Dear Zach,
Entering 6 months of working as freelancer, I've never been more freer than I was previously with a full time job working over 10 hours to hit end-meet. I was struggling in the beginning. My income was 50% less than what I earned in my previous job, but I believe it was a stepping stone and each stone is hard to be stepped on. I tried not to be pessimist about the basic income I earned throughout the first 3 months.
I earned a license to teach group exercise class, since then things got better, with the extra income from providing massage service, I was able to cope with the expenses monthly. I would have to say I really do enjoy giving massage for men. And the income is lucrative and easy money. When I put down my shame, money starts coming in.
Now, my income is basically up on par to my previous job, except that I am on my own terms and flexible with my time, I got to spend some time in my hobby and interest which I try to make it as a business.
I have committed myself a 3 years bank loan to purchase a new car. And that is a whole new level of burden I am starting to experience. I roughly have to pay RM600 a month of 3 years of RM20K loan. This is life.
My sex life is still ongoing great, just so you know.