My increases were mainly achieved through changing jobs. While I typically did get raises while staying at the same company, it never really compared to the raises I got when changing jobs.
I’m only now (again) looking more into diversifying my income. Sure, a blog is one way to go (and I’m also into that), but it really is a slow starter and more often than not doesn’t take you very far income-wise.

I’m actively looking into gradually easing back into the freelancing world. I’ve done that with considerable success next to my studies a couple of years ago, so I can’t really see what would stop me from going down that road again. The only difference now is that I’ve got some constant bills (and, sigh, debt) that requires a steady stream next to my freelance ventures.

Kristen

You’ve been very lucky if indeed your income has always gone one way: up. Mine peaked about 10 years ago, but after several layoffs, i had to settle for work at a lower salary, and i’m just now at the level i worked at, salary-wise, 10 years ago. I take much of the blame for that myself.

However, i did receive generous inheritances from my late grandparents, and there was one year i cashed out stock options that were worth about a year’s worth of salary at the time. I invested most of all these windfalls.

For the past 5 years, i’ve modestly added to my base income with freelance writing working in an industry i used to work in full-time. I leveraged my contacts in that field, and while i don’t think i could make a go of it full time (tried it for a year) it has continued to offer extra $ on the side. But, i’m not a machine and so i’ve had to scale back the freelance work while i work my f/t job.