Hello!
Can anyone think of some side jobs or businesses - or names of books that list them - for someone who's more of a thinker than skilled with his hands?
I'm looking for something that doesn't require certification or qualification. So, things like carpenter, mechanic, computer programmer, pharmacy technician, etc. are no-go.
I lost my job two years ago and haven't been able to find full-time work since. I'm a business writer (one of several skills I do have) and a former middle manager.
Thanks, kindly, for your advice. I welcome all sincere replies. If I can ever return the favour, I will.
- Stoosh
P.S. I visited Amazon.com but there seem to be few books directly related to what kind of jobs one could learn quickly that would provide some income (or barterable skills) pre-collapse and post-collapse.
I know the feeling, had been out of a job for over a year. With all the hats that I have worn, you would think that I would be able to get a job other than security guard. But London area has been hit hard with job site closers, it's an employers market.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
Over the years I have done a lot of my interests and turned them into "companies".
Plaza maintenance
Lawn maintenance
Handy "person" - anything from house painting, putting in fencing, building decks, retaining walls, refinishing furniture(picked up pieces left out for garbage & fixed them up to sell them)
Did craft shows & booths in flea markets with stuff I have made
Taught sewing, computer, written how to manuals for computers based on what the individual customer wanted or needed
Since I don't know what materials or skills that you have I can't really suggest how you can go about it.
I have a bit of advice, although it's not really what you'd want to hear.
As far as a mechanics job, don't overlook starting at the bottom in a shop. Doing oil changes can teach you a whole lot about doing some work on your own vehicle, thus saving a whole bunch of money sometime. For example, I started out in a Canadian Tire garage before getting an auto service apprenticeship. At CT, they want you to 'fish' for work. So you'll be taught to look for common maintenance and light repair work. It sucks to sell it, but the experience can lead to saving you money later yourself and possibly being able to do the work yourself too. I worked in a fairly decent shop, so quite a bit of what I found I got to work on as well. More experience, as well as more money (it was a flat rate shop - I got a half rate, so I made some hourly wage and I got a reduced flat rate wage).
I guess this could apply to any 'certificate' job.
Runs With Scissors
Runs With Scissors
If you are any good with computer you can try something in that route. You could do many things like learn C++ coding, or host your own website and work from home.I was thinking about starting my own website of some sort. Most websites have sponsors that pay a monthly "Lease" if you want to call it that, That would be a source of income. How much all depends on who you get as a sponser. Alot of people are scared to go that route but there are templates all over the internet that can get you started. I have buddies that have sites that they started and have running for about $400. That included the website and gear to start it all up. If you used a third party host somewhere like godaddy.com to host your website you would be paying them fees each month. But if you have a extra computer laying around you can use that to host your website. I just finished school for computer networking so if you are serious and you have any questions give me a shout and I can help you if need be.
http://www.freelancewriting.com/freelance-writing-jobs.php
http://www.freelancewritingjobs.ca/
These won't make major $ but the odd job here and there has helped pay the bills for me a few times. 🙂 Good luck!
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your ideas. Lots of good stuff.
Warmest regards,
- Stoosh