Thursday, January 21, 2010

Shake Yo' Money Maker

With a 5 month old, I've been making it my goal to find a way to earn a living (or at least hold off on completely depleting our savings) that allows me to have a flexible schedule and prevents us from shelling out money we don't have on childcare.

Having complete faith that the hubs will find work before the funds run dry, I am focusing on things I can do to supplement his imagined salary.

In line with this thinking, I've begun to compile things I enjoy doing and things I do well (or at least well enough to get paid).

Clean: Alright, former roomies and family members. Get the jokes out now. I'm fully aware of the messes you had to live with care of me. Despite that fact, I am actually good at cleaning when I want to be. You can't be my mother's daughter and not have that skill. And people will pay you to clean for them. So hey, why not me?

I have no qualms about being someone's maid. At one time I cleaned an office every week for extra cash. Cleaning when someone is paying you is actually fun in a way. Instant gratification. You clean something dirty and the results are there immediately. Time invested pays off right then and there.

Write: I love writing. Obviously. So, while I will continue to do this blog for the fun of it, I have already begun to explore writing options that will get me paid. The first in a series of children's books is in the works, I'm freelancing for a foodie magazine in the spring, and exploring other opportunities.

Photography: I'm no professional. But I'll be honest, I've seen people who advertise their skills in this department who are no better. And they are getting paid. So, I'll be putting a little portfolio of work together - wedding, engagement, editorial, baby - and working on taking more photos to add to it. (Volunteers for some photo shoots? :) )

Some Mexico shots that I'm considering for the portfolio:







Teach: Or more specifically, tutor. I enjoyed teaching when I worked as the Tech Ed teacher at a private school. I also enjoyed it when I was teaching adults as a Software Specialist. So, the most flexible teaching option, with the greatest potential for regular income would be tutoring.

Time to brush up on that Calculus. (Kidding. It's unlikely I remember anything of use to any student on that subject. I would probably set the poor kid backwards. I do remember some Latin, though...)


This is not to say that I have no plans on returning to the world of spreadsheets and PowerPoint. I'd do those just as willingly so long as I can do them from my home. But I've learned its good to have lots of options.


Currently Listening to: Jonas crying because I won't let him have my laptop. (I'm such a mean mommy)

10 comments:

  1. Hey! have you ever looked at the website Etsy.com ?
    It is great and you could sell your pictures on there! They are beautiful!

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  2. Thanks for the suggestion, Kellie! I have seen etsy but never thought of trying that. I'll have to take another look :)

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  3. re portfolio:
    1: yes
    2: no- good photo, but the sign makes it a no
    3: maybe- good, but not as good as 1
    4: yes
    5: definitely
    6: yes

    I am an old friend and current "lurker" and have seen your photos here before. You are very talented.

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  4. Thank you for the feedback, mystery old friend! Especially the bit about the sign...I hadn't thought about that.

    And thanks for the compliment - its so nice to hear.

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  5. Hey there...so, yep, this is the 'new normal' for so many people, eh?--this pondering how to make a living with the uncertain economy...talent and 'trust'!! hang in there--your friends in Tucson...(love the photos...and I agree with the 'lurker'--hmm, who could that be?)

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  6. Thanks, "friends in Tucson". I am all about trusting that things will work out :) Miss you guys tons.

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  7. Can't you do some computer wizardry on the sign??

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  8. Haha. Yes, I am sure that is something I could figure out if I owned the right software. Alas, being broke means not having it.

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  9. Love the ideas for employment.Your pix are fab as my husband & I can attest for my bro's wedding & my engagement pics. Count on me if someone wants references. I'm confident that you guys will find a solution. I'm glad that you have more of this time w/ Jonas now. They grow so fast. D

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  10. Anonymous "The Lurker" that is. :)
    Computer wizardry would change your title from 'photographer' to 'graphic artist'-- for the purists out there anyway..

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