Today, while at work, I have attended a focus group regarding change and how to deal with it. This was informative to say the least. In fact, it made me realise how important it is to be positive in life – how to be determined, and to work hard for what you believe in.
In the last few months, a lot has changed in my life:
In summer, I was made redundant. It was a real struggle for me. I have never been in this position before, and I certainly did not see it coming. I was in shock for a number of days, and I could not believe my luck – This could not come at a worse time, with the wedding coming up. After a bit, I had to face the music and started by overhauling my CV. I made sure I got a few good recommendations from some ex-colleagues, and started looking for a job. A month later, I got a job offer which I accepted and here I am.
A new job and a new role later, this means more change and adaptation! Here I was, learning the ropes again. Luckily, I do love change so I took this challenge head on. Four months later, I feel like things are good again and I am settling in nicely.
Friends. Well, that was another bump in the road – However, I decided that after all I have been through this summer, all those who did not care should be of no concern of mine. I made a decision to let go of what was worrying me – There was no longer a point investing my energy in them. Upwards and onward, they say.
In the recent months, it was decided that myself and Daniel should look for a house to make it our own. This means that I will be selling my house. While this is something I want, it also requires myself (and Daniel) to uproot from the places we now call home. I am excited that we get to do this, but again it will not be an easy task – rewarding none the less.
In conclusion, change should be embraced with an open heart. While it might not feel positive in the beginning, things will get better – but only if you let them.
We’ve all gone through tough times and it’s impossible to predict the next time you’re going through financial hardship. While your finances may be in perfect order now, you could find yourself on holiday and spend all your money at once – or you may have to pay up for something sudden and unexpected.
No matter what happens, though, the best solution is to come prepared. It’s going to save you from that dreaded feeling of panic as you realise that you won’t be able to make it to the end of the month, and you’ll feel way more comfortable in general.
Here is a handful of tried-and-tested tips to help you out when you’re in a pinch. That way, you’ll be able to take care of yourself no matter what.
#1 Find a few side-hustles
The great thing about technology these days is that you can actually make money whenever you feel like it. You just need to know where to look – and you have to have a few contacts up your sleeve.
Sure, you still have your actual job and you shouldn’t necessarily quit this to go all out with your side-hustle; this is all about having access to quick money without having to borrow it.
Think about the kind of skills you have that may be useful online, and hit the search engine to check out one of the trillion sites that offer a platform for freelancers and companies. Web design, programming, copywriting, SEO, and social media marketing – all of these are in high demand online.
The good news with these kinds of online jobs is, of course, that you can do them anywhere. Complete a few projects on your commute back home and boost your income significantly – it’s definitely going to come in handy when you really need it.
#2 Get a payday loan
If you’re not able to wait for that paycheck from your full-time job or your side-hustles, it’s time to dive a bit deeper into your options. A payday loan is a great idea when you really need it as you’re able to borrow a small amount on a very short notice.
It will come at a significant interest rate, though, so keep in mind that this option is suitable for desperate times. Read more about it and go to this page if you’re interested; it’s a great option to have handy in case you don’t have access to your credit card at the moment.
Before you apply for a short-term loan, remember that you have to pay it on time. If you should happen to be late, you’re going to have to pay way more than you originally thought – and your credit score is certainly going to suffer. Borrow money responsibly and use it as a lifeguard in case you have no other option.
#3 Sell some of your stuff
You don’t have to be into the minimalist lifestyle just to sell a bunch of your stuff. It does feel great to get rid of some things, though, and you can actually enjoy the feeling of decluttering your life while also making money; it’s therapy that you’re being paid for.
If you need money soon but not right now, this option is perfect for you. Simply check out one of the dozen platforms that offer a marketplace for buyers and sellers, check out what other sellers tend to price their items at (or just slice the amount you paid for it in half), take a few pictures, and wait for the emails to roll in.
Keep in mind that this might take a bit of time, depending on how lucky you are. Sometimes you’ll be approached by potential buyers right away – other times, you’re going to have to wait.
Use this as a way to plan for the month ahead if you see that you might struggle financially. That way, you’re taking care of yourself while also clearing up around the house. Electronics tend to sell a bit quicker, by the way, as well as any nostalgia-items you might have laying around. Check out the attic, in other words, and you should be good to go.
#4 Start a website
This is another tip that requires a certain amount of planning. You’re not going to make money from a website right away, that’s for sure – and you might even have to wait a few months before you start to make an actual income.
Yet, this is a great way to create a passive stream of money for the future, and particularly if you’ve been frustrated about a lack of money in the past. The website can be about anything you think you’ll be able to make money from; make it a DIY blog, a photography website, fill it with your cooking recipes, etc – you have a lot of options.
Have a look at this site if you’re not sure where to begin and keep in mind that this is something that will take a bit of time. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can enjoy the extra income, in other words.
#5 Get a part-time job
Want to significantly boost your income? Get a real part-time job and do something you love. The great thing about this option is that you get to enjoy the feeling of doing something that’s kind of relaxed and you don’t have to worry about working towards that promotion – you’re really just doing this for the money, after all.
If you’ve always loved the idea of working in a coffee shop, for example, get a job where you can work a few hours per week during the evening and maybe a day or two on the weekend.
That way, you have a flexible part-time job where you can smell the coffee and chit chat with others while actually making money. Boosting your income is actually not that hard as long as you’re willing to put in a little bit of work first.
My blog is a priority to me, however there are times and things that surpass my blogs. Such things are travelling and starting a new job; which in this case are very, very true.
In the last month and a half, I have taken time travel and in total I have visited 5 countries in almost 3 weeks. This has not only led me to learn new things about different cultures and do plenty of sightseeing, but also helped into finding myself again. To me, traveling is the very best thing. It is new and exciting… an adventure!
For more photos of my travels and my endeavors please follow me on Instagram: SteffiWorld.
After making it back to Malta, I have spent a few days catching up with friends, doing the laundry and relaxing. This is because two weeks ago, it was time for me to change my job. This time, my role is Reporting Specialist, which is highly focused on reporting – gathering data and specs, creating the reports and reconciling. It is a very exciting role as there are a lot of changes going on, and my role is a part of it, and in two years time, I am hoping to see myself in a managerial position. I have been aiming for this for some time, and it has gone unnoticed in my past job, so I am very happy to be in this position now.
I have noticed in the past weeks, that my followers on WordPress have been increasing exponentially which is great to say the least. While I would like to welcome you all to my humble blog of anything that comes to mind, I would also like to excuse myself for the lack of writing, and hope that going forward I will have more energy to entertain you!
Five more days, until I say goodbye to Betsson.
Yes, you heard things right. I am leaving Betsson Group.
After almost 4 years, I have decided to move on to a new challenge, to a job which will hopefully take me where I want to be. For years, I’ve expressed my unheard wishes, so I decided to take my future in my own hands, sort it out myself.
With a grunt, I shall leave behind, the company I have worked for the longest, and some of the best colleagues I ever had the pleasure to work with. Truth be told, all my closest work mates bar one, have moved on to another job role before me, so I am not too displeased with my current situation. Besides, friends should find a way to communicate and to meet up, so let’s see the outcome of this little experiment 🙂
So what will happen of me, and of SteffiSays?
I will be taking a much needed 4 weeks off, out of which, I will spend 1 week in North Wales and 2 weeks travelling (Roadtripping, baby!). Right after, I will do some house maintenance, and will start working in my new job in the fourth week of September. SteffiSays will stay, there’s no way I will abandon my personal blog which has served me so well in the past 2 years!
Excited? Hell yes!
Although for the time being I will not say much about my new job, I am ecstatic for this opportunity, and for a company to believe in me and see my potential. I believe that in my new role I will be able to make a lot of changes and positive differences to drive the company in the right direction and to the next level. So, CHEERS!
Steffi Says... 
