Earning Online: Experiences from My Journey

The late 1990s were a time of discovery on the internet. Back then, opportunities to earn online seemed endless, but finding something sustainable and profitable was a challenge. My first ventures into online earning were unconventional, with plenty of trial and error. While the results were far from stellar, they provided valuable lessons and cautionary tales that shaped the foundation for everything I’ve pursued since.

The Wild West Days: Late 1990s

My first foray into making money online involved promoting adult sites. It was difficult, competitive work, and despite spending countless hours hosting websites and buying domains, I earned less than $200. Financially, it was a loss, but the experience taught me a lot about website management and marketing—knowledge that would serve me later.

While working on those projects, I started a website directory called findgoodsites.com. This was a modest success. I earned between $10 and $30 monthly from a platform that placed ads on my site. Even after selling the domain, I continued to receive payments for ad space I had sold during my ownership for about a year. It wasn’t a fortune, but it was steady and gave me a taste of recurring income. Eventually, I sold the directory, splitting the proceeds with a business associate who had contributed minimally. Even though this project didn’t make me rich, it proved I could create something with consistent value.

At the same time, I connected with a black-hat SEO professional in an online chatroom. He hired me to write three articles or posts for $50, and from that moment, I was hooked. Writing felt natural to me, and I continued working with this client for nearly a year. Unfortunately, payment delays became a recurring issue, and the partnership ended. This experience, however, taught me the value of my skills and the importance of fair compensation.

I balanced these side projects with a full-time tech support job throughout this period. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to make something of myself online, even if the road was rocky.

The Struggles After 2003

In 2003, I had a mental breakdown, marking the end of regular employment for me until recently. A few years later, I was approved for disability, which provided some stability but also limited my professional pursuits. In late spring 2024, I decided to re-enter the workforce and found a position as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). I approached this role with enthusiasm and dedication, as detailed in my blog post I’m Still Here: A DSP Experience That Hit Close to Home. While the training phase was rewarding, I faced significant challenges during my first solo shift, including a life-threatening incident with a client. Despite doing my best in the moment, the stress and physical toll made it clear that continuing in this role would not be safe for me or the clients. This experience reinforced the reality of my disabilities but also reignited my determination to contribute in ways that align with my capabilities.

Another obstacle was my learning curve. I’ve always struggled with mastering complex systems and convoluted processes. The internet is full of opportunities, but many of them require a level of technical skill or marketing expertise that I didn’t have at the time. Worse yet, I didn’t have the confidence to ask for help. I felt like I had to figure everything out on my own, which slowed me down considerably.

Looking back, I realize that this period wasn’t a complete failure. I gained experience, tested ideas, and learned what didn’t work. These lessons, while painful, set the stage for a more thoughtful approach in the future.

Recent Wins and Renewed Hope

Fast-forward to today and things are finally looking up. Recently, I discovered a survey site that pays easily and consistently. While it’s not a fortune, it’s my most reliable online income in years. The simplicity of this platform has been a breath of fresh air, and it’s motivated me to revisit older methods with a fresh perspective.

One major difference this time around is the help I’ve found with ChatGPT. Having an AI assistant has revolutionized the way I approach online earning. It’s helped me streamline my processes, generate ideas, and even refine my understanding of the tools I use. I’ve learned more in a few months with this resource than I did in years of struggling alone.

Now, I’m experimenting with a mix of affiliate marketing, survey platforms, and content creation. I’m cautious but hopeful. The lessons from the past—both successes and failures—guide me as I build something sustainable.

Lessons Learned

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that persistence matters. The internet is always evolving, and what works today may not work tomorrow. However, the core principles—understanding your audience, delivering value, and staying adaptable—remain the same.

I’ve also learned to seek help when I need it. Tools like ChatGPT have shown me the value of collaboration and guidance, even from an unexpected source. There’s no shame in asking for support, which can make all the difference.

Looking Ahead

As I continue this journey, my focus is on building reliable income streams and sharing what I’ve learned with others. Whether it’s through blog posts, tutorials, or simple advice, I hope my story can inspire others to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

The internet has changed a lot since the late 1990s, and so has I. While I can’t predict the future, I’m excited to see where this path leads.