Take Charge of Your Financial Future

“What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.” Henry David Thoreau

I said it before more than once — and you may be tired of hearing it. Nonetheless, I need to say it again: You can’t rely on your employer to take care of your financial needs.

If the business you work for fails, you are going to be out of a job and on the street. And even if it doesn’t fail, a faltering economy will put your financial prospects — even if you are a key employee — in jeopardy.

I’m a big believer in working hard for your boss, in giving 110% to the business, in thinking about business first, etc. But you can continue to do those things while you do something else on the side.

What I recommend you do is create your own side business while you are working for someone else. That way, you don’t have to worry about going broke while your business is getting going. And you always have the option to either continue to make the side business an evening or weekend thing or to eventually quit your main job.

Between the programs that we have developed at ETR and those we endorse that are offered by the American Writers & Artists Institute, you have the following “second-income” opportunities available to you right now. (I’ve indicated, next to each one, the range of compensation you can fairly expect — assuming you become successful and work full time.)

  • Travel Writing: $15,000 to $60,000
  • Consulting: $60,000 to $300,000
  • Direct Marketing: $150,000 to $1 million