Making Money from Home as a Disabled Vet: What’s Working for Me, What’s Not

Introduction: A New Battle After the Military

After leaving the military, I thought the toughest fights were behind me. I was wrong. The real struggle started years later: PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety became my daily reality. A toxic job in education, where I poured everything into teaching, broke me down further. I had to reset my life, not just for me, but for my wife, Kari, and our future. I’m Jeff, a disabled veteran from Arizona, figuring out how to make money from home while navigating mental health challenges. Some days I’m winning. Some days I’m not. This is my honest story of what’s working, what’s tough, and what keeps me going. If you’re a veteran, creator, or anyone battling your own mind, I hope my journey resonates.

Running JK Prints & Gifts: Our Etsy Hustle

Kari, my wife who’s still teaching full-time, and I started JK Prints & Gifts on Etsy. It’s a print-on-demand shop with t-shirts, mugs, and digital downloads, like summer learning worksheets for K-2 kids and a PTSD awareness shirt that’s close to my heart. Every design reflects what we believe in: mental health, self-care, and veteran support.

What’s Working

We’re seeing traction. Customers leave great reviews, and each sale feels like a small victory. Pinterest and social media, especially Instagram and Threads, drive traffic. A constant 20% off sale keeps us competitive, and free shipping on orders over $35 helps. It’s rewarding to create something meaningful together.

What’s Hard

Some days, my brain fog and burnout make it tough to upload listings or post on social media. Kari helps, but she’s exhausted from teaching. Etsy’s unpredictable: some listings get views but no sales, others sit untouched. It’s a slow grind, but we’re committed.

Affiliate Marketing: Small Wins, Big Frustrations

Affiliate marketing lets me earn without managing inventory or customers. I write blog posts and create Pinterest Pins for tools I use, like SaleHoo for dropshipping or Hepatoburn for health. I also promote digital products like InstaDoodle, which align with my goal of sharing smart ways to earn online.

What’s Working

I’m learning what content clicks. My email list is growing with lead magnets, like free guides on starting an Etsy shop. Threads and X give me a small but engaged audience. Sharing tools I believe in feels purposeful, like I’m helping others find their path.

What’s Tough

Commissions are inconsistent: some weeks, I earn zero. Content often feels like it’s lost in the void. Losing my original Pinterest account to a ban for affiliate links was a gut punch. Rebuilding is discouraging, but I keep pushing.

Voiceover Work: A Dream I’m Chasing

Voiceover work is a passion I’m exploring. My teaching background makes me comfortable speaking, and I love the idea of narrating educational or inspirational content. I’m working on a demo, learning to pitch, and figuring out my niche.

What’s Working

I’ve got the gear and the drive, on good days. Practicing feels empowering, and I believe my voice can stand out. It’s a creative outlet that doesn’t drain me like other tasks.

What’s Hard

I haven’t earned a cent yet. On bad mental health days, I can’t even approach the mic. It’s a dream, not a paycheck, but I’m not quitting. Slow progress is still progress.

Content Creation: YouTube as Therapy and Connection

Content creation, especially on YouTube, is my creative lifeline. I run two channels. JeffinAZ81 is where I share motivational videos, daily thoughts, and behind-the-scenes looks at my projects, like building our Etsy shop or experimenting with affiliate marketing. Scars and Steel goes deeper, exploring veteran life, trauma, healing, and raw truths about PTSD that people often avoid. I also create music-driven videos, like sleep content or historical facts with calming AI-generated music, which let me stay creative without always being on camera, a relief on high-anxiety days.

What’s Working

YouTube is therapy. Every video I post, even with few views, proves I’m still creating, still fighting. Music-driven videos are low-pressure and fun, letting me work around my mental health. Sharing my story on Scars and Steel feels like a way to connect with others who get it, especially veterans.

What’s Tough

Growing an audience is brutal. Some videos get single-digit views, and it’s hard not to feel defeated. Editing takes time, and on bad days, I struggle to focus. But this isn’t about numbers: it’s about purpose, and that keeps me posting.

Final Thoughts: Keep Showing Up

This isn’t a “six figures in six months” story. It’s a real, messy journey of a disabled vet trying to make it work from home. Some days, I feel unstoppable. Others, I’m barely holding on. But I’m learning, growing, and showing up, one step at a time.

If you’re a veteran, creator, or anyone fighting your own battles, I’d love to connect. Share your story in the comments, or find me on Substack or Beehiiv. What’s working for you? What’s not? Let’s talk.

Want tips on Etsy, affiliate marketing, or YouTube? I’m no guru, but I’ll share what I know. Subscribe to my Substack or Beehiiv for updates, or visit JK Prints & Gifts. Let’s keep building, together.