Do you ease off when you get success?

[webvideo4u]

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I posted earlier asking how much time people spend on the Internet in an average day. Most people seem to spend around 12 hours a day on average.

I'm thinking that many of those that posted earn a good sum from their websites.

Do newbies spend more time online trying to succeed? Do those that start making a good sum start to re-claim some of their life?

[getvisible]

to be honest I've done chuff all work in the last couple of months, apart from issuing invoices etc. Its my choice, I could have grown my business more but felt taking a back seat for a couple of months will conserve my energy and allow me to do things I wanted to do, so next year I can go all guns blazing.

I'm doing enough to keep me happy and enough to still make a decent tax contribution.

My view is that I work to play, not live to work

Was speaking to someone in london today, they're in the cold surrounded by people in suits that probably hate their jobs. Whilst I was sat on the beach in Barcelona having a great time and I've worked for it. Half of those suits, if they knew about affiliate marketing and had the brains and balls could be in the same situation as many of us. Its just luck, timing and application.

So for me yes I'm earning more and working less, but only for now.

[KieronD]

Originally posted by webvideo4u
Do those that start making a good sum start to re-claim some of their life?

Like GetVis I too work to live and not the other way round.

When I was first starting out I used to leave the house around 7am, come home at 6pm then do paperwork admin etc to maybe 9pm or 10pm with only a short break for tea inbetween. Then I would work hard on affiliate stuff until 2 or 3 in the morning. This really burned me out after almost 2 years but it did pay off as I was then in the fortunate position to pack in my real job to concentrate on affiliate marketing full time.

Now, I "work" on average somewhere between 5 and 10 hours a day but I hardly call it work as I am sitting in my study at home doing something that I love doing and that is earning me money. Then again some days I don't work at all and some days I work 18 hours a day. I guess the beauty is I can do what I want when I want and not have to worry about it.

The best thing about doing affiliate marketing is the vast amount of money that is out there to be made (after all it is still quite a niche job to have) and the freedom that working hard and finding success can give you. So although I spent almost 2 years busting a gut and not having much of a life I now have a great lifestyle that allows me to concentrate on the really important stuff like spending time with family.

Cheers!

Kieron

[renegade]

I'm constantly struggling with myself over whether to work harder or work less. I've deliberately signed myself up for classes which take me away from my desk but in this game we can work whenever we like so my sleep pattern is screwed - but then again it always has been - just one more reason affiliate marketing is perfect for me. Interesting dilema to have though...

[km8]

Well I think the replies so far have been quite encouraging.
I expected everyone to say "No, you just keep working harder because now you know what can be done."

My own experience is that I do spend less time working as the income grows - but I am much more productive. So in reality, I spend less hours but get more done - if you follow my drift.

Personally, I was heavily motivated to make enough to be comfortable, but I find I'm less motivated to own a yacht/ferrari/tropical island.

So I'm still driven to grow my income into the Prime Minister bracket, but it doesn't have the same draw as being able to pay the bills.

[getvisible]

So I'm still driven to grow my income into the Prime Minister bracket

I'm not being cocky here, but why aim so low! Do you know how much he earns and how much crap he's gotta deal with. A person sat at home doing a few hours a day can earn more than most plc directors with a fraction of the stress. Aim for the stars!

[Wardy]

Originally posted by km8
So I'm still driven to grow my income into the Prime Minister bracket

In 2002 (can't find it for now) he was on £170k (he was on 101k in 1997) so once you reach that level perhaps aim for George Bush or something

Cheers
Wardy

[Matt Seigneur]

I agree with km8's comments as I've found myself doing exactly the same thing... and the time freedom is absolutely fantastic!

My own experience is that I do spend less time working as the income grows - but I am much more productive. So in reality, I spend less hours but get more done - if you follow my drift.

[smn2]

Hi,

At the moment, I do a 8-6, Mon to Fri and I do 'ok'

My aim is to 1) work less (but earn more) and 2) enjoy what
I do more

So, I'm <b>envious of</b> (not the right word - <i>pleased for</i>, is better) UKOffer

Now, I "work" on average somewhere between 5 and 10 hours a day but I hardly call it work as I am sitting in my study at home doing something that I love doing and that is earning me money.

This year, maybe I've focussed a bit too much on doing the
hours - as in a conventional job - and too little on earning the
money. My income dipped badly, mid-year, but has recovered
and I do intend to adopt getvisible's attitude and 'aim for
the stars'.

I'm sure if you worked like a maniac all the time you'd earn
more, but by stepping back and rewarding yourself a little
I think you will end up working smarter, and enjoying your
life more (which should be the point of the exercise).

So, big congratulations to those who have 'made it' and
are enjoying the fruits of their labour - inspiration to us all



Steve

PS I intend to move to Barcelona next year, getvis - any
recommended areas, or are you just there for a holiday?

[getvisible]

PS I intend to move to Barcelona next year, getvis - any recommended areas, or are you just there for a holiday?

It depends what you're after really. I'm looking at Barcelonetta which is the beach bit, but if you want very easy access to shops and bars etc try Les Rambles or the hills out the back for a bit of a quiter life and the views.

[supahoopsa]

Since I left my "full time" employment a few months I have been working 2-4 hours a day (Mon-Fri). Leaving plenty of time for everything else I want to do with my life.

As for earning levels, I will (hopefully) exceed Mr Blair next year and even better I dont get the blame for everything bad that happens to anyone.

[ProCash]

The more successful you get the more harder you have to put in to make that success last and become even more successful. More money more problems

[Jeff]

I've always found it difficult to motivate myself. I'll regularly spend several weeks doing no real work, just checking stats.

Earlier in the year my earnings dropped to a level where I thought I might end up having to get a 'proper' job, but that motivated me to spend some more time on my sites, and my earnings have increased again, which has led to another period of complacency.
I think I need someone to give me a regular kick to make me keep working!

[999gi]

Jeff - sounds like you need an employee

You can just sit back and do what you want and fire the occasional instruction at them. (well thats the theory anyway!)

[John]

I've eased off to an extent this year, after taking on some staff and setting up offices for them to work from. I'm still putting in a fair few hours every day, but am able to actually take some time off when I want to without stopping progress.

I've chosen to continue to work from home, and just pop into the office once or twice a week... It does come with a brand new set of hassles that a one man band doesn't have to worry about, but it does mean that the company is getting into a position whereby it's running itself with very little input from me.

I'm planning on stepping back even further in 2005, enabling me to look at other projects and take some decent time off (including my first full fortnights holiday without internet access in 4 years)... Oh and of course I'll be taking some Golf lessons in early 2005 too!!