I must admit: I get totally frustrated with misleading career advice in newspapers and magazines. Journalists are supposed to provide simple, upbeat reports. Career change can be complex. You usually get a positive outcome but you have to invest a lot of time and energy -- and sometimes money.
Recently someone sent me a link to a Readers Digest article:
http://www.rd.com/content/best-quick-cash/
The article describes several opportunities to earn money fast, using skills you already have. These opportunities include become a VA, selling on ebay, entertaining at parties, and mystery shopping.
All of these opportunities are real. But each requires a major commitment to marketing, unless you already have a network in place. One woman who enjoyed juggling was able to parlay her skill into a $100-an-hour party entertainment service - but to get beyond on occasional gig, she'll need a targeted plan.
Mystery shopping sounds easy and appealing. One Seattle woman, said the article, earns up to $200 a month plus goods and services. Well, this Seattle woman visited the website where, the article promised, we could 'sign up.' In fact, after going through several pages and clicks, you can search openings by region. Search -- not sign up! Quite a difference. And after trying a few categories, I got "nothing here."
No free lunch. And skip the articles. Go directly to your own research. And don't trust anyone who promises a road to easy riches.
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