Summary

The article encourages readers to pursue financial independence through online work while maintaining integrity and a sense of community.

Abstract

The author, reflecting on personal experiences post-job loss, advocates for making money online with a focus on ethical practices and mutual support. The piece emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing, expressing gratitude for one's audience, and prioritizing the well-being of others in the digital space. It suggests that success on platforms like Medium should not be measured solely by financial gain but also by the positive impact one has on fellow writers and readers. The author encourages creating meaningful content that stands out from the crowd and highlights the value of sharing personal stories, offering help, and engaging in genuine interactions.

Opinions

The author believes in the importance of using one's own voice and ideas, even when leveraging AI tools, to maintain authenticity in online content creation.
Gratitude is seen as a foundational practice, with the author keeping a document to express thanks for their followers and community members.
There is a strong emphasis on thinking of others, suggesting that writers should aim to encourage and support their peers, not just focus on personal gain.
The concept of "leavers" versus "takers" is introduced, with the author advocating for leaving behind more value than one takes from interactions on the platform.
The author calls for meaningful, helpful, inspirational, or encouraging content that differentiates creators from the noise of repetitive money-making advice.
Personal anecdotes and experiences are valued as a way to connect with readers on a deeper level, rather than just following generic writing advice.
The author expresses a desire for a writing community that prioritizes integrity and purpose over sheer financial success.

I Hope You Obtain Financial Independence with Integrity

Make money online without losing your soul in the process

Since losing my job, I’ve been active on LinkedIn. That platform is filled with folks like me, who’ve been let down time and again by employers and who are tired of the daily grind that offers little job security.

It seems like every other person on LinkedIn is starting their own business: freelance writing, coaching, recruiting, or resume writing.

I don’t blame them. It sucks to give 8–10 hour days, mental and physical energy that could be spent elsewhere, to a company that has no regard for your well-being.

Is that why you are here writing on Medium?

If it is, it’s important to note that we humans can turn anything into life-sucking, life-draining, and take what we thought was our dream life and turn it into drudgery.

Here’s how to write on Medium, pursue your online digital career, work from anywhere, be a digital nomad, and make your financial freedom dream come true without losing your soul (assuming you care about not losing your soul, in which case keep taking soulless advice from the writers who only write about making money on Medium so you will read their articles so they can make money on Medium).

Do it with a heart ❤️

AI is helpful. We’re all using it to generate ideas and lists and refine titles. But, please, use your own words. We can tell.

Express gratitude 🙌

If you have 20 followers or 20,000 followers, I hope you are thankful for each one. I keep a document by my computer that reminds me to practice gratitude every day before I commence work on a project or platform. I whisper a prayer of gratitude and blessing for each woman in my Facebook group, each member of my membership, each follower on Medium, each buyer on Etsy, and each subscriber to my email list.

Think of others as much or more than you think of yourself 🤝

Sure, we’re all here to make some money, but some writers are here to dip their toes into the water, learn to write, and find encouragement from others. Think about how you can give someone else a leg up, a high-five, or a supportive comment that might be the thing they need to keep pursuing their writing career.

Encourage and support others 👏

It may be tempting in the short term to take, but I encourage you to be a leaver. Leavers are those who leave behind more than they take from an exchange with others.

Do you clap after reading a story and leave a heartfelt, authentic comment? Do you respond to the comments on your stories? Do you share good stories you’ve read because you believe they are worth sharing or only to get noticed by a big name on this platform? Motives matter.

Are You a Leaver or a Taker?

Our culture, our planet, our futures depend on the answer

medium.com

There are many who I could call out on this platform that I call leavers. I apologize that I can’t name them all, but here are some who’ve made my journey more pleasant and who go above and beyond to leave more than they take.

Sharon Hillam always leaves thoughtful comments, responds to prayer requests, gives a shout-out to other writers, and even takes the time to talk with me on the phone to discuss her success with Substack. 👏

Katharine Trauger reads my articles and poems and thoughtfully responds, letting me know that she is in my corner. 🤝

Lori Wangler takes so much time to craft a meaningful article, giving great value to the reader. Every one of her articles is deep, well-researched, and refreshingly unique. Lori is a kind responder, too, and always leaves more than she takes. 😘

Christina Piccoli is offering advice about Medium, but she’s authentic, and her content is helpful. She also answers responses to her email! 🙌

Are You a Leaver or a Taker?

Our culture, our planet, our futures depend on the answer

medium.com

Write something meaningful, helpful, inspirational, or encouraging 🌟

What do you have to offer to this online space that differentiates you from the noise? The internet is a crowded place these days, and many of us seek places where we can quiet our hearts and engage in creative pursuits.

Frankly, we’re tired of scrolling past article after article telling us how to make money on Medium or score 2,000 followers in two months.

Tell me about your life, what makes you get up in the morning, the tragedy you fought your way through and came out stronger on the other side.

I want to read about your most embarrassing moment (here’s mine), the first time you climbed a mountain, and the shelter dog you rescued.

Inform me about the latest information on self-care, nutrition, or real estate trends. Tell me tales of bravery, historical oddities, or the best vacation destinations.

Cry, pound your fists, get sassy, please anything other than the “secrets” we already know: write regularly, create compelling headlines, reply to comments, interact with other writers, and keep it concise and flowing.

Boom. There are the secret tips for writing on Medium. Now we can move on to more interesting things.

I wish you well on this platform. I pray we all make the income we need to keep pursuing our purpose and to keep following the path with a heart. And I sincerely hope we all achieve financial independence without forfeiting our integrity.

~Lead with love, Mary