How My Life Turned Around (part 2)
After I published the previous blog I realised that I had missed out a few important details.
However the last post was 1000 words long and I just wanted to get it published. Haste makes waste though and there were a few mistakes which I still need to edit.
This follow up should address those issues and flesh out and explain fully what I had done and also a longer list on influences and motivations to turn my life around.
Fighting Back!
My goal was to work every day of 2023 and I was sick and tired of being screwed over by various companies, decided to take matters into my own hands and to put myself first for a much needed life change.
I started to apply for event based jobs and was successful with a few companies. I had to cancel a few interviews due to working at a call centre (the one that made me sick) and this is something that regret now.
Networking among my friends, I asked them for advice. Not everything worked, but I did make a few contacts and there are still more avenues to try.
While I was working for one company scanning in tickets, a woman came up and offered us workers some food and a coffee each at her own expense. I asked her how she got the job and she mentioned that she used an app that provides casual work shifts, similar to the way Uber Eats works.
I signed up with the app and have had 16 shifts so far since October. It's rather hit and miss and I can still have applications rejected, but if I apply for everything and do a good job, I'll build a reputation and get more shifts. Well, that's my hope anyway.
She also gave me the email address of the recruiter for the biggest venue ticket selling company in Australia.
I applied and have been working sporadic shifts with them ever since.
I hadn't seen or heard from the woman since so I don't think she got the job.
The two other companies have offered me several shifts throughout the year and it's easier work too.
Just yesterday I was informed that a third company will be hiring me for New Year’s Eve and possibly for a week in February. Good news!
Influences
Podcasts
I listen to a lot of podcasts and they can provide a lot of educational material and generalised advice.
Ice-T's Daily Game - The former, self confessed, pimp/player/hustler/gangsta rapper/movie star and long time star of Law & Order: SVU presents short snippets of wisdom that have helped him throughout his life.
This where the idea of needing to work every single day came from.
My Millenial Money
This is a podcast to do with finances amd financial literacy. It's very helpful.
The Dream
This podcast talks about the origins and the dangers of the Multi Level Marketing industry and the cults surrounding it.
Akimbo: A Podcast From Seth Godin
This one is all about marketing trends in the modern era.
Talking About Marketing
This podcast is also about marketing, but general principles in making your business a success.
It's also co-hosted by a friend.
Books
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson.
This was given to my last Christmas by 
Unfuck Yourself: Get Out Of Your Head And Into Your Life by Gary John Bishop.
This was filled with practical advice you can implement to start making necessary changes to your life.
10 Steps To Financial Freedom by Noel Whittaker.
Great general financial advice written and presented in a way that young people can understand.
It also shows pitfalls to avoid.
It recommended the Raiz app mentioned below.
Apps I Use
Disclaimer: the financial apps are for Australian Use Only, the others are open to everyone.
Raiz
I am micro-investing with Raiz. If you join using this link, we will both get AU$5 when you use my invite code: https://links.raizinvest.com.au/2pGaUfkb8KhJZe6A6
Raiz allows me to invest in anything and everything, while I am tracking my spending and savings goals.
I can also earn money by filling out paid surveys and
and getting money reinvested when purchasing products from certain retailers.
Ubank
Hey 👋 Looking for a smarter way to bank? Check out ubank! Plus, we'll both score AU$10 when you sign up using my code, 22E4HQQ, and make 3 purchases using your debit card or phone 🤑. Get the ubank app + T&Cs at https://www.ubank.com.au/refer-a-friend
Ubank is an online bank established by National Australia Bank. It allows me to have up to 10 savings accounts that generate high bonus interest just for continuing to save AU$200 every month.
It's a better way of setting aside money for bills and regular payments.
It also keeps track of all of your other bank accounts so you can see all of your money in the one spot at a glance.
Habitica
This is basically a To-Do-List, wrapped in a fantasy RPG shell. You get experience points and coins and can randomly get potions just for completeing tasks on your To-Do-List or engaging in positive habits you want to form or negative ones you want to get out of.
If you neglect your tasks, your character loses health and levels. I find this keeps my focus a lot better.
Sidekicker
Come work with me at Sidekicker and earn extra cash on your own schedule! https://app.sidekicker.com/worker/register/sidekicker?source=referafriend-983038
This is the app that I use to find work locally. I can still get rejected for shifts but if I apply for everything, my chances of working every day are greater.
Cameo
I'm on Cameo and I love it. I think you will too! Join using my code: theshanelockwood801iwzmu
https://v.cameo.com/invite?c=theshanelockwood801iwzmu
This app allows me to record video greetings and geþ paid for it. I haven't had any clients just yet, but it's always good to have my options open.
Yes, I know people hate affiliate links as they can be quite spammy, but if you're going to use the apps, why not help each other out at the same time?
Until next time,
Thank you for reading,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024!
Shaidon
All content, including photos and text, are produced by myself except where indicated otherwise and sources are always supplied. I do not use A.I. so your upvotes support a genuine human being producing original material.