10 Ways to Work It on the Side

My biggest mistake was not buying a duplex or four-plex while I was an employee. I never thought of it. It seemed out of reach. I could have even gone in with a friend or two. Could have bought in another state. Since living in the shoulda, coulda world is a surefire way to spiral down into the sink hole, I don't suggest it. Check out some of the things below. One of them will capture your attention. Diversification is the name of the game. You've got to be taking care of yourself - that's your main business. Explore different revenue streams and opportunities to augment trading your human sweat for faux security and a predictable salary.

Don't quit your day job. Start with small baby steps. Incremental consistent steps are more sustainable than jumping off the high dive.

• Soloist: Go it alone; do what you do now but a la carte. For example, head hunter, PR, sales rep, personal trainer, masseuse, caterer, virtual assistant, to name a few.
• Consult: Offer your experience/expertise to companies or individuals.
• Content Creator: Freelance writer, speaker, filmmaker, web-caster, ghost blogger, online brand manager.
• E/M Commerce Seller: Sell products or services online.
• Public Speaker: Talk about what you know and get paid. Work inside corporate and industry specific or with Jane and John Q. Public. (Read Speak and Grow Rich by Dottie Waters).
• Teach: workshops, continuing ed, technical schools.
• Assist: Offer necessary services others can't or won't do. A la carte services like V.A. (Virtual Assistant) or bookkeeping, editing, organizing.
• Independent Contractor: Work doing what you've done in the past for an employer without benefits. You can work for several companies simultaneously and be very competitively priced and have more free time.
• Inventor: Create Something. License or franchise the formula. (See www.smallbusinessopportunity.com or www.franchiseforsale.com).
• Buy and Manage: Real estate, landlord, franchisee, small business owner, investments. (My girlfriend manages her complex as her day job AND she pitches film projects in between - smart cookie she is!)