#freelancing apps for students

[gadgets-ark]

The Top 10 Freelancing Websites: Your Guide to Remote Work Opportunities

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[e77y]

Why don’t I ever write down dates/times for ANYTHING 😭 I HAVE A PLANNER AND YET!

[aggro-my-beloved]

Long In The Tooth (LaskoxDear)

note: happy soulmate september! my heart’s probably still beating out of my chest with excitement when you’re reading this. brb, i’m off to listen to the milo panic attack audio but interact with this if you wanna (pretty pls) summary: *aging stops at 18 until you meet your soulmate* [lasko’s been eighteen for six years now, and frankly, he’s becoming sick of playing a juvenile. what makes his endeavor for a soulmate even more bewildering? they’re one of his students.] pairing(s): LaskoxDear (romantic), GavinxFreelancer (romantic), LaskoxDamien (non-platonic?) warning(s): none word count: 3k estimated reading time: 12 mins

taglist: @ther3alsweetheart @darlin-collins @professionallyyappinabtangst @elles-roses

“SO BE LOOKING FOR AN EMAIL FROM ME f-for your class schedule. Again, I'm sorry about not having a…physical copy on hand.” Lasko combs a clammy hand through his disheveled hair, sparing a discreet glance at his leather satchel lying by his feet. It defends an entire ream of charred papers, originally for the pool of students that Lasko has been bestowed the responsibility of meeting today, but instead, it mocks him. “My printer ran out of ink.”

His run-in with the stubborn fire elemental without patience for one's troubleshooting of his agenda went worse than the guidance counselor envisioned—a surprise to Lasko, who always depicts the worst scenarios before plunging head-first into any social situation. Guess what Freelancer said was true: you think better on your feet than in the air, he reflects. 

“No worries. It’d be my luck,” The student laughs awkwardly, silently inviting Lasko to muster one of his own. 

“Well, before I send you off, do you have my questions for me?” His hands press onto the thick desktop glass, shielding the wood. One spilled cup of coffee too many, and a sputtering request to the Dean was all it took to gain that.

“I do have one.” Lasko’s heart begins thumping uncontrollably, and he thanks every deity above that the water elemental is also not an experienced telepath. What will they ask me? Maybe they want to pick my brain about the theory of shade resurgence. How much research have they done on me as an alumnus? Perhaps they find me unfit to be a counselor and a professor, being human-reared. They don't think I have the history, nor the fundamental teachings from my unempowered parents. Oh, who are you kidding Lasko? They’re probably wanting to know which food from the cafeteria won’t give someone massive—

“You look a little young to be a counselor, don’t you?” As if intrigued by their curiosity, the student creeps forward in the armchair sat opposite Lasko’s, and finds respite for their folded arms on the mahogany desk between them. Before Lasko’s lips could part, the pupil emits a gasp at their presumption. “I’m so sorry, please take that as a compliment. Your soulmate must be lucky to have someone with such a…youthful glow.” The excruciating cringe on their face is palpable (and noticeably lacking age lines), but Lasko revels in the sight of it. For once, he is not the one digging a grave mid-conversation. 

He could only muster a chuckle, eyes settling on his chewed-down fingernails and fidgeting knuckles—the only visible skin on his body that had wrinkles. This presumption is one he’s been unwillingly catering to for his past six years under the university, and his answer, like his relationship status, is unchanging. 

He offers a modest shrug. “Y-yeah, counselor, and professor. B-but you…you’re not wrong. I only look this young because I haven’t met mine yet—soulmate, I mean.” The pinch on the bridge of his nose from his glasses feels abnormally tight as he gauges the student’s reaction. A curious raise of the brow, slow nod—awed. And rightfully so, with how capable and convenient the modern age has made it to scout for one’s “better half.” Apps and chat rooms galore in addition to personal soulmate seekers (a bunch of glorified PIs with hopeless romantic tendencies, as Lasko refers to them) for hire. These things leave a person little reason to go more than a year after eighteen with no celebrated crow'sfeet or growing pains. People think he’s inept or simply non-committal. Lasko considers himself stodgy for yearning to encounter his soulmate organically.

“Well, if it’s any reassurance, you aren’t the only one.” They don’t elaborate, and Lasko doesn’t pry. He remains seated, silently watching them wrangle each strap of their backpack over their shoulders. “Thank you again for the chat, Mr. Moore.” 

“Ah, just Lasko is fine. I’m not near old enough for all that 'mister' stuff.” At least, I don’t look like it, he tacks on mentally.

“Right. I guess I’ll see you around then.” 

He clarifies, “Monday at ten,” which earns him a tilted head. “For DAMN 101, which should be on the schedule that I'llemail you.” A small, upward twitch of their lips leaves Lasko satisfied with the conversation but prepared for the tens of other students who will receive the same news. 

“I can’t wait.” 

He hopes for his sake that the rest are as understanding as this one. 

“Well well, professor, how was orientation today?” Had the man still not reeked of liquid smoke and sweat from his earlier encounter with the fire elemental, or suffered from cramping fingers and aching wrists from the barrage of emails he sent out today, Lasko’s answer may not have been so curt. 

A trace of a scowl lingered in his voice, “Not in the mood, Gav.” At the evil hiss of his name, the demon transferred his gaze from the television to the strung-out university employee entering the den. Lasko makes a show of shrugging off his blazer and settling his fatigued body into the armchair perpendicular to the sectional Gavin and his soulmate were occupying. His roommate proceeds to turn his attention to him, chorting sarcastically, “Who pissed in your Wheaties this morning?” Freelancer takes the opportunity to bury their face in the bared crook of Gavin’s neck, releasing a languid sigh of contentment. 

Lasko strives to obscure his frown, but the envy boiling in the depths of his stomach wins while the muscles of his jaw tighten. “Some fire elemental with serious anger issues almost sent me up in flames with my office, destroyed all of my paperwork, and cost me two and a half hours of emailing students their schedules and trying not to sound passive-aggressive. Do you realize how hard it is to type ‘Please see attached for your semester schedule. Thank you.’ without sounding like the biggest assho–”

Amidst his rant, Freelancer’s head pops up from the den between Gavin’s neck and collarbone. “You met Damien?” 

The question Lasko volleys is an answer in itself. “You know him?” Wide eyes with a visible twitch urge Freelancer to dig through the sofa cushions for their phone. 

“Yeah, he texted me earlier. A whole string of back-to-back messages about some university nobody screwing him over with his schedule. I didn’t think anything of it until…” They purse their lips. Lasko watches his friends’ eyes soaking in his appearance–blackened shirt cuffs, tousled tendrils of hair, and all. Should Lasko be expecting some vengeful threat? A stolen personal belonging replaced with a ransom note? A dead sprite in a wrapped box outside his office door? 

“How mad was he?” He scrubs his hands against his face, hoping to wipe the day away with his sour expression. 

“I wouldn’t check your Rate My Professor anytime soon.” Lasko throws his head back in defeat. Tarnishing his paperwork and his reputation in a single day? The ransom note wasn’t looking as unfavorable in comparison. 

“I thought it’d be water that didn’t get along with fire,” Gavin muses with a smirk. Lasko’s mind trails away from the soot-stained carpet of his office to the friendly water elemental he had the pleasure of speaking with earlier. Their curious nature and self-loathing sense of humor is something Lasko would have never considered himself attracted to, seeing as Gavin’s unyielding confidence and inflated ego always put his stomach through a spin cycle. 

A sharp inhale from Freelancer resounds through the house. “Oh my goodness, Lasko!” Instantly, he was patting down his body, checking his pulse, and looking around for the nearest mirror. He already knew he looked like shit, what was the big deal? 

“What, what is it?” Still, he turned his head every which way expecting a large bug or “kick me” sign on his back from Damien—perhaps the earlier onslaught of flames was merely a distraction. Or, the man’s just paranoid, per usual. 

“You have smile lines!” As if imitating a mirror, Freelancer offers a ballooning grin of their own, presenting the faint creases surrounding their lips to him. “You thought you could meet your soulmate and just not tell us?” They motion excitedly between themselves and Gavin, who was absorbing the scene before him. 

“I-I didn’t though, did I?” Did he? He thinks back to all of the students he spoke with earlier in the day, Damien included. A shiver courses down his spine at the thought—he’s always heard the saying ‘opposites attract’ but having a soulmate who wanted to momentarily kill him seems like a stretch. Having a soulmate be one of the many bodies in his class is equally as horrific, but—as he now recognizes—a possibility. “Holy shit, I-I met my soulmate.” 

Gavin inquires after a few seconds, “Who are they?” 

Lasko's head darts up, donning a veil of “oh fuck” on his visage. “I have no idea.” 

Much to Gavin’s chagrin and Freelancer’s enthusiasm, the couple agreed to aid him in compiling a list of the students he’d met in the last twenty-four hours, and omitting the ones who’ve been blessed to find their other half, according to Freelancer’s in-depth “research” when inputting their names online. 

“Sami Tryst is in my Thursday lab! They’ve got an engagement ring, though.” 

“Hudson Lang won a medal in the E&E games last year. He thanked his partner in his acceptance speech.” 

“Jacquelyn Gardner?” Freelancer snorts with a shaking head. “Definitely not your type.” 

Lasko’s head hinges up from the sheet of paper he was eyeing—scrawled with names, and taken straight out of Freelancer’s DAMN 101 notebook. With furrowed brows and an insulted scowl, he beckons “How would you know?”

“She has an eyebrow slit and ‘grade-a carpet muncher’ written in her Instagram bio next to her girlfriend’s name. You really wanna try competing with that, professor?” Lasko stays quiet, even through the contagious mixture of laughs flying around the room from the couple. 

He finally mutters, “Whatever”, and is nonetheless satisfied with a name being crossed off of the list. Four hours and one order from Max’s Rustic Pizza later, the trio is splayed across the living room carpet. Three names remain uncrossed on the sheet, staring back at them tauntingly. 

“Wait, you forgot about Damien.” Freelancer reminds Lasko with a small nudge. Not that he needed the reminder, but a small part of him was hopeful that leaving him off of the list would rule out the chance of them being soulmates entirely. His hands are reluctant when grabbing the pen set beside him, but are deft when writing the fire elemental’s first name below the rest. A last resort. 

“This is-it’s so…so stupid! I mean, aren’t you s-supposed to feel something when you first meet your soulmate? Like, I don’t…I don’t know, butterflies in your stomach or-or, or lightheaded?” Lasko exasperates, tossing the paper aside. It flutters to the ground and lands face-down on the carpet. 

“My jeans felt a little tighter when I met you, deviant.” Gavin’s admission is not lost on Freelancer or Lasko. The professor shields his face from the luminous ceiling fan whirling above him, both his arms locked over his eyes. As he does this, he jerks up and emits a harsh grunt.

“Agh, my neck. What the hell?” He sits up to allow his fingers to assess the tight skin. The invisible knot is yanked once more when he tilts his head too far to the left. “Ow!”

In unison, Gavin and Freelancer are quick to diagnose it. “Growing pain.” Freelancer adds with a fond smile, “It means they’re thinking of you.” 

His head snaps towards them excitedly, and this time, he grits his teeth and bears the stiffening of his muscles. “That’s it! I know exactly how to find them.” An accomplished smile overcomes his face. Complemented by his bloodshot eyes, something unsettling brews in the pits of Freelancer’s stomach. 

“Okay, can you stop looking at me like that now? It’s creepy.” 

“I would, but I don’t think I can move my neck anymore…” 

The awkward quiet grows thicker with every student that files into Lasko’s classroom the following Monday morning, broken occasionally by a squeaking chair or thump of a bookbag colliding with the floor. He studied the roll call list the entire weekend like he was presenting a dissertation, but now that he had reached the time to present, only four names were on his mind. 

“G-g-good morning every-everybody. My-my n-name is Lasko Moore, and I’ll be your professor for DAMN 101 this semester. Don’t think of this as a refresher course of things you may have learned in past institutions, b-but an opportunity to gain knowledge of…of Dahlia’s magical entities, specifically.” He’s afraid if he breathes too deeply, the hefty silence will suffocate him. “Now, I-I’m aware it's a bit—it’s a bit rudimentary to take attendance, but this is only for me to become acquainted with all of you. I’ll only do this for the first few classes until I’m comfortable putting names to faces.” 

The professor wastes no time going down the list. Each name he uttered–even ones that had been crossed off from the list–he let settle into the silence while concentrating his thoughts specifically on that person. It is the most foolish theory he's tested in a while, but he is desperate to know who could complete him so marvelously, and remain so subtle about the fact. The further down the list he goes, the tighter his airway constricts when he sees no visible flinch or sign of pain from any of his students. 

Hesitantly, he chokes out the next name on the sheet.

“Damien Rhone.” He looks up to find no hand raised, nor the rest of Damien’s body. Seconds tick by without a response, and Lasko feels even more on edge due to the lack of his presence. If the names that follow elicit no reaction from any of the students, either his “fool-proof” plan would be marked a failure, or he’d have to settle with the fact that he and his soulmate wouldn’t have the cutest “how we met” story amongst his friends. There’s a lot that can beat a late-night run into seven-eleven, but almost going up in flames might have to take second place. 

As he feared, the last name on the list gets crossed off when he marks the student present (and taken) judging by the early age spots marking their skin. He huffs but doesn’t make his agitation any more visible. After all, he is at work and his soulmate…who knows where they are. Hosting this lecture felt more taxing than all the others he’s taught within the last six years at the university. Discussing DAMN’s cornerstone neighborhoods for different magical beings is something he merely cites, amid his daydreams of arriving home to a relaxing cup of tea and a lengthy video essay to put him to sleep on his couch. The thought became so enticing, that he cut the class short by a whole twenty minutes and sent each departing student with instructions to acclimate to the university campus. While shoveling manilla folders and stray pens into his bag, he gets interrupted by a tap against his shoulder. 

“Excuse me, Lasko?” He cranes his neck at the voice, dripping anxiety. They offer their name and elaborate when Lasko furrows his brows. He swears he can feel a crease in between them that wasn’t there last night. “We met yesterday. I made a fool of myself, and then you said you’d email me my schedule. You never called my name when you were taking attendance, though. This is DAMN 101, right?” 

Lasko recalls their conversation vividly. He was post-adrenaline rush and flustered as all hell, but somehow their blunders were enough to take the edge off of him and his “broken printer”. Now, he studies the crease between their eyebrows. It wasn’t there when they met originally when they inquired about his age and backpedaled into embarrassment trying to fix their mistake. “Yes, it is. And  I’m so sorry for leaving you off the roll call sheet, I’m not sure what happened.” 

Halfway through their understanding nod, they emit a wince and introduce the nape of their neck to their hand. “I-it’sokay, I just wanted to double-check.” Lasko tilts his head, blue eyes turning into twinning seas of concern. 

“Are you feeling alright, dear?” 

“I think I may have slept wrong.”

“What are the chances of it being a growing pain?” Lasko voices his internal demand, throwing caution to the wind, as it were. 

“I’d say fat chance because I don’t have a…” They lock eyes with the man before them. Sleeves buttoned to elbows and crooked frames and smile lines. Crow’s feet decorated his orbital rims like fireworks and the creases of his hands mimicked scored clay. “Oh.” 

“That's about the reaction I was expecting.” 

“I’m sorry, but to be fair, this is new to both of us. Tomorrow I might wake up beside you but I’ll have gray hairs sticking out. Nobody prepares you for that kind of stuff.” Was this a rejection disguised in a prophecy? Lasko will have to hand it to them, it’s one of the more poetic ways to turn someone down.

“If-if y-you’d like to wait b-before we j-jump into…jump into anything, that’s fine. I just, I uh…I just wanted to find you. So bad.” 

“What? No, of course, I want this! I want you—I mean…this is just a lot to take in. Aren’t you supposed to feel something when you meet the person? Like increasing body temperature or…” They carry on rambling, with Lasko admiring no more than a foot away. A fond smile adorns his face, pink lips settled high on his cheeks and draped like a streamer. 

He had found them. 

“Excuse me, Professor Moore?” A panting voice interrupts their discovery as the two watch a student barreling toward Lasko with clear desperation. “I’m so sorry about being late. Did I miss anything important?” His eyes flutter around the room, finding all of the seats bare. “Where the hell is everyone?” 

“Hey, Dames! Meet my soulmate, Lasko. Lasko, this is Damien, my stepbrother.” 

“Soulmate!”

“S-stepbrother?”

soulmate september schedule | main masterlist | abt author

[6-atlas-6]

Redacted headcanons except this time I don't make people cry

Asher and Darlin' have a shared notes app filled with things that (lovingly) piss people off

If Sunshine has any family members or friends that passed away and sunshine started missing them again, Elliott will make them in a dreamscape so Sunshine can talk to them again

Freelancer has drawings Caelum drew up on the fridge so Damien, Hux, and Lasko always assumed it was a younger sibling or family member

You never see Vincent and Lovely apart. Like ever. He's always either hugging them from behind, holding their waist or their hand, etc. You have to specify if you invite them to an event because if one of them is going, the other is following

Lovely sees William as a father/parental figure almost as much as Vincent does

Milo and Vincent have a shared Pinterest board (mostly consisting of clothing)

Gavin and Freelancer don't have seperate clothes anymore. They took each other's clothes so often because they have such similar style that they have a shared wardrobe now

Smartass is like a 5 star chef but they're too tired to cook half the time. Aaron tried it once on their off day and swore he saw heaven

Damien and Huxley have chickens

Dear is the favorite professor purely because they're so flexible and they genuinely care so much about their students. They have a bin full of snacks and a drawer full of water for students, and even a pillow if they realize a student is working themselves to exhaustion

Dear packs two lunches everyday because they know Lasko always forgets his

Similar to Vince and Lovely, Avior and Starlight are never seen apart. Avior is a very clingy demon

Blake pretended to be a dreamwalker because his listener specified how well he helps them fall asleep

[thatfreshi]

Some thoughts I want to share about the #freshiau

1. I do really love this story, despite the fact that I am in fact very busy, so I apologize that I haven't been able to give it the love I want to consistently. It makes me more and more nervous the longer I'm away from Tumblr to come back and write more. While this is one of my favorite things I've written, I'm a poetry author, a full-time art school student, freelancing and volunteering on film sets, chronically ill, and also just a person who isn't on here all the time. This isn't to like make anyone feel bad for missing my content, but it's just to explain that my absence here has nothing to do with anything about my fanbase of this app, but it's just because I'm a busy creative with a bunch of ventures. Anyways, onto the fun thoughts.

Possible spoilers ahead if you are not caught up to Part 19 of the AU!!!!!!

2. I like this fic particularly because I've been able to take these characters and put them in a situation where their fuck-ups are more forgivable. I don't think anyone in this AU is morally correct 100% of the time, and I know that can be frustrating for some people, but it's important to remember that these are barely adults in their late teens or 20s who are going through a lot of bullshit!! And that's one of my favorite parts about it, is their relationships are constantly evolving because of what they're personally going through and how they react to their friends' problems. For example, Gale and Shadowheart will not hate each other forever! We see this in part 19 as Shadow admits she is just genuinely concerned for Gale's safety and wants her friend back, but Gale throws it back in her face after finding out about her own issues. They do genuinely care for each other, but that fear of what their friend is going through, plus the stress of their own problems, is overwhelming. I really love this dynamic, and I'm excited to watch them be friends again.

3. I feel like some people may not agree with some of my interpretations of the characters, but it's important to remember that they are in an entirely different setting. These characters were originally in a very rough and tough fantasy environment, and now they're in the modern world in a college setting. Their problems are going to be spun differently, and their traits are going to portray themselves differently in a different environment. For example, despite all of Astarion's issues and trauma with Szarr, we see in this universe that he does get to have his own space: the dorm room. In the original BG3, Astarion is never given a space to himself, and therefore has much more fight or flight. Because of this ability to have his own space, he portrays himself differently inside the dorm room, because he gets to have a space that is entirely his. However, before college this wasn't necessarily the case, as we see references to the fact that he lived in his car for a couple of years prior to college. While it was still his own space and he clearly has an attached to it, the evolution of having an abode to himself makes him different in said abode (that cozy, coffee, heavy ass blankets everywhere vibe).

4. As with all my fics, the relationship between Astarion and Tav will not be perfect, but specifically because of their age. Keep in mind, Astarion in the original BG3 is like hundreds of years old, and here he's just about to turn 21. Tav and Astarion have had way less experiences than in their fantasy universe, and have had way less experiences with others. There will be times where these two are not 100% wholesome to each other, because they are two troubled individuals who are getting into a relationship early on in life. While they are well-intentioned with one another, it will get shitty at times, and that's okay! I do promise that there will be wholesome moments, but there's a long road here left to go after a couple of kisses at a Halloween party.

Anyways, I just wanted to discuss some of my thoughts on the series. I cannot currently promise a schedule or anything, but I do plan on continuing this project until otherwise stated. If anyone is curious or has questions about the series, I'd love to talk about it! Discussing my writing is my favorite part of the result. Thanks for staying interested in my stuff, and I hope you guys enjoy where the rest of it goes.

[squabbled]

Heyo, I'm Bit. I'm a 16-year-old nonbinary sysadmin-in-training, site designer, and full-time student. I'm opening up site commissions for static websites, personal websites, businesses, or blogs. I don't have much to show at the moment besides my personal blog. If you're interested, read on!

I typically charge $25/a project, depending on the complexity (think blogs, basic restaurants/menus, personal sites, etc). I'll let you know before I start working/charge. Hosting's typically $15/mo with SSH/FTP access, coming pre-setup. Payment's through Cash App, my handle is $squabbled.

I reserve the right to decline any offers for any reason, including but not limited to, pornography, hate speech, dog-whistles, trolling, or any other nasty content. I also reserve the right to negotiate the price, although once given a price and confirmed, I will not change or modify our deal.

Contact me through the following places! Email: contact[@]squabbled[dot]net Phone (Call or text, I likely won't answer but do leave a voicemail): +1 (206) 395-6164 Signal: @squabbled.37 And feel free to share this! I don't have a job and just do freelance work so it really helps out a lot <3

[financecontributors]

🌈 Financial Hacks for the Cool Kids: Gen Z & Millennials Edition 🌈

Hey fam! 🙌 If you're part of the digital tribe, listen up—we've got money moves to make! 💸 Whether you're hustling in your PJs or plotting world domination, these tips are for you:

Budget Like a Boss: Forget the boring spreadsheets (zzz). Download apps like Mint or YNAB. Set goals—whether it's funding your next concert or buying that vintage Pokémon card. 🎤🎮

Side Hustle Vibes: We're all about side gigs, right? Freelance, sell your art, or be an affiliate marketer. Just don't sell your soul to the corporate overlords. 🤘

Invest Wisely: Compound interest is our secret sauce. Start investing—even if it's just your lunch money. Robinhood, Acorns, or that piggy bank under your bed—pick your weapon. 💰

Credit Cards: Handle with Care: Swipe responsibly! Pay off the balance, and that cashback? It's like finding a shiny Pokémon. Cha-ching! 💳

Student Loans? Slay 'Em: Those loans? They're like the final boss. Refinance, strategize, and show 'em who's boss. 🎓

Emergency Fund FTW: Life throws curveballs—like a sudden zombie apocalypse or unexpected bills. Aim for an emergency fund that says, "I got this!" 🌧️

Tax Basics: Adulting alert! Understand deductions, credits, and why Uncle Sam wants a piece of your pie. TurboTax is like your nerdy sidekick. 🤓

Remember, we're all leveling up together. Share your money hacks, memes, and existential crises. Tumblr, let's vibe! 🚀💸

More Explain: https://finance.worldculturepost.com/2024/07/financial-management-for-personal.html

[pure-ablution]

How do you make and save money?

It’s mostly about increasing your income, and then reducing how much of that income you actually need to spend. This is what I do. Not all of it is technically allowed because of my university’s employment rules, but I haven’t run into trouble yet. It’s not always fun to live frugally, but it allows me to indulge in the things that matter to me.

Increasing income:

I receive a termly stipend as part of my scholarships, covering my rent and utilities and leaving me with a little money left over.

I work at least one shift at the student bar per week, and usually receive tips.

I do part-time paid internships during term-time, and full-time paid internships in most holidays.

I work for my university by taking shifts in the libraries, and working with admissions and outreach.

I offer myself for some compensated research trials and surveys at my uni.

I do online tutoring, mostly to foreign highschoolers whose parents are willing to pay a fortune for my university’s name.

I work freelance in translation services and proofreading in my native languages. This pays by the word.

I offer basic beauty services (waxing, eyebrows, etc.), styling and tailoring/mending services to students at a reduced rate compared to local salons and tailors.

I sell PDF copies of my notes and lecture transcripts to students on my course, and very occasionally write essays for a higher fee.

I babysit/pet-sit/house-sit for my professors, neighbours, and other local families I know.

I receive occasional cash prizes for competitions.

I have some music and poetry published, and receive a little bit of money regularly as royalties.

I sell clothes etc. on behalf of people who are too old or lazy to use online secondhand sites, and take a portion of the cost.

I sell a few printables and some of my embroidery and other handicrafts on Etsy.

I take on any little ‘odd job’ offered to me. Last week I was paid £25 as an extra in a student film production.

I have a few investments, and I withdraw portions of the interest already generated if I feel I need to.

My parents send me a small amount of money every month (something like £75) specifically for groceries.

Reducing outgoings:

All of my tuition is covered by my scholarships, plus a single airfare to and from home per year.

I get all my fish free from my neighbour, and I eat a lot of it.

I get all my milk free, in exchange for doing the eyebrows of the girl who runs the dairy near me.

I buy the rejected fruit and vegetables from the greengrocer’s at the end of the day for a discount.

I buy rice and beans in bulk from the international market a few miles from my house.

I cook everything from scratch at home. Most meals I make come out at less than a £1 spend per portion, because I buy in bulk.

I walk everywhere, and I have a Railcard for when I need to use the train.

I pirate books and movies, or use my university’s libraries. I never, ever pay for books.

I always shop in sales or usually secondhand, and I’m really good at using discount codes.

I don’t bother with fancy salons. I do most of my cosmetic work myself, or I go to independent aestheticians who work from their houses.

I get a friends’ discount with the dry cleaning shop I use, because it’s run by the local monastery and I know most of the monks there.

I don’t have any subscriptions or monthly payments to anything except magazines. My phone and laptop were bought outright for me as a part of my scholarship agreement, and I don’t have a car or any streaming services.

I have a black and white television (the licensing charge for B&W in the UK is significantly lower than colour).

I use a cashback app whenever I buy anything online. It’s only a small percentage, but it adds up over time.

I never buy alcohol. There are more than enough events with free drinks in a student city.

Saturday brunch was recently swapped to a homemade brunch, so now I no longer pay for any meals out at all.

Most of my cleaning products are homemade in the way my grandmother taught me. All you really need is bar soap, white vinegar, lemon juice and a cheap bottle of bleach in your cleaning kit.

I never, ever forget to use my student discount.

[kiranapassionategamer]

Top Work-from-Home Jobs for Housewives in 2024

Remote work has become more common because people understand that working from home using the Internet may be convenient. This change offers housewives a range of possibilities for organizing home chores and, at the same time, earning money. 

Here is a list of the best home-based activities housewives can do in 2024.

Best Jobs for Housewives 2024

Some women feel dependent if she not earning even she’s a housewives. However, the Ludo real cash game that offers an opportunity to win Rs10 lakh by playing games, these women feel mentally independent and stress-free. So, apart from paying games, here’s a list of some of the best jobs for housewives in 2024.

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is flexible because one can write in any area of interest or specialization. Whether content writing, blogging, copywriting or technical writing, there is always a great demand for well-written content.

Types of Writing Jobs:

Content Writing: Writing web content such as articles, blog posts, and other types of text on the websites.

Blogging: Specialized in blogging about similar topics and making money through ads and affiliate marketing.

Copywriting: Developing copy for brochures and other forms of promotion.

Technical Writing: Writing manuals, guides and other technical writing work.

Tips for Getting Started:

Building a Portfolio: Gather notes and past works to prove your ability and advertise yourself to the clients.

Joining Freelancing Platforms: Freelance marketplace sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer avail clients to writers seeking to offer a plethora of writing services.

2. Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs remotely. Their tasks can vary widely depending on the client's needs. 

Common Tasks and Responsibilities:

Email management entails replying to and organizing emails.

Organizing calendars and making appointments is called scheduling.

Taking care of questions and problems from customers is known as customer support.

How to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs:

Job boards: Virtual assistant jobs are listed on websites such as Indeed, FlexJobs, and Remote.co.

VA Agencies: These companies are experts at matching clients with virtual assistants.

Networking: Creating a network on social media and in business associations can help you get employment.

Necessary Skills and Tools Required:

Tech-savvyness, communication, and organizational abilities.

Working knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and project management apps like Asana or Trello.

3. Online Tutoring and Teaching

With the increasing popularity of online learning, the demand for online tutors and teachers has surged. 

Subjects and Skills in High Demand:

Academic Subjects: Math, science, and languages.

Language Teaching: Teaching English or other languages to non-native speakers.

Music Lessons: Offering lessons in instruments or vocal training.

Platforms to Get Started:

VIPKid: Teaching English to students in China.

Chegg Tutors: Offering tutoring in various academic subjects.

Coursera: Teaching specialized courses to a global audience.

4. Social Media Management

Social media managers create and manage content for businesses and influencers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Managing Social Media Accounts for Businesses and Influencers:

Content Creation: Developing posts, stories, and videos.

Analytics: Tracking engagement and performance metrics.

Engagement Strategies: Interacting with followers and responding to comments.

Essential Skills:

Content Creation: Writing, graphic design, and video editing.

Analytics: Understanding social media metrics.

Engagement Strategies: Knowing how to build and maintain a community.

Steps to Becoming a Social Media Manager:

Courses: Taking courses in social media marketing.

Certifications: Earning certifications from platforms like HubSpot or Hootsuite.

Networking: Joining social media groups and forums.

5. E-commerce and Online Selling

Online selling is one of the best work from home jobs for housewives that make them financially independent. Housewives can start their own online store or sell products on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay.

Popular Products to Sell:

Handmade Crafts: Jewelry, home decor, and personalized gifts.

Vintage Items: Clothing, accessories, and collectibles.

Digital Products: Printables, e-books, and courses.

Basics of Setting Up an Online Store:

Inventory Management: Keeping track of stock and supplies.

Marketing: Promoting products through social media and other channels.

Customer Service: Providing excellent service to retain customers.

6. Graphic Design

Graphic designers create visual content for businesses, including logos, websites, and marketing materials. 

Tools and Software Needed:

Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Canva: A user-friendly design tool.

Tips for Building a Portfolio and Finding Clients:

Portfolio: Showcase your best work on a personal website or portfolio site.

Finding Clients: Use freelancing platforms and networks within the design community.

7. Data Entry and Transcription Jobs

Data entry involves inputting data into systems, while transcription entails converting audio recordings into text. 

Necessary Skills:

Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in data and transcripts.

Typing Speed: Fast and accurate typing.

Platforms to Find Work:

Upwork: A freelancing platform with data entry and transcription jobs.

Rev: Specializes in transcription services.

TranscribeMe: Offers transcription opportunities for beginners.

8. Online Surveys and Market Research

Participating in online surveys and market research studies can be an easy way to earn extra income.

Reputable Survey Sites and Research Panels:

Swagbucks: Offers surveys and other ways to earn points redeemable for gift cards.

Survey Junkie: Provides paid survey opportunities.

Vindale Research: Pays for participating in surveys and studies.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings and Avoiding Scams:

Maximizing Earnings: Sign up for multiple survey sites.

Avoiding Scams: Stick to reputable sites and never pay to join a survey site.

9. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales made through your referral link.

Choosing a Niche and Promoting Products/Services:

Niche: Select a specific area of interest to focus on.

Promotion: Use a blog, social media, or a YouTube channel to promote products.

Creating a Blog or Website for Affiliate Marketing:

Blog: Write content related to your niche and include affiliate links.

Website: Build a dedicated site to promote affiliate products.

10. Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives handle inquiries and issues from customers via phone, email, or chat.

Common Industries Hiring for Remote Customer Service:

Retail: Handling orders and returns.

Tech Support: Assisting with technical issues.

Finance: Managing account-related inquiries.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Communication: Clear and effective communication skills.

Problem-Solving: Ability to resolve customer issues efficiently.

Platforms to Find Customer Service Jobs:

Indeed: Lists various remote customer service positions.

Remote.co: Specializes in remote job listings.

FlexJobs: Offers a wide range of remote job opportunities.

Conclusion

Working from home offers housewives the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives while earning an income. Whether through freelancing, virtual assistance, online tutoring, or any of the other opportunities listed, there are numerous ways to embark on a rewarding work-from-home career. With dedication and the right skills, housewives can find fulfilling jobs that fit seamlessly into their daily routines.

[internetgiraffekid1673]

Who's your fave oc at the moment?? Tell me about them!

Hoo boy, here we go. Get ready for BACKSTORY!

The short answer is a pair of girls named CJ and Ren otherwise known as Cleric and Watchdog who are college students in a universe with superheroes and started freelancing for those superheroes as a way to make some extra cash. Have a picture of both their regular identities and their alter egos. Designs are still being workshopped. Also, I've been experimenting with different pens on my drawing app, so the artstyle'a a bit all over the place. I'm also bad at character proportions, but their heights are closest to correct in the alter ego picture.

The long answer? Is long. So I'll put it below a cut. :)

So, I have OCs for specific fandoms, but my current favorite OCs aren't actually attached to anything. They just live in a generic superhero verse that could honestly be anything from DC to Powerpuff girls. It wouldn't change much, but I do have some light worldbuilding around the city they live in.

Chorustown is your pretty par for the course comic book city with superheroes and supervillains and a new upstart team of anti-heroes that are basically violent robin hood (steal from the rich, give to the poor). Suffice it to say that whenever all these factions fight each other, it breaks shit, so renter's insurance ain't cheap. Also, suffice it to say that the heroes involved are constantly getting injured, as well as needing information on the ever-shifting threats.

Enter our protagonists: Serenity "Ren" Summers and Cory "CJ" Jack are a pair of college students with a lot of skills and not a lot of money, who are willing to do some questionable shit for income! Also, they're childhood besties turned girlfriends.

During their sophomore year, CJ and Ren realized that while nobody in the civilian sphere would be willing to hire undergrads and actually PAY them, superheroes must have much more limited options, what with the need to keep their identities secret and not have people ask questions. This is also a 'verse where superheroes aren't on great terms with regular law enforcement, so getting caught doing something illegal, even if it helps a lot of people, is a very real threat. It leaves superheroes without a whole lot of options when they need an expert for something in their superhero work. And CJ and Ren both happen to be notable experts.

Ren is an engineering major with a split focus in software and mechanical engineering, as well as some dabbling into social engineering. She's got tech chops and computer knowledge out the wazoo. She's also lived in Chorustown her whole life and knows the city like the back of her hand. Throw in the fact that she's an avid artist who spent (and still does spend) a lot of time sneaking around to make graffiti murals, and you have someone who is basically a surveillance GOD. She can hack anything she wants, follow people around without them ever noticing, and she's capable of designing tech like trackers and bugs (and posseses the skill to plant those). Ren is also a habitually nosy person who has always kept track of significant going ons, for superheroes and villains, major political players, celebrities, and her personal life. She is so uniquely qualified to gather information on people that it isn't even funny. And it goes both ways. She can help someone hide from surveillance just as easily as she can snoop out a hider because she knows exactly where nobody will look.

CJ is a very, very talented med student. She's been into medicine and biology her whole life, with a particular interest in the physiological differences between superheroes and regular people. This includes aliens, animal based powers, meta-humans, mutants---you name it, and she's probably hyperfixated on its biology for at least a month and retained that information. This means she's also dabbled in a lot of other weird disciplines like vet med and astrobiology (which would absolutely be a scientific discipline in a universe where aliens invade on a monthly basis). Add in her medical skills and her technologically inclined girlfriend, and she's got the skills and the tools to treat anything from a bloody nose to a broken appendage to a physiologically based power defect to a species specific disease for just about anybody.

The two of them decided that if they can't get stable income like normal people, they'll get it from superheroes, who will be forced to come to them because there are no other options! But obviously, they can't just publicly be helping out superheroes. That puts soooo many targets on their backs. They'd have villains, law enforcement, and even other superheroes after them (CJ and Ren don't really make a distinction between heroes and anti-heroes; as long as you're helping people, they're chill with you. That would make the more self-righteous folks of both categories pretty pissed to know that their confidants were helping people on the other side of the debate). So they'll need alter egos, and they'll need to be secretive about their base of operations.

And thus, Watchdog and Cleric were born! But the thing is, these two are REALLY paranoid about getting caught because they don't have supet powers to protect themselves from villains or even social power to protect themselves from the legal system. Remember, these two are broke undergrads who lowkey stole all their equipment from their university (it's technically all available for student use, but not in the quantities or for the purposes they use it for).

So they have a lot of fun measures in place. First off, you probably noticed, but their costumes cover their whole bodies and faces and are loose enough on their frames that you can't really tell anything about their body types beyond their height. Secondly, they're both utilizing voice filters that both pitch their voices low enough to sound like dudes and make them sound somewhat robotic so their tone doesn't come through. The settings on the filter can be adjusted as needed (CJ can turn off the tone modulator if she needs to sound soothing, or Ren can change the pitch if she needs to sound a specific age or gender as a distraction). So nobody knows what they look like or what they sound like, and most people assume they're men. Thirdly, Ren has designed some gadgets that disable trackers or bugs planted on their person. Nobody can follow them either.

Their biggest security measure, though, was how they revealed themselves to the super community. Instead of some big announcement, they just stalked the local Chorustown superheroes until opportunity arose. For Ren, it even functioned as advertising her skills since she's basically selling her stalking capability.

In the first fight that a hero got badly injured, CJ basically popped out of the woodwork in her Cleric getup, dragged them into a safe and hidden spot, delivered immediate and effective field first aid, and left the coordinates of an abandoned apartment complex that they've turned into her clinic, as well as a short letter offering her services.

Ren literally listened in on the resident supers conversations until they expressed frustration at not having a particular piece of information, at which point she helpfully left them an anonymous tip as well as a burner phone number, a ghost email account, and some coords if they ever needed info again. Both instances were basically a free trial, since their letters of introduction also specified that payment in some form would be required for later assistance.

Also, because Ren is a damn good stalker and because CJ will have personally treated many heroes wounds and logged their identifying physical and medical traits, it doesn't take them long before they put together, like, everybody's secret identities. Heroes and villains. With a couple of exceptions on the villainous side, since they don't directly interact with them. But there's basically no hiding from them.

Most people also don't know they exist! Other heroes that the Chorustown protectors interact with do question where they're getting treated for injuries after really big fights, and villains know that SOMEONE keeps giving heroes information that foils their plans, but they don't really come to the conclusion that it's an independent party. They always make incorrect assumptions. Like "Oh, they must have a family member or non-combat teammate that fixes them up after fights!" or "Oh, clearly we have a mole who's being bribed or threatened," or "The Chorustown heroes have more powers than they're letting on." Outside heroes only really learn of these two when the Chorustown regulars talk about them, and only really believe it when Ren and CJ see fit to contact them for whatever reason. It's honestly hilarious.

Everybody who has been contacted by CJ and Ren knows where Watchdog's dropspots are and where Cleric's clinic is, but have no idea what they do otherwise. The clinic and the dropspots are nowhere near the university or where their apartment, so people have no reason to assume it's them. They have ghost emails and burner phones, but they're regularly replaced, and Ren is good at cybersecurity, so there's no tracking it that way.

Most people guess that they're associated in some way, since two freelance vigilantes appearing at similar times operating out of the same city with similar technology would be a bit weird otherwise, but it's also assumed to be strictly professional. Nobody would ever guess that they know each other in their civilian lives, much less that they're girlfriends.

People also realize Watchdog and Cleric know their secret identities (and probably other secret stuff, too) since they've been contacted as civilians, but they also aren't overly threatened by it. The two of them are clearly working for money, but they aren't selling any of the heroes' secrets and are honestly very trustworthy and confidential about it. There was paranoia for the first little bit, but it quickly just became a fact of life.

That's pretty much the whole backstory unless you want to know

Other interesting things about them that don't have a whole lot to do with their whole second job shtick!

Ren:

Ren loves art in all forms, but especially painting. She'll paint on anything she can get her hands on. Her notes, random walls and floors, parts of the school, and any of her possessions. The skirt pictured in her drawing is her own handiwork, and most of her other articles of clothing look similar. Most of their dishes have been custom painted with food safe paint. And as previously mentioned, she's a vandal who puts gorgeous murals and fun zany tags in places that they really shouldn't be.

She's rather anti-social. Ren is aggressively introverted and doesn't have a whole lot of patience for stupid people. She's got a pretty quick temper on her and can be very moody. She recognizes that all traits make her just as unpleasant for other people to be around her as it is for her to be around other people. So she mostly just avoids others. She has like 5 people in her social circle, and she's happy to mooch off CJ if she needs anybody else.

Ren has a lovely voice but has no technical knowledge of music. She just likes to sing.

Ren's a major bookworm, but she mostly reads on her phone. People think she's addicted to social media, but she's usually just reading a book. And she'll read literally anything. With enthusiasm. Sure she can argue classics with the best of them, but she reads so much that she also: can get deep into the mechanics of a 1980s space opera you've never heard of; happily engages in ship wars over the generic YA dystopia that's a disguise for a generic YA love triangle; keeps a running list of every perfectly mapped out hero's journey fantasy story she's read; has consumed an entire encyclopedia and REMEMBERS it; spent one memorable week reading nothing but foreign cookbooks; accidentally befriended her computer science professor over a shared love for tragic westerns; and has a categorized list of historical romances with metrics including historical accuracy, how smutty it is, plot outside the romance, time period, location, and social class of the characters, how healthy the romance is, and how compelling.

Her favorite snacks are plain baby carrots and straight honey. She enjoys traumatizing people at parties by drizzling honey straight into her mouth like whipped cream, and she eats so many carrots that multiple have questioned how she hasn't turned orange.

CJ:

CJ is into fashion, but not like trends or anything. She likes to look good while still having her stuff ethically sourced and affordable. She does a lot of thrift shopping and still manages to dress really good (or at least I think so). Her default and favorite style is punk-inspired bad bitch that, for lack of a better term, is a bit on the slutty side, but she does like to experiment. One of these days I'll probably draw lots of different civilian outfits for both of them.

CJ is the opposite of Ren in that she is a total social butterfly. Not only is she suuuuuper extroverted, she also isn't even a little shy, will strike up a conversation with anybody, and knows basically everyone. This also means she has friends from all walks of life, which gets really useful when Watchdog needs informants. The little old Mexican lady next door, the corner store butcher, the chronic smoker at the homeless shelter, the thrift shop owner they both pretend isn't selling drugs, the local town council member, the perpetually sleep deprived culinary arts student who likes to "experiment" in the school kitchens at 3 a.m., the league of legends nerds who always seem to be online, the manic party girls who keep inviting her to a night on the town---all of them get more information than people would expect, and CJ knows and is on good terms with all of them. And not for an ulterior motive, she just genuinely likes people.

CJ has extreme ADHD. She's lucky Ren has a scary good memory and would never let her forget her Adderall, otherwise she's be in trouble. As it stands, she still is rather hyperactive and has a. . .not short, but definitely jumpy attention span.

She's a plant mom. Their apartment has a ton of plants. She really likes ferns and shrubs, but they also have flowers, succulents, grasses, and literally everything else.

CJ plays the violin, but only in fiddle, bluegrass, and trad contexts, so she can barely read sheet music and learns almost everything by ear.

She hates wearing the color purple but has deliberately bought purple clothing solely for Ren to steal.

Both

Are self-proclaimed socialists who participate in a lot of fundraising, activism, and volunteer work.

Have another childhood best friend named Eli, who is a self-proclaimed anarchist and a business major at their rival university. They still get together all the time. He also knows everything about their double life. There's no secrets in this circle. They're all super close, but they have their favorite ways of hanging out. He and Ren bond by going on vandalism field trips where he puts up politically motivated rants, and she makes it look pretty. He and CJ bond by regularly forsaking civilization and going hiking or camping or just chilling in the woods. They all bond by drinking cheap wine mixed with Dr. Pepper while playing video games and doing their homework and drunkenly going on tirades about rich assholes.

He's also shipped them since middle school when he realized they liked each other, but he didn't want to meddle. He got increasingly frustrated by the mutual pining throughout their high school years and finally engineered a situation at their graduation party where they were locked in a closet together for an hour and warned them that if they didn't confess he was going to drug them and write it in permanent marker on their foreheads. They literally came out of the closet after sharing their first kiss and are willing to kill God for him in thanks.

They're both really messy, but in an organized chaos kind of way. Everything in their home does have a place, it's just not always the place that you'd expect. The place for dirty socks, for example, is "on the living room floor in a haphazard pile," and the place for tissue boxes is "three in every room in easily accessible places at all times."

Both of them can cook but prefer to just eat whatever unprepared food is lying around, and will try any combination if it means they don't have to cook. An average dinner in the Jack-Summers household is a bowl of uncooked pasta dipped in peanut butter like it's nacho cheese with a side of bananas.

They really really like cats. They are both allergic to cats.

They're not practicing any religion, but kind of both passively believe that there's probably a capital-G God and also that other lowercase-g gods exist.

[martyrette]

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ Alternatives 2 AI Art ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

So, the AI Art discussion has been a huge hot topic for not only the WoW RP community, but the entire internet as we know it. Because we are such a creative community, it’s no wonder people want aesthetically pleasing visuals for their characters. However, not everyone has the finances for a commission or wants to slap down $100+ dollars for a fully rendered full body.

But in turn, AI Art steals artists’ pieces - most often without their knowledge. I’m not here to shame people who’ve used AI Art, but rather come together with others in the WoW RP community in order to bring awareness viable free & paid substitutes for people.

This post will be split into 3 sections: free, paid and DIY, each with an example! Links for each resource will be below.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ Free Visuals ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

Below is a collect of 'doll' or 'dress up' sites that offer hundreds of different genres to dress up and create your own unique design with. Artists are constantly uploading new games all the time. Though majorly fem dominated, there are some good masc and andro ones!

Picrew

{Avatar Creator}

https://picrew.me/en

Azalea’s Dolls

{Dress-Up}

https://www.azaleasdolls.com

Doll Divine

{Dress-Up}

https://www.dolldivine.com

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ Paid Visuals ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

OKAY B4 YOU GO OFF (｡Ŏ ᗜ Ŏ ̆ ｡)

You can find some affordable artists to commission on these sites and even pay WoW gold for some. I tried to accommodate for those who are probably like me and a poor ass college student. Just hear me out, homie-

Artists & Clients

{Commissions}

A freelancing site where you can hire from a number of artists. There's checks and balances in place to make sure either or doesn't get scammed. Different artists will have different rules, commissions, expectations, etc. My experience with it has been good so far though and you can find art for most budgets!

https://artistsnclients.com

Fivver

{Commissions}

Another freelance site where artists offer up their services. Fivver is a little hit-or-miss in my opinion and there are people offering AI Art commissions on here as well.

However, you can really find some hidden gems for good prices!

It’s not limited to art either! There's other services you can purchase as well.

https://www.fiverr.com

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ DIY ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

They say if you want something done, do it yourself! Below is my inner Pinterest girl having a love child with my Roleplayer. All of the tools/sites I've added below are free, so you won't have to worry about the cost of it. So get your impractical DIY on. ~(˘▾˘~)

Photo Editing

{Photography}

Not all of your references have to be drawn. You can edit photos to make your character! Hell, all you really need is MSPaint at most.

https://www.gimp.org

https://picsart.com

Moodboards

{Photography}

✨AeStHeTiC✨- Moodboards are like little collages you put together of photos that relate to your character! You can add snips of text, locations important to your OC, outfits, features, you name it! You can find tons of photos here on Tumblr for it, as well as Pinterest and Weheartit, then mush them together in an editing software!

https://www.pinterest.ca

https://weheartit.com/about/app

Face Claims

{Photography}

If you’re apart of the Tumblr crowd, you already know about these. It’s like, picking an actor for your OC in a way! There’s HUNDREDS of Tumblr accounts dedicated to cataloging public figures for face claims - by description too! I’ll put their accounts down below so you can all get some ideas!

Draw

{Art}

It sounds a little silly saying it, but genuinely try picking up art yourself! Draw your own character with your own little gremlin RP hands. Roleplay was a very big driving force for me learning art in my youth. All you need to pencil and paper! There’s also plenty of free drawing programs you can use as well when starting out!

Also check with your local community centres, as many often provide free or cheap art classes!

https://firealpaca.com

https://www.clipstudio.net/en/

https://krita.org/en/

I hope this post has been helpful and given people even more tools to enhance their roleplay experience.

Until my next masterpost (or shitpost). P.S Sorry it took so fuckin' long to make I'm a slow poke. o7

[enterprisewired]

Mastering Your Finances: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create a Budget

Creating a budget is a foundational step towards achieving financial stability and realizing your financial goals. Whether you’re aiming to save for a major purchase, pay off debt, or simply gain better control over your finances, a well-crafted budget is an invaluable tool. This comprehensive guide will take you through the essential steps on how to create a budget, empowering you to make informed financial decisions and secure a more secure financial future.

How to Create a Budget?

1. Set Clear Financial Goals

Before diving into the budgeting process, define your financial goals. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a vacation, or paying off student loans, having specific and measurable goals will guide your budgeting decisions.

2. Gather Financial Information

Collect information about your income, expenses, and debts. Compile pay stubs, bank statements, bills, and any other relevant financial documents. This step provides a comprehensive overview of your financial situation.

3. Categorize Your Expenses

Divide your expenses into fixed and variable categories. Fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments and insurance, remain consistent each month. Variable expenses, like groceries and entertainment, can fluctuate. Categorizing expenses helps identify areas for potential savings.

4. Calculate Your Monthly Income

Determine your total monthly income, including salary, bonuses, freelance income, or any other sources of income. Understanding your monthly income is crucial for establishing a realistic budget.

5. List Your Fixed Expenses:

Write down all fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and loan payments. These are recurring costs that remain relatively constant each month.

6. Identify Variable Expenses

Make a list of variable expenses, including groceries, dining out, entertainment, and transportation. Variable expenses can be adjusted based on your financial goals and priorities.

7. Include Savings and Debt Repayment

Prioritize saving and debt repayment in your budget. Allocate a portion of your income to an emergency fund, or retirement savings, and pay off outstanding debts. Treating savings as a non-negotiable expense ensures consistent progress toward financial goals.

8. Factor in Irregular Expenses

Account for irregular or annual expenses, such as insurance premiums, property taxes, or holiday spending. Divide these expenses by 12 to incorporate them into your monthly budget, preventing unexpected financial strain.

9. Subtract Expenses from Income

To better understand how to create a budget, subtract your total expenses from your total income. The result should ideally be a positive number, indicating that your income covers all your expenses. If the result is negative, adjustments may be needed to align your budget with your income.

10. Adjust and Prioritize

If your expenses exceed your income, revisit your budget and identify areas where you can cut back. Prioritize essential expenses and savings goals while minimizing non-essential spending. Adjusting your budget ensures financial sustainability.

11. Embrace the 50/30/20 Rule

Consider following the 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of your income goes to needs (housing, utilities), 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out), and 20% to savings and debt repayment. This rule provides a simple guideline for balanced budgeting.

12. Use Budgeting Tools

Leverage technology to simplify budgeting. Numerous apps and online tools can help you track spending, set financial goals, and visualize your budget in real-time. Choose a tool that aligns with your preferences and makes budgeting more accessible.

13. Track and Review Regularly

Budgeting is an ongoing process, and the answer to “how to create a budget” might differ from person to person. Regularly track your spending against your budget, making adjustments as needed. Reviewing your budget ensures that it remains aligned with your financial goals and adapts to changes in your income or expenses.

14. Emergency Fund Planning

Prioritize building and maintaining an emergency fund within your budget. Having a financial safety net provides peace of mind and protects against unexpected expenses.

15. Seek Professional Advice

If you find budgeting challenging or have complex financial situations, consider seeking advice from financial professionals. Financial advisors can offer personalized guidance to help you achieve your financial objectives.

16. Mindful Spending Habits

Cultivate mindful spending habits as a key aspect of budgeting. Regularly assess your discretionary expenses and identify areas where you can make conscious choices to reduce unnecessary spending. This might include packing lunch instead of dining out or opting for cost-effective entertainment options.

17. Cash Flow Management

Effective budgeting involves managing cash flow strategically. Ensure that you have sufficient funds available for essential expenses and prioritize payment of bills to avoid late fees. Understanding your cash flow cycle helps prevent financial stress and keeps your budget on track.

18. Automate Savings Contributions

Simplify your savings strategy by automating contributions to savings accounts. Setting up automatic transfers ensures that a portion of your income is consistently directed towards savings goals, reinforcing the habit of saving.

19. Celebrate Financial Milestones

Acknowledge and celebrate financial milestones within your budget. Whether it’s reaching a savings goal, paying off a significant portion of debt, or achieving a specific financial target, celebrating successes reinforces positive financial habits and motivates continued progress.

20. Financial Education and Literacy

Invest time in expanding your financial education. Understanding financial principles, investment options, and economic trends empowers you to make informed decisions. Numerous resources, including books, online courses, and workshops, can enhance your financial literacy and contribute to long-term financial success.

Conclusion

Knowing how to create a budget is a fundamental step toward financial empowerment and security. By following these comprehensive steps, you can gain better control over your finances, make informed decisions, and work towards achieving your financial goals. Remember, budgeting is a dynamic process that evolves with your financial journey, so stay committed, stay flexible, and enjoy the benefits of financial well-being.

[deboracrat]

The Big Deboracrat Writing and Editing Services and General Donation Thread

Alright, so, unfortunately, it's time for me to do this. I'm in between jobs now, partly due to the writers' and actors' strikes (which I support). So I'd like to link some ways that folks can help or make use of the services I offer.

I've had a Patreon for a few years. Subscribers can access my exclusive short story series, including New Orleans Supernatural Weekly. There are also free stories you can read if you'd like a sense of my writing style first. You'll also get previews of my upcoming novels. Patrons here have donations withdrawn each month. https://patreon.com/deboracrat

For one-time stuff, I also have a Ko-fi and a GoFundMe. The GoFundMe has more details about my current situation, so feel free to take a look at it. This is a good option if you'd like to help me out as a one-time thing and don't really need writing or editing work done.

The Ko-fi offers both general one-time donations and commissions if you'd prefer to gain something in return. I'm currently open for editing and writing, except ghostwriting. (I'm still listing the services here, so if you don't see copy editing or developmental editing, please send me a message so I can let you know when it's live.)

I also have PayPal and Cash App, but I don't like giving those out directly. Please contact me if you want those or have any questions or suggestions. Any little bit helps--I can at least feed myself. And even if you don't have cash to spare, I appreciate signal boosts. Thanks for checking this out. ^.^

[gofunkee]

Crowdsourcing: not a new concept

what is crowdsourcing?

By using the Internet, social media, and smartphone apps, a huge number of individuals can contribute their work, information, or opinions through a process known as crowdsourcing.

While some crowdsourcing participants carry out menial jobs willingly, others work as paid freelancers. For instance, in order to give app users access to up-to-date, real-time information, traffic applications such as Waze incentivize drivers to self-report accidents and other traffic occurrences. (Hargrave, 2022) Crowdsourcing is a collaborative approach that involves sourcing information, ideas, or services from a wide and diverse group of individuals, known as the "crowd." This decentralized method relies on the collective intelligence and varied expertise of contributors, often facilitated through online platforms. Crowdsourcing is characterized by an open call for participation, inviting individuals to provide solutions, ideas, or content to address specific challenges or tasks.

Crowdsourcing in crisis

Amid the global, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, among the tireless work of health care workers, policy makers, and government officials across various nations, there is another player with “skin in the game” if you will—crowdsourcing projects. Crowdsourcing is a model whereby individuals or organizations obtain goods and services, including ideas, from a large, relatively open community of digital media, Internet users, and an entire array of diverse stakeholders sharing a common interest from a range of perspectives and experiences.1 Although crowdsourcing originated long before the advent of digital age, in the current era of social media and other digital outlets, crowdsourcing has become a fairly commonplace solution. (Desai, 2020) Crowdsourcing in health and medical mostly started in the bioinformatics and technology fields about 2010. Its broad usefulness in disaster crisis management has, however, mostly gone unutilized. We address the ongoing and present uses of crowdsourcing in the COVID-19 era from this point of view. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected > 5 million people worldwide and caused > 330,000 deaths at the time of this writing, is no less than a disaster crisis, albeit biological. A disaster life cycle consists of the steps taken in planning for and responding to a particular disaster (Fig 1). This disaster cycle is used throughout the emergency management community, from the local to the national and international levels. We saw similar disaster mitigation (social distancing), preparedness (quarantine restrictions), response (masking), and recovery efforts during the 1918-1920 seasonal H1N1 flu pandemic. (Kuderer, 2020)

Community for creatives

Crowdsourcing funding for projects, businesses, and causes is expected to grow to be a $300 billion industry in the near future, according to estimations made by the crowdfunding trends blog Fundly. In 2017, Stanford University student Nicholas Benavides, the creator of the Blue Ocean Entrepreneurship Competition for Students, conducted an analysis of over 2,000 Kickstarter project data to identify the elements of a successful crowdfunding campaign. Benavides surveying the terms used in a campaign's title and blurb using the Kaggle Kickstarter dataset developed a model that could predict a campaign's success with 75% accuracy. (Sickler, 2020) Among his major findings was that the most common words–game, new, design, world–appeared equally in both funded and unfunded campaigns. The major point of differentiation was not in word choice but between those categories inherently more social in nature, such as Comics, Dance, Music, Theater and Design, and solo practices like Craft and Journalism. Social categories were simply a more natural fit for the success criteria of crowdfunding.

Role of crowdsourcing in Web3

Crowdsourcing in Web3 refers to the decentralised process of obtaining goods or services from a large, undefined group of people via the internet, rather than from traditional employees or suppliers. The role of crowdsourcing in Web3 is to empower individuals and communities to collaborate and contribute their skills, knowledge, and resources to create and maintain decentralised applications and services that are more equitable, transparent, and secure. This can lead to increased innovation, collaboration, and democratisation in the development and deployment of new technologies, as well as in the creation of new forms of governance and value exchange. (Reffell, 2023)

Crowdsourcing in Web3 examples:-

DAOs: Decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) are organisations that are run through rules encoded as computer programs on a blockchain network. DAOs are governed by their members, who vote on proposals and make decisions collectively. Examples of DAOs include MakerDAO and Aragon.

Prediction Markets: Prediction markets are decentralised platforms that allow users to make predictions on the outcome of events and earn rewards for accurate predictions. Examples of prediction markets include Augur and Gnosis

Decentralised Exchanges (DEXs): Decentralised exchanges are platforms for trading cryptocurrencies and tokens without the need for a central authority or intermediaries. Examples of DEXs include Uniswap and Curve.

Decentralised Identity Systems: Decentralised identity systems are platforms that allow users to control and manage their personal information and data, rather than relying on central authorities or intermediaries. Examples of decentralised identity systems include Sovrin and uPort.

In conclusion, by utilising the combined knowledge of many participants, crowdsourcing has the potential to revolutionise creativity and problem-solving. Its capacity to combine a variety of viewpoints and abilities not only encourages innovation but also offers an economical way to address difficult problems. Its attractiveness stems from the speed at which solutions are generated and the active participation of communities, which fosters the growth of unorthodox ideas. But obstacles like upholding quality control and handling moral issues like equitable recompense and privacy issues highlight the necessity of cautious execution. With the integration of intelligent algorithms and automation in technology, crowdsourcing looks to have a bright future ahead of it, providing even more effective and significant collaboration in a variety of disciplines.

REFERENCE

Desai, A., Kuderer, N. M., & Lyman, G. H. (2020). Crowdsourcing in crisis: Rising to the occasion. JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics, (4), 551–554. https://doi.org/10.1200/cci.20.00054

Hargrave, M. (n.d.). Crowdsourcing: Definition, how it works, types, and examples. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/crowdsourcing.asp#:~:text=While%20crowdsourcing%20often%20involves%20breaking,samples%20for%20a%20small%20fee.

Reffell, C. (2023, February 7). What is the role of crowdsourcing in web3?. Crowdsourcing Week. https://crowdsourcingweek.com/blog/crowdsourcing-in-web3/#:~:text=Crowdsourcing%20in%20Web3%20is%20made,transactions%20and%20interactions%20between%20participants.

Sickler, E., & Erin Sickler  Erin Sickler is a mindfulness & creativity coach living in the Hudson Valley. A former NY art curator. (2020, September 2). How to launch a Creative Crowdfunding Campaign for your next art project. art journal. https://artrepreneur.com/journal/creative-crowdfunding-for-artists/#:~:text=A%20well%2Ddesigned%2C%20online%20crowdfunding,win%20you%20fans%20for%20life.

[priya-joshi]

Unleashing Opportunities in India: Full-Stack Development as a Promising Career Choice

In the ever-evolving tech industry, one skill set stands out as a valuable asset: full-stack development. This versatile combination of front-end and back-end development has gained prominence in India's vibrant IT sector. The country's IT industry is flourishing, presenting a wealth of opportunities for skilled full-stack developers. Let's explore why full-stack development is not just a career choice but a promising one in India.

The Tech Boom in India

India's IT industry is booming. With a myriad of startups, established companies, and multinational corporations operating in the country, there's a high demand for skilled full-stack developers. These specialists play a crucial role in building and maintaining web and mobile applications, making them increasingly sought after in the job market.

India's IT ecosystem is diverse, ranging from established giants to innovative startups. This diversity means full-stack developers can find opportunities in a wide array of sectors. From e-commerce to healthcare, finance, and beyond, the versatility of their skill set ensures a broad range of job prospects.

Versatility: The Key to Success

Full-stack developers are tech's multitaskers. They can work on a wide range of projects, from developing e-commerce websites and mobile apps to creating social media platforms and enterprise software. This versatility allows them to explore different domains and gain diverse experiences. This adaptability is a significant advantage in the dynamic world of technology.

Imagine being a full-stack developer working on an e-commerce site one month and a healthcare application the next. The ability to switch gears and apply your skills to diverse projects keeps the job engaging and challenging.

Freelancing Opportunities: Independence and Income

In the digital age, full-stack developers have the option to work as freelancers. Freelancing offers the flexibility to collaborate on various projects for different clients, often leading to higher income potential and a diverse portfolio. Freelancers can choose projects that match their interests and expertise, giving them greater control over their careers.

This independence is particularly appealing to those who value work-life balance and wish to steer their careers in a direction that aligns with their aspirations. Freelancing as a full-stack developer offers the freedom to select projects and clients that resonate with your skills and goals.

Competitive Salaries

The financial aspect is often a crucial consideration when choosing a career. Skilled full-stack developers are well-compensated in India. Their salaries often surpass those of many other IT roles. The combination of high demand and a diverse skill set positions them as valuable assets to companies, translating into attractive compensation packages.

For those entering the field, the promise of competitive salaries can be a compelling reason to pursue a career in full-stack development. It not only rewards their hard work but also provides the financial stability needed for personal growth and a comfortable lifestyle.

Continuous Learning: Staying at the Cutting Edge

In the world of technology, stagnation is not an option. The technology landscape is in constant flux, and full-stack developers are expected to stay updated with the latest tools and technologies. This requirement for ongoing learning can be intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.

Full-stack developers are akin to perpetual students. They are always learning, adapting, and evolving. This keeps their skills sharp and relevant in an industry that places a premium on innovation.

The scope of full-stack development in India is not just promising; it's thriving. It offers a plethora of career opportunities in a dynamic and rapidly growing IT industry. Whether you're a newcomer looking to kickstart your career or an experienced developer seeking to enhance your existing skill set, full-stack development in India is a pathway to a fulfilling and prosperous career.With the growing tech industry, diverse job prospects, versatility, competitive salaries, and the need for continuous learning, full-stack development in India is more than a career choice – it's a journey filled with opportunities. And with ACTE Technologies by your side, you can be well-prepared to embark on this journey with confidence and competence. So, seize the moment, and unlock your potential as a full-stack developer in India's thriving IT landscape. Your future is waiting.

[byloisann]

introduction post

hi, i'm new to tumblr so I'm not exactly sure how I want to format this but this is an introduction post and also my first ever post on tumblr. so exciting.

my goal with this blog is to share the parts of myself others don't really get to share. i want to talk about my interests by writing lists, reviews, commentaries, etc. I also hope to eventually start posting my art on here and finally start art projects I've always wanted to do. i'll post when i'm able too i guess.

✧ about me ✧

my name is lois👩🏾‍💻. im 18. she/they. demisexual & demiromantic. black american (w/ caribbean heritage 🇯🇲).

im currently a first-year undergrad student. i intend to major in new media with a concentration in amimation as well as minor in africana studies and possibly business or arts & management.

i'm a hobbyist artist (currently) but i've done some freelance work before. both traditional & digital. more below.

mtbi: intp-t

sign~ sun🌞; leo, moon🌚; taurus, rising💫; cancer

interests: art; anime & animation; manga, webcomics & manwha; reading; music/singing; kdramas; tv & movies; language; and etc. i wrote all about them below

✴ interests ✴

art: i've been drawing since I was little and started to take it seriously in middle school. i'm basically getting a practical art degree, took me a long time to accept i wanted to do art. more specifically i draw and paint but most of my traditional work ends up being multimedia (collage, colored pencil, etc.). i do digital work in procreate and i have clip studio paint but i still don't know how to use it...

anime & animation: i literally love it, I grew up watching it with my family specifically my dad got me and my siblings into and I've loved it ever since. part of the reason i started this blog. the genres i gravitate towards are romance, fantasy, mystery, slice of life, magical girl, etc. i'm big on shoujo and want to get more into josei. one of my favorite animes of all time is Akagami no Shirayukihime (or Snow White with the Red Hair).

manga, webcomics & manwha: I've been reading webtoons since the app came out tbh. but for at least 6 years now. i love explaining these plots to my mother, they are so crazy sometimes. um in terms of manga, i haven't read too many only of series of i reallllly liked so specifically Akagami no Shirayukihime and Akatuski no Yona (or Yona of the Dawn) but I want to read more so I started Bungou Stray Dogs. Also, the first volume of manga I've ever bought is Snow White with the Red Hair. my current fav webtoons/manwha are: stray souls, remarried empress, my in-laws are obessessed with me, from knight to a lady, like wind on a dry branch, morgana & oz, raven saga, maybe meant to be, and soooo many more. that would have to be a post on it's own 😅

reading: I really enjoy reading books and my goal this year is 50 books and these past two or so years I've had a focus in reading poc authors/poc main characters and i've been pretty successful in that. but again genres I really enjoy are romance and mystery.

games: i'm not a huge gamer but i do like genshin impact (haven't played in a year tho but i hope to start again), sims4 (when i feel l like it) and minecraft (when i feel like it) and like 2 others.

music: i love singing and listening to music. like i LOVE karaoke, i even have my own machine. i really enjoy music from media (movies, tv-shows, anime, etc.) soundtracks. genres I enjoy are: r&b, woman rap, pop, kpop, and etc. i mostly listen to the same exact songs for weeks at a time so i always fall out of the loop on new music but i always try and incorporate when i can.

kdramas: i'm adding this because specifically I watch so many of these and it's an interest i share with my mom especially. my favorite drama of all time is Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

tv & movies: i enjoy consuming content. I love watching things from other cultures and languages. i've seen german, french, italian, thai, japanese, british, australian, indian, south african, nigerian media and etc. and very obviously american.

culture, history, and politics: i have interest in learning about others cultures and history but i do have a focus on black history, culture and politics 👍🏾. not gonna go too in-depth.

language: i want to be a polyglot but i'm too lazy but i do want to be able to be proificient in german, french and korean. my stepmom is german so my twin sisters will be bilingual and i want to commuicate with them, french because i've taken 4 semesters of it and while have to take a 5th eventually and korean since i consume a lot of korean media 🤷🏾‍♀️

others: rollerskating, dance, psychology/neurodiversity, health, fashion, etc.

~ random facts ~ (if you made it this far)

i love using emojis

my favorite color is ~ pink !!

i enjoy making lists

i keep a bullet journal/planner

i have 4 siblings (2 brothers and 2 sisters). i'm the oldest/first-born.

i enjoy going to museums

-----------------------------------the end-----------------------------------

~ i plan on making a separate post for my other socials or just ediitng this one. we'll see

but if you want to be mutuals or chat i'm okay with that. i want to interact with like minded people on here so reach out if you'd like.