by Sharon Cullars

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 11, 2009

There are many ways to make yourself more marketable and you don't necessarily have to go to a brick-and-mortar school to do it. For starters, basic lifetime skills and hobbies can easily translate into jobs and careers. If you already have a knack for certain things, like fixing electronic appliances, designing or sewing clothes, cooking/baking, gardening, or even thorough housecleaning, you can find businesses that can use your skills, or better yet, you can create your own business and find your market.

But what if you want to expand into areas where you're not so adept? Well, there are a number of options you can look into to develop new skills. The billion dollar self-help book industry is constantly adding to its library, and you can find books on every hobby and skill there is to learn. If you are a diligent reader with enough tenacity and drive to learn on your own, this is by far the most cost-effective way to gain a new talent or hobby. A whole series of "Dummy" books (i.e., "Internet for Dummies") will take you step-by-step through various disciplines and skills, and the best thing is that you can go at your own pace, re-reading those steps that are confusing, and enjoying yourself in the process. You can find many of these books at discount book stores or at your local library.

Don't overlook local flyers and newsletters that offer one-or-two day courses in everything from computers to dancing. Not only can these be fun diversions, but if you take a few courses in an area like computer web design (especially those courses that offer certification), you will find that you have expanded your resume and can offer your skills to potential employers or open shop in your home office.

Online classes are another avenue to pursue expanding your skills. Distance learning allows you the full benefits of a classroom within the convenient comfort of your home office. Some classes are affiliated with universities and offer certifications and even degrees. But be wary of signing up with any online class. Make sure that the class is affiliated with an accredited school; otherwise you're simply wasting your money. Look for classes that are reasonably priced and won't bust your budget. Also, check the credentials of the particular instructor for your class; you want to be sure your instructor is an expert in his field. Search for classes that offer comprehensive guides and thorough step-by-step tutorials. Also find a class that offers one-on-one tutoring, so that you

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