Today started with a call from a dear friend back home in South Florida (yes, I still call it my home). She started by telling me the most wonderful news which was about her youngest son. She's been through the toughest times with him as he was diagnosed early in life with autism. Thankfully it wasn't severe. As any mother would do, she researched it thoroughly and searched for ways to treat it. Her son is now in Kindergarten in a public school and thriving! Just hearing that brought me to tears...but of sheer happiness. The sad part was that she was on her way to file bankruptcy. Her medical bills which had been funded through credit cards, was extreme. So extreme that she couldn't pay it anymore. She told me this apologetically and with embarrassment. I told her she need not be embarrassed. True love will cause you to sacrifice anything you can just to help. Lord knows, I'd of done the same.
It got me to thinking about all of the people in my life who have lost a job, a house, or something else. It's tough right now and who knows how long it will last? I've learned since age 16 when I was out on my own, that if I couldn't pay my bills, I'd be out on the street. Believe me, you learn quickly just how to make money if you need to. I'd be working 5 jobs sometimes just to make ends meet. For whatever reason, I always wanted to live comfortably, but more than that, I guess I never wanted to fail.
11 years ago I started selling things on eBay. It wasn't as well known at the time since it was fairly new. My first item was a silver bracelet by a well known designer that had been a gift. I knew I'd never wear it, so I figured I may as well try and sell it. So, I took the eBay tutorial on their site, and listed my first item. I started bidding at 99 cents. It listed for the average auction time of 7 days and ended up selling for $150.00! Well, I was thrilled. It was easy money, and it really didn't take much time or effort to achieve. I've since sold about 700 items on eBay which range from clothing, shoes, jewelry, small technical items, etc. I've tried to stick to things that can ship easily and that I know well. I also buy things on eBay (even a car) and have developed a knack for winning the items I want at rock-bottom prices. This is something I teach to my students when I hold an eBay class. I mainly find things to sell at garage sales and thrift stores, or even discount stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I look for items in excellent condition that will sell well. I have a paypal account (www.paypal.com) and ship them from home too. It's worth investing in a weight scale to be able to do so.
My point in all of this is to tell you that anyone can do it. It takes a little time to list your first item and understand what you are doing. However, you can then keep your auction template and use it to keep re-selling items easily. You can do it from home, in your own spare time, with little investment. The sky is the limit as to what you may want to sell. If you know antiques and more valuable items, you could do very well! I'm sure there are things in your closets, garage, cabinets, bookshelves, etc., that you could sell right now.
It probably won't be a full-time job, yet, it can certainly create a financial cushion for you. Check it out . They have so many forums now to help you. Go directly to the site-map for easy navigation
Good luck to you and happy selling!
Showing posts with label Jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jobs. Show all posts
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Embrace Rejection
As human beings it is often difficult to go through life without ever experiencing rejection. It could in the form of a romantic interest, a desired job, a piece of work you submitted, etc. Most of us can look back on our childhoods and even though we may have forgotten certain aspects, I bet we can remember those times we were rejected.
I still remember when I auditioned for a traveling choral group in High School. Singing has always been a passion of mine, thus, I take it very personally. I'd practiced for weeks to prepare for the big day and when it came, I delivered my song well. Leaving that audition, I just knew I'd be part of the group and that a phone call was soon to come announcing my acceptance! Well, the phone call did come, however, it wasn't to tell me I had been accepted. On the contrary, it was to inform me that I had not been accepted. Needless to say, I was crushed. In fact, I was more than crushed. All of a sudden I felt that I was the worst singer in the world and I vowed to never sing again!
Looking back on this memory is painful even now. On a positive note, I did go on to sing again. In fact, I have been singing professionally for years and am considered to be a highly accomplished vocalist. I have to tell you that I did eventually find out why I didn't make the choral group. It actually had nothing to do with my singing, but had everything to do with my grades. In order to be part of that prestigious group, you also had to maintain a high grade point average, which I did not have. It wasn't that I couldn't achieve it, but I guess at that time of my life, I didn't see the benefit of studying and trying to maintain good grades. I felt like I could just coast through school and get by. It was a common perception that I had for a good part of my younger life, but thankfully I have since learned the value of hard work.
You may have been rejected by a love interest, a job, a group you wanted to join, etc. As a Writer, I occasionally have my writing submissions returned with edits needed. My first reaction always seems to be disappointment or even frustration. But when I really look at the situation I actually become grateful for the chance to learn from my mistakes. There have been many jobs in my lifetime that I did not get. Yet, I look back and realize that in the long run they would not have suited me at all. Same goes for relationships I have had.
So, the next time you experience rejection, try to turn it around. Yes, at first you can allow yourself time to grieve, but when the grieving is over, it's time to rejoice. Most importantly, don't ever give up on your dreams or your hopes. In time you can look back and possibly smile at what you've accomplished and where you have landed...which is right back on your feet!
I still remember when I auditioned for a traveling choral group in High School. Singing has always been a passion of mine, thus, I take it very personally. I'd practiced for weeks to prepare for the big day and when it came, I delivered my song well. Leaving that audition, I just knew I'd be part of the group and that a phone call was soon to come announcing my acceptance! Well, the phone call did come, however, it wasn't to tell me I had been accepted. On the contrary, it was to inform me that I had not been accepted. Needless to say, I was crushed. In fact, I was more than crushed. All of a sudden I felt that I was the worst singer in the world and I vowed to never sing again!
Looking back on this memory is painful even now. On a positive note, I did go on to sing again. In fact, I have been singing professionally for years and am considered to be a highly accomplished vocalist. I have to tell you that I did eventually find out why I didn't make the choral group. It actually had nothing to do with my singing, but had everything to do with my grades. In order to be part of that prestigious group, you also had to maintain a high grade point average, which I did not have. It wasn't that I couldn't achieve it, but I guess at that time of my life, I didn't see the benefit of studying and trying to maintain good grades. I felt like I could just coast through school and get by. It was a common perception that I had for a good part of my younger life, but thankfully I have since learned the value of hard work.
You may have been rejected by a love interest, a job, a group you wanted to join, etc. As a Writer, I occasionally have my writing submissions returned with edits needed. My first reaction always seems to be disappointment or even frustration. But when I really look at the situation I actually become grateful for the chance to learn from my mistakes. There have been many jobs in my lifetime that I did not get. Yet, I look back and realize that in the long run they would not have suited me at all. Same goes for relationships I have had.
So, the next time you experience rejection, try to turn it around. Yes, at first you can allow yourself time to grieve, but when the grieving is over, it's time to rejoice. Most importantly, don't ever give up on your dreams or your hopes. In time you can look back and possibly smile at what you've accomplished and where you have landed...which is right back on your feet!
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