Here’s a friendlier and more conversational version of the given text:
Turning My Side Gig into a Trip to a Blogger’s Conference!
I made it to the #FinCon14, an event where money matters meet media, all thanks to my side hustle. Anyone can start a side hustle, so why not give it a shot?
What motivated me to attend this conference was my curiosity about blogging. I also looked forward to meeting the authors behind the blogs I’ve been reading. But the cherry on top? The conference was held in New Orleans, a fascinating city I’d never explored before!
And can I just say, New Orleans is amazing! In fact, I loved it so much that I began looking for possible apartments to move into. Initially, I thought living in the city’s beautiful French Quarter would be too pricey, but turns out, it’s totally doable. And trust me, the place lives up to all the hype.
Now, on to my side-hustle fund. I set a goal of $1,500 for the trip which I figured would cover the conference pass, travel, accommodation, food, and assorted enjoyment. Did I reach this? Almost. I managed to hustle up to $1,321.62 despite never trying side hustling before.
So, where did the money come from? Let’s break it down:
1. Theater work, including stage managing and props creation, fetched me $879.70.
2. As a mystery shopper, I earned $131.70.
3. I conjured up $348.83 from freelance writing.
4. And lastly, sponsored posts and advertising on my blog brought in $124.07.
In addition, I squeezed out about $100-$150 from other random gigs and selling stuff on eBay.
I fell short of my goal, you may point out. But I used some of the money to replace a blown-out tire, so I still count it as a successful gig. That means I can proudly say I hustled my way to $1,321.62 for FinCon.
Some fun side hustle lessons from my journey:
1. The worlds of hustling and work can overlap in strange ways.
2. Side gigs are not always easy. There were moments of failure and times when I stretched myself thin. But despite these hard times, the hustle was still worth it.
3. Using your existing talents can sometimes fetch a good paycheck. For me, stage managing and making props were the most lucrative ventures.
4. I realized that I enjoy freelance writing a lot. It fits effortlessly into my regular schedule, and it’s incredibly flexible.
About the conference expenses – they didn’t reach up to $1,500, or even $1,321.62. Good news for my wallet!
I had a blast at the conference. I experienced amazing tours, indulged in yummy food and drinks, and networked with great people. If you’re considering attending FinCon next year, you can make it work on a budget and still have an unforgettable experience.
Budgeting for FinCon was a lesson in itself:
1. It pays to commit early. The Early Bird pass was nearly half the price of a last-minute one. Also, there’s a potential to sell the pass if you can’t make it.
2. Credit card churning can work, provided you can keep track.
3. Sharing a room may save money, but beware of potential snorers.
4. Beware of hidden costs like eating out before and after the conference – it can add up and blow your budget.
When it comes to the conference, it was seriously worth attending. I scored some more freelance work, learned tons about networking, met some lovely roommates, and even survived drinking ‘The Jester’, said to be the world’s strongest drink.
A memorable night? You bet! After having a few too many, I decided to pick up a souvenir – a New Orleans shot glass. However, when faced with a $9 price tag, I made a bit of a scene about the cost, which ended up in a cringe-worthy interaction with a fellow hotel guest. Turns out, we were staying at the same hotel. Well, that was awkward!
So, to anyone thinking about spinning up a side hustle, go for it! Your side gig could open up an opportunity that you’ll cherish forever, just like mine did at FinCon.