Instead think of creating your own job where you're the boss. You can make your own hours and control your clientele - which is something a lot of people can't do these days. There are plenty of jobs that you can create for yourself and do OK.

1. Dog walking: I knew a lot of people who have done well with this one. This is a great job if you love man's best friend and the outdoors. A lot of people are too tired to take their little woofies out after work but it needs to be done. You can walk, run and exercise those dachshunds and schnoodles, Also you can also become their pet sitter when owners take a vacation. This job is a good one for parents and kids to do together. I used to work with a man who got his tween daughter involved and they were a huge success. Other pluses are that you can show your kids how to do books, keep client files and have job responsibilities.
2. Cat sitting: This is sheer heaven for any cat lover or even cat owner. It's not even really sitting. It's just looking in on kitty when his or her pet parent is away or at work. You just have to feed , clean the litter and play with Whiskers. Sometimes the cat just wants a lap to sit on or someone to scratch his or her ears. This is the perfect job if you've just been laid off or just newly retired.
3. Make up artist: If you love cosmetics and are always renovating your friends faces then this is the extra for you. You can make big bucks with bridal parties, sweet sixteens and even beauty pageants. Put flyers in your local beauty salons as well to generate customers. Worried that you can't afford the high end stuff like the pros? Don't worry. There are also enough beauty supply stores out there to help you with little extras like brushes, cotton puffs and eyelash curlers.
4. Child minder:This is a no brainer if you love kids of any age. A lot of parents have to take on a second job or overtime to make ends meet. There are a lot of kids who are going to spend nights alone. Why not step in with a hot meal and hugs. Besides it'll make both your nights go faster and you'll even have a second family to love.
5. Accountant: This is timeless second job that's been around for ages. Yet if you're good with numbers you can easily help smaller business owners out with their own books. You can also tutor accounting to college students having problems with the subject.
6. Tutor: Another tried and true freelance gig guaranteed to bring in the big bucks. Some tutors are making thirty bucks an hour and have as many as five to six clients a week. Anyone can tutor even if your only strength is English . There are many immigrants out there who would love to learn the language from any English speaking person.
7. Handyman: If you love fixing and painting things then consider this job. My friends' fathers have literally made this their second career. There are always people out there who need a roof patched, gutters painted or a kitchen painted. This is a perfect set up if you live in an area with a lot of elderly or first time homeowners (who are clueless about home repair ). You can also include shoveling the driveway and walk during the snowy weather too.
8. Freelance gardener: Any outdoorsy gardening type will love this job. You can mow lawns during the warm Indian summer along with tree trimming and leaf raking. Another plus to this job is helping homeowners rip out what's left of their summer gardens and turn over the earth. You'll do very well with this freelancing gig because a lot of people are can't afford high priced landscapers right now.
9. Freelance writer: This has its' ups and downs but it's fun. You can do OK with internet writing but be judicious with the sites. Some pay well while others only give you money only for the number of hits your articles receive. Remember that you can also write up resumes, PR kits and company brochures for much better prices. You can also be a newspaper stringer (freelance reporter too) if you want to see your work and name in print every day.

Don't panic if you love any money or your job during these hard times. There's always a freelance job waiting for you. You just have to decide which one you want and then go for it.

As I’ve gotten busier, I’ve realized that I need to be more organized keeping track of things. I’ve finally developed a system that keeps me on track.

I have a series of folders on my computer. Each folder has a specific purpose. I needed something to help me keep track of goals, projects, submissions, and how I spend my time.

Here is my system in greater detail. Each heading represents a folder. Within each folder, I have separate documents for each month. When the year ends, I close the folder out and start again for the next year.

Expenses

I need a way to keep track of my expenses. In the past, I’ve put my receipts in odd places and lost them. Now, I keep an envelope for each month to put receipts and then log the expense right away in my spreadsheet. I have an expenses sheet for each month.

Earnings

I now have income coming in from several different sources. Now when I get paid, I log the amount. I have a separate folder in my filing cabinet to save any check stubs. However, I mostly get paid electronically.

Business Journal

I keep a journal because I like to know how I spend my time. Each day I work, I log what I do. Sometimes I log how long each activity takes. This helps me remember that time really is money.

Business Goals

It is also important to keep track of my goals. I have long term goals and short term goals. The journal allows me to set the goals and log my progress.

Query and Submissions Tracker

I have a spreadsheet set up for each month. I use this spreadsheet to keep track of any queries, submissions, or pitch letters I send out. I also save a copy of all the emails and documents I send.

Projects

I have multiple projects going on at any given time. I keep a file now where I list the projects and due dates so I can be sure to prioritize.

Mileage Tracker

Most of my business happens in my home. However, when I need to get office supplies, meet with a client, or check my PO Box, I log the miles in the car and then transfer it to my spreadsheet.

Business Plan

I like to update my plan every few months to keep me focused. I keep it accessible so that I can refer to it often. The plan helps me analyze the competition and figure out that year’s game plan for success.

But there is a lot more to freelance writing than just writing novels, poems, and short stories. In fact, as a budding freelance writer progresses, they may realize that the need to supplement their income with other things such as writing for magazines and for businesses. They also need to treat their career as a business.

But not all writers have the same path. Some are content to work a full time job and just write stories on the side. Others desire to be self employed and try to find ways to make that happen through writing. No one path is the same and that is why it is important to find yours. Here is some advice that will help you find your own writing path.

What Do You Read?

A good first step to determining what you would like to write is to take a look at what you like to read. If you read poetry, you may want to start writing poetry. If you are fond of fantasy novels, that is a good place to start. Find books or classes that will help you learn how to write in these genres and go for it!

What Are Your Goals?

As mentioned, some writers want to make a living. That means they may need to do some writing they don't particularly enjoy such as writing news releases for businesses. If making a solid living freelance writing is your goal, this is a fine option for you.

Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish with your writing. Turn those statements into goals and save the list. After you are in business for a month or so you can stop and evaluate. Are you on track for reaching your goals?

Jump In

Sometimes the best way to decide on your writing path is to jump in and try a few things out. Write an e-book, a novel, or some poetry. Did you like any of these more than others? Did they help you meet your goals? If not, move on and try something else.

A lot of freelance writers find that their careers are always changing. Goals change. Writing niches change. The sooner you embrace this the better off you'll be.

But what comes next? Realize that though you made the decision, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed. Sometimes it can take a few years to build up your business to the point where you can make a solid living. The most successful freelance writers are the once who never gave up. With that said, there are some things that every writer needs to do. Here is some advice that will help you start your freelance writing business.

Do Your Research

The research stage is a crucial element of starting your business. Read books on how to write. Find magazines that will tell you how to be an effective business owner. Discover what types of writing you would like to do and read up on how to do it.

Though this is a crucial step, it is easy to overdo it. Some people spend years researching how to start their freelance writing business to help them make less mistakes and be more successful. This is fine, but in reality, experience is the best teacher. The sooner you get started, the quicker it will lead you to success.

Have a Plan

If you have a business, you will need a plan. A lot of writers fail to understand that they are a business and the service they are selling is their writing. And like all businesses, if you do not do some initial planning, it sets you up for failure.

A business plan can be an intimidating concept, but it doesn't have to be. Basically it outlines what your goals are and how you will achieve them. Unless you need to get a loan, it doesn't need to be elaborate. There are plenty of resources online or in books to help you learn how to write your freelance writing business plan.

Get Set Up

After you write your business plan you will need to get set up. Will you need an office? How will you organize and file your papers? What about keeping track of your earnings and expenses? The more organized you are at the beginning of your career, the easier it will be to succeed.

If you need help figuring out what to put in your office or creating a filing system or bookkeeping system, you can easily find information online or in a business book. If you want extra help learning how to start a business, you can also take a class through your local college or community center.