I found GCC about a year ago after I plowed through MMM and getting into an ER mindset. It's really hard getting started but I think I'll get there eventually.
I think my biggest hurdle is trying to get a higher income while being the average person. I got my degree in criminal justice (terrible move, I know) and I'm not specialized in anything so I'm kind of stuck in this position where I don't know what to do and right now I'm an entry-level office worker with no room to climb up.
Anyway! You and Winnie are a huge inspiration and I hope to hear more about your travels
Hi Jan, thank you kindly
Side hustles can be a good way to get started, but many of them are still trading hours for dollars. That's good if you can make hundreds per hour, not so good if you can only make minimum wage.
But, $100 can mean a lot at the beginning. That can come in part from side hustles and in part from cutting expenses. Then long term the ideal is to have something that pays you even while you sleep. So you might trade hours for dollars to build up a cash reserve, which you then turn into an income stream (somehow.) The exception is if your side hustle is building a business.
For some ideas of side hustles, take a look at these 2 sites:
https://www.sidehustlenation.com/http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/ways-to-make-money/ (interesting list of not-so-common ideas)
The ROI on going back to school is more complex, I think, as it can be great if you are planning on a career... less so, if you want financial independence in the short term.
Hopefully that helps a bit. Just remember people have "made it" from all different income levels and via many different approaches. Good luck!