Part-time businesses
(Okay, so maybe this particular baker works 24/7)
In today’s market, debt relief is sought by almost everyone. People have tapped into their savings, withdrawn from 401(k)s, and slashed budgets to find extra cash. Consumer Caren Middleton of South Port, Louisiana said, “It’s not easy to manage. We’ve had to tap into all our available resources and still we’re just making ends meet.” Middleton is not alone because most Americans are struggling to make it through the recession and having a difficult time managing mortgages, credit cards, and bills.
One way to help with the costs is to find part-time work. Some consumers are realizing that part-time jobs are great additions to their schedules. Depending on what type of work is chosen, they can pay for extras and still have quality time for family. Here are some examples of part-time jobs that can be worth the extra effort.
Baker
Jim Lahey founded Sullivan Street Bakery in 1994. He was an avid baker for his family and friends and thought he’d take a shot at making it a career. His business now earns about $6 million annually and is a New York staple in the bread-baking market. He warned potential competitors just entering the market, however, that “Knowledge of cooking is much greater [now] than 20 years ago…the market is more competitive and if you want to develop a cottage industry, the product better exceed expectations.” Baking is quickly becoming a favorite with part-timers. Cupcakes, muffins and bread are all perishable items that people buy often. Baking may afford consumers the additional income they need for debt relief.
Blogger
Blogging is big business these days. Most companies with an online presence have a blog site. Normally, blogs for larger companies aren’t self-penned by owners. They pay freelance writers to maintain a current chronicle of what’s happening in the industry or with the company.
People can start their own blogs in interesting niche markets. For example, a blog on seafood restaurants in New England might pick up steam more quickly than a general blog on restaurants throughout the nation. With blogs, people can spend a few hours a day updating the website and make strides to develop a following. Once that following develops, they can then sell ad space for profit. It’s probably not going to replace a full-time income, but can bring in extra cash to put towards savings, bill payments, or debt relief.
Jewelry designer
Jewelry designers are a new trend in the market. People can start making their own designs and sell them online or consign them to retailers. Many community colleges offer the basic design classes and can show students how to put together various artistic styles of jewelry. The overhead is minimal, with normally only beads, wire, and a few tools are required. Time is the other investment needed to make the business successful. If someone has the time and creativity, the average jewelry maker, according to Labor Department data, makes approximately $30,000 annually.
Pet sitter
Avid dog lovers might want to develop pet-sitting businesses. People can consider walking dogs during the days and possibly offering grooming and training services. Also, boarding animals overnight can be an added bonus for pet owners who travel frequently. Developing pet sitting into a lucrative part-time income is one of the easiest ways to start a business. According to Economic Census data, the average annual sales for pet sitters are $22,183.
Part-time work
There is an endless variety of part-time jobs that people can delve into. They should consider their strengths and passions and see what type of service of product matches their skills and interests. In the end, bringing in more money for debt relief or savings will give industrious people a big advantage when it comes to financial planning.
