Let’s face it. Independent contracting is getting more and more popular for scientists, mostly because the government is cheap AF. You’re basically becoming a one-person businessman. Being a business owner is WAY different than being an employee. You need to figure out how to pay your own quarterly taxes, get health insurance, and finagle…
Earning More Money
10 Reasons Side Hustles Will Improve Your Life
I’ve been side hustling since I was but a wee tot. Don’t believe me? Here’s the evidence. But it wasn’t until after I graduated college and was really expected to earn a living that I realized the importance of side hustles. I’ve since turned my side hustle into my full-time gig (here’s more on how…
How to Deal With a Government Shutdown
There’s no two ways about it: government shutdowns suck, and suck especially hard if you’re a government employee. In this video, I’ll give you five tips on how to minimize the impact of a government shutdown on your wallet: Notify your creditors/people you owe money to. Explain the situation, and see if they’ll waive or…
12 Disadvantages of Being Self Employed As a Freelancer
Last week my parents were in town. Because I’m the most (dis)organized person ever, I’d taken on more writing assignments than I could possibly finish before they got here. Instead of hanging out with my parents and showing them around a town which I arguably know hardly anything about since I barely get out…
If I Start Freelancing, Won’t I Owe Like A Bazillion Dollars In Freelance Income Taxes?
I’m a firm believer that earning extra cash can change your life like a gold-toothed fairy godmother. Or Oprah. That works too. Earning extra money can be especially life-changing for low-income folks tied to tenuous jobs. As in, any fish or wildlife technician ever. But, a couple weeks ago, a reader brought up a…
How to Make a Money Plan for a Seasonal Wildlife or Fisheries Job
It’s that time of year again! No, not Shark Week. (*slowly puts away popcorn and shark pajamas*). Hundreds if not thousands of people across the Northern Hemisphere are drafting up their resumes and cover letters. If that’s you, you’re probably sending out dozens of letters on a wing and a prayer like the hordes…
The Best Freelance Writer Courses That’ll Teach You How To Earn Thousands
I bet by now you’ve heard me harping about the importance of getting yourself a steady side hustle more than once. So…do you have one yet? If yes -> pat yourself on the back, young padwan. You have done well. If no -> why the hell not???! Don’t make me fish-slap you. I know…
What’s The Best Way To Make An Impact With Your Career?
Do you want to have a positive impact on the world with your career? I do. But what the hell does that even mean? What’s the right way to do it? I am a wildlife biologist by training. I think many people in my profession—and others like it—are susceptible to wanting to have an…
The Money-Making Apps I Use To Earn Hundreds Of Dollars Per Year
I am continuously flirting with switching to a discount cell phone plan. I want to slice my phone bill in half frugal-ninja style. But, when I actually think about having to give up my beloved iPhone, I become as terrified as if a giant camel spider plopped itself onto my lap (warning: do not…
Survey Results: State of the Biologists
I knew I wasn’t the only wildlife biology graduate having problems finding a job after I graduated with my master’s degree in 2014. Now, thanks to the power of the Google machine, I have enough data to confirm this. Last month I wrote an article detailing the problems of finding a job in…