This was my very first account on steem. I earned approximately $12 for the two months I posted there with little engagement. Made close to 300 comments during that period, so you can say I am a shadow of what I used to be back then. I paid my dues (I think). In retrospect, those were really dark days for me. I probably would have quitted under normal circumstances but that wasn't the case.
The 9th of May would have marked my two years on steem. Remember when celebrating anniversaries was a thing? Solid two years and the only job I have had is this--posting content regularly. It was rather this or a $100 job selling insurance policies on the street of lagos (I wonder what insurers earn in your country?). With that type of salary, it would take you 10months of saving (that's if you do not part ways with your salary) to get a decent apartment in Lagos, so you will wonder why anyone would choose to work for pennies but people do and it's a reality I have been lucky to escape thanks to steem/hive.
What has changed?
Let's see, I do not write poems and short stories as much I thought I would. I started vlogging and that began my major source of revenue. I made a couple of friends, lost most of them due to this bear run that has lasted a lifetime. Fortunately for them, their lives do not depend on creating content each day. So I am here still trying to make good my time and leveraging on the opportunities here; I am here still trying to figure things out like the rest of you who have been here for so long. Some of you have lost money--still losing money and friends. For those of you who have been here long enough to see this project thrive and struggle, it feels surreal. The community has been stretched beyond limits. It actually takes a lot to still believe in what we are trying to build here. To be frank, most days I actually don't know what I am doing here or if I have any long term goal here. I honestly enjoy the life I currently live despite not having enough most days. I love the creative freedom and the opportunity to learn new things. I am currently learning how to code while doing the thing I enjoy the most--creating content. What job would afford me such luxuries? I probably would have been stuck in a cubicle for the most part of my creative hours and return home drained each day to repeat the same cycle until I am useless. So it may not be the life I dreamt of but it's far better than the one I see most people living.
Although it might seem painfully slow I think I am heading towards the right path. It is only a matter of time before things fall into place and I am not anxious. There has been significant improvement in the quality of my life since 2018. Personally, I never thought I would have made it this far (those who have been following me long enough can attest to that). There will be better stories to tell in the coming years. I just hope those who started this journey with me are here when it happens. This happens to be the only virtual space where I actually care about the people and the things we are building. I honestly wish I can contribute more than I do currently. Hopefully, someday soon.