Rule #1 Do what makes you happy.
This is a lot easier to accomplish if you have a job that:
- Pays a high hourly wage.
- Has flexible hours.
- Is location independent - meaning it is a job that can be performed from anywhere.
I encourage you to:
- Be an entrepreneur.
- Work online.
- Be a freelancer.
What is Graduate & Live?
G&L encourages people to live the life they want to live. To be happy. And to achieve this we recommend working a job that provides you with money and flexibility, such as freelancing, so you can pursue your passions. Traveling is a large passion of mine, which is why you will see lots of great travel content on this site.
Why do I believe in freelancing?
In 2008 I graduated the University of Florida with a degree in history and no plan for the future. For years I worked aimlessly in various minimum wage jobs. I knew I wasn't happy, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. That's because I was clouded by the notion of what I was "supposed" to be doing with my life. While I was doing a pretty crappy job of following the traditional path, I was doing even worse when it came to listening to my heart.
Then one day, someone close to me died. And I was forced to ask myself what the fuck I was doing with my life.
As a professional I still had no idea what to do with my life, but I finally listened to my heart. As is common with many backpackers, I set off on a life changing trip in order to find myself. Somewhere along the way I realized what I do for work isn't nearly as important as what I do for fun. And with funds running out on my journey, I also realized the importance of being a responsible, working "adult."
After returning home, I worked as a waiter for a few months to get myself on my feet. Then I decided to bet on myself and become a freelancer, even with my limited computer and professional skills. Sometimes work came easy. Sometimes I wanted to bang my ahead against a wall. But for years I followed an obsessive routine of waking up and marching my tired ass over to the computer. Then I'd spend the next 10-12 hours not only working for my clients, but also investing in myself by watching tutorials. I'd learn a new skill so I could find new work. Then I'd improve upon that skill so I could charge more money. And I repeated this until I decided I wanted even more. At that point I started to scale my business. I'd win jobs myself, but then hire other freelancers to complete the projects.
Eventually a client offered me a salaried position - $1,200 / week to work part-time. It was a sweet offer, which I gladly accepted. That position has allowed me to do so much in life and brought me so much happiness. But now I feel unfulfilled without trying to bring happiness to others.
Looking back on my journey as a freelancer, I see it didn't have to be so hard. In fact, I think it could have been pretty easy, all things considered. Nothing could replace the determination to succeed, but success sure could have been had much quicker if I had been pointed in the right direction.
Here on Graduateandlive.com I've posted the Modern Guide to Freelancing. It's a simple step-by-step guide that points like-minded individuals in the right direction on their road to success. I don't have the power to give success, that will always come down to the individual, but I know I can make your life easier if this is the path you want to take.

Hey, it's me again, Ryan, the founder of Graduate & Live. Here is my story. Below it will be my star writer, Ashley's story. Enjoy!
