Just wanted to share my journey over the last 10 years in hopes of inspiring or motivating any BX brothers who think it can't be done.
Background: I graduated from College with a Bullsh1t degree (think English or Communications). After college I struggled to find a decent job for years. Became a full blown alcoholic in the process.
2012 - Digital Marketing Position. 40k. Was a bullsh1t position overall, and I ended up getting fired in 6 months. But I was exposed to a tool that would change my life forever.
2012-2014 - Took a two year break where I was down real bad. Alcoholism crept in. Lost a ton of friends. Worst shape of my life. Looked like sh1t, probably smelled like sh1t too
2014 - Swallowed my pride and accepted an internship that paid $10/hr. Huge step backwards, but I bet on myself.
2014 - I got promoted from an Intern to an entry-level position. Salary back to $40k.
2017 - Told the company I was leaving. They countered and I got a raise to $75k.
2018 - Ended up leaving anyways, got a new position. $80k.
2019 - Got a position at a big consulting agency. Finally broke 6 figures. $120k
2019 - Hated the consulting gig with a passion. Ended up quitting. Got a new gig for $150k
2021 - Ended up getting promoted to $175k
2021 - I took on a second FT job that pays $190k. Combined income $360,000
2021 - Started a consulting business on the side, bringing in about $2-4k a month (roughly $20-$40k a year).
Final total going into 2022 is just shy of $400k
I'm honestly proud of myself. There were times where I was down real bad, times where I wanted to end it all. I wasn't happy. But I find that when I have my back against the wall is when I do my best, and so I tapped into my natural competitiveness and kept shooting for the stars.
I don't type all of this to rub it in anyones face - but just as a blueprint on how hard work can help you reach your goals.
Feel free to ask questions if you want, I'll try to answer to the best of my ability without getting too specific, as I'd like to keep a level of anonymity. But I can also DM you if you have more in-depth questions.
Kepe grinding fellas - if I can do it, you sure as hell can too.