gRAPHICaNATOMY

So does this mean you should never have a job?
No. You can learn something in some jobs. I now work as an artist. And I’ve held jobs in various art- related areas. Everything from cake decorating, to picture framing, to color mixer at a printing press to web design and so forth. I stayed just long enough to learn something and I will say that all that experience has helped my art career in ways I could not have guessed. And I’m also glad that I never stayed in one for too long.
And of course they do bring in some money. Some. Remember J.O.B. = Just Over Broke. And you probably need some of that money. Just don’t get too dependent or attached. Don’t ever think you are stuck there and that is your only option.

What has worked best for me to have Multiple Sources of Income. This way if one thing doesn’t work out, I’m not totally at a loss.
And that’s what I recommend to anyone out of work, or unsatisfied with their current situation: Multiple Sources of Income.
When you only get paid for the time you sit at the desk or stand behind the counter you run into problems. You either have to beg for a higher hourly rate or have more than 24 hours in a day.

1. Online stores can sell for you 24/7 around the world. Now this may take some set up and forethought. You have to figure out WHAT to sell. If you have a lot of clutter you can do a sort of yard sell on eBay/Amazon and take care of two problems at once.

2. There is some money in writing. Write for magazines and blogs about what you know and care about. Write a book. Get a book deal. Or bypass the publisher and explore the world of self- publishing and ebooks. These books can be sold online. (for example: http://www.graphicanatomy.com/book.php )

3. Similarly there is “print on demand” for t-shirts, calendars, and other accessories. Come up with a few good ideas and use something like café press or spreadshirt. You can sell them online and advertise them through your writing. (for example- notice the shameless self promotion here- http://www.graphicanatomy.com/store.php )

4. Or just make stuff and sell it- like soap making, webdesign, duct tape wallets whatever interests you. Just do stuff and sell it- like dog walking, babysitting, catering again whatever interests you. I once rented myself out as a Native tour guide to Welsh tourists wanting to explore the East coast. Be good at it and they will come. You can sell the goods and services online, blog about them and make t-shirts with your logo on it. It all works together and you are your own boss.

5. Intellectual property. That one great idea you have. There will still be work to do and there will be red tape, but you can make money with just an idea.

6. One you become an expert at any of the previous five. Become a Consultant. An expert in your field who teaches others. Write books, blog, etc.

7. Investing. A lot of people make money this way with the stock market. If you are willing to do the homework, you can get your money to work for you.

8. Real Estate. Again I hear a lot of other people talk of how they can make money at it. I see loads of ads for real estate seminars. Somehow I suspect many of them make more money charging for seminars than they do in the actual real estate market. (rather than spend money on a class consider library books on the subject) You can make some money at selling and renting property.

Notice I say SOME money. I’m not promising any get rich quick schemes. Be wary of anyone who does. Don’t listen too much to anyone person but get a feel from everyone. A few of these ideas can add up to a decent living. And there are more ideas to earn money than these eight. But hey, look around, do some thinking. You won’t have to depend on a job.

I would also recommend that you use the utmost ethics in business. Your reputation should be golden. And you should be able to look yourself in the mirror. You can earn money by helping people, not using them. Be generous and give them what they want if you can. Turn down money from difficult customers or people who are trying to rip you off. And if at any time it stops being fun, find another way.