Earn extra money

Some career breakers take on extra work to earn money for their career break. This is not a viable option for everyone, and it requires careful thought.

• What effect will it have on your family? Even if you have no family of your own, there's your mum or dad to consider!
• Do you honestly have the time and energy for extra work? You can't afford to let it affect your day job.
• What is the effect on your health going to be? You don't want to knacker yourself out before taking your career break - that's not the idea.
• Does your employment contract allow you to do paid work elsewhere? Many forbid moonlighting.

If you do decide to go ahead, think about the following.

• Is there a freelance market for what you do? Freelancing does give you some flexibility regarding when and where you work. Try posting your skills on www.freelancers.net.
• If you choose to do freelancing, be realistic about your costs and figure out if it's worth it. Do you need to buy any equipment? Do you have time to find clients, do invoicing and sort out your tax returns, as well as doing the work?
• If you answer a small ad for homeworking (usually stuffing envelopes or similar), don't pay money upfront for anything.
• Make sure you're not breaking any laws (eg charging people for lifts if you're not a licensed taxi).

Here are some other ways to make money.

• Sell your stuff on ebay.
• Be a human guinea pig (obviously, this is not without risks). Look at www.gpgp.net to find your nearest lab.
• Have a Tupperware party! If that's not quite your scene, try doing the same thing with chocolates, cosmetics or even pashminas.
• If you have a spare room, get a lodger. You won't have to pay tax on their rent, as long as it's not more than £4,250 a year. Get leaflet IR87 from the tax office, or www.hmrc.gov.uk.
• If you're a sports fan, you might be able to steward your team's home games. You won't be able to watch much of the match, of course, but you will get paid! Contact your local footie or rugby team (ask for the safety officer).
• Be a 'supporting artist' (i.e. an extra). There's a lot of sitting around involved, and you will probably need a car, but you do get to shout 'look, that's me!' when watching the telly with your friends. www.supportingartists.com has more information.

Now what?