For some reason this heavily reminds me of a Sophie Kinsella book which is just about as ironic as it gets (and I know the comparison is often made, very apt tbh) - the false promises of money making without traditional employment road is so hard, so thank you for sharing each step of the way with us
I, too, am a failed eBay queen, also survey-completer, competition-enterer, word-mill-churner, bow maker, colouring book printer, and... I'm sure there have been other things. I, too, have always hated being employed. When I worked in magazine publishing I actually loved the job, but I hated the obligatory nature of it. So, I feel you! It can be done, though! About three years ago I finally gave up to go freelance and I do not regret it! I do have my husband's income, though, which helps, but also kids to raise and spend money on, which doesn't! (They're fun, though!) Do you know you can get the government to pay you to write stories? In Scotland you'll have an even better chance than here in England as there's a smaller pool of applicants! I've written a post about it, or you can just Google 'DYCP grant'. Shout if you want advice on that, I love helping people apply for Arts Council grants!
"When I worked in magazine publishing I actually loved the job, but I hated the obligatory nature of it..."
This is me, too: I've worked with some amazing people, and had jobs I know a lot of people would consider really interesting, but I've still always hated the fact that I HAVE to do it! I've been self-employed for 20 years now, though, so it can definitely be done - for me, it's just been about finding a way to do it that I don't hate almost as much as I hated traditional employment!
The DYCP grant isn't available in Scotland, unfortunately - I wish it was!
Terrible memories, like you, but also fun ones. I actually liked the whole listing/answering/receiving positive comments, but, same, not at all the post office thing.
And I bought a lot of vintage sewing patterns, too, which was great, because they were cheap and so were the shipping fees.
You sound a lot like me (auDHD - autistic & ADHD) with a lot of the naivety described in the book Aspergirls (regarding your previous views about instant success etc).
I'm not totally sure what you mean about my views on instant success, to be honest, but, I don’t have autism or ADHD. I do have a fairly self-deprecating sense of humour, though, which I know doesn’t always land, and could probably be mistaken for naivety -- I’ve found that sometimes people take things I say very literally when I wasn’t being entirely serious!
As I said, I don’t have autism or ADHD. I’m not really sure why you’re so intent on trying to diagnose me with them, but as you don’t actually know me, and I’ve said a couple of times now that I don’t have these conditions, I’m going to politely ask you to stop bringing this up now. Thanks 🙂
This made me realise I’m not crazy for not enjoying selling online. I’m using eBay at the moment as I am struggling to get a job. At least I know making a living from writing is possible. I just need to keep going!
True story! In the end I got them to pick them up from my house but even then, they were asking me what I did for a living how one person can send so much stuff everyday 🤣
I love this story and the light-heartedness. I made a few hundred dollars on Poshmark ten years ago and can relate to your eBay craze! I got rid of so many things from the high of selling stuff, that I regret selling: including a signed Panic At the Disco poster!
Oh, I have so many regrets from my eBay selling days! Even now, there are a few things I've sold on Vinted, only to end up having to track them down again and re-buy them - you get lured in by the promise of easy money, then end up selling stuff you actually need!
For some reason this heavily reminds me of a Sophie Kinsella book which is just about as ironic as it gets (and I know the comparison is often made, very apt tbh) - the false promises of money making without traditional employment road is so hard, so thank you for sharing each step of the way with us
I always enjoy comparisons to Sophie Kinsella ;)
Your name is so pretty
Thank you so much 💗
🤣🤣 haha omg! Love this story. 🫶🏻
💗
Yes please, more!!!!
I, too, am a failed eBay queen, also survey-completer, competition-enterer, word-mill-churner, bow maker, colouring book printer, and... I'm sure there have been other things. I, too, have always hated being employed. When I worked in magazine publishing I actually loved the job, but I hated the obligatory nature of it. So, I feel you! It can be done, though! About three years ago I finally gave up to go freelance and I do not regret it! I do have my husband's income, though, which helps, but also kids to raise and spend money on, which doesn't! (They're fun, though!) Do you know you can get the government to pay you to write stories? In Scotland you'll have an even better chance than here in England as there's a smaller pool of applicants! I've written a post about it, or you can just Google 'DYCP grant'. Shout if you want advice on that, I love helping people apply for Arts Council grants!
"When I worked in magazine publishing I actually loved the job, but I hated the obligatory nature of it..."
This is me, too: I've worked with some amazing people, and had jobs I know a lot of people would consider really interesting, but I've still always hated the fact that I HAVE to do it! I've been self-employed for 20 years now, though, so it can definitely be done - for me, it's just been about finding a way to do it that I don't hate almost as much as I hated traditional employment!
The DYCP grant isn't available in Scotland, unfortunately - I wish it was!
What?! That's so sad is not available there! It is in England, Ireland and Wales, so I'd assumed! Start an uprising!
Oh dear, ebay, so many memories......
Terrible memories, like you, but also fun ones. I actually liked the whole listing/answering/receiving positive comments, but, same, not at all the post office thing.
And I bought a lot of vintage sewing patterns, too, which was great, because they were cheap and so were the shipping fees.
Those were the golden days... sigh...
I'm the same! Have tried selling on eBay for a decade and ended up with very few clothes 🤣 Are you neurodivergent by any chance?
Not as far as I know?
You sound a lot like me (auDHD - autistic & ADHD) with a lot of the naivety described in the book Aspergirls (regarding your previous views about instant success etc).
I'm not totally sure what you mean about my views on instant success, to be honest, but, I don’t have autism or ADHD. I do have a fairly self-deprecating sense of humour, though, which I know doesn’t always land, and could probably be mistaken for naivety -- I’ve found that sometimes people take things I say very literally when I wasn’t being entirely serious!
No worries 😄 It might be worth looking into. If you want to check it out, Google Samantha Craft's unofficial checklist.
As I said, I don’t have autism or ADHD. I’m not really sure why you’re so intent on trying to diagnose me with them, but as you don’t actually know me, and I’ve said a couple of times now that I don’t have these conditions, I’m going to politely ask you to stop bringing this up now. Thanks 🙂
This made me realise I’m not crazy for not enjoying selling online. I’m using eBay at the moment as I am struggling to get a job. At least I know making a living from writing is possible. I just need to keep going!
It's definitely possible! And at least you don't have to go to the post office all the time!
True story! In the end I got them to pick them up from my house but even then, they were asking me what I did for a living how one person can send so much stuff everyday 🤣
I love this story and the light-heartedness. I made a few hundred dollars on Poshmark ten years ago and can relate to your eBay craze! I got rid of so many things from the high of selling stuff, that I regret selling: including a signed Panic At the Disco poster!
Oh, I have so many regrets from my eBay selling days! Even now, there are a few things I've sold on Vinted, only to end up having to track them down again and re-buy them - you get lured in by the promise of easy money, then end up selling stuff you actually need!
😉.
But, since it's french. I will avoid it for the sacred agreement of men. But, thanks. Anyways.
Well. Amber. I am glad your survived your favourite postage person of loathing, to small town romantic comedies, inspired by yourself.
But, did you suffer from success? You can tell me, I won't tell anyone...
(PS: What's a Chanel?)
I'll let you know if I ever find success ;)
Chanel is a French luxury brand: https://www.chanel.com/