Just because the news in today’s world seems to be filled with stories of unemployment due to layoffs, firings, and companies simply closing their doors, doesn’t mean that we curlies have to sit back and accept the status quo.
In today’s technological market, there are things that you can do, not only to enhance your income, but to enhance your lifestyle as well. Even if you are not technologically savvy, you can find freelance opportunities everywhere. It all depends upon what you love to do, or how you can parlay your current skills into a new endeavor.
We know you are a curly-headed go-getter, so don’t let that unemployment check, or lack thereof, get you down. You have skills and you have talent. Now is the time to see where you can take the world, instead of where the world will take you.
- It’s all about words! So many people say, “I should write a book one day,” and hats off to those who actually do. Other people simply say that they wish they could sit at the beach and write for a living. Of course, this takes some training, not to mention focus, which is why many people think of writers and editors as possessing a degree. While it is true that a degreed writer or editor can make a fantastic living in the freelance world, a curly with not-so-much training can also succeed in this area. There are a number of companies that hire writers to write content for their websites. Your job is simply to write or edit to their specifications. While this does take some time and patience, when we curlies put our mind to something, it gets done, and it gets done well. Performing a simple search on the Internet and applying to several companies can land you the perfect gig to supplement any other income you might have coming in. In addition, the harder you work and the more focused you are, the more this will lead to a rewarding career that you will never want to give up. If you haven’t caught on yet, I’m saying that your dream life at the beach, writing for a living, is absolutely in your reach! A little research and dedication will get your toes in the sand sooner than you think.
- Teachers can live it up! The economy has been stripping our wallets dry and tearing at our heartstrings. The most recent escapade that has us worried for not only our home life, but also our family’s school life, is the laying off of teachers and the large class sizes that come along with that. However, teachers are just as savvy as we always thought they were! Many are taking their love of teaching and children to the domestic world, offering their nanny services along with personal, one-on-one teaching. If you have teaching skills, then, with the right attitude, you can parlay those skills in to a paycheck, and even a nice resume booster! Taking on one of these positions will allow you to teach and make great money. In fact, in some states, you may make more money than you would in a classroom full of children! Take that, state budget cuts!
- Become a mystery shopper. Most of us curlies have heard about companies that hire people to go into businesses and “observe” the customer service. But, like me, many of you have probably ignored those emails and marked them as spam. Heck, cleaning a possible virus off your computer costs money that you don’t have. However, the position is absolutely real, and the best news is that you do not have to pay anything to do it. The good people over at Volition will give you a free list of companies to which you can apply and begin making some extra cash right away. As a mystery shopper, you will enter businesses and enjoy a shopping experience. When you are finished, you will go home and submit a report on your findings. This is a quick way to make a few dollars and obtain the possibility of getting some free clothes, free dinners, cocktails, merchandise, or even a much-needed hair cut for your curly locks.
Graphic Design from home is one. I myself do it full-time or part-time depending on the time of the year. I set my own hours and take as many clients I want. This type of career gives me more control of my life (NO Boss), make the type of money I want and allows me to do all the things I want to do, without punching a time card ( THIS IS NOT to offend anyone who does punch a time card……..we all got to start somewhere.)
This is a great post. Like the opinions mentioned in the post, I didn't think that mystery shopping was anything legit or serious but now that I have been suggested websites on this post, I will check it out for some fun funds.
www.Classcie.com
great piece/tips 🙂 thanks ladies in the comments for the links to diff sites that have worked for you!
Vonnie of Socialitedreams.com
A friend of mine suggested mystery shopping to me. That's how she makes her "fun money"
I've recently got certified and launched my personal coaching business and it's going really well for a new venture.
xo
Dani
www.okdani.com
Mystery shopping can be great if you use the right agency- one that doesn't charge you. I've been doing it for a few years. Check out www.customerserviceexperts.com I enjoy working with them. Always nice to have spare cash for family fun!
Focus groups set up by marketing companies. You can see what's available in your area, or nearest city. Bear in mind, that some only call when there is a product that is marketed to you. So if the product is pampers, a non-parent would most likely not be part of that group.
Also, not all educators fall into #2. Special education, and speech therapy for example, (depending on the region / area) are shortage areas. I work with LD students. Special educaton runs the gamut of abilities and disabilities. Of course schooling is required, but for some with education backgrounds, you may be able to start working with some additional courses. Check wth your state's education department to see what the requirements are.
Another shortage area is nursing. Again, requiring education and training. Check to see what grants are available and worse case scenario if you need a school loan, consider it an investment in a critical medical area. I believe that nurses can be RN's with an associate degree, although many have bachelors and higher. I stand corrected, so if someone has more accurate information,, please share.
I've done mystery shopping before as well. For those looking for information on it, the MSPA is a great place to start. www.mspa.org. I would agree it was great for some flexible part time income. If you were a reliable and consistent shopper, I found I was often called for last minute shops where other shoppers weren't able to keep an assignment. Most times those assignments were accompanied with bonuses for completion. Just remember you can be successful at anything if you put forth the time and the WORK!
Good luck!
www.naturallynita.blogspot.com
@ anonymous I was not commenting on your statement there was a statement before yours that I was commenting on that stated if we seriously consider it a career and that even in the article it was stated that its meant to supplement your income. In referencing negativity it was directed at that statement as well. I was saying that in all articles that I read meant to enhance or provide information there is always one person, not you, that focus on one statement instead of the gist of the entire article.
@kenasipoy
I don't think I was being negative about mystery shopping. I said that it was fun, a way to earn some extra pocket money, but probably not something that can be depended on as a source of steady income. Those are facts. Where's the negativity? In fact I love mystery shopping and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a try.
I make extra money by completing free surveys and also product testing. I created a list of free legitmate programs on my website at http://EarningFreeMoney.com. Now I don't make a whole lot of money doing this but it helps pay some of my bills!
Mystery shopping sounds like a lot of fun. Just too bad I'm too young to work. I'm 13 and I recently just started my own blog a few weeks ago. It makes me feel just the teeniest bit independent, knowing I'll be making money off of it.
Where can I learn more about mystery shopping? I'm a graduate student so every little penny helps.
Not being harsh but that is in the title of this post. Careers to ENHANCE your wallet not fund it entirely. They are offering advice for those who want to do more to get some more income and of course there must be the anonymous few who have the negative to say about it.
I agree with the above post. I do mystery shopping sometimes. I enjoy it, but I can't depend on it as a steady source of income. It's just something I do for fun, and for a bit of extra pocket money.
Are we honestly calling mystery shopping a career now? I did it. It was fun to get some free meals and such, but I'd hardly consider it a career.
I would like to know about being a mystery shopper? Can I get some info about that? Thanks!
Great post! #2 is where I'm at currently, but seeing how to repackage those skills!
I will def have to check out her book.
Peace, Love and Chocolate,
Tiffany
Thanks for this Curly Nikki! As a matter of fact, I think I can write! I will take Kim Kirsch's advice and start seeking, since I so love blogging!