The most I’ve made in a month as a freelancer is like $5K? And that was from a combination of teaching, speaking engagements & freelance writing assignments. And I’ve been in this industry for 15 years. My bylines + body of work are stellar. Take that how you will.

My cost of living is also low, I have minimal expenses, most of my travel is via press trips so I don’t pay out of pocket for it. I don’t need nor do I have the desire to make beyond a certain amount because my lifestyle doesn’t demand it.

Another important caveat is I often hustle this time of year to have high earning months to compensate for the slow months of Dec + Jan. That amount isn’t a given every month. I don’t set income goals. I write what I want & strategize how I can be paid well for it. Context.

We have to be careful when talking about money & provide the proper context when mentioning amounts when positing them as aspirational or #goals. A lot of people don’t do that. Nor do they account for how *SYSTEMIC RACISM* can affect all of those things. Let’s talk about it.