Posted on September 30, 2009 - by Alex

New Wind – Changing Direction

I’ve surrendered my time again. A big portion of my day, but that’s how it goes. I’m no longer unemployed, but in that short lapse I learned how valuable my time is and how hard one must work to make it productive. And for the first time in my life I did what mattered. In this post I’ll detail the three projects I’ve been working on and how I hope to use them. But first, I must make you aware of one key detail: as I have changed, so must this blog.

Discord

In a previous post, I talked about the nine-to-five trap and how to know if you’re in it. To support my family’s quality of life, I took another job working for someone else again. It’s a great and career-worthy company. But I’ve long come to realize that it doesn’t matter. I’m now back to merely surviving and I’m not okay with that. Yet, I’m certain there are others out there like me. I know I’m not alone in my desire to be master of my own time—to be free to pay attention to the things I deem worthy, and to serve where I see fit.

New Direction

It is for this reason that this blog will continue to be a testament to my core desire to work for myself. To break out the nine-to-five trap. Before the end of the year, my goal is to be self-employed at least part-time. This means:

• I will have spend at least 10-15 hours a week working on the project’s I’ll later mention
• Help at least 10 different people/clients achieve their objectives by the end of the year
• Earn at least $100 dollars from sources besides my day-job wages
• Put at least 50 new contacts in my network

I believe these goals to realistic. I’m working on several things at once hoping at least one of them will show promise. Here’s a look at what I’ve been busy with.

Project #1 – Small Mortgage Broker

Earlier this year, I got licensed as a Mortgage Broker in the state of Wisconsin. Did I mention that used to originate loans? Anyway, I know the mortgage business isn’t the greatest right now but I also have inside experience in the industry with plenty of ideas on how to improve upon the conventions and practices related to mortgage lending. I’ve developed a basic website with some information about the business here: http://ArgusHomeFinance.com/. In the next month I’ll be signing up with as many lenders as I can to create a good selection for my prospective clients.

Project #2

This website. http://JobHuntChronicles.com is currently the most visited website out of the three listed herein. I will continue to post here as long as I feel it is useful for me and others.

Project # 3 – Technology & Venture Consulting

I got the idea for starting a consultancy while speaking to some of my customers at my previous job. Through multiple conversations I realized I had something business owners took an interest in. I had information. I knew about some software and technology that could help a small business owner optimize his/her operations. I could teach people how to use it. Again, I know that many people have expertise others don’t. This is not unique. What’s unique is what you can do with that knowledge. We’ll see if I can turn mine into an asset. My website, www.Alex-Andreev.com is now up and running. It’s about using technology to help entrepreneurs build businesses. Check it out and let me know what you think.

If “If’s and Buts” Were Candy and Nuts

Then every day would be Christmas. Alas, I don’t have much time. I’m using any time I have and that my family permits me to work on these three projects. It will be a challenge to be sure. But for the first time in my life, I feel totally ready. I’m ready to suck at this for a long time. But in the long run, I see no way I can lose.