by Rachel Garner

Created on: October 22, 2009

Let's face it, keeping a job in this economy is never guaranteed. What do you do when you lose your job, or you can't even find one to begin with? The easiest path is to start working for yourself. There are a number of ways that you can stay at home and still make a decent amount of money.

The first is surveys. Everyone has heard of them, but you have to be careful. You must look for legit websites that don't want you to pay any money up front. You can join as many as you want, and overtime if you take every survey they have to offer you can bring in some pretty good checks.

Another secret is crafts. You don't have to be creative to think of a craft to make and sell. I personally crochet blankets and sell them on line for about $40 each. You can learn all different kinds of stitches really easily, and even different colors that the person can choose. Even if you go on craft supplies stores they have plenty of craft ideas that you can look up and learn how to make for free. Once you find some that you love, just buy some supplies, make a sample of each, take pictures, and find a place to start a free website.

Then you have to learn to advertise. I did this by buying free business cards from www.vistaprint.com (all you pay is shipping and handling) and going to little stores around my house and asking them if i could leave cards up. Also, joining craft fairs at local schools and churches is a good way to get your name out there.

If crafts or surveys aren't really your thing, then what are you good at? If you have a talent, the best way to fight this recession is to pursue it. It doesn't cost a lot of money if you just make some samples and then find good ways to advertise it for free. The more effort and time you spend actually getting your product out there, the more likely you are to start selling your product. I realize that many people don't believe this will work, but having that kind of attitude will get you nowhere! Being your own boss is the only way you can guarantee keeping your job, plus I promise the stress in your life gets a lot better, and being able to spend more time at home is amazing. And when it is all said and done, I promise that you will feel so proud knowing that you did something to provide for your family without any help

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