Many Gen Zers and millennials have tabled the dream of owning a home as asking prices and interest rates skyrocket. This unaffordability means we Zillennials—the generation who grew up watching the HGTV channel—aren’t likely to zhuzh our patios into large alfresco layouts or elevate the crown molding with a pop of color the way we’ve seen on television. But being a forever renter doesn’t mean our living spaces are doomed to be bland and unoriginal; there are renter-friendly ways to customize your pad, and home decor expert Alexandra Gater and her YouTube channel have all the tips for you.
The magazine editor turned interior designer is a rising influencer in the home decor space. Her eponymous channel has more than 700K subscribers (and counting!) and features studio makeovers, decorating how-tos, and styling tips. As a 32-year-old millennial, Gater knew home ownership was a farfetched dream but didn’t believe renting meant she couldn’t make her space her own. While many popular interior design channels focused on splashier houses and mansions, she began building her content around small-space solutions and apartment renovation tips that were realistic and doable.
My best work has always come from being myself.
“I started to realize that there was a huge gap in the world of home decor and interiors—magazines often highlight the biggest, flashiest makeovers, but where was the design advice for those who rent and may never own a home?” she says. “For many, including myself, renting is a long-term reality, and I wanted to speak to that group of people to show them that having a beautiful space is absolutely possible.”
Six years later, Gater has turned this niche hobby into a blooming interior design business that specializes in accessible home design and offers virtual makeovers. The queen of DIY, Gater is always finding new tips and styling hacks to share with her followers, whether she’s adding bright and bold peel-and-stick wallpaper to a tiny bathroom or decluttering an entryway by adding built-in shelves.
Q&A
House Beautiful: What’s one piece of advice you would give your past self?
Alexandra Gater: It’s so easy to compare and get caught up in what others are doing in this industry, but staying in my lane and focusing on the niche I’ve created for myself helps me not get caught up in the comparison game. My best work has always come from being myself, and I wish my past self felt confident in that knowledge when I was first starting out. HB: What drew you to the home/design online space?
AG: The fact that I get to be creative for a living. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is that I get to see a project from beginning to end. It’s so satisfying watching it in a video that goes live for thousands to see.
HB: What’s something you wish you’d known before you started creating content online?
AG: Things take time, and overnight success isn’t actually the goal. It’s a slow burn, but since social media trends die quickly, it can feel like you’re always behind when that’s not actually the reality.
HB: What excites you most about the design industry right now?
AG: I love that creators like myself are just so excited to try new things and new styles and not conform to what everyone else thinks is trendy. Creators are determining the trends, and it makes me feel so hopeful that I can continue to express myself freely online and try new things.
HB: What three words best encapsulate your design style?
AG: Fun, colorful, cozy.
HB: If you could transport yourself to any design era, which would it be?
AG: The 1950s, when pink was in! It’s my favorite color, and I love how we try to recreate pink kitchens and bathrooms now. What’s retro to us was just the moment then.
HB: What accounts are most inspiring you right now?
AG: I love scrolling my For You page and seeing what kind of design pops up. I love when I see something unexpected or a new, bold color that I can’t wait to try. I also love following female creators who have built strong businesses, such as Studio McGee, Justina Blakeney, and Emily Henderson, to name a few, and observing how they lead their respective brands.
HB: Where do you shop for home decor online?
AG: H&M Home for accessories, IKEA for basics to DIY and customize, Anthropologie, Target, and Article.
The disco ball, while always beautiful, has undergone a glow-up in the 21st century. No longer relegated to the nightlife scene that birthed it, the mirrorball crept into our weddings, our homes, our earlobes. Then it escaped its spherical form entirely—now martini glasses, cowgirl boots, even mushrooms gleam with silver-tiled radiance. What could they possibly disco next?
Sofie Berarducci has some ideas.
The 24-year-old entrepreneur honed her design savvy building furniture in her parents’ garage during the pandemic. When she returned to college in San Francisco, she had to settle for smaller projects. One night, while watching The Bachelor, she and a handful of friends covered a Styrofoam mushroom from Michaels in shiny, mirrored tiles. “Anytime someone would come over and see it in my room, they’d love it,” Berarducci recalls. “It was such a showstopper.”
After graduating in 2019, Berarducci started crafting more disco mushrooms as Christmas presents. She posted surplus ’shrooms on Facebook Marketplace, where they sold out overnight. “People were messaging me, ‘Where can I buy more?’” Berarducci recalls.
Berarducci capitalized on the disco fever with an Etsy shop and, eventually, a business account on Instagram. She developed new products, pivoting from Styrofoam bases to 3D-printed fruit, liquor bottles, and other fun shapes. Berarducci was still working full-time at a San Diego marketing agency, running her side hustle with help from family. “In the morning, my mom and I would pack orders together, go drop them off at UPS, and go do our nine-to-five,” she says. “Five would hit, and we would turn on a movie and get to tiling.”
Six months in, she decided to launch the brand’s e-commerce site and quit her job to focus on Sofiest Designs. “It was kind of a huge risk,” she adds, “but I haven’t looked back.” After all, the gamble paid off handsomely: In addition to 80,000 Instagram followers, Sofiest Designs boasts partnerships with Urban Outfitters, Free People, Dormify, and Aerie. Berarducci has designed custom disco doodads for celebs such as Lizzo, Kourtney Kardashian, and Shania Twain, and outlets like Architectural Digest, HGTV, Apartment Therapy, and Time have taken notice.
Though her company ships out 15 to 20 orders per day, Berarducci continues to hand-make each product in a San Marcos warehouse with the help of a small team of family and friends. “My business is part e-commerce manufacturer and part art,” she explains. “It’s still really time intensive. I’m touching every single [piece].”
All those hours tiling haven’t stopped her from pushing Sofiest Designs forward. She added additional, less shiny homewares in the form of surreal shelving and pastel lamps and partnered with other woman-owned small businesses to expand the company’s e-commerce offerings. You can shop seven other makers’ products on Berarducci’s site.
Nevertheless, what Berarducci calls “disco therapy” remains core to her company’s ethos. “The disco ball is timeless and gorgeous, but it hadn’t been remodeled in, like, 50 years,” she says. “We wanted to make something more appropriate for Gen Z. Our goal is to make disco items that double as art for your home that you can have forever.”
We tapped Berarducci to share some of her favorite home décor products from small businesses (including her own). Here are 10 fun finds to spruce up your bedroom, bar cart, or coffee table.
10 Unique Room Décor Accents to Spice Up Your Space
Big Night Clock, $110
Big Night
This cheeky clock is “so cute for your kitchen area—I love the pop of red,” Berarducci says. “The martini at the five o’clock hand is the perfect little detail.” The timepiece captures two trends: the fervor for food-centric décor and, of course, Gen Z’s love for disco-inspired details.
Glass Tile Decorative Tray, $65
Subtle Art Studio
“This tray makes for the most stunning accent piece on your vanity or bar cart,” Berarducci says. “It’s an easy way to elevate your space.” San Jose–based Subtle Art Studio slings several products made with retro-inspired glass tiles, including coasters, incense holders, and photo stands.
Olive Candle, $21
Nata Concept Store
“Why not add an olive candle to your home décor?” Berarducci suggests. “Style with your martini glasses and mixers on a bar cart. So cute!” Novelty candles have made a splash as a playful, affordable way to accessorize your house, and this one stands out for its lovely floral scent.
Checkered Ceramic Vase, $120
Alicja Ceramics
Another of Berarducci’s small business partners, Alicja Ceramics crafts and paints each of her funky vases by hand. “These are my go-to for all my flower arrangements,” Berarducci adds. “The checkered print against the florals makes for the coolest contrast.”
Disco Strawberry, $52.50
Sofiest Designs
TikTok’s beloved “unexpected red” theory holds that introducing a touch of crimson will enliven any room. Try out the technique with Berarducci’s sparkly strawberry. “My favorite way to show off this strawberry is to style it on a kitchen shelf or use it as a dining-table centerpiece,” she says.
Custom Icons Pillow, $155
Abbode
New York embroidery shop Abbode is all about customization. This pillow case takes things a step beyond monogramming, allowing customers to select and request symbols that represent their most formative experiences or favorite things. “These make for the perfect customized housewarming gift—for your friend or for yourself,” Berarducci says.
Buns Out, $40
Piecework Puzzles
“Boring puzzles are out,” Bararducci declares. “Challenge your brain and create a masterpiece with Piecework’s ‘Buns Out’ puzzle.” After you’ve put the final piece in place, brush Mod Podge over the lot and frame it as a conversation-starting work of art.
Custom Neon Sign, from $159
Yellowpop
Whatever your catchphrase is, immortalize it in neon lights. Yellowpop offers one-of-a-kind LED signs with 14 different color options. “This is a great way to personalize your space in a unique and timeless way,” Berarducci says. “I created a custom ‘Sofiest Designs’ sign for my warehouse and absolutely love it!”
Wobble Table Lamp, $120
Sofiest Designs
This wiggly lamp from Sofiest Designs comes in four easy-to-style colors: powder pink, muted orange, soft green, and creamsicle orange. You can select a lampshade in one of those same hues to mix and match. “This is my favorite of our lamps,” Berarducci says. “It looks good in any space and any colorway.”
Concrete Shelf, $650
Concrete Cat
This eye-catching shelf is an art piece in itself. “The concrete coloring brings [it] to the next level,” Berarducci adds. A groove at the back of the shelf helps secure thin items like records, photos, and (SDM’s personal favorite) magazines for display.
Eurostar offers high-speed train travel between the U.K., Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Its trains can reach 186 mph, which means a train from London to Paris takes only 2 hours and 16 minutes. Eurostar merged with Thalys — another European high-speed train company — in 2023.
Taking a Eurostar train between these five countries can be more seamless than flying because you get a solid baggage allowance and don’t need to deal with airports, liquid restrictions in your carry-on and long security lines.
Here’s what you need to know about Eurostar’s destinations, cabin classes, lounges, loyalty program, amenities and pricing.
Destinations
Eurostar offers direct train service to London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands. For all other destinations, you must connect to a different train, potentially with another carrier.
The fastest train journeys are the following:
Paris to Brussels – 1 hour, 22 minutes.
London to Lille, France – 1 hour, 22 minutes.
London to Brussels – 1 hour, 53 minutes.
Brussels to Amsterdam – 1 hour, 53 minutes.
London to Paris – 2 hours, 16 minutes.
London to Rotterdam – 3 hours, 13 minutes.
Paris to Amsterdam – 3 hours, 20 minutes.
Paris to Cologne – 3 hours, 20 minutes.
London to Amsterdam – 3 hours, 52 minutes.
Depending on where you’re headed, taking the train may take less total time than flying. For example, the train from London to Paris takes 2 hours and 16 minutes, while a flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Though the train takes almost an hour longer, other factors involved with flying, including early airport arrival, travel time to/from the airport, security and boarding, make the train the faster option.
The Eurostar operates out of St. Pancras International Station, located in central London and easily accessible by several tube (underground) lines and buses. By contrast, London’s main airports, Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport, are located outside the city and can take an hour or more to get to depending on where you’re traveling from and your mode of transport.
Furthermore, Eurostar’s rules are arguably more traveler-friendly than those of airlines. On even the cheapest tickets, Eurostar allows adults to bring two pieces of luggage and one carry-on with no weight limit. Children can bring one piece of luggage and one carry-on.
You also don’t have to worry about paying for a seat or dealing with liquid restrictions. You can make fee-free changes to your ticket as many times as you like until seven days before departure. Ticket changes within seven days of departure incur a $40 fee unless you’re in Business Premier.
Club Eurostar
Club Eurostar is Eurostoar’s loyalty program and you can sign up for a free account to start earning points. You earn 1 point per $1 spent on Eurostar tickets. Train + hotel packages also earn points, albeit at a lower rate (1 point per $2).
Eurostar has four membership levels, and with each increasing level you earn more points on travel and get access to additional perks.
Carte Blanche
Points required
Bonus points on tickets
All levels can pool points with friends and family, use points to pay a portion of their tickets and upgrade their seats from Standard to Standard Premier/Comfort. If you’re going for elite status with Eurostar, the biggest advantages are companion vouchers, lounge access and priority benefits when traveling.
Rewards can be used for as low as 100 points on various experiences from free tickets to upgrades.
Eurostar travel classes
Eurostar offers different travel classes, and these travel classes vary by destination. All trains offer Wi-Fi, but in my experience, the Wi-Fi has been awful, with upload and download speeds of less than 1 Mbps.
Trains to/from London
A Eurostar train to/from London offers three travel classes: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. All seats offer U.K. and EU plug sockets. You can also choose your seat when traveling on this route.
Standard: This travel class offers the lowest priced tickets and food and drinks are available for purchase.
Standard Premier: You get free magazines and a more spacious seat, along with a light meal and drinks.
Business Premier: You get the same seat as in Standard Premier, plus additional perks including three pieces of luggage, a carry-on, hot meals created by Raymond Blanc OBE served with champagne, free newspapers and magazines and a dedicated fast-track ticket gate. You also get access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges.
Trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany
When traveling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany, there are three travel classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium. All seats include EU plug sockets.
You also have access to Eurostar’s taxi booking service, which allows you to arrange transport to/from the train station. Unfortunately you cannot choose your seat when traveling between these destinations.
Standard: This travel class has the cheapest tickets. Food and drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard.
Comfort: You get a more spacious seat, but still need to pay for food and drinks. Comfort seats have access to premium Wi-Fi, but I found that Wi-Fi to be just as slow as in Standard class.
Premium: You have the same seat as in Comfort class and some additional perks including a gourmet cold meal served at your seat, access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges.
The Eurostar amenities you receive depend on which class you travel in. You receive a complimentary meal in Premium, Standard Premier or Business Premier. Those in Business Premier (only available on London routes) receive three-course meals created in collaboration with Michelin-star chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Passengers in Premium get a meal designed by Belgian chef Frank Fol.
Passengers in other travel classes don’t receive a complimentary meal but can purchase drinks or snacks from the Eurostar Cafe.
Lounge access
Travelers in Premium can visit the Eurostar lounge in Paris and Brussels, and NS International lounges in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Those traveling in Business Premier can use the lounge in London, Paris and Brussels.
Club Eurostar elites traveling on any fare class can access certain lounges depending on their elite status:
Avantage, Carte Blanche and Etoile members: Eurostar lounge in Brussels and Paris.
Carte Blanche and Etoile members: Eurostar lounge in London, Paris and Brussels; DB lounges in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Essen; NS International lounges in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Schiphol airport; Railteam lounges in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.
Check each lounge’s information page for opening hours. Generally, you can expect to find various seating spaces, complimentary newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi as well as food and drinks to enjoy.
Eurostar allows you to book tickets up to 120 days in advance, and the sooner you book the better. You’ll generally find the cheapest tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Since you can change your ticket fee-free as many times as you want until seven days before departure, you might as well book as soon as possible.
There are also special or discounted fares for the following groups:
Children under age 4
Kids ages 4-11
Passengers under 26 or over 60
Travelers in a group
Wheelchair passengers and companions
The availability of discounts depends on your destination, so you’ll want to check Eurostar’s page for guidance.
If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards, you’ll want to use it for this purchase since trains are part of the travel category. Here’s a sampling of cards that earn extra rewards for travel and don’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Cards for traveling by Eurostar
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
on Chase’s website
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
American Express® Green Card
Earn rate on train travel
• 2 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.
• 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.
• 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.
• 3 points per $1 on transit, including train travel.
Terms apply.
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Still not sure?
You can pay in U.S. dollars when buying Eurostar tickets online. However, if you plan to buy anything on board the train, and you’ll be in Europe anyways, you’ll want to use a card that waives foreign transaction fees.
Is it cheaper to fly or take Eurostar?
The answer to this question depends on how far in advance you purchase your ticket, your day of travel, whether you need to pay for luggage, and the difference in costs between traveling to the airport and to a Eurostar train station.
Here’s a sampling of Eurostar fares in September 2024 from London to Paris.
Here’s a selection of flights from London to Paris on the same day.
Although the cheapest flight is $13 less than the train, bag fees are not included in that price. And since Eurostar stations are generally more centrally located, your overall cost may be cheaper on the train after factoring in a rideshare or taxi to the airport.
Eurostar recapped
Eurostar offers a convenient way to travel between the U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, France and Germany. If you’re deciding whether to fly or take a Eurostar, factor in the cost, travel time (including the time spent getting to and from the airport, as well as the time spent at the airport) and how many bags you’re bringing as part of your decision.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
The Citizenry’s flagship store in New York City. [Photo: The Citizenry]
The Citizenry, a Dallas-based direct-to-consumer home decor brand that partners with artisans around the world, has been acquired by Havenly, a Denver-based interior design service and home furnishings company.
The acquisition will allow the socially motivated home decor company to continue to scale the availability of its sustainable artisanal furniture and goods, further multiplying its impact, Citizenry said. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We set out to prove retail can be a force for good. Not only does the Havenly team appreciate our values, they have fallen in love with our unique design aesthetic, product line, and most importantly, our commitment to fair trade,” Rachel Bentley, co-founder of The Citizenry, said in a statement. “They’re the right partner to lead our next chapter of growth. We worked with almost 3,000 artisans last year, and with this step—that just feels like the beginning.”
Havenly said it anticipates retaining much of The Citizenry team, including Bentley, who will serve as president of The Citizenry, and Co-Founder Carly Nance, who will transition to serve as an executive brand advisor.
The Citizenry co-founders Rachel Bentley (left) and Carly Nance [Photo: The Citizenry]
Focused on fair trade—and poised for growth
The Citizenry joins Havenly as part of its ongoing efforts to build a collection of home brands and technologies that appeal to the next generation of shoppers, the companies said.
The deal will allow Havenly to expand its fair-trade initiations with The Citizenry and across other areas of the business.
The Citizenry co-founder Rachel Bentley visits with an artisan in Morocco, from our 2016 profile of the company. [Photo: The Citizenry]
Since its founding in 2014, The Citizenry has expanded its offerings to cover the whole home, while supporting the work of thousands of artisans around the globe at pay rates that average twice the fair trade requirement.
From its beginnings, The Citizenry said it set out to build a design-forward company that celebrates the people behind its products and sets new standards in social responsibility for the industry. The Citizenry adopts a fair trade business model, and its following has grown the company into the largest U.S. home decor company to have 100% of its products sourced according to the rigorous standards set by the World Fair Trade Organization.
In 2021, The Citizen raised $20 million in Series B Funding from San Francisco-based NextWorld Evergreen, a growth equity firm with a focus on conscious consumer brands. And just last September, The Citizenry launched a new brand campaign, “Uncontained,” to highlight a deep lineup of new brands hitting shelves at nearly 100 Container Store locations nationwide.
Rolling out its collections across Havenly’s platforms
The Citizenry said that with the acquisition, it will roll out its iconic collections to audiences across the Havenly platforms, expand its retail footprint, and scale its global network of artisans and heritage manufacturers to new levels.
“We’ve always said that our business marries old-world values with new-world market strategies,” Carly Nance, co-founder of The Citizenry, said in a statement. “We’ve grown to where we are today by being customer-centric and digitally-driven. This partnership provides even more strategic firepower in those arenas. The Havenly team is passionate about the same things we are—building potent, meaningful brands designed to stand the test of time.”
Mercado storage baskets from The Citizenry. [Photo: The Citizenry]
Havenly’s third acquisition in 36 months
This is Havenly’s third acquisition in 36 months, with past acquisitions including Interior Define and The Inside. Havenly said the deal cements it as the largest digital-first, DTC platform in the home decor market with a strong strategy for sustainable growth.
“As a personal customer of The Citizenry, I’m thrilled to bring the brand into the Havenly family,” Lee Mayer, co-founder and CEO of Havenly, said in a statement. “Rachel and Carly’s unrivaled commitment to sustainability, social impact, and support of artisans combined with premium quality and exquisite design is truly something revolutionary in the space, and a big reason why The Citizenry has long been a favorite among our customers. We’re excited to build on the work they’ve done to promote more sustainable values and help usher in the next era of great home brands for the modern consumers.”
Organic Turkish cotton duvet from The Citizenry. [Photo: The Citizenry]
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North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch. Here are our editors’ picks. Plus, you’ll find more selections to “save the date.”
Peruse Dallas Innovates’ special once-a-year magazines. Each edition is a keeper.
Dallas Innovates, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Dallas AI are teaming up to launch the new AI 75 program at Capital Factory’s Future of AI Salon today. The first-ever list will recognize Dallas-Fort Worth innovators in artificial intelligence. Nominations are open through March 20.
You’ll find deadlines coming up for a new accelerator program; and many more opportunities.
Usually they race for the end zone, but Wednesday some of the Dallas Cowboys’ top players swung for the fences at the Reliant Home Run Derby in Frisco. And whether they got dingers or popups, it was all for a good cause. Find out which Cowboy won for the second straight year—as two all-new ‘Pokes players joined in the fun.
Are you looking for the best jobs in nature? If you really enjoy being outside and care about nature, you might want to find a job in the great outdoors. Nature careers let you work outside instead of in an office and let you be part of nature. Whether you’re helping people go fishing, studying…
Are you looking for the best jobs in nature?
If you really enjoy being outside and care about nature, you might want to find a job in the great outdoors.
Nature careers let you work outside instead of in an office and let you be part of nature.
Whether you’re helping people go fishing, studying animals as a wildlife scientist, or coming up with new ways to help the environment as an engineer, jobs in nature can be really satisfying and make a big difference.
Best Jobs in Nature
Below are the best jobs in nature.
Recommended reading: 15 Outdoor Jobs For People Who Love Being Outside
1. Park ranger
Being a park ranger could be your dream come true if you love the outdoors and nature.
A park ranger works in places like national parks. They take care of the forests, mountains, and lakes, and their days are spent outdoors, helping animals and keeping nature beautiful for visitors.
This job is more than just a walk in the park. You may guide people on tours, answer questions, and sometimes help find lost hikers. You need to know a lot about the park and care deeply for nature.
Park ranger pay starts at about $30,000 and can go higher.
2. Conservation scientist
If you love nature and want to protect it, think about being a conservation scientist. They get to work outdoors, study wildlife, and help keep the planet green.
Conservation scientists play a big role in looking after our world, and their job is to study plants, animals, and habitats to understand how they all work together. Then, they come up with plans to protect these natural resources.
3. Nature photographer
One of the most popular jobs that involve nature and travel is a nature photographer.
When I was growing up, becoming an outdoors photographer was actually one of my dreams.
Nature photographers take photos of the outdoors. You could work for magazines (like “National Geographic”), websites, conservation groups, or even stock photo sites (like Getty Images). Some nature photographers sell their photos to make money. You might work in far-off forests, mountains, or even your local park.
Nature photography is a competitive field, so you will need very high-quality unique photos to stand out. You’ll need to understand how to use different lenses and equipment like tripods. And, you’ll want to have lots of practice taking photos of wildlife and natural scenes.
Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World (18 Realistic Ideas!)
4. Marine biologist
If you love the ocean and its creatures, being a marine biologist might be just the thing for you.
Marine biologists do important work like studying the tiny life forms in water, such as bacteria and tiny plants. They also investigate how the ocean is changing and what that might mean for our planet’s future.
When you’re in school, it’s important to concentrate on science classes. When you get to college, you’ll have the chance to learn even more about marine life. Plus, being a marine biologist can pay well. On average, you could make about $66,350 per year or more.
5. Fly-fishing guide
If you love the idea of working outside and are passionate about fishing, consider becoming a fly-fishing guide. They spend their days on the river, helping others catch fish and enjoy nature.
A fly-fishing guide’s main job is to teach people how to fly fish and/or bring them to areas where they can catch fish.
Popular fly-fishing areas all over are in constant need of fly-fishing guides. So, you may be able to find guiding jobs in amazing places like Alaska, Montana, and Colorado.
6. Wildlife biologist
Wildlife biologists study animals and how they interact with their environment. They also may track animal numbers to see how many there are, write reports on wildlife findings, and help make sure animals are safe when new buildings or roads are made.
They work outside in forests or parks, or inside at a lab.
7. Environmental engineer
Environmental engineers use science and math to figure out how to tackle pollution and other problems (such as climate change) that hurt nature.
They get to be creative and use tools and technology to come up with solutions that make sure the water we drink is clean, the air we breathe is fresh, and the places where plants and animals live are safe.
8. Landscape architect
Landscape architects plan and create parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces that make towns and cities nicer places to live and visit.
Landscape architects typically need a degree in landscape architecture to start this career.
On average, landscape architects make around $50,000 a year, but they can earn over $100,000 each year.
9. Geologist
Geologists study the Earth and understand its history. This job can take you to many different places, from deep sea explorations to high mountain treks.
A geologist’s work involves looking at rocks, fossils, and other natural materials to learn about the planet’s past and chemistry, as this helps predict future changes and find resources like oil and minerals.
To become a geologist, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in geology or environmental science. Some geologists have a master’s degree, which can lead to more job possibilities and higher pay.
Recommended reading: 46 Fun Jobs That Pay Well
10. Environmental scientist
Environmental scientists spend their days figuring out how to fix environmental problems, such as by testing air and water to make sure it’s clean, or coming up with plans to protect animals and their homes.
11. Hydrologist
Hydrologists research how water moves across and under the earth, and they even predict floods.
To become a hydrologist, you typically need a degree in a field like environmental science to get started. Hydrologists earn around $85,000 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
12. Wildland firefighter
Wildland firefighters fight fires in places like forests, grasslands, and parks. They save trees, animals, and even people’s homes.
Firefighters have a challenging yet important job. Every day brings something different. Sometimes, they’re using tools to cut down trees and prevent fires from spreading. Other times, they might work with helicopters to reach fires in difficult locations.
There are more and more wildfires that are happening these days, so there is a big need for more firefighters. This is a very tough job, though, where you need to be in good physical health.
13. Forester
Foresters work with trees and help keep forests healthy and beautiful.
Foresters take care of both public and private forests to benefit the economy, recreation, and conservation. They keep track of the kind, amount, and where trees are, and figure out how much they’re worth. They negotiate buying trees and make contracts for getting them.
They also decide how to protect wildlife homes, rivers, water quality, and soil, and follow environmental rules. They make plans for planting new trees, watch over trees to make sure they’re growing well, and decide when it’s best to cut them down.
14. Botanist
Botanists, also known as plant scientists, study different aspects of plants and crops to improve their growth and health. They research breeding, how plants grow, how to make them produce more, and how to manage them.
They also look into the soil to understand its chemical, physical, and biological makeup and how it affects plant growth. Some botanists classify and map soils and check how different farming methods affect soil and crop health.
Botanists can work for a government agency, nature conservancy, nonprofit, and more.
15. Wind turbine technician
Wind turbine technicians work on the giant fans you see in fields or on hills (I’m sure you’ve seen these before; they are massive!). Their job is to make sure they’re in good shape to turn wind into power for people’s homes and businesses.
The number of jobs for wind turbine technicians is expected to increase by 45% from 2022 to 2032, which is a lot faster than the average for all jobs.
16. Solar energy specialist
Solar energy specialists work with solar technology to create electricity from the sun’s power.
Solar energy specialists know a lot about how solar panels work and help plan big solar power projects, choose the right equipment, and figure out the best place to put solar panels.
They may sell solar panel setups to homeowners and businesses, or even try to convert a whole community to solar power.
17. Arborist
Arborists take care of trees to help them live long and healthy lives.
Arborists climb trees, use power tools, and make sure trees are growing well. If a tree is sick, they figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it.
18. Organic farmer
If you love working outside and care about where food comes from, think about becoming an organic farmer. As an organic farmer, you get to grow food without using chemicals.
19. Camp counselor
If you enjoy spending time outdoors and love nature, being a camp counselor might be one of the best summer jobs for you. This is also one of the easier entry-level jobs in nature to start with.
A camp counselor’s days can be filled with fun activities like hiking, swimming, and crafting.
20. Zoologist
If you are looking for careers in nature and animals, then a zoologist may be a top choice.
I know for many kids such as myself, becoming a zoologist and working at the zoo was a nature career that I really wanted.
Zoologists study animals and wildlife to understand where they come from, how they behave, their diseases, genetics, and life functions. Some focus on researching and managing wildlife. They collect and analyze data on living things to see how land and water habitats are affected by human use.
You may get to work at a zoo, in an office, a laboratory, or for government agencies.
21. Field researcher
A field researcher explores and studies the environment.
Their main task is to learn about plants, animals, and the places they live. They take notes, take photos, and sometimes collect samples during their fieldwork. They may also use tools to measure things like temperature and water quality.
22. Surveyor
Surveyors get to work outside and play an important part in construction and mapping projects. They use tools like GPS, lasers, and robots to take precise measurements of the land.
Their main job is to find out where property lines are and to help create maps that builders and architects use to make sure everything fits and is in the right place.
I recently met someone who said they were a surveyor their entire life and had just recently retired. They were talking about all of the places that they had traveled to, and it sounded like a great nature career to be in.
Recommended reading: 40 Best Jobs Where You Work Alone
23. Adventure guide
As a guide, you may lead trips on many different kinds of adventures. You could specialize in hiking trips, camping trips, canyoneering, rock climbing, rafting, and more.
You may work for a local guiding company, or you may open your own guiding company.
This can be a great way to be in nature, have fun, and meet new people, all while making an income.
24. Tour guide
If you love nature and enjoy showing others the beauty of the outdoors, becoming a tour guide could be the perfect job for you. As a tour guide, you get to lead tours and share knowledge about your area with visitors from all around the world.
25. Ski instructor
Ski instructors get paid to spend their days on the slopes by teaching people how to ski. And, you don’t need to be a professional skier to get started with this job either – this is something you can get trained to do with on-the-job training.
26. Outdoor educator
An outdoor educator is someone who shows people how to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
Outdoor educators can work in different places like forests, parks, and even remote areas. Their office might be a trail in the mountains or a campsite near a beautiful lake.
27. Environmental health officer
An environmental health officer’s main job is to make sure that the places where people work are safe and don’t harm the environment.
They check out different locations, from offices to factories, and look for anything that might be dangerous.
28. Wildlife manager
A wildlife manager takes care of animals and makes sure they have a safe place to live.
Their job includes looking after animal homes called habitats and keeping track of the animals, making sure they are healthy.
They work in lots of different places like parks, forests, or even wildlife preserves.
29. Public health advocate
A public health advocate makes sure everyone has a healthy environment to live in. They work with all sorts of people to help protect the places they love, like parks and rivers, from pollution and other harm.
For example, they may work with community leaders to find the best ways to keep air and water clean, share important health info with the public, and help make laws that protect nature.
These types of jobs can typically be found in nonprofits or in the private sector, such as in environmental protection or in the private conservation sector, solving environmental issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find the best jobs in nature.
Which job is best for nature lovers?
For nature lovers, being a park ranger tends to be the dream job. They get to spend their days outdoors, maintain the beauty of natural parks, and educate visitors about conserving these precious areas. There are many other amazing jobs in nature as well, such as becoming a nature photographer, a marine biologist, a guide, or a geologist.
What is the highest paying job in nature?
If you are able to run your own business in a nature field, then that may be the best way to make the most money in nature, such as by starting a nature photography business or an outdoors guiding company. If you are looking for the highest paying job in nature, then becoming a scientist may be the best way to make the most money.
What are the best jobs in nature without a degree?
You don’t need to be a scientist to get a nature job. The best jobs in nature without a degree may include nature photographer, outdoors guide, surveyor, and ski instructor.
Are there any careers focusing on animals and nature?
Yes, there are careers that let you work with both animals and nature, such as wildlife rehabilitation specialists who care for injured animals, or environmental educators who teach about wildlife conservation.
What wildlife job pays the most?
Jobs like wildlife biologist and zoologist typically pay the most in the wildlife sector. Salary can depend on experience and location, but the average yearly salary is usually around $60,000 and up.
What jobs involve nature and travel?
If you’re interested in traveling and working in nature, then you may want to become a field biologist or ecotourism guide. These jobs tend to need travel to different natural habitats and allow for hands-on work with the environment. Another option is to become a nature photographer and travel to take photos.
Best Jobs in Nature — Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article about the best jobs in nature.
There are many different jobs you can do in natural places, and there is something for all sorts of interests and abilities. Many of the jobs above have a competitive salary where you actually get to enjoy or believe in the work that you do.
Because I have traveled full-time for around a decade, I have met people who work in all sorts of different nature jobs over the years. From outdoors photography (I made a few friends who were National Geographic photographers, actually!) to surveyors, guides, scientists, and more, there are so many amazing people working in nature.
If you love nature, I hope you are able to find the best job in nature for you and your interests so that you can have the highest job satisfaction.
Maximalism home décor is the “in” home design trend for 2024 and includes bold colors and unique pieces. By using maximalism for staging, sellers can highlight a home’s features and personality.
CHICAGO – Allie LeFevere describes her maximalist Chicago home as colorful and eclectic. When she and her husband moved into their home four years ago, she didn’t have a specific design in mind.
“I just wanted the house to feel vibrant,” says LeFevere, founder of branding agency Obedient. She wanted “a representation of our lives and the places we’ve explored and the memories we’ve made.”
The philosophy behind maximalism decor is “more is more,” according to Jean Whitehead, a senior lecturer on interior design at Falmouth University in county Cornwall, England. Bold colors, textures and unique pieces define this style, elements of which Vogue magazine says are “in” as design trends for 2024.
Going maximalist in your home can seem daunting and expensive — but it doesn’t have to be, say those who favor a bold aesthetic. Here’s how to achieve a maximalist look on a budget.
Shop at thrift and vintage stores
“One of the more economical ways to explore maximalism is through vintage and antique things that are available at thrift stores and estate sales,” says Daniel Mathis, who runs the Instagram account Not A Minimalist with over 70,000 followers.
Mathis’s home in Oklahoma City showcases his maximalist style, including many pieces purchased second-hand. To get a good bargain, Mathis suggests waiting until the last day of an estate sale when prices are typically reduced.
Alex Ammar, a certified financial planner and owner of Paradox Financial based outside Orlando, Florida, recommends setting a budget and decorating in stages.
“You might have different budgets for different tiers of interior decorating,” Ammar says. Second-hand and discount stores are great for decor and accent pieces, while you may spend more on distinct furniture, like a sofa.
Make it yourself
Maximalism can mean applying your own creativity to a space. Be bold with reinventing old furniture or items you have around the house. When Mathis fell in love with the Southwest design of a rug, he used the fabric to upholster an armchair in his sitting room.
For a simpler project, you can individually frame travel photos or children’s artwork and hang them together to create a gallery wall above a couch or along a hallway.
Finding ways to reimagine pieces already in your home adds a layer of individuality to the decor while saving you money. Look through your home for items that could use a boost, and browse art and home supply stores for ideas and tools you may need to revive them.
Consider meaningful pieces
Including noteworthy pieces in your decor is a way to create a one-of-a-kind space —- and it doesn’t have to be pricey. Keep an eye out for items that stand out to you, and be flexible, which can mean building up a collection over time or making minor alterations to a piece.
Mathis started collecting rare Ozark Roadside Tourist pottery about seven years ago. He currently has 150 pieces of the multi-colored, marbleized pottery.
“That’s maximalism for me,” says Mathis. “It’s about lots of color, lots of patterns … but I tried to do it in a very intentional and curated way.”
He purchased his first vase for $50; now, similar Ozark Roadside Tourist vases can sell for nearly $1,000.
LeFevere says her favorite piece in her home is an antique pie cabinet with mesh screens that she painted pastel green to match her kitchen.
“I’m not cooking any pie in my life,” LeFevere says, but the piece is “just really cool.”
Find your own style
LeFevere and Mathis both highlight the importance of knowing what you like while staying open to designs that surprise you. LeFevere visits sites like Pinterest to find styles or decor she likes and saves the images to a Google doc.
Similarly, Mathis built his personal style by clipping photos from decor magazines. He says the fun in maximalist design is the process of discovery.
By knowing what you like, you’ll be able to assemble pieces to fill your space, whether you find them in a thrift store, create them yourself or invest in a special piece.
Ammar says it’s also important to know yourself when it comes to money and how you manage expenses that arise from redecorating, especially if you’re financing purchases.
“If you’re the kind of person who can handle carrying debt, then it can be a really beneficial way to accelerate your timeline,” he says.
Maximalism is about having a home that reflects you and your life rather than any prescribed blueprint. Fill your space with color and mementos to create an aesthetic that brings you joy every time you walk in.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Want to learn how to make money online without paying anything? Here are ways to earn money online for free. Making money online without putting in money up front is doable for many people. Thanks to the growth of online jobs and businesses, you can make extra money or create a full-time job from home….
Want to learn how to make money online without paying anything? Here are ways to earn money online for free.
Making money online without putting in money up front is doable for many people. Thanks to the growth of online jobs and businesses, you can make extra money or create a full-time job from home.
It doesn’t matter if you’re skilled or just getting started – there are ways to make money without paying anything at the beginning. You can use your creativity and skills in things like making content, providing digital services, and selling stuff online to make a steady income.
I personally have made money online in many different ways without paying anything to get started, so I know that this truly does exist.
Best Ways To Make Money Online Without Paying Anything
Here’s a quick summary of my favorite ways to make money without investment:
Best way to make money online freelancing – Proofreading
My favorite way to make money online for free – Blogging
Best way to make money online for passive income – Selling printables
Best way to make money online for those who like numbers – Bookkeeping
Below are the best ways to make money online without paying anything.
1. Blogging
Blogging is exactly what I started years ago, and I didn’t pay any money in the beginning to get started.
If you want to make money with a laptop, then this is what I recommend.
I began Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and it has helped me earn over $5,000,000 since then. I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey, not even knowing that people could make money from blogs or how to make a successful one.
Now, it’s my full-time job!
Eventually, you will have costs with a blog, just like with most of the businesses listed below, if you want to grow and make more money. But, the expenses are low compared to how much money you may be able to make.
So, what’s a blog? A blog is like this content you’re reading now – it’s writing on a website. You can blog about something you’re passionate about, something you know a lot about, or even something you want to learn more about (people enjoy following firsthand journeys!).
There are many different niches (topics) that you can write about too, such as travel, personal finance, home, lifestyle, family, food, and more.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Printables
Selling printables is a way to make passive income from home without upfront costs.
This is because printables are digital files that you can download and print at home. You only need to make one digital file for each product, and then you can sell it multiple times.
They can be things like grocery shopping lists, invites, thank you cards, digital art, or gift tags.
I have bought many printables myself, and many others do too. Recently, I purchased a printable to help teach my daughter the alphabet. It was a useful tool, and I could easily print it at home.
You can learn more about this at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Proofreading
If you like finding mistakes in written content and want to start a business without spending a lot of money, then proofreading might be a good choice for you. This can be a part-time job or a full-time career working from home.
Many proofreaders earn around $40,000 a year or even more.
Proofreaders look for errors in articles, ads, books, student papers, emails, transcripts, and more.
To become a proofreader, all you need is a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the ability to spot mistakes and errors. So, you probably already have everything you need to get started.
I recommend signing up for a free 76-minute workshop, where you can learn more about becoming a proofreader. You can sign up for the free How To Become a Proofreader workshop here.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
4. Freelance writing
Freelance writing is a great way to make money online without any upfront costs, as you don’t need any expensive equipment to get started.
A freelance writer is someone who writes for different places like websites, blogs, magazines, ads, books, and other things.
I have been a freelance writer for many years now, all from my laptop. I really enjoy being a freelance writer, and I have many friends who do this as well. I started this job because I wanted to make money from home and not spend money trying to figure it out. And, it worked!
This job can earn you more than $50,000 a year. Some of my friends who are freelance writers make over $200,000 a year.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
5. Opening an online store
Starting an online store is a way to make money without upfront costs, and sites like Etsy and Shopify make this possible.
On Etsy, you can sell things like handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. This online marketplace is great if you’re creative and want to sell unique, one-of-a-kind products. Shopify, on the other hand, has more flexibility in what you can sell and allows you to build your personal storefront.
There are many different types of things you can sell, such as digital products like ebooks or web design templates, which don’t require inventory and can be sold repeatedly without additional cost. Physical products, on the other hand, can also be sold but keep in mind that you’ll need a plan for shipping, and you may have to spend money in order to have them as inventory to list on your store.
Another idea is dropshipping. This is a business model where you don’t need to keep inventory or ship products yourself. Instead, you work with suppliers who take care of inventory and shipping for you.
Below are some ideas for things you could sell through an online dropshipping store:
Travel items such as portable luggage scales, neck pillows, or travel cubes
Fitness equipment like yoga mats, weights, or resistance bands
Sustainable products such as reusable utensils, bamboo toothbrushes, tote bags, or eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Camping-related items like hammocks, lanterns, cookware sets, and survival kits
Jewelry such as stackable rings, layered bracelets, anklets, and statement earrings
6. Print-on-demand
Similar to the above, print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where you sell your custom designs on products like T-shirts, mugs, and books, but only print them once an order is placed.
It’s a popular way to start an online business with minimal upfront costs because you don’t have to worry about inventory. Your job is to create the designs and set up your online store.
Once a customer buys a product, the order goes straight to your POD supplier who prints and ships it under your brand name.
7. Stock photography
Stock photography is a way to make money online without any cash up front. If you already have a camera or even just a cell phone, you can get started selling stock photographs.
You are simply taking photos, putting them on a stock photo website, and selling them to people and companies.
People buy stock images from websites like Shutterstock, Getty Images, or Adobe Stock for many reasons, such as adding them to their websites, articles, blog posts, advertisements, and social media.
You can sell many types of pictures, including travel, business, people, food, animals, health, fashion, sports, and more.
For example, if I write a blog post about making money with a laptop, I might buy a stock photo of a laptop. Or, if I need a picture related to making money while traveling, I’d find a picture of a vacation to include in my blog post. Stock images can make a blog post more enjoyable to read.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
8. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a way for you to earn money by promoting products or services online, and you don’t need anything special to get started.
With affiliate marketing, if your friend or follower buys a product through a referral link you share, you get paid a commission – it’s as simple as that.
First, pick products you love and are sure others will benefit from. Then, sign up for their affiliate program. Each program gives you an affiliate link. This link tracks who clicks and buys from your recommendation.
Your job is to share your affiliate link with as many interested people as possible. You could write about it on your blog, make videos, or even just share it on social media.
I recommend signing up for Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook to learn more.
9. Playing games and watching videos for money
There are lots of money-making apps that let you earn cash by playing games or watching videos on your phone.
These apps pay you real money because they make money from ads and in-app purchases. To get you to keep playing, they give you a share of their earnings. For watching videos, the sites reward you with points for watching sponsored videos, and these videos can range from ads to short clips.
Now, these won’t make you rich, but it is a way to make money from your phone without upfront costs.
Here’s a quick list of the top video and game apps that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Recommended reading: 15 Ways To Make Money From Your Phone
10. Market research and focus groups
If you love sharing your opinions, market research and focus groups are great ways for you to earn cash online without paying anything. This kind of work connects you with companies seeking feedback on their products or services. It’s all about understanding what you think as a consumer.
Lots of companies want to hear from people like you and me, and you can share your opinions with them using just a laptop or phone, some free time, and a good internet connection.
When I was paying off my student loans, I took online surveys almost every day. I did them before work, during lunch, or after work. Even though they didn’t make me a lot of money, they were flexible because I could do them whenever I had time. Plus, they were really easy and didn’t require much thinking!
Here are some survey companies I suggest:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
PrizeRebel
User Interviews – This one pays on average around $60 per assignment (much higher than the rest, but it is a little more work for participants as these are usually video calls or on the phone)
Signing up for these survey sites is free, and typically, they pay about $1 to $3 for each survey you finish.
11. Online tutoring
As an online tutor, you get to teach students from the comfort of your home. Your job is to share your knowledge and help in a subject you know well. You don’t have to worry about traveling or a strict schedule; you can choose when to do your online tutoring gig.
You can make between $30 and $60 per hour or more, depending on the subject’s difficulty and your expertise. And you don’t need to spend any money up front, so it’s a way to earn online without extra costs.
As a tutor, you might spend 30 minutes to an hour giving a lesson, answering questions online, or working one-on-one with a student in a video lesson.
12. Virtual assistant job
You can make money from home as a virtual assistant by doing administrative tasks for clients online. You don’t need anything to get started other than a computer or laptop.
Virtual assistants, or VAs, do tasks similar to administrative assistants, but they work from home or anywhere with internet.
Virtual assistants do things like:
Email management – Answering and organizing emails
Calendar management – Scheduling appointments, meetings, and events
Administrative support – Preparing reports, presentations, and documents
Travel arrangements – Booking flights, hotels, and transportation for business trips
Internet research – Doing online research on topics to write about, competitors, products, etc.
Personal tasks – Booking appointments or making dinner reservations
I’ve been a virtual assistant before (it was actually one of my first online jobs, and I liked how I didn’t have to spend money to become a VA), and I also have one who works for me, so I know how useful they can be! Plus, you don’t need anything expensive to get started.
13. Social media influencer
Being a social media influencer is a real way to make money online without any initial cost, and plenty of people have started their social media accounts by spending absolutely $0. In fact, I think most people start as just a hobby!
You can start with just your phone, by taking pictures and sharing your thoughts on social media accounts like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
You can earn money as a social media influencer through sponsored posts, where brands pay you to promote their products or services in your posts. You can also make money through affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions from sales made through your referral links. Plus, you can sell digital products like ebooks or online courses.
I’ve been a social media influencer for years, monetizing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. It’s allowed me to collaborate with brands I love and promote products I already use.
14. Transcriptionist
Becoming a transcriptionist can be a good choice to make money online without upfront costs. This is something that you can learn to do, and transcriptionists usually make around $15 per hour.
As a transcriptionist, you can earn money from home by turning audio files or video files into written documents. Clients can include marketers, authors, filmmakers, academics, speakers, and conferences.
To find transcription jobs, some places to start include:
Rev – Transcribers on Rev earn an average of $245 per month, with top earners making up to $1,495.
CrowdSurf – CrowdSurf pays for short transcription tasks, which are great for those looking for quick, manageable projects.
TranscribeMe – This platform is good for beginners as they give training and only require a reliable internet connection and computer.
Recommended reading: 18 Top Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
15. Video gaming livestreams
Yes, you can make money online with no upfront costs by live streaming (such as a video game that you like to play). Eventually, you may want to upgrade to higher-quality equipment, but you can start right away with what you already have – your computer and phone.
Twitch is a website where you can make money by playing video games, talking with viewers in real time through live streams, and more.
As your viewer count grows, you can start making money. Streamers can earn through ways such as:
Subscriptions – Your fans can pay a monthly fee to support you as subscribers.
Donations – Viewers can send you tips if they enjoy your stream.
Advertisements – You can get paid from ads that run on your live stream.
Sponsorships – Companies may pay you to promote their products.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
16. YouTube
Starting a YouTube channel is a popular way to make money online without any initial investment. You can record videos from your phone or camera, and you don’t really need anything else to get started in the beginning.
You can start a YouTube channel about many different topics like finance, home, travel, toys, pets, and more. There’s a YouTube channel for almost anything nowadays, and there’s still space for more!
In your YouTube videos, you can include links to products you recommend, earn money from ads that play during your videos, get paid by brands to feature their products, and even sell your own stuff.
17. Freelance graphic design
As a graphic designer, you can earn money online without investing any money up front. You can create designs such as logos, social media graphics, and branding materials for clients.
To start, you will most likely want to create a simple but impactful portfolio to display your work. This is your opportunity to show your abilities to potential clients, so you will want to include your favorite projects and what reflects your design style.
You can also sign up on freelance sites like Fiverr where businesses look for designers like you.
18. Virtual bookkeeping
Bookkeepers manage financial records, track expenses, and generate financial reports; it requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
This job typically pays more than $40,000 a year. Plus, many types of businesses require bookkeepers, making it a great career choice with opportunities for growth.
Even better, you can do this job from home using your computer and the internet.
Yes, you don’t need a degree to be a bookkeeper. You can start by learning basic bookkeeping and the software most businesses use.
If you want to become a bookkeeper, there is a free workshop all about finding a virtual bookkeeping job, and you can sign up for free here.
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
19. Write an ebook
Writing an ebook can be a way to make money without needing upfront investment, other than your time and effort. This is something you can do yourself too, such as through the self-publishing route on Amazon.
Ebooks are digital books that you can download and read on devices like tablets, phones, e-readers, or laptops. They’ve become very popular because they’re affordable and easy to access.
I’ve purchased many ebooks myself, ranging from nonfiction to fiction, and many, many other people have as well.
Recommended reading: How this person is making $200 a day in book sales passively.
20. Online travel agent
A travel agent is a professional who helps people plan and book trips, vacations, and other travel arrangements. They give their expertise and support in finding the best deals on transportation, accommodations, and activities, considering their clients’ preferences, budgets, and needs.
Travel agents also give helpful advice on destinations, suggest itineraries, arrange tours and excursions, and handle logistics such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel insurance.
There are many different kinds of niches you can sell vacations and trips in, such as luxury travel, cruises, Disney, budget travel, and adventure holidays.
21. Write book reviews
If you enjoy reading and talking about books, you can make money by writing reviews at home. Authors and publishers want to hear your honest opinions because they help other readers choose their next book. Readers also like these reviews, so it benefits everyone involved.
You don’t need anything other than your computer (or even just your cell phone) to write the reviews. Many times, the book is given to you to review, so you don’t even have to pay for that.
This is typically more of a side gig for spare cash and free books.
Here are some websites where you can make money online by writing book reviews:
OnlineBookClub.org – They give free books for your first book review (and no other payment). After your first review, you can earn cash for each review, usually between $5 and $60.
Kirkus Media – They look for reviewers for both English and Spanish books, particularly in the Kirkus indie section. Reviews involve around 350-word summaries due two weeks after receiving the book. They cover all genres, with over 10,000 books reviewed annually.
Upwork – Create a profile as a book reviewer on this freelance platform. You can choose projects that interest you and set your own rates.
The US Review of Books – They hire freelance writers for 250- to 300-word reviews that go beyond summarizing to provide insights into the book. To join, submit a resume, writing samples, and a couple of references.
Reedsy Discovery – Review books before they are published and get paid through tips from readers, ranging from $1 to $5. It’s an exciting way to influence which books become popular.
Learn more at 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books.
22. Online job opportunities
There are many more ways to make money online that won’t cost you money to get started, and these include:
Finding remote part-time or full-time jobs – If you want a full-time income or are interested in part-time work, popular job search platforms like Indeed can help. They help you find jobs that fit your schedule where you work for someone else as an employee, such as software engineer, developer, human resources manager, IT manager, and more.
Customer service and support jobs – As an at-home customer service rep, you would work for companies, answering customer questions and issues that they may be having.
Data entry and administrative jobs – Data entry jobs are ideal for you if you have a good eye for detail and can work independently.
These are all jobs where you would be working for someone else, but online from home. The company would normally provide you everything you need to get started, such as any software and possibly even the laptop as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make money online without paying anything.
How can I make money online completely for free?
There are many ways to make money online completely for free. You can start a blog, freelance write, bookkeep, write book reviews, sell stock photography, or become a virtual assistant.
How can students earn money online without any investment?
Students can make money online without any investment by answering online surveys, tutoring online, freelance writing, proofreading, blogging, and more. Whether you want to make extra cash or a full-time income, there are many options for students.
How to Make Money Online Without Paying Anything – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money online without paying anything.
Getting started with making money online might feel overwhelming and impossible, but it’s not impossible if you do it right.
The internet has many places where you can show off your skills as a writer, artist, or tutor. You can also sell items online, or even play games and give your opinion in surveys.
What other ways are there to make money online for free without investment?
Want to learn how to sell short stories for money? Yes, you may be able to earn money from home doing this. Short stories tell a quick and interesting story. They’re not very long, usually just a few hundred to a few thousand words. Even though they’re short, they still have a complete story with…
Want to learn how to sell short stories for money?
Yes, you may be able to earn money from home doing this.
Short stories tell a quick and interesting story. They’re not very long, usually just a few hundred to a few thousand words. Even though they’re short, they still have a complete story with a start, middle, and finish.
Short stories can be about anything, like mysteries, adventures, or even funny moments.
In this article, we’ll go over the strategies to turn your short stories into a profitable side hustle, and you will learn:
What a short story is
Places you can sell short stories
How to make the most money selling short stories
Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
Best Places To Sell Short Stories For Money
Below are the different ways to sell short stories for money.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Want to learn how to sell short stories on Amazon? If so, then Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is one place to start, as this is a self-publishing platform and almost everyone uses Amazon already.
To get started selling short stories on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, you need to first create an Amazon KDP account. Make sure your short story is well-edited and formatted. Create an eye-catching cover for your short story. You can use Amazon’s Kindle creation tools or make your own on graphic design sites like Canva.
Kindle eBook prices typically start around $0.99 and go up from there. You can also sell your book on Kindle Unlimited and get up to 70% royalties. There are many benefits to using KDP to publish your short stories, including publishing in 3 easy steps, the potential to earn royalties, and being able to set your own list prices.
Kindle Direct Publishing can also help you distribute your eBook around the world, print your short stories into real-life physical copies, and help ship them around the world.
Recommended reading: How Alyssa is making $200 a DAY in book sales passively
2. Clarkesworld Magazine
Clarkesworld Magazine is a fantasy and science fiction magazine that publishes short stories, articles, and audio fiction. Magazines are published monthly and available on the website or in eBook format.
Guidelines for submitting short stories are straightforward. Short stories must be between 1,000 and 22,000 words, and you’ll get paid 12 cents per word. Payment is via PayPal or check. The story must be in genres such as science fiction or fantasy, horror is not allowed.
Stories submitted to Clarkesworld Magazine must be well-written, convenient for on-screen reading, and suitable for audio.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!)
3. One Story
One Story is a popular magazine that publishes a short story once a month.
This platform specifically looks for literal fiction and they can only accept stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. These short stories can be any style and on any subject as long as the story is compelling and well-written.
One Story pays $500 and 25 contributors copies. Stories must be new and not have been previously published material. One Story responds to submissions within 3 months after they are received.
4. East of the Web
East of the Web is a platform that helps provide exposure to writers.
The site gets over 500,000 page views a month, so if your short story is submitted and accepted, your story will likely get some views. This is beneficial because the site also receives attention from agents, press, filmmakers, schools, and other publishers.
To get your story accepted to East of the Web, your short story must have a compelling narrative that leaves the reader satisfied after the story. Your short story should feel complete and not need a follow-up story in order to leave the reader satisfied.
5. Flash Fiction Online
Flash Fiction Online is a magazine that publishes short stories in genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary fiction.
Short stories must be between 500 and 1000 words and include characters, compelling plots, and satisfying endings.
Your short story must be formatted correctly according to Flash Fiction’s guidelines (double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, and black font on a white background), and short stories cannot be written by AI!
As of 2024, Flash Fiction Online’s rate is $100 for each original story.
6. The Threepenny Review
The Threepenny Review is an American literary magazine that has fiction, memoirs, poetry, and essays. You can submit short stories via mail or through their online submission system.
The Threepenny Review pays $400 per story or article, $200 per poem, and does not print material that has already been published elsewhere. Short stories must be 4,000 words or less.
7. Poets & Writers
Poets & Writers is the largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers and is available as a magazine at major bookstores. The goal of Poets & Writers is to help poets and writers reach as many people as possible through their literary community.
With a national audience of over 100,000 readers, Poets & Writers has a strong following with students and faculty in creative writing programs across the United States.
Poets & Writers is known for its writing contests, grants, and awards database that features all kinds of creative writing contests. You can filter through the database by genre, cash prize, and if there’s an entry fee to sign up for the contest.
8. The Atlantic
The Atlantic is a publication known for its journalism.
The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including politics, science, technology, culture, and more. Short stories can be submitted and possibly sold to The Atlantic in genres such as fiction and poetry.
It’s best to look at what The Atlantic has published in the past to see what kind of short story they’re likely to accept. All short stories should be submitted as a Word document or PDF.
9. Reader’s Digest
Reader’s Digest is an online as well as printed magazine that was started in 1922.
The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including health, humor, inspirational stories, and more.
Submitting a short story to Reader’s Digest is simple and straightforward. You also need to include your name, address, and email to successfully submit your story.
10. Medium
Medium is a unique site where writers can publish and monetize their content.
Medium mostly focuses on articles and essays, but you can also publish short stories.
As a writer, you earn money depending on how much time Medium members spend reading your short stories. Due to this, it’s important to build a following and consistently write high-quality short stories on Medium to increase your chances of making money.
This can be a great place to sell short stories for money online.
11. Barrelhouse
Barrelhouse is a literary magazine that accepts submissions from writers, such as short stories.
Along with putting out a print magazine, Barrelhouse is also known for running a small press, organizing the Conversations & Connections conference, and the retreat Writer Camp. These are great resources if you’re looking to network and further your skills as a writer.
The magazine is looking for submissions that haven’t been previously published. Submissions are usually shorter than 8,000 words and in a format that is easy to read.
12. The New Yorker
The New Yorker is an American magazine that covers culture, politics, arts, and literature.
The magazine has been around since 1925 and has easily become one of the most influential magazines in the United States. Because of this, successfully submitting a short story and getting it accepted is quite difficult.
If you want to take your shot at submitting a short story to The New Yorker, submissions must be sent to [email protected].
All submissions are read within ninety days and if you do not hear back within that time frame, it means your story was not accepted.
13. Submit to short story contests
Short story contests are competitions where you can submit a short story for a chance to win a prize or recognition.
Contests are managed by magazines, writing organizations, and publishing houses that have an interest in promoting writers and getting their work seen by the public.
Contests will have specific guidelines such as which themes and genres are accepted, word limits, entry fees, prizes, and who the judges are.
Short story contests change over time and some of the most well-known short story contests include:
The Bridport Prize, which is a U.K.-based competition for short stories
The Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition
The Moth Short Story Prize
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize
The Sunday Times Short Story Award
You can also find other contests to submit your short story on contest databases like the Poets & Writers contest database and The Writer’s College short story writing competitions database.
14. Start your own blog
Another great way to get paid for your short stories is by creating a short story blog. This will allow you to share your creative work with the public.
Building a readership on your blog takes time, so be patient and dedicate time to marketing your blog and creating high-quality content.
Once your blog is up and running, you can make money via ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and even by creating and selling your short stories through a subscription or paid ebook.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to sell short stories for money.
What are short stories?
Short stories are short works of fiction (also known as short fiction) that focus on one plot, theme, or set of characters. Short stories are short, ranging from a few hundred words to a few thousand words. Even though short stories are brief in length, they convey a compelling narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.
What are some different short story genres?
Short stories can come in any genre and storytelling style. The most popular short story genres include mystery, science fiction (sci-fi), thrillers, fantasy, horror, adventure, historical fiction, romance, personal essays, speculative fiction, and drama. There are many more genres to include, and you can even mix different genres. You can even make money writing poems.
Are short stories fiction or nonfiction?
Short stories are by definition fiction pieces, and not non-fiction.
How much money can I make selling short stories? How much is a short story worth?
The amount of money you can make selling short stories depends on factors like the length of the story, the market, the publication, and the popularity of the short story.
You may earn as little as $25 for a short story, or you may be able to earn over $1,000 for a short story. For example, a short story in Reader’s Digest will most likely pay less than a short story in The New Yorker. Or, if you write and publish your own short story on Amazon that becomes popular, you may be able to earn thousands of dollars.
Do short stories sell on Amazon?
Short stories sell on Amazon through the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Many people choose to sell on KDP first because of the ease of getting started and publishing on KDP. Amazon KDP also has resources to help you publish short stories like helping create covers for your eBooks.
How do I sell my first short story?
The most important step to successfully sell your first short story is to create a high-quality and compelling story. The story needs to be engaging and free of grammatical errors (of course!). Once you’ve done this, you can choose online platforms, journals, or literary magazines you want to publish the short stories.
You must read the short story submission guidelines for each publication and make sure you pay attention to word counts and formatting requirements the platform is looking for.
You can sell your short story to different platforms. You may even want to try entering short story contests which often provide an opportunity for recognition, cash prizes, or publication opportunities. Market your short story on social media, your website, and other platforms to gain reach.
How many pages is a short story?
A short story can range from 500 words to 20,000 words. The actual number of pages depends on font size, spacing, and formatting. The average 1,000-word short story may be 5 pages, while a 20,000-word short story may be up to 100 pages. It all depends on the platform and what their short story submission guidelines are.
What is the best place to sell short stories for money online?
The best place to sell short stories depends on your style of writing and goals. Self-publishing on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allows you to sell your short stories as eBooks and you get to control your pricing. You can even submit your Kindle eBook to Kindle Unlimited, which gives you up to 70% royalties when your book is read. There are also many award-winning sites and platforms where short story sellers can submit their craft to potential buyers, such as a literary journal.
There are many other places where you can sell short stories (other than the list above), such as Strange Horizons, BBC, Vestal Review (for flash fiction), Ploughshares, and more.
How To Sell Short Stories For Money – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to sell short stories for money.
The best places to sell your short stories include Kindle Direct Publishing, Clarkesworld Magazine, One Story, Flash Fiction Online, and many others that are listed above. These sites are some of the best places to sell short stories due to the ease of publishing books and wide audience.
Wherever you sell your short stories, it’s important to create a compelling narrative and make sure your work is free of grammatical errors.
Good short story writers are in demand, so I hope you can see success with this!
Are you interested in selling short stories for money?
These chic home decor pieces look so expensive but are so affordable
Looking to give your home a bit of a facelift? As much as we love trendy décor pieces, we don’t love the hefty price tags that tend to come with them. So we were thrilled to find that Walmart has a ton of great deals on chic home décor pieces so you can live in the trendy space of your dreams — no matter your budget.
From throw pillows to area rugs, mirrors and more, check out the list below of our favorite pieces from Walmart, and grab your favorites in time to give your home a refresh for spring.
Shop this article: Phantoscope Pom Pom Velvet Series Decorative Throw Pillow, Better Homes & Gardens Indoor Carved Mid-Tone Brown Wood Decorative Dough Bowl and KUETH 5’x7′ Area Rugs for Living Room
Refresh your home for spring with these trendy-yet-affordable home decor pieces from Walmart
Phantoscope Pom Pom Velvet Series Decorative Throw Pillow
Velvet furniture is super trendy right now — but if you can’t invest in a whole furniture piece, a throw pillow is the perfect way to get some of this luxurious fabric into your space. These cute two-packs come in nearly a dozen colors.
Better Homes & Gardens Indoor Carved Mid-Tone Brown Wood Decorative Dough Bowl
Store fruit, mail, your keys or anything else that needs a stylish home in this decorative carved wood bowl.
KUETH 5’x7′ Area Rugs for Living Room
These area rugs are low maintenance thanks to their low pile — and the fact that they’re machine-washable. Choose from eight available patterns to match your home’s aesthetic.
Neutype 32″x22″ Aluminum Alloy Wall Mount Rounded Corner Rectangular Mirror
This mirror will add light and subtle gold accents to any room — plus, its curved frame design is soft yet striking for an accent piece that’s sure to impress.
Crystal Art Gallery Round Woven Paper Rope Multicolor Wall Art Set of 3
Each of these three woven paper rope décor pieces is 12 inches wide. Arrange them on the same wall or hang them separately.
DR.Planzen 4 ft Artificial Olive Plants with Realistic Leaves and Natural Trunk
This 4-foot artificial olive tree has silk leaves for a realistic look. It comes in a black pot that you can place in another, more decorative container.
Mainstays Ombre Velvet Plush 50 X 60 Throw
Cozy up in this plush velvet throw blanket, woven in an ombre pattern that adds a subtle pop of color to any space.
Yanwe1 Ceramic Vases, Set of 2
These vases are a fun way to add modern, abstract art to a bookshelf or table top. This set of two gives you two sizes to arrange.
Thyme & Table Stoneware Serve Bowl
This dotted stoneware serving bowl has a gold rim that gives it an elevated look, along with a wide design perfect for serving salads, pasta and many other dishes.
Better Homes & Gardens Gold Modern Geometric 5″ x 6″ Tabletop Sculpture
Need a gold accent for your coffee table or entryway console? This geometric tabletop sculpture lends just a touch of visual interest to any space.
Better Homes & Gardens Large Natural Poly Rattan Open-Weave Round Basket
This large, open-weave basket is the perfect place to store throw pillows, extra blankets, magazines or anything else that needs to be organized, but not necessarily hidden away.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Are you all about saving, spending, or do you hide your head in the sand when it comes to personal finance matters? This money personality quiz helps you uncover your money style. That, in turn, can be a way to learn about your strengths and weaknesses and manage your cash that much better.
Each person handles their money in a unique way. Some people are laser-focused on saving and building their nest egg. Others believe that money is there to be spent on fun and satisfying purchases and experiences. And still others would prefer to look the other way when talk turns to 401(k)s and IRAs.
By knowing your money M.O., you can take steps to enhance your financial status. Ready? Read on for the details.
What’s Your Money Personality?
Steady Saver
Did the money personality quiz say you’re a steady saver? That likely means that you are well aware of your monthly budget and how much cash is coming in and going out. In addition, you are probably following the standard financial advice to save at least 10% or 20% of your take-home pay.
You may well be investing that in a 401(k) and getting a company match and putting funds into an IRA, too.
You are the kind who may have multiple bank accounts, with savings for various short- and long-term goals, such as the down payment on a home and your toddler’s future educational needs. Heck, you might even brag a little to friends and family about how much you have socked away.
Overall, you have some very impressive financial habits down pat. Keep up the good work. However, are you missing out on living your best life? There is the possibility that you may be overdoing it and being perhaps a tad too rigid. Does saving for Junior’s college fund mean the family can’t take a vacation for the next 17 years? Check in with yourself, and make sure you aren’t overly focused on your future goals.
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Super Spender
To cut to the chase, you love the things that money can buy. Nothing wrong with that! Omakase dinners at that new Japanese restaurant, the perfect new dining table, the latest mobile device, and baby’s first Disney vacay: There are plenty of things that your income can buy that make daily life delightful and memorable.
But when you see money as simply a conduit for experiencing the best here and now, you are likely risking a couple of very important things:
• You may be incurring debt.
• You may not be planning for your future.
• You may be succumbing to lifestyle creep vs. building wealth.
So here are some steps to take:
• Consider whether you are saving towards the important milestone goals that many people aspire to, such as the down payment on a home, a college fund for your kids, and a healthy retirement account.
Meeting with a financial advisor may be a wise move to get you on track for saving for these aspirations and perhaps learning more about the fine points of investing.
• Take a look at your budget, or make one if you don’t yet have one. Among the various budgeting methods is the popular 50/30/20 rule, which says to put 50% of your take-home towards needs, 30% to wants, and 20% towards savings and additional debt payments.
• Check in with your credit card debt. You don’t want your balances and credit utilization ratio to get too high. If you find you are facing challenges, consider a snagging balance transfer credit card offer, using a lower-interest personal loan to pay off credit card debt, or working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency to reduce your load.
The Money Shunner
If the money personality quiz indicates that you’re a money shunner, it may mean you are not comfortable with financial matters so you choose to look the other way. Many people feel stressed when thinking about money, whether because they don’t think they are good with numbers or they don’t have a solid base in personal finances (after all, you probably didn’t sit through a budgeting basics class in high school).
But if you tend to avoid money matters, you could be missing opportunities to reach your personal goals and gain a sense of security.
To gain financial literacy, you can dip into self-education. Your bank may have a library of content, or you can try well-respected books, magazines, newsletters, and podcasts. You might also take a class, whether in person or online.
In addition, meeting with a financial advisor could be helpful.
You may also want to pay more attention to your budget and understand your income and how much you’re spending and saving. These steps can help you make friends with your money and get it to work harder for you.
Recommended: Getting Back on Track After Going Over Budget
The Takeaway
A money personality quiz can reveal what your relationship with your finances is like. It can help identify whether you tend to be focused on saving (perhaps too much so), spend a bit too freely, or don’t pay enough attention to your cash. By tweaking your approach, you could build your financial literacy and wealth. Making sure you have the right advisors and banking partner are other important facets of this.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
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FAQ
What are some common money personality types?
There are different ways to categorize money personalities. You may see ones that use the terms spender, saver, and avoider, among others.
How do I know if my money style is too much about spending?
Typical signs that your money style involves too much spending can be having a large amount of credit card debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and not saving enough (or at all).
If my money style is a saver, isn’t that good?
Saver can be an excellent habit and can help you reach your financial goals and be prepared for whatever comes your way. However, you likely don’t want to go overboard and should enjoy your earnings as well.
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