We Are Not All Creative In Creating Additional Income Streams

One can’t help but make reference to the pandemic when writing e.g. how to cope during the pandemic, how to stretch your money during the uncertain times, how to make digital platforms work for you in the midst of the pandemic, blah blah blah but I guess given the current situation, it's only fitting.

An actuarial friend of mine requested I write something about how the youth can be creative in creating an income rather looking for job in this difficult economic climate…I thought about it, but I said to myself it’s a bit tricky because firstly the youth is taught to go to school and seek employment. Very few have the mentality or even the courage to start something. If an ordinary young person in South Africa decides to venture into entrepreneurship the thought only creeps in their mid-twenties, the process of bringing that idea into reality probably takes place in their early thirties (depending on how complex and how relevant the idea is) and the business comes to flourish in their late thirties or forties- here I mean a good fully fledged operational business with returns of 5 to 6 zeros right.

Some people have jumped on tick tock, started a “Please share, like and subscribe to my channel” type of income and others have started their own businesses either online or by brick and mortar . And so I could write about a 100 ways to creatively make money during these tough times but it all depends on how badly you want it. Everything under the sun has already been created. Either you build on what’s currently there and you tweak it to make it better or unique, or you start something from scratch but the idea comes from an existing idea.

I could give a list on the different ways to earn income but when you try it, it’s going to be a drag for you and you might hate the process and then the next person will try the very same thing and they succeed in it. Therefore, it then comes down to you and what you want. Anybody can start a YouTube channel but if you are chasing followers, you won’t make it but if you are working on unique content…then it’s not debatable. With whatever it is that you want to start…remember the greatest sportsmen and problem solvers weren’t born great they put in the work and practiced, so if you are to write then write frequently and engage often enough then ultimately you are setting yourself up to succeed.

But I can tell you this right now neh, in South Africa, you honestly can’t go wrong with farming. I honestly believe farming is a good choice, start small…subsistence farming, and grow plants that grow all year round like tomatoes and spinach. You can buy those seeds at the grocery store for like R20 and grow your vegetables, the return is 3x times…. patience is key here though. Looking at global trends, I think South Africa needs to take advantage of the fact that the world is shinning the spot light on Africa and the world is being more receptive to our products and talents. If you can create something that can compete on the world stage, Chile...what are you waiting for? Whether it’s a new idea or you are building from something that already exists. If it can solve a problem in society right now, man you are set for life!

I won't mention ways to be creative in generating income and but I will say that it requires a change in mindset, attitude change, perseverance and discipline to stop looking for employment and start creating your own employment.

But there’s the other side to this. Yes, we can’t all find creative ways to earn an income but if creating something, being innovative and entrepreneurship is something you don’t want to venture into then it’s ok. Some people prefer to apply for jobs and go to interview, it’s ok. If you are happy with your current income and you are paid perhaps a good amount and you are living comfortably, then for sure if there is no need for additional income then it’s ok. 

We can’t all be heroes and we are not all destined for the same destination.