Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

My side hustle has begun to pick up again. I guess the first of the school year honeymoon period is over and teachers are ready for occasional breaks, have sick kids or have conferences to attend. This year I limited myself to just subbing for the high school. I did this for two reasons:

1. I much prefer this age group. The middle school is okay, but I know I don’t have the temperament for elementary school.
2. The block schedule (longer classes) is much more conducive to me being able to get some of my own work done versus changing classes every 45 minutes to an hour.

I’m continuing with the same plan for this money as I did last spring…just letting it build up in a savings account. I am paid once a month and have it direct deposited into its own account. So I truly never see it unless I go looking for it.

In fact, when I was paid this past week, I was surprised. (My first paycheck from teaching since last May.) It’s not a lot, well, depending on how often I get called. But an extra $69 a day is a decent wage for just sitting and monitoring kids doing work. It really is a great side gig. And I enjoy “teaching” the kids. I miss that aspect of homeschooling and the classes I taught at our co op.

At this point, I do not and have no plans to include this income in my budget. First it is too variable. And second, I have no plans to use it for the time being, just letting it grow.

I also set up a account on Rover.com to pet site or walk dogs a few weeks ago, but no hits on that. I’m not surprised seeing as we live in a tiny little town. But I will keep it active just in case. Do you have a seasonal side gig that you enjoy?

Hope

Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.

Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.

Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.