How to Create a Second Income

If you’re serious about earning a second income then take a long, hard look at yourself and think about what skills and talents you have, what interests you, what you can offer to other people without the need to make a major financial investment. The point is to make money not spend it, so you have to assess your resources – you! To help you along the way, here’s a few ideas to throw into the mix.

• Many research companies use people working from home to conduct telephone surveys and research. Call centre work is a major source of employment and call centres are always looking for part-time employees.
• Ironing may not be the most glamorous job and lots of people hate doing it or simply don’t have the time. So if it’s something you don’t mind doing, then providing an ironing service would be a relatively easy way of generating a second income and would allow you to work from home – you can even watch television while you work! Payment is usually per bag, per item or by the hour, and most people would prefer their ironing to be carried out in a non-smoking home. Depending on the quantity of work you take on, a professional iron would be a good investment.
• Many small businesses and sole traders need support staff but can’t afford to employ someone fulltime, and virtual assistants have become very popular in recent years. The type of work you might be required to do includes call handling, taking messages, typing letters and emails.
• If you have children you might consider becoming a childminder. You will need to obtain formal qualifications to provide this service, but it’s a job that works well around family commitments.
• Direct selling and party planning are sociable and fun ways to earn a second income, ideal if you like mixing with lots of people. Holding parties will naturally take up your time in an evening, so if you have children you’ll need to enlist the support of family and friends to regularly hold the fort.