The past few years of my life have felt like an endless struggle...
Living from day to day, never having enough to cover my expenses and living with uncertainty for the future were slowly killing me from the inside. Anyone who's ever been in the situation where they have no promised work or income but have monthly expenses knows what I'm talking about. It can be absolutely daunting knowing that at the end of each month you'll need to have X amount of dollars else find yourself without a place to sleep or food.
Once you've been homeless you never want to go back...
There have been periods in my life where I've ended up laying in the gutter staring up at the stars wondering how in the hell I'd ended up there. I've battled with mental illness nearly all my life and in some instances have been so depressed or manic that normal human functions were impossible. Travelling through the STEEM ecosystem I see other users that share very similar stories, and I'm glad that they've managed to find the platform that's helped me take back control of my future and financial freedom.
For the first time in a long time, I live without fear...
Ever since I've started to dedicate a few hours each day to creating original content to Steemit.com, my life has drastically changed for the better. Not knowing if I'd be able to buy groceries to feed myself or pay my slumlord's monthly sacrifice used to cause me so much stress, anxiety and fear it was at times crippling. I've gone in the course in the past month from not having two nickels to rub together to having enough money to pay this next month's rent and saved up nearly a 1/3rd of what I need to move back into the city where there are more job prospects for me.
Why I stopped powering down my STEEM Power
Given the support I've received here and the fact I no longer have looming financial concerns I can now begin to save up to pay off my debts and start saving up for my first home. One thing that donned on me was that STEEM has a built in Savings account. Initially I was powering down to earn that little extra each week to help offset my expenses. I won't be powering down my account any time soon, Firstly because I no longer need to.. And secondly to show my support for STEEM, Steemit.com and the awesome developers that made it possible.
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Power down or no, keep drawing @klye!
<3 Will do sir! Steemit's been an amazing outlet for my creativity.
Thank you for your support and guidance. You're an asset to the network. :)
There you go again, being super supportive of the newbies. You're a class act smooth.
I do not know... but you should not stop powering down...even if you power up any (liquid) steem you get!
0.2 Steem
Do you see no long term value in STEEM? I personally do.
What sense would it make to power down and then power up the same steempower you just extracted?
Am I missing something here?
Yes, you missed that 102 months is a damn long time...
The best you can do is:
Reevaluate your believes as often as possible - 1% of this investment, each of those 104 weeks, in this case!
PS also read smooth's comment/response to jesta.
Powering down doesn't mean you're selling and cashing out. You can also convert your powered down STEEM into SBD, which earns interest. SP is only one way to hold value within the STEEM ecosystem :)
@smooth the other day in chat said something along the lines of "there's no reason to not be powering down". I've been thinking about that a lot and I agree, at this point, there isn't a reason not to be. You can always just convert it back to SP if you really wanted to, but it gives you a little bit more flexibility and choice each week.
I'm hopeful that I'll be able to add more than the 1/104th to my account every week and still see it's value increase, even while I am powering down. Who knows if that's realistic or not, but I think it's a good goal :)
You do lose a small amount of SP earnings in the time delay between when it powers down and when you power it back up (if you decide to do that). That's a tradeoff you need to make against as you say having more flexibility and choice each week. If you realistically know you just aren't going to cash out, or if your balance is small enough that paying attention to tiny power downs each week is a waste of time, then as an exception to what I said in chat it does make sense to turn the power down off.
Great point. It's likely an inconsequential amount (currently) for the vast majority of people, but something to definitely consider as your account grows.
I'll have to play with the math at some point to see what kind of impact it has on a few different sized accounts.
Thank you for the information above @jesta and @smooth - Much appreciated.
Damn! This was good! And I can totally relate! In my case, manic doesn't even seem to explain my sudden euphoria that leaves me crashing and burning several days later! I think artistic slaves have a much harder time.....in the MATRIX! I'm happy that you're doing so well! Your art has a really vulnerable edge to it! Now I see the entire you, and we are not that dissimilar. I think many of us are in the same boat. However, I never powered down. I saw what was going on, and I am investing everything after I get out of my own debt cave. @klye, this one is for your continued health and prosperity:
rofl. That gif is trippy as hell!
I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. I think I'll start writing more about my personal life now that people seem to have some sort of interest in who I am and how I came to be. It's still very odd for me to transition from joke illustration to having people actually seek out my work. I do agree, most of us artistic types are out there and generally have interesting back stories.. Just a matter of telling them in the future I guess. :)
Are you still manic depressive? We should start a side blog publication called, 'WHAT I DO WHEN I'M MANIC"
I tend to obsess over things, smoke and want to get drunk! Actually the drinking doesn't make me drunk, it calms me down to normal mode.
Being obsessive though, makes for good art and writing................I think it's a necessary deal, oh, and working alone is an odd thing too. I prefer working alone! I don't like people peering over my shoulder when I'm creating something.....
speaking of art stuff...... tonight i built a miniature steemit world in my car, on the dash! Here's a peek. I'm doing a video of it soon....
That's Dan, in the whale carriage, being led by a pegasus, whales, orcas.
He's being trailed by a snake, a dragon and a shark.
I also built an idea medusa. She embodies where the crazy and creative ideas come from:
This is right on the dash, nearest me in my car.
I spent $250 at the craft store and finally was able to buy all the art supplies I needed without feeling the guilt......I haven't bought supplies like this in a loooooong time...
Oooo I think I see myself. I'm the spec of dust... for now. But some day I'll be a plastic sea animal for sure!
You're someone. You just don't realize it yet! I want to start putting names on them, but everyone is morphing into bigger creatures, I don't think it's fair. Dan is THE whale, of course, with all the tiny creatures clinging to his whale carriage for dear life. I'm one of those creatures! Without Dan (or Ned), I would still be having a shitty life! This is the truth!
That was genious! = )))))
We're more than specs of dust.. We are actually star dust. :D
@kyle we are all made of stars...
I really respect how much gratitude you show Dan and Ned. Something tells me if you didn't hit it big here, you'd find a way. You're creative... and a savvy business person. Plus you really seem to want to help people out. Glad you found your niche.
Dan and Ned have saved me from a life of drudgery. I always struggled with charging money for my artwork/videos/writing/collages/photography/graphics. Working at a company just doesn't make a lot of sense, but I am a bad self-promoter. I never made it "big" because I have ADD I think. I change themes/topics/mediums like on a weekly basis. One week I'm designing shoes, the next I'm studying the flying machines of Tesla. I make zero sense in the highly specialized business world. I worked for an inventor once too........that was my favorite job....anyway, I do like to make people feel good. I'm kind of addicted to that feeling. It makes me feel less depressed/obsessive.
This is a beautiful preview! I love that you have this traveling 'altar' so rich with personal symbolism! I love that the shark is falling behind.
Also, I wish I could comment on your other reply (I'll just copy and past it here):
"Dan and Ned have saved me from a life of drudgery. I always struggled with charging money for my artwork/videos/writing/collages/photography/graphics. Working at a company just doesn't make a lot of sense, but I am a bad self-promoter. I never made it "big" because I have ADD I think. I change themes/topics/mediums like on a weekly basis. One week I'm designing shoes, the next I'm studying the flying machines of Tesla. I make zero sense in the highly specialized business world. I worked for an inventor once too........that was my favorite job....anyway, I do like to make people feel good. I'm kind of addicted to that feeling. It makes me feel less depressed/obsessive."
This says everything I want to say. It totally speaks to me! I'm a generalist with interest in art and science and beyond. More often than not, I feel torn apart. I'm terrible at marketing so I haven't been able to carve my own niche and I get so bored at 'a job' that I become self-destructive (manic, depressed, no focus or willpower). It's a terrible spiral. But seeing the work you and klye and the other "cultural creatives" do, and the success you've had in the medium gives me hope. Thank you for everything you do.
your drunk makeup tutorial was funny! I wished you were totally smashed though! then you'd be viral.....Do another one completely drunk, like totally faded.
you will succeed! Dive in, be yourself, your crazy self. The steemit community responds to untamed wild people!
Or a society that thinks all kids should sit still for 8 hours a day. Let kinds have some physical and creative freedom and just watch what they can do!
exactly! Our house is known as the art house! I leave paints and stuff on a table, the kids from the neighborhood stop by, and they start creating instantly. It's natural to create!
Oh yeah. I'm Bipolar. Was diagnosed manic depressive as a child.
I'll save the detail for an article some other times.. It's been a ride so far.
For me it used to all about sex, drugs and gambling when I was manic.
Very little self preservation at times, I've gotten better as I get older thankfully.
My art and creativity buds when I get into manic spells.. It's better than being depressed.
This stuff you've linked above is truly wonderful to look at. Never had guessed your artsy side. One of these days I'd love to get some canvas and paints and do some klye art on something other than a monitor. :)
Thanks for sharing @stellabelle. :)
Edit: Side blog sounds good. Although these days I tend to try and keep myself from doing things that are really out there.... My art and writing is my outlet. :)
I am so ADD. Probably had a behavior disorder in high school as well... so naturally I became a special education teacher lol. I always tell my students with ADD that ADD can be a huge asset if you pick the right job. They think ADD means they can't pay attention. But it's quite the contrary. It means you pay attention to EVERYTHING. That can really come in handy as a teacher or an artist whose mind is racing with ideas. Oh yeah. And paramedics. Lots of paramedics have ADD. Helps them assess an accident scene in a hurry.
I was fine in my teen years, then as a college student I got into art, video feedback, well, everything. I had plenty of weird stuff happen. Also, elation, creativity....I found myself interested in things passionately. Now, I am happy. I get to be myself,.....finally! I have never been to a doctor, and don't plan to! I'm making my weird mind work and it's quite content now. ADD is only a condition if you're forced to live in a stupid, dull society that snuffs out creativity.
I think... you were born for Steemit. Or... Steemit was born for you.
Thank you for the kind words about my makeup tutorial! I'll drink harder next time, I promise! Fake eyelashes and red lipstick and everything!
More & more big whales are powering down. That is the sad fact.
I'm not powering down. Strong hand holding. :)
@steembaby Actually, whales powering down is great for our economy. We benefit the most when there are less whales and the income is more evenly distributed. Right now a single vote from a whale means the difference between life or death for your post regardless of how many minnows vote you up.
If you are a whale powering down is good for the steemit economy. If you're a minnow or a dolphin, powering up is good for the economy.
@klye's all in baby! Let it ride and let the chips fall where they may! Good for you, man.
I view it more of a long term nest egg savings so to speak.
Wouldn't it be nice to write articles and save up for retirement? :)
I definitely don't see any issues with that. And that's what's going to drive Steemit's popularity, and by extension the crypto space as a whole!
Steemit is indeed where it's at man. Wouldn't be the same without the klyeart too!
I try to bring a wee bit of humour to the plate. :)
KLYE IS WINNING!
this is what I do:
I don't power down ever.
I push myself only to cash out new SD.
Whatever SD i don't need, I power up.
Rinse. Repeat.
This is probably a good strategy..!
My Steem Power sitting there feels amazing.
I think as long as I try hard I will be successful here. :)
<3 Stellabelle
Try hard every single day and make yourself uncomfortable.
I want to know who klye really is , like photos!
Steemit is your job now. @cass made me realize this the other day. I am committed to steemit 100%
I think you are original and it was for sure that you will have success. Loving the art you're creating and I'm gonna use those "klyecons"
I'm preparing something for sunday and if you are interested we can talk more,I would love your contribution. I'm no whale but I think this is irrelevant You can check the teaser here: https://steemit.com/tech/@gaitan/atmos-be-ready-and-stay-tuned-write-and-win-check-this-out-to-begin
Regards,
Thanks gaitan. I try to bring my own spin to STEEM.
Will check out your article. :)
Proud of you for finding something you truly enjoy and can make ends meet with. :)
Also, it's hilarious how accurate your self-portrait is. :P
Thanks love. It's all to build a better future for us.
Absolutely. Invest in the places you love. I've never had the experiences I have here anywhere else, i.e. Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, etc. I'm never going back except for the occasional check-up with in-person friends.
I spend next to no time on any other social media site anymore.
Steemit is THE place to be. No other platform comes close.
nice post :D Klye keep up :D
Thank you bhutoijo. I look forward to more work from you as well. :)
Great work Klye! You are an inspiration! good luck in the future!
Thanks Jed! Appreciate your ongoing support of my work. :)
Very happy for all your success. And I think your decision to keep your Steem Power will benefit you financially in the future as well :)
Instead of powering down I'd much rather hold onto it long term and continue to create content for our network.
My vote is almost worth a whole $0.03 now.. I can't wait until I have the ability to help others simply by upvoting their hard work, as others have done to me. :)
I am genuinely happy for you @klye , good luck with whatever you choose to do in the future , and stay happy and strong!
Much appreciated Tiff. Steemit's allowing me to take my balls back and financially support myself and the projects I've got on the go. Still a long ways to go before I consider myself a success but feels like I'm on the right path.
Best wishes to you Klye :) I'm still low on power but hopefully with the help of others I'll get there
Keep trying xcode. It took me multiple tries before I had an article that actually got notice.
Great. I'm glad things are improved for you so much and you feel more secure. I think a lot of us are looking at this as a long term thing too:)
I'm confident in STEEM and my ability to deliver content that people are interested in seeing.
I've also had TONS of people commissioning illustrations lately, I feel truly blessed by the support.
Hi, this type of post helps us stay focused and never give up, thanks for sharing.
If I can find some success here. You can too.
I'm no superhero, Just a weirdo that draws things out. :)
yes, thanks for being so inspirational, I wish you the best of luck.
Power uptucks, not powerdowns.
Uptuck and Clench!
Bite the pillow, i'm going in STEEM
Glad Steemit is turning things around for you Klye! :)
It's been a hell of a battle man.
Starting to look a lot better now.
It's true. I love that the basic foundations of the platform encourage a career type approach. part of the work you can receive in short term, the rest is put towards your future and ties it to the future of the platform. Kind of ingenious. I am where you were earlier (some financial concerns) but even so I have powered up some of my early steemdollars. I like the idea of a quality post generating an amount I can take out if I choose, and another part that has far more value building up as a form of "retirement".
It is truly awesome in that sense.
As for the future of crypto you can never be certain.. But I have pretty good feelings about it.
Same. Can never be certain for sure, but tying the steempower to a two year payout changes the game a bit. Hard for someone to make a bunch of cash and then walk away with just half of it. It ties the individuals interest to future success by generating more content that was liked, generating more revenue. Anything can fail, but I love that aspect of it
Nice good job Kyle! I have never once powered down yet! I am invested fit the future!!!!
<3 acassity. Onwards and upwards for us.
What an amazing turn of events for you @klye! We tend to torture ourselves during tough times, often thinking we worthless. But your creativity, talent, and hard work managed to capture the attention of people all over the world. How cool is that? Enjoy your much-needed breather!
No time to breath sadly... I still have lots to do!
I did take yesterday off though to spend with the GF.
Always be closing!
Awwww klye for first time you are an adorable cunt <3, I'm very happy it helped you out, been a while but cryptos finally took you back up. I know you will succeed with your shits i just hope it goes asap :).
I got a lot of work ahead of me still before I'll be happy.. But it's a good start!
so pleased it's made such a difference to you. at the moment i'm throwing all my earning into powering up the way i see it if it goes pear shaped i've only lost time and had some fun along the way.
That is a great way to look at it phoenix. :)
Thanks for the free icons, klye. Signature art at its best!
No problem! I'll try and add more to the end of my posts randomly. :)
Heil Kyle! Mein Idol!
Hail sulev! Thank you sir.
Hey this isn't a shitpost.
Have to switch it up to stay fresh!
I'm glad to see others investing in the platform. I keep finding it harder and harder to reinvest my profits. That money is tempting, but I think the success of the platform is much more exciting than the instant cash :)
I agree. It's only a matter of time before bigger corporations start looking at this platform.
Future potential of the platform is huge. Glad to be a part of it early on.
Awesome! I love this post!
<3 thanks man
Thanks for the icons!
You are welcome han
This is such a smart move! You would have regret doing otherwise. Try to spare your SP as much as possible! Oh and keep your posts in that direction! You sure should talk more about your life! You seem to have accomplish great things!
I've only powered down to see if it work now I too am hoping to save what I earn here.
So happy for you that you have been so successful on this steem!
Steem Power rules!
Very great, I wish you all the best and keep going!
I never even powered down. :-p
uptucked... drinkin box wine... hope i don't upchuck
You're a brave man bacchist!