More Bang for Your Buck: Part-time Jobs

WSVN -- By day, Anita Davis Defoe is a busy professional. By night, she's a published author, contributing to several magazines and working on her third book.

Anita Davis Defoe: "I think this happens with all of us. You may have what your day job is, and that's how you're earning money. But inside of every one of us there's some dream, there's some thing that keeps us up at night."

Not only is writing a dream of Anita's, it's also a way of earning some extra money.

Anita Davis Defoe: "It's a combination of some are paid and some I get the gratification from giving."

But if you want the gratification of a second paycheck, first decide how much time you can give.

Mason Jackson: "I would advise professionals to look at their work-life balance first."

Once you strike that balance, Mason Jackson from Work Force One says list what you can offer.

Mason Jackson: "What are your core competencies? What do you have that's marketable? What can you do either as a craft or a hobby that you have or some interest that you can turn into a moneymaker."

One way to make money is by profiting off of your professional skills at home.

If you're looking for freelance work, try the website elance.com. It's a global network that allows people to offer their services to a variety of businesses around the world.

Mason Jackson: "The best way is to let the people know you're available for that kind of work."

But before you venture into the freelance world, check with your employer. There might be restrictions on the kind of work you can do.

Mason Jackson: "The company may own that knowledge as proprietary information, so you have to be very careful about that, both in the private sector and in the public sector."

Of course, you can also turn a hobby into a blossoming business.

Even if a craft isn't popular locally, creating a website can easily pay off.

Mason Jackson: "Even if you have kind of a niche market, and maybe only one-tenth of one-hundredth of a percent of the people might be interested in this product, with the world wide web, you can get that to an enormous market."

Anita has found a market for her talents. Plus in her case, compensation comes in many ways.

Instead of a paycheck, one caribbean magazine even rewards her with free trips.

Anita Davis Defoe: "Do a self inventory and look within, and you can find just many ways that, you know, you can add money to the bank and enrich your life and sense of satisfaction."

Also, keep in mind, if you work from home, you may be able to claim part of your house as an office come tax season.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: lgarrigan@wsvn.com