restaurant buffet, I headed over to Border’s where I read the latest Inc. Over the last year, I’ve become much more business oriented and reading business/entrepreneur-oriented magazines grants me an air of relaxation and creativity (that’s what I like to think, anyway). After that, I headed over to a good friend’s house for what I didn’t think would turn out to be an Easter dinner, but it did. This friend knows about my big move to California. (You know where this is heading).
The Conversation…*Ahem*
Like always, we stood outside where we pretend we’re about to leave but end up conversing for a good 20 minutes in the driveway. This always happens. Not a big deal. So the conversation went a little something like this:
[Friend]: So how’s the apartment search going?
[Yours Truly]: Good. I’m hoping to make something happen this week. It’d be great to sign a lease this week.
[I shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other].
[Friend]: So how does it work? Don’t they require you have a job?
[Yours Truly]: Yeah. Usually the issue is they want to make sure you have a job so you’ll pay them rent, right? I’m hoping to pay them 6 months upfront rent, plus I have great credit (score).
[Friend]: Well what happens in another 6 months after lease is up and you don’t have a job?
[Yours Truly]: I pay for another 6 months upfront?
[Uncomfortable laughter from all parties].
[Friend]: [Groan]. I hope you won’t be coming here in a year…
[Yours Truly]: Ah c’mon, not back here! I’m hoping I’ll have established an online business (note how I didn’t refer to it as passive income). Worst case scenario is I’ll have to look for a job. That’s three people so hopefully we’ll be fine.
[Friend]: I heard from 2 or 3 people who are back at the university (friend’s workplace) who couldn’t find any business related jobs out there. (Inner dialogue: You’re making us nervous, bitch!)
[Friend's Mom]: I think all the people go out to California AFTER they make their money. (Inner dialogue: You’re going to fail, bitch!)
[Yours Truly]: Well, I might not be alive when I’m 50. (Inner dialogue: I don’t want to damn well wait!)
[Friend's Mom ]: Well you might not be alive tomorrow, that’s not the point. (Gee thanks!)
[Friend]: No but hopefully…
[Yours Truly]: I’m working hard to setup online income so I don’t have to work for anyone. Bred for success, ha! Believe me, I know what’s on the line (I said this with conviction, referring to my secure, lazy paycheck). (Inner dialogue: I want you to eat your words when I visit the east coast in a year!@!#!#!!!!)
…
..
.
And so on went that conversation full of doubt. As I played the conversation over in my head on the way back home, I realized how many people don’t believe in me (or my sister and friend, hence 3 people). This conversation lit another fire under my ass and I really, really, really want to prove everyone wrong.
It’s important to know that these people aren’t bad people. These people are probably like your parents, brothers, friends, etc, regular people that you know. They’re just too “grounded” in their realities. They think that I am crazy for letting go of a job that allows me to afford this nice apartment and a comfortable lifestyle.
What Life Has In Store
The good thing is these people will live okay lives. They will own homes, save for years for a nice vacation or two in their lifetimes, have children, all that good stuff.
They probably will also have somewhat unhappy lives, working for a broken 9-5 system, not allowing them to enjoy even middle class “luxuries”. As I write this, I realize how hard it is for me to critique them, as these people are like a second family to me.
I hope to prove them all wrong. I hope to change my life as well as change the lives of everyone around me. I hope I can enjoy everything I’ve become used to and teach all these people how far they can go.
What Life Will Have In Store For Me Because…
..I Believe In Myself. I haven’t made more than $15 online at a time but I believe in myself to push through with this. I know I have no other options and this is the kind of lifestyle that I want (actually need) to pursue to be happy in life. Making money online, setting up an online business, setting up passive income streams (whatever the hell you want to call it) requires skill, a lot of skill.
What matters is that I am willing to learn and understand these skills. I will invest my time in these skills. If you’re reading this, then I hope this gives you a good boost of energy and a kick in the ass for you to do what you need to do!
Push Past the Naysayers
Once what seemed impossible will bring smiles to our faces, knowing how we conquered it all. This can only happen if you believe in yourself. Remember to move past the naysayers, not only for yourself but to also touch them in ways they’ll never have even imagined.
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42 Responses to “A Conversation That I Will Remember For the Rest of My Life”
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It can indeed be tough when you feel unsupported, Moon, but you have what is most important, your own motivation and your dream to make a living online! Keep it alive and you will make that dream a reality!
Bart Jacobs´s last blog ..Do You Claim Your Right To Suffer?
Thanks Bart. It can be quite the roller coaster ride.
I think it’s really irritating when people treat us like that. You’re nicer than I am once I reach my boiling point. Here’s how a conversation of mine went recently:
FRIEND: You making any “money” yet.
ME: Sure.
FRIEND: How much, like a couple of bucks a day?
ME: Yeah, it’s getting better every day.
FRIEND: (laughs)… Wow. How long can you hold out like that until you have to get a real job?
ME: It is a real job.
FRIEND: (laughs)… No, I mean a job that consistently pays a real paycheck.
ME: Like your job? The one that up and laid off half of your office friends last month without any notice? Now they aren’t making anything. And you said last week that you’re worried you’re next. No, I don’t think I’ll need a job like that.
Lee | Search Engine Viking´s last blog ..Weekly Rockstar Blog: April 3, 2010
Haha Lee, I do have a lot of patience. You really must be an a&&hole to have me go off on you. It’s funny because… they’ll be discussing budgets again in May and June. We don’t have a union either. Wonder who’s on the chopping block this year. Everyone’s sweating bullets at this time at my workplace around this time.
Lee, just keep on plugging! I feel your pain.
Ouch. LOL. But you have a point. Least we are working on something that has great potential. And that we are making progress to bringing in a decent income.
Money Funk´s last blog ..How much did you earn to give up your dream?
Christine, you know how it goes
Just adds fuel to the fire. Tricky part will be the actual move :X
I’m fortunate to have a spouse whose thought pattern follows mine with respect to “going after it”. As for the rest of my friends and family, I’m quite certain the conversation would follow yours, almost indentically.
I do remember hearing recently, if you are doing things differently than everyone else, you are on to something.
I really hope so, Joe! I haven’t told the ‘rents yet. I figure I will when I start seeing some decent cash flow. Right now, they’ll think I’m nuts. Later, they’ll think I’m a genius, haha.
Moon,
I’ve been there, oh have I been there. I have received a great deal of resistance from people who wish that they have the courage to pursue the life of their dreams.
Just remember that when you encounter resistance, these people wish they were you. Seriously. It’s pure jealousy on a deeper subconscious level. If they were really happy with their life, why would they have to doubt you? Like I always say pessimists are poisoners. Their thievery is two-fold: they rob themselves of a chance at living a free, happy life and they attempt to do the same thing to you. They’re playing it safe, they’re secure, but in my book they’re dying a little each day instead of living a little each day.
Keep your head up, keep believing in yourself, and keep moving forward!!
Ryan´s last blog ..How to Interview a Cash Gifting Mentor
I understand why they’re scared. I’m scared too. Maybe they’ve seen they’re parents do the same and think they have no options, I’m not sure. I do know I’m going halfway insane with wasting time all day long.
So I will define my work and my life the way I want. I will live the way I want. Thanks for dropping by and offering your input, Ryan.
Ah, Moon – I KNOW what you’re talking about. My 22 yr. old daughter keeps b*tching about how much she hates her job. I tell her that she needs to put together a way to make money on-line. Her boyfriend and I constantly get into discussions about creating passive income and selling on-line (and at flea markets) which is how he makes his (BIG PILE OF) money. She doesn’t get it, and she keeps poo-pooing the idea that she could – or should.
You KNOW you can do this, and you’re putting in the work to get there. I am so glad that I found you on Twitter, so I can track your progress and you head for Passive Income Paradise!!
Trece´s last blog ..Will this count for Eternity?
Haha Trece, that’s something. Shoot, she should be learning all those skills form her boyfriend. Sounds like he’s uber successful at whatever he’s doing online. She probably thinks she doesn’t have the skills to make money online, which is the wrong mentality.
Thanks
I really hope I can show something soon.
Looks like today is a day for motivating and up lifting post. I am glad you are staying the course. Hang in there and get the the finish line and set another goal!
California or Bust!
Ms. Freeman@Baby Steps of an Internet Entrepreneur´s last blog ..How do you measure your blog writing success?
EIP is an outlet for me of sorts, Ms. Freeman
Sometimes I need to let it out and it’s awesome to see so many people drop by and relate. I should print out “Cali Or Bust”.
That’ll be our motto!
I don’t really bother discussing my online pursuits with people that I know wont “get it”. You can tell them once action has taken place and results are in
It’s unnatural for most to step-outside their comfort zone, and shift to something that’s not the norm, so most people just wont get it.
Although, I reckon in 5-10 years it will be the norm
Girl Startup´s last blog ..Video of Ballan, Victoria Australia
Yeah but in this case, certain friends (& family) know about the big move. So all the concern comes showering down. Like being hit with hail full of concern, heh. I understand. It’s hard to convince I haven’t gone mental
Yeah, the online world is quite new, especially as something to make money from. Not one of my friends or family think or know that they can make money online or setup a viable business.
I want to bank on it NOW! Where’s my patience tablet??
Realists… who needs em?
Ryan @ Planting Dollars´s last blog ..Can You Turn Your Life on a Dime?
Hi Moon, thanks for sharing this different post to us. It was very personal. What I don’t get is why is California such a big deal? I’ve lived here for most of my life and I don’t find anything about it to brag about. But that’s probably because I’m so used to it. I guess it makes sense though… I want to travel outside of California one day too. It’s not just about where you’re going, but about being able to survive on your own. I’m glad you were able to step up to your friend and you’re friend’s mom. Sometimes high stakes or what is one the line is going to be the thing that makes us overcome our biggest obstacles. Good luck to you Moon!
Hulbert´s last blog ..Mark Cuban and Grit
Hulbert,
What part of CA are you from? I live in DE and really dislike it here. I’ve taken took road trips to CA and have seen quite a few beautiful parts of it. San Diego was really nice too, hence the move there.
My friends keep bringing up “the economy”. How it’s especially bad in CA. Well, what if I was going to be laid off here anyway? We could be lost in all these ‘what ifs’ if I just keep going.
Isn’t it interesting that we have many friends and admirers online (whom we’ve never met), but many of our own “real-life” friends don’t even read our blogs?
Something about familiarity… (contempt or something?)…
If someone has known you when you were not successful, they tend to see you in that light, even when you become successful.
Oh, that last sentence is striking: “If someone has known you when you were not successful, they tend to see you in that light, even when you become successful.”
I’m not, by a long shot, a “success” online. I do have fun with this blog though and connecting with you all. I have to make my first serious dollar. I wish I was leaving with people encouraging us rathern than ‘you’re making a big mistake’ feeling.
I just subscribed to your feed Brian. I’m really interested in checking out your real estate video. Maybe tonight, as most of the good stuff is blocked here at work.
I like how you’re allowing their negativity to be your fuel for motivation rather than discouragement. In my opinion, this type of negativity is often a sign that you are in fact, doing the right thing. You have to be different to break the cycle – to have an above average life. Hang in there. I’m rooting for ya!
Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Be a blessing: Let your light shine
Yeah it kind of made us angry. We (my friend who is moving with me and I) brought up this awkward conversation on the ride home. We both would love to prove them wrong, esp. her, since she doesn’t have college education and they don’t expect much out of her. Sad but true!
Hang in there.In can be tough when others don’t understand. Good luck with your move. California is great.
Julie @ Write for eHow´s last blog ..Another Great Source of Passive Income: Mr. Rebates Referrals
Thanks. You’re right about it being tough. I’ll be hangin’ tough.
I feel for you. Although I am retired and receive a decent pension I am exploring the internet and all of the ways to try to make residue income. I am doing this to learn and hopefully keep me from developing senility too soon. (haha) No, all kidding aside follow your dream. I did.
I am a retired RN. I remembered when I decided to go to school, how everyone was against me, then. Being from a poor family with no support and no High school diploma. (I quit school at 16 years old) It took me 4 years to finish and get my RN license. So buddy keep on plugging away, you can do it.
Mele,
That’s really a shame, especially when it comes to education. 4 years? Not a big deal. Looks like you made it alright. Thanks for empathizing. Hopefully we’ll both make it alright
Hope you’ll stick around!
Very awesome Moon – my heart is swelling with fellow entrepreneurial pride, good for you! That is rad that you are making the jump SO few are willing to make! I know you’ll do amazingly!
Thanks Maren.
I wish I was further ahead with my goals but quitting my full-time job will actually give me time to focus on all I want to concentrate on. I’ll take that vote of confidence!
Hi Moon,
I think that everyone has such naysayers in their lives. You’re doing the right thing for your own life, so live it.
Hopefully, your life will be a long one and you’ll thank yourself for taking the time now to discover what’s important to you and to build your future success now.
A year out of your life to go after your dream is such a small sacrifice and could potentially pay off big rewards. $15 per day? That’s better than most people make on-line and if you stay with it, it will only go up from there.
Good luck!
Karen
Karen´s last blog ..From Homeless To The InfoPreneur – Guest Post
“$15 per day” Haha, no, that was for the month from eHow.
I have 42 articles (or did at some point) and they do well first week then kind of seem to die off.
I’m definitely looking forward to San Diego. Next on list is finding an apartment and signing a lease. Why do these aprtmt companies give you email addresses if they’re not going to email you back? Apparently they might be opposed to picking up phones!
It’s going to be awesome! Thanks Karen!
Hey Moon – I love how you’re using this conversation as motivation to push you further towards your goals. The part that I never get when dealing with naysayers is that the situations they describe as worst-case scenarios, are never really that terrible. They certainly aren’t frightening enough to avoid the potential rewards that can be had by going after your goals and dreams.
You’ll be fine and I for one am looking forward to hearing about the success that awaits you!
Earl´s last blog ..Should Travel Warnings Stop Us From Traveling?
Hey Earl,
I guess that’s what the media does. I’m not sure how bad things are in CA, tbh, but that ‘IOU’ crap last year didn’t help. Now every time we bring up CA, that comes up and the fact that there are no jobs out there.
I’d love to work for myself in one form or another. Thanks for dropping by!
I moved out to Northern Cali about 2 years ago from the DMV area and have had absolutely no regrets. I moved out here with no job and a temporary place to live. Granted, I’m not making money online, but I landed a great job, a great girl, and new friends. Take the leap, and have no regrets. Don’t dismiss the naysayers, but rather use them as motivation to prove them wrong.
Nell´s last blog ..The Chain Remains, And Why That’s OK
Nell, that sounds awesome. Can I ask where you are from, originally? It’s great to hear about success stories at a time when so many are asking me if I already have a job lined up.
I’m looking forward to a year from now when I can send everyone I know an email showing them I’m doing just fine!
Truly amazing post. Yep youll never make it online unless you take some chances and make risks
best of luck is what i can say. Contact me if you need my help in any technical stuff of passive income.
I appreciate the offer! I’ll keep you in mind. Thanks.
This was a nice, authentic post Moon. You have everything it takes to make it to the top! Never quit and keep learning and growing everyday!!!
I’m excited for you..you have the success you want already… we are just waiting for the manifestation in the physical.
Great post~!
Roshanda, thanks! Those are kind and encourage words and I certainly appreciate them!
Hey Moon,
Just recently found your blog. Great read. I’m trying to do the same thing and honestly, proving people wrong is a HUGE motivator of mine too.
When you enter the world of internet business it’s very hard to get lost in it and believe that everyone thinks the way you do. But talking to friends you quickly realize that most people don’t realize it’s an option. It’s kind of great to be doing something most people don’t even understand.
Eugene–then we certainly have something in common. I don’t think they even realize I have a blog
It’s amazing that in the beginning I was somewhat unsure too but the more case studies I’m doing, the more my mind is opening. I am focused! Thanks for the support.