- Richard Lambert is a resume writer who gets most of his work on Fiverr.
- He charges around $85 for a basic resume and has earned over $1 million annually as of 2020.
- His house and vacation property are paid for, but he works every day.
This essay as stated is based on a conversation with Richard Lambertowner of Lambert Resume. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I grew up in one middle class family in a small town. When my mom opened a savings account for me at a local bank, I loved watching my savings grow in my passbook.
I started asking very practical questions, like how much does a front door cost. I was shocked at how expensive things were compared to what was in my savings account. This gave me a feeling, even as a child, that I had to buckle down and keep my nose to the grindstone.
My father it didn’t teach me much about financebut he always taught me to show up for work. I certainly did it. I haven’t had a day off since 2016.
I started writing resumes on the website Fiverr in 2014, paying about $45 each. Today I charge about $85 for one basic resume and more for other services such as cover letters. As I put in more work, the algorithm rewarded me, especially after I earned more than 25,000 five-star reviews. In 2022, I made $1.1 million writing resumes. Now, approaching 40, I’m a multi-millionaire with two mortgages paid off.
I paid off my house, although I could have made more investments
Even before I hit seven figures, Fiverr was influencing my life. In 2020, I was a millionaire. Although I hate to say it, the pandemic was really good for my business. My net worth has only grown since then, but I still think of myself as a millionaire baby.
In 2017, my wife and I were in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. I was worried about what would happen to my wife and daughter – who is now 6 – if I died. Although my wife works, I feel a strong urge for her I provide financially for my family. So much falls on mothers when it comes to caregiving, so as a father, I think, “If I’m not providing financially, what am I doing?”
After the accident, my wife and I decided to pay off our house. At that time, mortgage rates were lowand surely I could have made more money investing in the market. One of my rich friends kept reminding me of this. But I liked the peace of mind knowing that if anything happened to me, or this income stream suddenly disappeared, my wife and daughter wouldn’t have to move.
I made a deal with the devil
Work-life balance just doesn’t exist for me. I made a deal with the devil: I have a wonderful income, but I have to work every day. I haven’t had a day off since 2016, including the time I was in intensive care after that motorcycle accident. That’s the nature of this business. You must be responsive to customers.
At the same time, I have some flexibility. I don’t have set hours so I can pick up my daughter from school. I’m at every school play or play she has. But I am constantly working outside of those times.
I am willing to spend for my family
I am conservative with how I spend my money. A large portion goes into retirement accounts. I bought two rental properties but sold them (for a small profit) after the motorcycle accident. I realized that being a landlord wasn’t really passive income.
I drive a 20 year old Lexus. I bought it because I like its vintage appeal and because it gives me some fun.
I am willing to spend money on some things, mainly for my family. My wife drives a new Volvo XC-90 and I love knowing that she and our daughter are safe in it. Last summer we bought a little lake house in my town. We had a mortgage for a short time but paid it off within three months.
I’m not flashy, but I value genuine connection with my close circle of friends and family. I enjoy summers on the lake with my daughter, tubing, boating, and spending time together. We have a Jet Ski coming for next summer. Summer at the lake wasn’t something I was allowed as a kid and I’m glad I can give it to her. Already, the memories we made there are priceless.
