Recently I was speaking with a co-worker whose youngest son is attending college. Last fall he needed some extra cash and dutifully looked for work; but like many at this time in our history, he was unsuccessful. Finally after some disappointment and frustration he decided to put out fliers to do yard work. Before long he and a friend were as busy as they wanted to be and making quite a bit more money than they would have in a job.
Remember, if you are out of work, perhaps what you REALLY need is not a job; but money and the things money can buy.
Many years ago I taught an intense six week seminar on finding a job, making money, and turning your life around. It was called the New Opportunities Workshop and averaged about 18 hours a week for six weeks. The workshop was developed initially for single adults with disabilities; but eventually included many single parents, all receiving financial assistance of some kind or another.
About half way through the workshop we would do an activity where everyone would brainstorm in small groups about ways they could bring in some extra cash. Just $50.00 in the next two weeks. There were no constraints and when the groups reconvened to share their ideas, they had thought of plenty of ways to make the money…invariably including some which were illegal. Brainstorming is supposed to be lighthearted and fun, opening the mind to possibilities, so that was OK.
After the brainstorming we issued a challenge and told everyone that if they could somehow make just an extra $50.00 (or more) in the next two weeks, without it being from a relative by doing something legal and ethical, we would match the $50.00 (if they made more we only matched the $50.00). Almost everyone found a way to bring in the extra $50.00. Some even created and grew small businesses out of the effort.
Through the course of the workshop, about 1/3 found employment, started a small business, or just found ways to bring in the money. About 1/3 ended up receiving some kind of disability assistance and about 1/3 moved, got married, or we just lost track of them. Of those who found ways to make money, many had never worked before. The activity opened their eyes and their minds to the possibilities and power of making money.
You can do the same thing. Get together with a small group of friends, or perhaps even just one other friend…or make comments below. Start brainstorming on things you could do to just bring in an extra $50.00. You don’t need to make it a big amount to start with, start at just $50.00. Then go do it. Give it some time to work. If it doesn’t work at all over the next couple weeks, try something else. Even in this rough economy, there are still things people want or want done, there is still some money out there to pay someone to do, make, or find and sell it, and perhaps you are the person who can fill than need…and make the money.
One more thing…sometimes you can even fill a need the other person doesn’t even know they have right now.
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