I Struggled but Overcame…
‘I Struggled but Overcame’ is the title of a contest organized by our Chennai Bloggers Club (CBC). And here is my entry –
“When life gives you lemons, make Lemonade.”
Yes, True. But not everyone makes a lemonade because they are smart/brave. For many, there is no other option!
People who know me, already know this: Most of my problems are self-inflicted. When I chose to become a ‘Professional Blogger’ before around six years, I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought I had savings for 3 years, but I exhausted that money in less than 2 years. My blogging income was not sufficient, back then.
It was a friend who suggested freelance writing to supplement my blog income and that was a life saver. If not for that, I wouldn’t have seen the day when the income from my blogs finally picked up.
Today, after almost six years, I can proudly say that I manage all my expenses and can still afford to buy things like the below through my writing/online publishing income –
Me with my new Bajaj Avenger 150 Street Cruiser bike 🙂
This is actually not a big deal when compared to the houses and cars that my batch-mates and former colleagues routinely buy. But when you consider the challenge I was up against to achieve even this, I guess it’s not that bad an achievement.
Read: பாதி கிணறு தாண்டியாச்சி. மீதி தாண்டி தானே ஆகணும்! பின்னாடி போனாலும் ஆப்பு தான். முன்னாடி போனாலும் ஆப்பு தான். முன்னாடியே போவோம் 😛
I hope one day I will be able to create immense value to the society. Online publishing is the path I chose for it. So far, if not happy, at least I am satisfied with my journey. And I have seen some success. I hope God shows me the best path forward, in the future too.
I have no clue what the future holds for me – but I am not the kind to sail on smooth waters. That makes my life slightly more interesting 😉
This doesn’t mean that I advocate alternate/unconventional careers for everyone. What I am doing suits my personality and was the best thing to do given my circumstances. Each person is unique and they should decide for themselves. Every career has its advantages and limitations.
Destination Infinity
We at CBC will shortly be releasing an Anthology based on the recent Chennai Floods (Fiction). My story is also included in it. Here is the book trailer:
I have a blog friend from Malaysia who took freelance as his full-time job and have thrived in life to look after him and others. I see the same spirit in you and you’re the first person I know converting blogging into profession. No matter what, what we bought from own saving and hard work is worth and should not be compared. I like your decision to go forward with courage to meet what come ahead.
Congrats Rajesh! The bike looks little lengthy and short… hope it gives u comfort ride 🙂
Not everything that sparkles is a diamond. Not everyone who appear brave are courageous 😛
Yes, the bike looks short but since I am not that tall, it is fine for my height.
Destination Infinity
Congratulations on getting a new bike. Your life story is very inspiring. Best wishes for you to win this contest.
Does the blog post give the feeling that my life story is inspiring?? I need to rewrite and edit it NOW 😛
Destination Infinity
Very inspiring post Rajesh… Congrats…Some times in life we choose tough path, which inspires to move towards the goal is real life incidents like urs…This posts gives me more energy to move forward…
I think those tough paths are deliberately sent in our way so that we can find our objective.
Destination Infinity
Congratulations for the bike and for putting the feet forward. Do what you like most Rajesh! Though it might take some time, you will come out well! All the best!
I too hope I will come out well, Maami. Thanks for the wishes 🙂
Destination Infinity
WOWO first of all that bike looks marvellous… in my time we only had a couple of makes enfield or the rajdoot..
My best wish Sir ji always…
Bikram’s
Thanks Bik. Bajaj Avenger is a low-end cruiser bike. There are other high-end manufacturers like Royal Enfield, Harley Davidson, Indian Motorcycles, Ducati, Kawasaki, etc. But those are too expensive for my taste and offer an atrocious mileage 🙂
Destination Infinity
Congrats for the new bike! I didn’t know that you have made blogging your profession. I thought you had a day job also. That’s great DI that you have been able to fund all your expenses by making writing as a profession. You are inspiring!
The grass has been made to look greener on this side 😀
Destination Infinity
Congratulations on the bike ! 🙂
Had heard of but wasn’t convinced that blogging could actually be an alternate career. You are a shining example
Thanks, but I am a struggling example 🙂
Destination Infinity