A Shocking Comparison: Earnings of London Beggars vs. Writers
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Earnings
When you reach into your pocket, remember that as a freelance writer, making close to $100 in a month is often a challenging feat. Like many content creators, you may find yourself earning only $10 or $20, despite publishing numerous stories. The algorithms can be unpredictable, resulting in high external views that unfortunately do not translate into earnings, as Medium compensates based solely on members' reading time.
Section 1.1: Surprising Income of London Beggars
You might find it hard to believe, but it's true. Having lived in London for several years, I've witnessed that many residents enjoy a relatively comfortable lifestyle, often without significant financial strain. Numerous individuals own homes, while others can easily afford spacious rentals.
Have you ever thought about your highest earnings on Medium? Is it $100, $500, or even $1000? In stark contrast, beggars in London reportedly earn significantly more than most writers. On weekends, they can be seen earning approximately £200, a sum many writers would find elusive even in a month. During weekdays, it's common for a beggar to collect around £100 daily, leading to potential weekly earnings of £900 to £1000. This suggests that a beggar in London could make as much as £4000 monthly.
Now, let's convert that £4000 to USD—it’s about $5000. I’ve never come close to achieving that amount on Medium in a single month. The reality is that many writers on this platform are just trying to get by, celebrating when they reach $100 by month’s end. It’s bewildering to see them share their success stories and offer tips to others.
Section 1.2: The Value of Our Efforts
We must acknowledge that earning $100 to $500 monthly is a meager return for the effort and dedication we invest. Medium has its budget constraints, which can lead to curators bypassing stories that might otherwise go viral. As freelance writers, we continue to produce fresh content, hoping to sustain ourselves.
Chapter 2: Professional Beggars vs. Professional Writers
Professional writers typically hold degrees, whether they are native or non-native speakers. This education equips them with the skills to create readable content. In contrast, there are no academic requirements for becoming a professional beggar. While the two professions differ significantly, it’s crucial to highlight that the earnings of an average Medium writer fall far short of a London beggar's income.
Of course, most of us can't just become beggars, and many of us don’t even reside in London. However, we must confront the harsh truth that our hard work often yields little reward. One can only hope for a change in the Medium landscape in the future.
In the video "How Much Do You Make Begging in London? - Homeless Man Answers," a homeless individual shares their experiences and earnings, providing insight into this surprising reality.
In "I Will Teach You to Be Rich | Ramit Sethi | Talks at Google," Ramit Sethi discusses financial independence and strategies for achieving wealth, contrasting the experiences of writers and beggars.
Will you consider abandoning writing to pursue begging? If you’re looking for more updates, feel free to join our newsletter and our Facebook group, Write To Inspire.