Side income vs. Full / Time income

I've only earned about $300 in 4 months of work, so while I've enjoyed earning revenue through eBay, it hasn't generated the results I hoped for. Meanwhile, conditions at my full time job have deteriorated to the point where only my boss and I remain in a department that was once 7 people. So with a choice between replacing my full time revenue source (which may be in jeopardy as more restructuring will definitely come in the new year) and earning some extra money on eBay, I will need to focus on my career right now.

In the past, I've usually been forced into job changes when my employment ended. This time, it really needs to be my decision. (If I wait too long, it may end up being otherwise.)

However, my wife has suggested that we partner with someone who can get things sold on eBay more quickly, which seems like a good idea. Posting books for resale is simple since stock photos are often available and shipping is also easy. But selling other types of items takes more time to photo, resize and upload and also take longer to pack for shipping.

Our home refinancing in early November took some of the pressure off, but we clearly don't want to use this money to make up a difference between revenues and expenses. My wife's business has also ended the year strongly. But it is clearly up to me to do something about a work situation that seems to continue to be getting worse, not better. Staff that have been hired during my two year tenure have already departed. I had hoped that things would improve with time, but it's getting a bit embarrassing that I'm still there.

My wife and I also still hope to take the plunge into investment real estate. Despite the recent slump in home prices, there are clearly some areas in the US that are still worth investing in. Having read the books and attended seminars, we just need to get started.

As we approach the end of 2006, we still have quite a distance to cover on the road to financial freedom. Let's all make 2007 successful, both personally and financially and, most importantly, by maintaining good health and peace of mind.