How to Earn Cash When “Company Policies” Cost Your Job

By Aden Tate

Let’s say you’ve recently been coerced out of your job because of new company policies you’re not willing to comply with. Let’s also say that finding a job right now is impossible. It’s not that the positions aren’t out there; it’s just that every other company out there has recently instituted the same policy you are trying to escape. You’re now looking for a way to earn cash.

Sure, bartering for what you need is always an option, but you can’t barter for your mortgage. You can’t barter for your kid’s tuition. Bartering doesn’t pay your credit card bill.

What you need is cold, hard cash, and now you’re seeking a way to provide that for your family without being placed at the mercy of tyrannical company policies.

What is one to do?

While this is by no means an inclusive list, here are some of my thoughts on what one could do to help with their family’s cash-flow through modern-day America…

Leather work

I think that one of the key ways in which one can provide income for their family during such a time is to possess the ability to produce something that people want. Consider the large number of new first-time gun owners throughout America. Those people are going to need holsters. If you can be the guy churning out high-quality gear, you’re going to be able to make cash.

Consider that a purse is not only an item that will be carried about on a daily basis – gradually wearing out – but a high-quality purse is something a woman is more than happy to splurge on as well.

This is the thing about selling a product you’ve produced: your market is everywhere. You can make these items from the comfort of your home and then sell them to the entire world.

Lathe work

There’s a larger upfront expense to get started here, but somebody who knows their way around a lathe can make bowls, cups, candlesticks, Christmas ornaments, pens, tool handles, and more. I don’t see this being as profitable of a venture as some of the other items on this list, but if this is something you excel in, why not look at opening an Etsy shop and selling items through there?

Independent contractor

As an independent contractor, you truly are your own boss. And the cool thing about this is that there are a host of jobs you can make cash in as an independent contractor. Consider gas fireplaces. There are technicians out there who service these as independent contractors, and they’re in high demand.

Consider HVAC units. Those need repairs regularly. Can you clean? There are all kinds of houses out there that need extra help.

There are so many options here that it proves to be greatly encouraging once you begin to look into what’s out there. Other jobs under this umbrella would be tile installer, drywall hanger, chimney sweep, insulation sprayer, handyman, welder, brick mason, landscaping, and more.

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Farming

I don’t mean full-size farming here (though that, too, is an option). I mean, can you find ways to drastically improve your food production around your place and then sell the produce? A relative of mine bought a packet of squash seed one summer, planted a host of them, and then sold bushels of squash to a nearby roadside fruit stand.

This was how he paid for his wedding ring. He sold squash throughout the summer, earning hundreds of dollars in the process.

That’s what I’m referring to here. Are there ways you can grow microgreens, lettuce, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, or some other form of produce at your place in mass amounts that people will be willing to pay for?

Become a guide

Do you enjoy fishing? Do you have a boat? Want to earn cash with it? Have you considered setting up your own guide business on the side? Perhaps you won’t be able to make a full-time income with this right off the bat, but this is an option that can create some very lucrative weekends for you.

In my experience, the best way to get into this is to begin regularly visiting the fishing stores in your area making friends with the owners. They are going to be where your customer base comes from.

Build furniture

Have plenty of tools and the know-how to make good-looking furniture? Why not turn to that? And stick with furniture here, not wall art. I don’t think the money is consistent with DIY wall art.

Instead, focus on quality furniture that you’ve tinkered with enough to make it look like it wasn’t done by a guy farting around with some 2x4s. Farmhouse-style furniture is in vogue right now, so this may be something to look into.

Consider cheaper furniture for college students in your area as well who want something a bit fancier than IKEA.

Arborist positions

I think you’d be hard-pressed to find an arborist who would force his employees to undergo medical procedures. Sure, it could happen; I just don’t think it would be as prevalent as the CEO of a factory.

The arborists I’ve seen earn cash like nobody’s business, they’re constantly in demand, and my understanding is that they’re always looking for more men. Something to think about…

Homemade lumberyard

I’m not sure what the exact title of these guys should be, but I’m referring to the guys who can make their own boards. An at-home lumber mill is relatively inexpensive, and you can make some very nice boards with it.

If you can get your hands on some poplar, cherry, oak, or other hardwoods, you can sell those wood slabs for a pretty penny too. You are going to have to have the space and time to dry your boards before you sell them (unless the customer is ok with unseasoned wood), but this is an option.

Move

Are there other states out there that don’t have the same policies in place as yours? Can voting with your feet make a difference here? I know this isn’t ideal – your family has roots in place already – but if nothing else seems to be an option, you really like the field you work in, and you want to remain in that field, moving to a state which allows you to do so may be your only option here.

Trapping and selling skins

Not a super lucrative option here, but something to think about. If you do a lot of hunting or trapping already, why not put a bit more money into your trap line and up your fur output? There’s still a market for furs, and you can help to pay off some bills this way – particularly if you can get friends’ permission to trap on their properties as well.

This is largely seasonal, though, so you’re not bound to be able to do this more than part-time.

Opening a fishing pond

I think this is somewhat hit or miss as an option. I know guys who have opened man-made trout-stocked fishing ponds and done fantastic. Granddads bring their grandsons there every day to make memories. I also know of other guys who’ve opened ponds and haven’t seen as fantastic of results.

Both still make money, but location does matter here. Either way, though, guys who like to fish get addicted, and this is a good way to make money selling well-fed, caught fish (no catch and release!) by the pound.

Trucking

You’ll have to get your CDL to do this, but you can start your own trucking company as well. I’ve had relatives do this too. You get your paperwork in order, buy a trailer, and start hauling new cars, dry goods, or whatever else throughout your state for people.

From my understanding, there’s much less of a headache if you stick to doing runs in your own state. You’ll need a truck with good hauling capability already to do this (and not necessarily a semi either), but this is a way to maintain your freedom as you earn cash.

There are alternatives to earn cash outside of an 8-5 day job.

I’m not really sure why my country is letting itself rot from the inside out, but it’s happening. Good people are losing their jobs as a result, and I hate watching this happen. For those who currently find themselves in a financially difficult situation, I hope that the above words have provided some encouragement.

It’s not entirely hopeless, there are other options out there, but they most certainly do take work.

What are your thoughts, though? Are there other alternative routes to earn cash here you think would work? Are there issues you foresee with any of my recommendations I didn’t cover? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: The Organic Prepper

Aden Tate is a regular contributor to TheOrganicPrepper.com and TheFrugalite.com. Aden runs a micro-farm where he raises dairy goats, a pig, honeybees, meat chickens, laying chickens, tomatoes, mushrooms, and greens. Aden has two published books, The Faithful Prepper and Zombie Choices. You can find his podcast The Last American on Preppers’ Broadcasting Network.